Road Trip Tips: 19 Things to Know Before You Drive

✅ You might enjoy watching some of these other videos: Zion National Park: https://youtu.be/0MiRrp66o0o Los Angeles Travel Guides: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOVadUHX1B-KpaZG7l8jjT6…

Omg a yellow car, too! 💛💛💛 My favorite color! 💛💛

Surprised myself by how many of these tips I did on my own for my first ever solo road trip last year of Vegas/Arizona/Route 66. But did learn a few things. Like the tire inflation device, I keep a USB powered battery jumper in my everyday car but didn't know about the tire device. Or about using a day bag to bring stuff into the hotel. That would've been super helpful to know for those one night stays when taking the entire suitcase in was such a hassle.

Thank you. I love anything road trip related. Whether it be stories or prep. Did not come from a family that really travels. 2 hours used to be a road trip for me, not anymore. I need to go on a road trip that is 6 hours or more. Having your own car and to be able to travel with it is more adventurous and exciting.

This was a really good one! I do road trips every year in America, and most of what you mention, I do. Although, I try to plan where I’ll fill up with gas, and try to avoid those sketchy gas stations lol

Now that is a car! Yellow Productions is the best travel channel ever.

I just got back from a week-long road trip to North and South Dakota today! As a guy who loves road trips, I agree with many of these tips especially with planning ahead. As much as it is fun to have fun surprises, it's always a good idea to plan your route and to know when you may need to fill up the tank especially when you are going to be in very remote areas. One tip I will bring up is to be alert if your route plan takes you onto any toll roads. This is especially true in the Northeast, Texas, Florida, or Chicago. While many toll roads will accept coins and/or cash, more and more of them are becoming cashless where toll gantries will scan your license plate or toll transponder. It is a good idea to plan ahead for any toll roads which you may drive on so that you don't get a huge $100 or $200 fine later (the ones where you can pay-by-plate will give you a 1-2 week window for when you can pay the toll before penalties are applied). When using the GPS, if you prefer to avoid toll roads, they usually give you the option to avoid toll roads if you wish. Google Maps is great with that.

Brilliantly stated, about food planning. Without micro-detailing where to eat, just pre-establishing a location "where there might be food." That way you retain spontaneity yet don't end up stuck with sleaze. That's brilliantly formulated.

Excellent suggestions for a road trip. I always take my valuables with me, not leave them under a beach towel in the car. Having done a lot of country driving over the years, remember to have spare water for the radiator, have a cross wheel brace and know how to change a flat tyre.

Great advise, especially the paper maps. AAA gives them away for free. Cell Service is spotty in all the beautiful places!

Cool car. Love the number plate too. 👍😊❤️. Great tips there Chris.

Great video as usual Chris! We already do a lot of these but learned new things along the way. Thanks!

Great tips! Thank you!

Cool car! Mostly agree with you, in my travels I do almost the same. Just a few comments: 2. I usually make detailed schedule, but every item has more time allocated on it than I need. Also I usually plan to arrive to a hotel not later than at 6 PM. These two things give me freedom to be flexible with the route, be able to track time and be sure I won't be too tired to travel next day. 3. Sand is probably the worst surface for driving (also it is fun, but not if you are in the middle of nowhere). Don't underestimate the sand, so I'd say never park on sand if you don't drive 4WD (and it is not a silver bullet either, so just avoid sand). I parked rental Nissan Micra on a sandy roadside once, it looked absolutely safe - just a roadside, not a desert. As the result, car couldn't move forward. We've digged car out, but it was stressful experience . A lot of modern SUVs are also not the best choice for off road. They are heavy and long, have not very impressive ground clearance, their tires are not much different than the ones made for sedans. If you travel by car, learn what to do if your car stuck in sand/mud/snow - basics are not so complicated. 10. I always buy a lot of water before the trip (about 30% more than I need). It is especially important for travelling in the U.S. southwest or similar places - hot weather, long distances, not a lot of people around. Imagine that your A/C dies... It is not the best scenario if the temperature outside is high at that moment, so you may need much more water than planned.

I'm driving to Vegas for a wedding a month from now and haven't long distanced in several years. Very helpful! And great story. I think yellow is a lucky color.

Kudos to you for having a yellow IS300 Sportcross! Make sure to carry extra charging bricks and cables so you can keep a set of cables in the car and bring some to the hotel to charge your phone.

Loved this video ! Loved all your tips, you are so prepared. Loved what your Mom said, and loved your story at the end. Thanks Chris

Another great video! These are all things I'd do. What beach are you on? Regarding your tip about leaving luggage in the car and only removing needed items, there's the possibility of someone breaking in overnight or even daytime if they're watching you at the right time. While watching the first video, I wondered about the name so I enjoyed your story about Yellow Productions.😉

Agree on truck stops. There’s a Pilot truck stop I always stop at near Olympia, Washington, on my way to and from Seattle area. And it’s always good price on gas, plus it’s a great spot for some snacks and water.

Hi Chris. Love your awesome ride.Thanks for the very informative video. Agree that a road trip is about the journey and not necessary the destination.