Steer Clear Of These Mistakes During Your Next Road Trip
Nothing kills the thrill of the open road like a totally preventable mistake. You’re cruising along, playlist on point, snacks within reach, and then BAM, a dead battery, an empty gas tank, or a missed turn turns your dream drive into a stress fest.
Avoid these road trip blunders, and you’ll keep the adventure smooth, fun, and (mostly) drama-free.
A road trip should be about freedom, fun, and unforgettable moments. Not about stress, breakdowns, or last-minute panic. Plan wisely, embrace the unexpected, and above all, enjoy the ride!
1. Skipping Car Maintenance
Your car is your road trip sidekick, and if it’s not in top shape, your adventure could go from scenic to stranded real fast. Before you hit the highway, check your oil, tire pressure, brakes, and battery—basically, anything that could betray you miles away from civilization.
Trust me, you don’t want to be that person stuck on the side of Route 66, waiting for a tow truck while tumbleweeds mock you.
Even if your car has been reliable, long drives push it to the limit. A quick tune-up can prevent everything from overheating engines to brakes that suddenly feel “optional.”
2. Not Planning Fuel Stops
If your idea of adventure is “seeing where the road takes you,” that’s great—until the road takes you somewhere with no gas stations for hours. Running on fumes while praying for a miracle rest stop is not the thrill you signed up for.
Plot your gas stops ahead of time, especially on remote routes. Apps like GasBuddy or Google Maps make it easy to locate stations along your path.
Some highways, like stretches of I-70 in Utah, have 100+ miles between fuel stops. You do NOT want to learn this the hard way.
3. Driving Too Many Hours Straight
It’s tempting to just push through and get there faster, but nothing good ever comes from a zombie behind the wheel. Exhaustion makes you slower to react, less alert, and way more likely to miss that scenic overlook you swore you’d stop at.
Breaks aren’t just for safety, they’re for fun too! Stop at quirky roadside attractions, stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or take those ridiculous photos in front of a giant ball of yarn.
The journey is the trip, so why rush past all the good parts?
4. Ignoring Weather Forecasts
You wouldn’t pack for a beach trip without checking if there’s a hurricane on the way, right? The same goes for road trips. Weather can turn a smooth ride into a nightmare faster than you can say “black ice.”
Mountain passes can get sudden snow, deserts can hit you with flash floods, and those peaceful-looking country roads? Mud traps in disguise after heavy rain.
Apps like WeatherBug or AccuWeather can be lifesavers, so check conditions along your route before heading out.
5. Leaving Without A Spare Tire
Imagine this: You’re deep in the middle of nowhere, your playlist is fire, and suddenly… you hear that sound! That dreaded thump-thump-thump of a flat tire. And guess what? No spare. Now you’re on a forced survival challenge with zero prize money.
Don’t assume your car has a spare. Some newer models trade it for a repair kit, which is as helpful as a band-aid on a broken leg.
Check before you leave, and if you don’t have one, get one. Oh, and learn how to change it! Because waiting hours for roadside assistance in a remote area is nobody’s idea of fun.
6. Not Having Offline Maps
GPS is a blessing, right? Well yes, until you’re in a signal dead zone and suddenly, your phone is as useful as a brick. If your road trip takes you through mountains, deserts, or back roads, don’t assume Google Maps will have your back.
Download offline maps before you leave. Google Maps lets you save areas to use without service, and apps like Maps.me are built for offline navigation.
Getting lost isn’t fun when you’re low on gas and daylight. Stay ahead of the game and make sure your maps work before you’re standing on the side of a road, waving your phone around like it’s an antenna.
7. Overlooking Emergency Supplies
Road trips are all fun and games, but things can go wrong. A dead battery, an unexpected snowstorm, or even just a forgotten phone charger can throw off your whole vibe.
A good emergency kit should include jumper cables, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, non-perishable snacks, and water. Bonus points for a blanket, because nothing says “bad planning” like shivering in your car waiting for help.
Think of it as a road trip insurance policy. You hope you won’t need it, but when you do, you’ll be ridiculously grateful you packed it.
8. Forgetting To Hydrate
Somehow, road trips turn normal humans into dehydrated raisins. Maybe it’s the air conditioning, the long hours, or the endless gas station coffee. But forgetting to drink water is a rookie mistake!
Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and that weird “why am I so grumpy?” feeling. Bring a refillable water bottle and actually use it.
Yes, bathroom breaks are annoying, but trust me—being dizzy and exhausted is worse.
9. Underestimating Travel Time
Google Maps says four hours? Cool. Now add gas stops, food breaks, scenic detours, and that unexpected traffic jam from an overturned truck full of chickens. Suddenly, it’s six hours.
Always plan for delays. The best road trips are flexible. So, if you’re rushing, you’ll miss all the fun stuff. Instead of stressing, build in buffer time so you can enjoy spontaneous stops and not freak out if you hit traffic.
Nothing kills road trip joy faster than the “we should’ve been there by now” frustration. Plan smarter, and you’ll actually enjoy the ride.
10. Not Taking Breaks Often
If your road trip plan involves driving for 10 hours straight with minimal stops, congratulations—you’ve just signed up for the least fun way to travel.
Regular breaks keep you alert, prevent stiffness, and make the trip feel way less grueling. Plus, they give you an excuse to check out weird roadside attractions, stretch your legs, and grab snacks that you definitely don’t need but totally deserve.
Pull over, breathe in the fresh air, and remember: the best moments often happen when you aren’t rushing to the next stop.