The United States is nothing short of paradise for adventure seekers. Hike the Smokies to the Rockies or cycle through the spectacular Blue Mountains. Scale red rocks in the Southwest or discover rare bird species on the coast of Maine. Want to ride a horse? Head to Texas. Pitch a tent and stargaze? Explore the Grand Circle. All you need to know is where you’re going and how you’re going to get there.
The country’s landscape is spectacular and makes for an unforgettable road trip. Renting an adventure van is by far the most comfortable and secure way to get where you want to go. With plush seats, giant windows, multiple safety features and on-call assistance, renting a van for a long road trip from Greenvans is the easiest decision you’ll make.
What to consider before a road trip
A study conducted at Washington State University uncovered a surprising statistic — the simple act of travel planning can make a person 7% happier.
7% seems a little low to us. Last time we checked, planning a road trip made us 100% happier. What’s more fun than mapping out the adventure of a lifetime with your family or friends? All you need to do is consider the following:
- Destination: Where do you want to go?
- Time: How much free time do you have?
- Travel partners: Who do you plan to travel with?
- Budget: What are you looking to spend?
- Season: What time of year are you planning to get away?
- Vehicle: What kind of vehicle do you need? Read our guide to know if our adventure vans for rent are the right choice for you.
In addition to this list, there are plenty of road trip planning tools that can assist with vacation design. Apps, maps, and blogs like ours are the perfect addition to your planner’s toolkit.
Road trip essentials
Once you’ve got one of the best adventure vans secured, it’s time to think about what you’re going to bring. If the idea of packing stresses you out, don’t give it a second thought. We’ve come up with a handy list of 30 long road trip essentials, so instead of worrying about what you forgot, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Here are a few must haves for long road trips:
Entertainment and activities — This includes portable games, travel journals, audiobooks, and music.
Safety essentials — Don’t forget snacks and water, a first aid kit, and jumper cables. The best snacks for long road trips are non-perishable. However, if you’re stocking up on healthy snacks like fruits and veggies, bring a cooler to keep them fresh.
Gear and equipment — If you’re going skiing, climbing, or hiking, bring the necessary gear like skis, snowboards, tents, portable stoves, or bicycles.
Remember to have on hand the items you’ll need upon arrival, like hotel paperwork, IDs and credit cards, toiletries, medication, pajamas, and electronics with their chargers.
Now, for the clothing necessary for your adventure. It’s best to break down your packing list in terms of season and the activities you’ve got planned. If you’re headed to a national park, for example, bring hiking boots, layered clothing, and sun protection. If you’re traveling somewhere cold for the holidays, pack winter jackets, scarves, and hats. If you’re chasing the sun and driving to Miami for the season, have plenty of swimsuits, light clothing, and sunglasses in your suitcase.
What you need to be comfortable on a road trip
Comfort is key to a successful road trip. First and foremost, a clean and organized vehicle will make all the difference. Before you go, take an hour or two to empty your car or van of all unnecessary contents. Or, rent a clean, pristine Greenvans van so you can focus on other things.
Road trips, especially cross-country drives, often require long stretches in the van and the more comfortable your clothing, the more enjoyable the ride. Be sure to dress in loose clothing and shoes that fit well, like sneakers or slip-ons. This is important for everyone on board, especially those behind the wheel.
Speaking of that, drivers should take turns every couple of hours to avoid fatigue. Switching pilots is the perfect excuse to get out of the vehicle, stretch, and take in some fresh air.
If you want to know how to make road trips comfortable for passengers, we suggest bringing pillows and blankets for napping. For those driving mid-afternoon or during peak daylight hours, removable window shades will keep the sun out of your eyes. Bring a trash bag or over-the-seat trash bin to keep the vehicle clean and clutter-free.
Now, about the vehicle. How can you ensure a relaxing ride? You’ll want to drive something with the following attributes:
- Spaciousness
- Cushiony seats
- Large windows
- Modern amenities
- Charging stations
- Safety features
- 24/7 on-call assistance
Feeling safe and secure, as well as relaxed, will take your road trip from ordinary to extraordinary. Not sure which kind of vehicle you need? Our 15 passenger vans meet all the above criteria!
Tips for long road trips
Ready to hit the pavement? Whether you’re considering a long weekend away or a cross-country journey, you’ve got to be prepared.
When driving on long road trips, you should:
- Get plenty of rest before leaving
- Take turns behind the wheel
- Wear comfortable, breathable clothing
- Invest in the best car seat for long road trips if you’re bringing a baby
- Map out your journey before you go, leaving some wiggle room for spontaneous activities
- Pack appropriately
- Bring road trip activities and a good playlist
- Leave your itinerary and lodging information with a trusted friend or family member
- Make sure your vehicle is clean and well-maintained, with a full tank of gas
What’s the best vehicle for long road trips?
Choosing the best vehicle for long road trips may feel like a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be. Let’s look at some options to consider.
Cars
Cars are convenient, especially if it’s your own. Renting a car offers flexibility without the commitment of maintenance and cleaning before you leave. The downside is the lack of space, both for passengers and for luggage. If you’re planning an adventure trip that requires equipment like hiking, camping, or skiing, a car might not be a great choice.
Buses
Buses can be a cost-effective choice for large group travel. They offer plenty of space for riders and suitcases. However, buses are not easy to park or maneuver, and are generally useful for groups exceeding 15 people.
Vans
Vans are ideal for road trip travel. Minivans are an option for smaller groups or families who aren’t bringing a lot of luggage. If you’re going on a simple sightseeing trip for a long weekend, this is a smart choice.
For families or friends going on long road trips or adventure vacations, a passenger van is perfect. It’s safe, spacious, and easy to book. If you decide to rent a van with Greenvans, for example, you can pick up your vehicle at one of our six East Coast offices or request a custom delivery. You’ll have on-call assistance, lots of cargo space, the latest security features, and USB charging ports. You’ll also have the peace of mind knowing you’ve rented one of the best vehicles for long road trips.
Start your adventure in a quality van
The USA’s varied landscape lends itself to some of the world’s best places to camp, as well as destinations for world-class hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and skiing. It’s an optimal place to plan a road trip.
Ready for an escape? Choose your destination and hit the road. Getting there is easy with a safe, spacious 15-passenger van rental from Greenvans. From planning assistance to custom van delivery, we will make sure your family getaway is smooth and unforgettable.
Get your free van rental quote today and hit the road on an unforgettable adventure tomorrow!
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