Tips & Hacks for Road Trips

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  • Опубліковано 10 січ 2025

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  • @tackyman2011
    @tackyman2011 4 роки тому +93

    Folks out West: When you go to the eastern U.S., don't take the turnpikes! We blew $87.00 before we learned alternate routes were almost as fast, and often better maintained.

    • @HenryZhoupokemon
      @HenryZhoupokemon 3 роки тому +2

      I feel like in Ohio it’s better to suck it up and take the turnpike, at least in the northern Ohio

    • @MANDERSONMOVIES
      @MANDERSONMOVIES 2 роки тому +8

      Pa turnpike is the exception, it's 2-3 hours longer on i81 and 3-5 hours longer on us 30... Skip NJ turnpike for i295 (same exact path for first half)

    • @tackyman2011
      @tackyman2011 2 роки тому

      @@MANDERSONMOVIES Thanks for the tip.

    • @mcray0309
      @mcray0309 2 роки тому +2

      Live in NJ, i think ive only been on the turnpike 3 times in my entire life. I295 or i195 is the way to go.

    • @1968dirtydawg
      @1968dirtydawg 2 роки тому

      People from California need to experience the turn pikes. And definitely stop and by gas

  • @stevenmorton2059
    @stevenmorton2059 4 роки тому +133

    Sometimes you might feel tempted to fight the fatigue while driving and go several extra hours in order to get closer to your destination. DON'T DO IT. If you're getting tired, find some place to stop for the night and rest. Those extra few miles aren't worth dying for.

    • @simplicitylost
      @simplicitylost 4 роки тому +7

      Yeah, one time I was driving north on I-81 and I was just _so_ tired, but I’d marked down where all the rest stops were so I just pulled off there to rest my eyes for a bit. I ended up sleeping 3 or 4 hours and even though I was late to my destination, it was completely worth it because I felt so much more alert after resting.

    • @juicyfreshlysqueezedflamin4736
      @juicyfreshlysqueezedflamin4736 3 роки тому +2

      You’re very right!

    • @ralphsanchico2452
      @ralphsanchico2452 Рік тому +1

      When I start our road trip, I will be retired so we'll get to our destination when we get there!

  • @casketman14
    @casketman14 2 роки тому +13

    Checking your car’s maintenance should be done before the trip.
    It’s always smart to pack a cooler for drinks and snacks.
    I always pack some padding for my back even though everyone else thinks my seats are comfortable. Always make sure you’re comfortable in your seat because it’s going to be your best friend for hours.
    Have an emergency kit with fire starter, first aid, tire patcher, current maps or back up GPS. You just never know.
    I know it’s funny but I also always bring a roll of toilet paper or wipes everywhere I go. Again, you just never know

  • @bradleywill536
    @bradleywill536 4 роки тому +152

    I have made several cross-country trips with my children. Here's a tip I would suggest: When we started out, we made a commitment to either avoid franchise food (whether fast food, or even national restaurant chains) altogether, or maybe limit stopping at a franchise for food only once each day, and eating at a local diner other times. We were never disappointed in the local, homemade cuisine, and had lots of fun with it. It also avoided many arguments: we pulled off an exit with a Wendy's McDonald's, Burger King, and Betty's Cafe - we went to Betty's as we agreed.

    • @MEXBattleHawk
      @MEXBattleHawk 4 роки тому +14

      Thats what i do too. I sometimes google a famous food the city im going to is known for. Then i try that in a local restaurant. Like chicago stuffed pizza. NYC thin pizza, philadelphia a philly cheese steak

    • @CopperTOPDave
      @CopperTOPDave 4 роки тому +2

      @@SHomaidan yes to both of those!!

    • @bluedevil29601
      @bluedevil29601 3 роки тому +2

      @@SHomaidan that's interesting. I live in Ohio and I'm about 20 mins from a waffle house and about 3 hours from an in n out

    • @jonathantitus2629
      @jonathantitus2629 3 роки тому +2

      Great advice--we try to do the same and we sure have found some great diners and local places. We have also had success asking motel clerks, gas station attendants for "local" spots!

    • @natesoswag
      @natesoswag 2 роки тому +1

      @@bluedevil29601 what in n out is in ohio?

  • @ericacuevas2301
    @ericacuevas2301 5 років тому +236

    "You might get stabbed...and that's why road tripping is so great!"

    • @markbajek2541
      @markbajek2541 4 роки тому +10

      it's 2017 when this got published and he predicted driving through crowds of protesters . 2020 it was almost happening daily when a pop up non permit protest blocked many city streets. Imagine being in an unfamiliar area directed by your GPS when you took that last highway exit and suddenly you are in the midst of 100s or thousands of protesters surrounding your car, pounding on windows and all you wanted to do was find a Whataburger, a Wendy's or someplace to take a pee.

    • @MrATucker88
      @MrATucker88 4 роки тому +2

      @@markbajek2541 probably because it happened in charlottesville in 2016 and then more and more frequently after that.

    • @mylibertyvan5650
      @mylibertyvan5650 4 роки тому

      You might get stabbed? You 😳 scare me!

    • @abfnjewbgalr
      @abfnjewbgalr 3 роки тому

      @@markbajek2541 that isn't a new thing. It's happened since the 1960s. Plus, if you're taking a road trip you probably are aware of the political climate, or at least you should.

    • @Timberhawk
      @Timberhawk 3 роки тому

      This is why Caesar does not roadtrip, at least in the US.

  • @freeparking301
    @freeparking301 3 роки тому +9

    When traveling the length of Pennsylvania take Interstate 80 it’s free and more scenic than the PA turnpike (I-76 (rest of the state) I-276 in Montgomery/Bucks County) which can cost $50 or more each way. Unless of course you want to see the fabulous town of Breezewood then take the Turnpike!

  • @edwardrhoads7283
    @edwardrhoads7283 4 роки тому +43

    Tips I would give:
    1) if you are in any of the below locations if you are anywhere near half a tank or less and you see a gas station STOP your next one could literally be 100 miles away even on interstate
    Wyoming
    Montana
    Western New York or Pennsylvania
    2) when you go to Yellowstone it is HUGE so be there a minimum of 3 days and DO NOT USE THEIR OVERPRICED HOTELS. They are so not worth it. Camp for a tenth of the price. Expect to do a lot of walking...
    3) Don't camp without a tent in Idaho anywhere near the Snake River. There are swarming biting gnats that come out at 5 AM in the morning. Learned that one the hard way....

    • @apexone5502
      @apexone5502 3 роки тому +1

      I haven't been to Montana but I agree with the rest of that list regarding gas. I was surprised at how NY and PA had spots where you didn't run into a town, not even a truck stop, for a nice long stretch; at least in the back ways. I was so used to consistently running into a not too far away town in the eastern half of the U.S. that I assumed it was like that in those states as well.

    • @John_on_the_mountain
      @John_on_the_mountain 3 роки тому +3

      I would add Eastern Oregon to that gas list

    • @NoahJSPhoto
      @NoahJSPhoto 2 роки тому +1

      I’d add most of Texas. Even between the interstates in the middle of the Texas Triangle, there’s not a lot so you may be stuck. It’s even worse out towards El Paso or Big Bend.

    • @andrewpfantz964
      @andrewpfantz964 2 роки тому

      I would definitely add Utah as well, at least on I-70, and I-80 through the salt flats could also be counted

  • @williamhamilton8438
    @williamhamilton8438 4 роки тому +38

    A great big snack bag loaded with all types of goodies. A stocked up cooler. And a scary book on cd.

    • @johnshaner747
      @johnshaner747 3 роки тому +1

      Yes, and of course have the snacks and cooler in the passenger area not the trunk!

  • @richardmount9906
    @richardmount9906 4 роки тому +31

    I like your videos. A tip that has served me well for many years for covering ground is to start driving at first light and don't try to go on for too long after dark

    • @sedftnio
      @sedftnio 2 роки тому +2

      Plus there’s not much to look at in the dark

  • @billholden20
    @billholden20 3 роки тому +20

    One tip: if you have done a particular drive, say I-40, multiple times, leave at different times of the day so you hit different areas during their business hours. I have gone through different places at midnight, then caught them the next time at 5:00 PM and they are two completely different experiences.

  • @Eric-qx1kx
    @Eric-qx1kx 4 роки тому +42

    You forgot one BIG disclaimer, if you are going to stay east of St. Louis, AVOID East St. Louis, IL like the plague, you do not want to take a wrong turn, looking for a hotel at night, and end up lost in East St. Louis, IL. Its one of the most dangerous places in the country, as bad as the worst ghettos in Chicago or Detroit.
    If you are traveling east on I-64, make your way to the Fairview Heights/O'Fallon, IL area, that's your bet best for hotels, east of St. Louis.

    • @paulw.woodring7304
      @paulw.woodring7304 4 роки тому +3

      You mean like Chevy Chase in "National Lampoon's Vacation"?

    • @lysan4878
      @lysan4878 3 роки тому +3

      I feel like every city has these areas that’s why i stick to the suburbs when I’d getting a hotel in a city I don’t know. Might be more inconvenient with traffic but better than getting car jacked or who knows what.

    • @varyiaverner
      @varyiaverner 3 роки тому +1

      If you're heading west on 70 and plan to go through stl I'd advise stopping for gas in Lake St. Louis, St. Charles, or St. Peters because you don't want to run out in east stl.

    • @Eric-qx1kx
      @Eric-qx1kx 2 роки тому +1

      @@nilefly East St. Louis, IL is a suburb of St. Louis, MO but on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, as St. Louis is a bi-state metropolitan area.

  • @butler-macdonald8351
    @butler-macdonald8351 4 роки тому +21

    Hi Kyle, thanks for another great video. My partner and I are from Canada, and when we road-tripped through the eastern states, we found great value in those coupon books you find at interstate rest stops. Plenty of free passes to nearby attractions, and great discounts on hotel stays. We found one particular coupon that got us accommodations at a beachfront hotel in Nags Head, NC for $79 per night, and the hotel was beautiful with unobstructed views of the ocean from our room. We overheard another couple who walked in with no reservation and inquired on rates, and they were told $249 per night! We were grateful not only for the huge discount but also for discovering Nags Head. We would have never heard about that hidden gem otherwise.

    • @leonb2637
      @leonb2637 2 роки тому +2

      Also those coupon books for motels are good to figure out where they might be, get an idea of going rates or where other competitive ones are. They also have directions as to their location. They also might be ones recently renovated, changed affiliation or management. Also if looking check out a location on line on Google Maps to see what kind of neighborhood it is in. You don't want a location near a noisy business, truck stop or a shady part of town.

    • @nadogrl
      @nadogrl 2 роки тому

      @@leonb2637 - How does G@@gle maps tell if it’s a “shady part of town”?

    • @Nyx773
      @Nyx773 Рік тому

      Street view
      And read reviews

  • @derbagger22
    @derbagger22 4 роки тому +25

    Two tips: buy a Rand McNally atlas at WalMart. The same atlas is well over $20 elsewhere but about $7 at WalMart. I will spend months just staring at different state maps, planning a trip.
    2: if you like Google maps, download a sector of map for offline use. I downloaded the entire state of Maine for about 135MB for a trip. Turns out, signal is pretty good even up near Canada...

    • @XVeganDaveGodFreeX
      @XVeganDaveGodFreeX 4 роки тому +4

      Navigation on Google Maps will keep working if you loose signal, just don't turn it off in a no signal area or you won't get it back!

    • @derbagger22
      @derbagger22 4 роки тому +2

      @@XVeganDaveGodFreeX if you download the map, you never need signal.

    • @moorishdignity8527
      @moorishdignity8527 3 роки тому +1

      Life Tip: Don't shop at WalMart

    • @apexone5502
      @apexone5502 3 роки тому +1

      @@XVeganDaveGodFreeX agreed. I've driven through some of the most remote areas in the states and I never had a problem with Google Maps crapping out on me.

  • @cygnusx-1318
    @cygnusx-1318 3 роки тому +5

    Good points.
    1) A nav app will give you distance and duration (or time of arrival) on a route. The distance may be correct, but the duration won't be. I always add about 25% to the duration due to stops (which add up). Took me a long time to believe this.
    2) I take a GPS (such as Garmin) and paper maps as backup. Too often, I'm out of coverage for the phone and haven't downloaded offline maps for the area.
    3) Yes, out west or even in parts of WVA, I keep the tank no less than 1/2 full.
    4) Keep days short and relax.

  • @shellyharry8189
    @shellyharry8189 4 роки тому +31

    Road construction for the past three decades in Asheville NC!

    • @jk-474
      @jk-474 4 роки тому +3

      I have family and property in Greensboro, seen a lot of new construction there too!

    • @butler-macdonald8351
      @butler-macdonald8351 4 роки тому +1

      Asheville is an amazing town! My partner and I were refused service to a bar there because our IDs were out of state, and the bouncer guy was young enough to be our kid! Felt great to be ID'd at that age haha. We just laughed it off and ended up going to another bar lol plenty to choose from in Asheville.

    • @MsMasyoyo
      @MsMasyoyo 3 роки тому +1

      Sounds about Dallas Texas'ish

  • @vhhawk
    @vhhawk 3 роки тому +4

    To add to this: pick a new musical artist or genre to binge listen to during the road trip. Thereafter, when you hear that music, it brings back memories of the trip.
    A few years ago I drove through Wichita Falls. So naturally I bought Pat Metheny's As Falls Wichita CD, and listened to it on the trip.

    • @pierredufresne996
      @pierredufresne996 6 місяців тому

      I highly recommend this. I played some Brazilian music while driving on highway 11 in Hawaii on the Big Island and it brings me back every time.

  • @sams3015
    @sams3015 Рік тому +3

    I’m heading to America next month from Ireland with my dad for a mini road trip. It all stemmed from DC was much cheaper to fly into than NY where our family is at. So we decided to goto VW and PA (inc Philly) and then DC before flying home. So 3 of the nights are “road trippy”. Your videos honestly planted the idea in our heads. I’m excited to rewatch knowing we are going soon. I would love more days but unfortunately it’s not possible especially as we are expected to be with family over Easter weekend

  • @randyn32
    @randyn32 4 роки тому +6

    Me and my wife take what we call a land cruise. We will do a 7 day trip where we spend each night at a different location. We do it just like you mentioned, the first day is longest leg and then I schedule out each days plan, and I will schedule sleep in days with short drive times a couple of days. Really enjoy your insight and tips.

  • @TwistedDarknessRising
    @TwistedDarknessRising Рік тому +1

    Las Vegas is also always under construction... so much that the Nevada state flower is the Road Cone

  • @blankface_
    @blankface_ 2 роки тому +2

    “Party in New Orleans, wake up in an alley or dumpster” I feel so seen haha

  • @steveaddy8439
    @steveaddy8439 4 роки тому +3

    Spot on.....here’s another.....always travel with cooler full of bottled water, especially out west where the air is drier and rest stops off the main freeways have little amenities . I have handed out several to people, mostly from the eastern states.

  • @derbagger22
    @derbagger22 4 роки тому +58

    Not very difficult to get into Mexico or Canada.
    2020:

    • @mr.everything9120
      @mr.everything9120 4 роки тому +1

      Just don't bring a firearm.

    • @kenmore01
      @kenmore01 4 роки тому +2

      Not difficult at all. The problem is getting back into the USA! 🙄

    • @JohnNorton5280
      @JohnNorton5280 3 роки тому +1

      If you're taking your car to Canada, don't forget to ask your insurance company to send you a "non-resident inter-provincial motor vehicle liability insurance card" as proof of insurance! ✌️

  • @peterho3299
    @peterho3299 2 роки тому +3

    GK - this video was a great help in preparing for and doing our first cross-country drive. Thanks for all the tips. If you were ever to update it, you might consider adding comments on things to do to prevent one’s catalytic converter from being stolen. It didn’t happen to us, but it did recently to our friends overnighting at a roadside motel in AZ. As a result, we always parked in well-lit areas near the hotel front entrance while on the road, a good practice regardless.

  • @MrPaultile
    @MrPaultile 4 роки тому +14

    You might get stabbed, so funny, yet having a sense of humor is very important for road trips. Thanks for video.

  • @itsalgud1459
    @itsalgud1459 4 роки тому +17

    Thanks for some useful tips. I’m planning my first long road trip in many years and they will help.
    However, I disagree with one of these, the one regarding using higher octane fuel at altitude. As a retired engineer/gearhead living in Denver, I can tell you this is an unnecessary expense. I even double checked this and found a recommendation from a local Subaru dealer, “In most cases, you won't experience any problems running 85 octane in an ordinary car when a few thousand feet above sea level.”

    • @davidfstanford
      @davidfstanford 4 роки тому +4

      In fact, the higher octane is harder for an engine to adjust to rather than a lower octane. I am an engineer for VW, we deal with this a lot.

    • @DannerBanks
      @DannerBanks 4 роки тому +2

      Came to the comments to make sure someone pointed this out. Thank you!

  • @tonyporco9524
    @tonyporco9524 4 роки тому +4

    Thanks for these great suggestions! I especially like the idea of staying on the same side of town from which you're leaving, to avoid the rush hour.
    A few suggestions of mine:
    --We like stocking up on (nonperishable) snacks at our home grocery store and bringing them with us, thus reducing the amount of snacks we buy at expensive gas stations and convenience stores. It can take up room, but the amount of room lessens as the trip goes on.
    --I think it's a great idea to "take a day off," similar to the sleep-in idea you had. We spent one day in St. Louis on our way to Colorado from our home near D.C., and were very glad we did it; we drove no further than the tram parking lot that day. (Taking public transportation when you can is also a great break from driving.)

  • @andrewwoodyard180
    @andrewwoodyard180 2 роки тому

    Wife and I are heading to Grand Canyon on 10-day road trip. Thankful for your various "Road Trip" videos; very helpful and encouraging!

  • @JonathanAllen0379
    @JonathanAllen0379 4 роки тому +7

    6:32 - I honestly can't remember the last time I've ever laughed so hard.😂🤣😂🤣

    • @jake79heiser
      @jake79heiser 4 роки тому +2

      It got so dark 🙀😆

    • @kenmore01
      @kenmore01 4 роки тому

      LOL hilarious!! Drive your car through a bunch of protesters!! 😎🤣🤣😄

  • @benjanik9443
    @benjanik9443 5 років тому +5

    Going from Youngstown Ohio to San Francisco and back in June! I cannot wait and these tips will definitely be used thank you!

    • @toml.8210
      @toml.8210 4 роки тому

      If you want to try the Lincoln Highway, you first need to go to Time's Square in NYC, then to San Francisco!!

    • @funkmon
      @funkmon 4 роки тому

      How did it go?

    • @Das_Vert
      @Das_Vert 4 роки тому

      Sounds like a hell of a trip. I’ve never gone over a couple thousand miles.

  • @chengliu872
    @chengliu872 4 роки тому +2

    I have only been on cross country road trips twice, both used the same route and both were strictly business (just getting from point A to point B as fast as possible). The first time was when I was helping my sister move from Binghamton, NY to the SF Bay area and the 2nd time was when I moved from the NYC area to the SF Bay area. I would love to one day do a cross country road trip for fun and actually enjoy it, sadly it's hard to find that much time.

  • @radjeff17
    @radjeff17 2 роки тому +1

    As a veteran of 40+ years on the road averaging 40K miles/year, some great tips!

  • @bhg123ful
    @bhg123ful 2 роки тому

    Yep, after visiting some family in the north Dallas suburbs (McKinney) on a cross country road trip, I stayed a couple miles west of DT Forth Worth. Smart thing to do.

  • @lifeontheland8972
    @lifeontheland8972 8 місяців тому

    I just came back to this video 7 years after the upload because I'm planning on taking a long roadtrip. In that time, I moved to Toledo. Kyle, you are absolutely right. There is never a time when there isn't highway construction here.

  • @Wolfgangtailchase
    @Wolfgangtailchase 4 роки тому +3

    In 2013-14 i did a road trip around the US, total lengt 16000km, over 6 weeks, including a train trip across Canada.

  • @jjgayton6060
    @jjgayton6060 Рік тому +1

    "You might get stabbed" Hahaha Good advice Kyle. Love all your videos

  • @tech8222
    @tech8222 4 роки тому +5

    A legend was born.

    • @davidr7346
      @davidr7346 3 роки тому

      I was about to comment this! Good thing I checked first!

  • @GillhamFamilyShenanigans
    @GillhamFamilyShenanigans 2 роки тому +1

    I’ve got a van that when full reads 430 miles to empty. And it has an economy setting option. Those two things are gonna allow me a 7 day road trip for only $300 in gas even at the current (5/2022) prices

  • @mr.everything9120
    @mr.everything9120 4 роки тому +3

    I always get started before dawn and stop for the night before dusk. Always bring a pillow.

  • @2stepper2000
    @2stepper2000 4 роки тому +3

    Intro deserves an Emmy!

  • @r3d5ive87
    @r3d5ive87 3 роки тому +1

    If you want to stay east of downtown St. Louis I suggest Peoria.

  • @Eric__J
    @Eric__J 3 роки тому +2

    On gas: Use 85 at high elevations if you usually use 87. As long as you remain at a higher elevation, like when crossing Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada. You'll get 87 again at a lower elevation and it'll cause no harm. I have done numerous trips between 0 and 7000 ft with no ill effects from using 85 octane. This is based on confusion among people from low elevations.

  • @Eric-qx1kx
    @Eric-qx1kx 4 роки тому +2

    If your traveling early Spring or Fall, nothing wrong with playing it safe and renting a 4WD, even if it uses a little more gas. Last thing you want is to be traveling on a very remote highway, like MN I-90, and get stuck in a heavy snowstorm, as what happened to me. Luckily, I had a Jeep, but I passed dozens of cars that had flipped over, or down in ditches, that had run off the road, and help was a LONG way away. It was a very eerie, and scary situation.

    • @chengliu872
      @chengliu872 4 роки тому +2

      That has something to do with the car you are driving, but also has something to do with your experience and equipment. I once had to drive through a heavy snowstorm in the Donner Pass area late at night in a 2013 Toyota Corolla and saw some cars crashed on the side of the road. I was able to make it through because I was used to driving in snow (lived in NY most of my life) and had chains with me. Although my friend took over the driving part of the way, but that was mainly because I had be up for almost 20 hours at that time (had to wake up at 3:45 a.m. for work).

  • @pauldc779
    @pauldc779 4 роки тому +1

    My 1st NA road trip was from Calgary to Las Vegas in 1 day. 2 of us shared the driving and I loved it. The novelty soon wore off though. Now we take a couple of days for the trip.

    • @chengliu872
      @chengliu872 4 роки тому

      I am amazed that you were able to do that in one day. How long did it take?

    • @pauldc779
      @pauldc779 4 роки тому

      @@chengliu872 21 hours we set off at 2:00am and checked in just after 23:00.

    • @chengliu872
      @chengliu872 4 роки тому

      @@pauldc779: 😲 Impressive. I have done that before, I once drove straight from Omaha, NE to Reno, NV. I wanted to continue to SF, but it was snowing too hard.

    • @pauldc779
      @pauldc779 4 роки тому

      @@chengliu872 wow that's some drive. I've only been through Nebraska once when we drove from Winnipeg to Phoenix. That took two and a half days though.

    • @chengliu872
      @chengliu872 4 роки тому

      @@pauldc779: It wasn't easy and I had to drive the whole way. My mother was there, but my car used a manual transmission and my mom didn't know how to use that.

  • @74Spirit1
    @74Spirit1 4 роки тому +2

    He is right about pockets of nowhere because I live there!

  • @donaldavis
    @donaldavis 4 роки тому +1

    The towns listed on the map in most road atlases have a post office (or general store with a post office) and we have been to towns without much more (i.e. no gas).

  • @Ufos4dahoes
    @Ufos4dahoes 5 років тому +4

    I am going from Akron Ohio to Modesto California. I want to stop at Colorado & Vegas on the way. Thanks for your tips!

    • @angelcitygirl
      @angelcitygirl 5 років тому +2

      Vegas is the most overrated place on earth. But have fun. Drive safe. And welcome to the best state in the union,,,,Cali.

    • @toml.8210
      @toml.8210 4 роки тому

      I think he means you need an extra day to "acclimate" to the way things go in places like Las Vegas. You just can't go there, experience the city, and leave the next morning, ready to go to the next big city (600 miles!)

  • @leonb2637
    @leonb2637 2 роки тому

    Bring a small ice cooler for water, drinks, milk, condiments as well as perishable food purchased along the way like fruit. Have a bag with basics like peanut butter, cereal (not all motels have 'free' breakfast), plates, bowls, utensils, napkins, paper towels. Get pre-made sandwiches, rolls/cold cuts, salads, from a grocery store, Walmart with grocery when start out in the morning and eat at a rest stop, local, state or national park. Cheaper, better view than a McD's and convenient. Many hotels also have refrigerators where you can put food, drinks in to get/keep cold , refreeze those sealed ice blocks.
    Bring some hand sanitizer. Sometimes you have to use 'outdoor' or crummy restrooms and many not have running water and soap available. Also bring plenty of facial tissues and bring with you into a rest room as sometimes public rest rooms have it missing.
    Don't overplan or overestimate how much you can drive or see. You will miss out on many things as well as get too tired. Weather can also change plans (especially if heavy rain).
    Check the weather several times a day and for a few days ahead to avoid bad or dangerous weather.

  • @desireeahrens6986
    @desireeahrens6986 5 років тому +33

    hahaha, "you might get stabbed" roadtripping is so random and awesome.

    • @toml.8210
      @toml.8210 4 роки тому

      You definitely don't wantto get stabbed, shot, or robbed, when you are far from home.

    • @JonathanAllen0379
      @JonathanAllen0379 4 роки тому

      Why you gotta be so damn beautiful?🤔😍

    • @rebelli65
      @rebelli65 3 роки тому +4

      really simping in a youtube comment section

  • @charleshamilton9274
    @charleshamilton9274 4 роки тому +5

    Your 4-cylinder, RWD car may get great gas mileage but here in Colorado if you’re are planning on doing any mountain driving, especially in the winter months, stay home. Oh, and check your tires. We have new laws which will cost you dearly if you’re driving on inadequate tires.

    • @lowlifeangler
      @lowlifeangler 4 роки тому

      That's why there's so many Subaru out there. In Ohio its a bunch of people that can't drive who own Honda and Toyota

  • @poorlittlebiker6476
    @poorlittlebiker6476 4 роки тому +5

    The fact that he said you might get stabbed twice makes me feel like he's not just saying for no reason lol

  • @neilchidiac121
    @neilchidiac121 Рік тому

    “Geography king signing out and I’m about to go make a sandwich” 😂😂😂😂😂 ur a legend Kyle

  • @tyvekhomewrap9164
    @tyvekhomewrap9164 3 роки тому

    I don't think I've loved anything more in my life than that intro.

  • @adeldazeem3711
    @adeldazeem3711 4 роки тому +2

    I-5 south from LA to Orange County is another eternal construction.

  • @blurse1652
    @blurse1652 2 роки тому

    I live in Toledo and what you said about constant construction is definitely true.

  • @ImAlwaysHere1
    @ImAlwaysHere1 4 роки тому +3

    I once drove from central Illinois to northwestern Montana (Glacier National Park) in one leg. I spent a couple days in Montana and then drove 36 hours straight to Alaska. I would not recommend doing this as it probably isn't a very bright thing to do.

    • @ImAlwaysHere1
      @ImAlwaysHere1 4 роки тому +2

      @@Eric-qx1kx I love traveling and I love driving. That occurred in my younger years. I was 25 (this was 1994). I've done several cross countries. I've even driven until I had minor hallucinations. As I said, not very bright.

    • @Eric-qx1kx
      @Eric-qx1kx 4 роки тому +2

      @@ImAlwaysHere1 Not very bright, but impressive nonetheless. That would have been around 1600 miles, that's almost unfathomable. I was borderline delirious after that 1000 miles trip, Orlando to St. Louis, but I had also worked all day, and then headed out around 4pm or 5pm. Hell, just a 700-800 mile trip can be pretty grueling alone....so 1600 that's just nuts.

    • @apexone5502
      @apexone5502 3 роки тому

      @@Eric-qx1kx you're making me think of the time I went to work (at my old job) earlier than my normal time (went in at 7 AM) worked until 7 PM, got in the driver's seat when my wife had picked me up (we were sharing a car at the time) gassed up, and headed to St. Louis from the Atlanta area. While not as long as driving from Orlando, it's still an 8 hour trip from here. I was spent by the time we were an hour away from St. Louis. My wife had to take over from there.

  • @BL-je3ue
    @BL-je3ue 3 роки тому

    I've been running cross country for 27 years. I would add that in some western states, road construction can sometimes mean no road. They have no problem removing all of the pavement and then allowing cars on that section. Driving across one western state many years ago, I had to wash a ton of mud off my car due to the washboard roads caused by road construction.

  • @aliceknows5828
    @aliceknows5828 3 роки тому +1

    "You might get stabbed" 😆 On a road trip? Lol. I was coming out of my motel (yes,motel) a week ago while on a trip to Southern California and I seriously thought ,for a split second, that somebody was about to shoot me dead..fun fun fun.🙄

  • @JordanDrewVideos
    @JordanDrewVideos 2 роки тому

    Took a trip from NC to Arizona and back. Watching this video beforehand would have helped a TON haha

  • @breecalkins3527
    @breecalkins3527 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you for this video! Picked up some useful tips I haven't heard yet :)

  • @JP-su8bp
    @JP-su8bp 3 роки тому

    Regarding high-altitude & low octane; if you'll be burning that fuel at high altitude, it's okay to use it. If you're going back to a lower altitude on that tank, good idea to stick with the higher octane.

  • @tobeytransport2802
    @tobeytransport2802 4 роки тому +1

    In the UK the longest you could possibly drive without turning around and going back in the same direction is around 14 hours (Cornwall, England to Highlands of Scotland)... hence why uk road trips are usually 2 overnight stops MAXIMUM however I have done a 4 hour drive before where we stopped 2 hours in, here anything below 30 minutes is local, 1 hour regional.. 3 hours reasonable for a holiday (vacation)... 4 hours is a long way (also reasonable for long holiday) and above 5 hours you gotta stop at least twice and one of those should be overnight.

    • @apexone5502
      @apexone5502 3 роки тому +1

      That's crazy (I'm saying "crazy" to show amazement, not to insult you). Over here, a 5 hour drive is seen as short. Here in the state of Georgia, I drove over 5 hours, nonstop, from my current home (in metro Atlanta) to my hometown on the coast in southeast Georgia. I thought nothing of it. In this country, it's those 10 hours or more drives that start feeling too long.

    • @tobeytransport2802
      @tobeytransport2802 3 роки тому

      @@apexone5502 wow. We usually go about 4 or 5 hours to go on holiday (vacation) and the accent usually changes, if you go up north for 5 hours it changes drastically if you go west it doesn’t change as much but you can still hear it. London is around 70 miles from where I live and it is a different place completely. Occasionally we go on 7-10 hour drives right up to the north of england or south of Scotland and that gets really exciting and their accents are almost indecipherable 😅

    • @apexone5502
      @apexone5502 3 роки тому

      @@tobeytransport2802 I had read that the accent changes over there can be pretty drastic in the sense that you don't have to travel real far in order to experience it. That has to be crazy for those of us who haven't been to the U.K. or for first time visitors.

  • @sheaview8427
    @sheaview8427 2 роки тому

    Great tips for those who have not traveled. I enjoyed your talk about "white space" in the West. A tip; if you're driving an electric car, please consider not driving thru Wyoming. Your car will probably end up on a tow truck, and you'll be riding in the truck cab.

  • @BookofJohn3V8
    @BookofJohn3V8 4 роки тому +8

    "You might get stabbed" lmaooo

  • @stewiegriffin3456
    @stewiegriffin3456 3 роки тому +1

    I5 through Tacoma has been under construction for literally 30 years!

  • @celestepalm6949
    @celestepalm6949 3 роки тому +1

    There must be a chalk outline right behind GK so he's always centered.

  • @Unknown17
    @Unknown17 4 роки тому +4

    I'm not so sure I agree with your suggestion to drive a small car versus a large one on a long trip. Larger cars were MADE to cruise long distances.They may cost more per mile to operate, but they don't wear out as fast as smaller cars. It's a LOT of strain on a smaller engine to keep it at the same rpm for a long distance as compared to a larger engine. Doesn't make long-term sense to drive the small car. And doesn't comfort matter as well?

    • @chengliu872
      @chengliu872 4 роки тому

      I don't think he was referring to the size of the car so much as the fuel efficiency. A small car does not necessarily mean a fuel efficient car, for example my Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets much better fuel efficiency than my friends Ford Mustang.

    • @lakepublishing1990
      @lakepublishing1990 2 роки тому

      Agreed. Comfort is a big deal when you're in the car half your waking hours (or more).

  • @musazaqtan2090
    @musazaqtan2090 3 роки тому +1

    "You might get stabbed. "
    He said it twice.
    🤣🤣
    👍🏾👍🏾

  • @JonathanAllen0379
    @JonathanAllen0379 4 роки тому +2

    6:32 - I laughed so hard I cried.😂🤣

  • @williamrodriguez8238
    @williamrodriguez8238 2 роки тому

    I-5 in California between the Bay Area and the Grapevine has an extremely high traffic volume, and desperately needs a third lane. You have a mix of heavy traffic, plus people going way over or under the speed limit. Add to this the fact that you have very few services along this route. If you're heading to Sacramento or further north, take State Route 99 instead. If you're heading into the Bay Area, I highly recommend taking US 101 out of Los Angeles and up the coast. Both routes have more services along the highway, and are safer to drive.

  • @JxH
    @JxH 2 роки тому

    1) With Google Map app, you can download in advance (when you're still at home) maps at different scales covering the entire area you plan to travel, so that your mapping app will still work even without any mobile data coverage. (The built-in GPS receiver works anywhere.)
    2) When travelling by road, it can be nice to NOT have any hotel/motel reservations. Do pick-up multiple copies of the Hotel Coupon books at every state tourist office near the borders. Great hotels for $60+ is better than $140 for the same room. Free Breakfast, Free Wi-Fi, Heated Pool are worth looking for in the ads. We did this from Maine to Key West FL during August a decade ago and it was fantastic !! Freedom of NO RESERVATIONS.
    3) If stuck in evening rush hour traffic, get off the highway and have an early supper. Olive Garden or whatever you like.

  • @joecapesius2887
    @joecapesius2887 3 роки тому

    The low octane fuel doesn’t volatilize as easily. Everything volatilizes easier at high elevations. Add the heat of a car driving up a 6% grade in the summer and cars can vapor lock (fuel in a vapor state where it shouldn’t be??). Not sure if this is also the case for fuel injection cars of today but having lower octane helps keep the fuel in a liquid state as Henry Ford intended. - Fellow Geography Major

  • @Sonny0276
    @Sonny0276 4 роки тому +2

    Great Video. Thank you for posting.

  • @ikmarchini
    @ikmarchini 4 роки тому +3

    Don't expect to make any time on a nice Sunday from 2-8pm. Everyone else is out on a nice day as well and it will be thick traffic, even stop and go.This is especially true heading towards cities. Saturday is the best day for the long haul - less trucks and much less long distance traffic. Everyone in NYC metro knows don't even approach the GW Bridge after 4pm Sunday. Often the US highway the Interstate replaced is a better bet. For me the only way across Missouri is US-36. Sometimes a combination of less travelled interstates is better. I love I-68 and I-64, they're half empty. The five interstates that cross the country (10,40,70,80,90) can come with lots of traffic problems. Choose wisely. I can say with much experience PA has the worst interstates in the nation. They are 20-30 years behind the times, can't handle the traffic, and falling apart. The miser state has been trying to put tolls on I-80 for years but the Feds rebuff them.

  • @chengliu872
    @chengliu872 4 роки тому +1

    The best all around vehicle for a road trip imo would be a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. It has descent space for a compact SUV, gets at least 37 mpg, and has AWD.

  • @pierredufresne996
    @pierredufresne996 6 місяців тому

    How far ahead of time do you make hotel/motel reservations, or do you just wing it? Should you stick with big chain hotels or risk mom-and-pop motels?

  • @devinmathews7809
    @devinmathews7809 4 роки тому +2

    Road construction for as long as I can remember on I-15 in Salt Lake City

  • @ArgyleNugatory
    @ArgyleNugatory 4 роки тому +2

    toledo road update November 2020 construction on Anthony Wayne bridge with lane restrictions.
    I 75 exit 200 lane closures possible till 2023.
    exit 201 on ramp closed. detour on local roads.
    yup. toledo.

    • @markbajek2541
      @markbajek2541 4 роки тому +2

      Don't forget the Brent Spence bridge in Cinncinnati is closed both ways over the Ohio river , what a freakin mess.

    • @lowlifeangler
      @lowlifeangler 4 роки тому +1

      I-71/ I-270 southside Columbus is still ripped up. The Northside and 315 is finally finished.

    • @lowlifeangler
      @lowlifeangler 4 роки тому +1

      @@markbajek2541 it's always a mess like the Bengals and Reds. Unlike the Cyclones...they only lose to Covid-19

  • @danieldavenport7162
    @danieldavenport7162 4 роки тому +1

    Great practical info. Also agree on Toledo! Ha!

  • @baronvonscharfenberg
    @baronvonscharfenberg 2 роки тому

    A big AMEN on Toledo!

  • @michaelkenny9109
    @michaelkenny9109 4 роки тому +2

    Pretty good content. I am retired Air Force and have learned through trial and error with most of these, but always looking for more information. Someday I'd like to visit every state in the lower 48. Geography King, have you ever had time to do this and if so, any other recommendations? I've researched a little but want any extra tidbits you can offer, thanks. On a side note, personally, I think Wall Drug in South Dakota is not worth the effort and a tourist trap as I'm sure other states have similar spots, thanks again.

    • @GeographyKing
      @GeographyKing  4 роки тому +2

      I've visited 44 of the states. As far as recommendations it all comes down to what are the most important places for you to see. Check through the videos on my channel. I go through a lot of different road trip ideas and options based on preferences.

    • @Thecoolbonnie
      @Thecoolbonnie 4 роки тому

      Hes got other videos with what you're looking for... Go to his page

    • @oof4623
      @oof4623 10 місяців тому

      You're completely right about Wall Drug.

  • @diana3599
    @diana3599 4 роки тому +4

    Chicago area seems is always under construction in the summer.

    • @XVeganDaveGodFreeX
      @XVeganDaveGodFreeX 4 роки тому

      Yup, I have friends in Wisconsin and they joke that there's two seasons: winter and road construction season.

  • @codycorey2593
    @codycorey2593 2 роки тому

    “If your on the east coast, your never truly in the middle of nowhere” *Laughing in northern Maine*

  • @XVeganDaveGodFreeX
    @XVeganDaveGodFreeX 4 роки тому +1

    A few things to add:
    Letting your fuel get low is hard on your fuel pump, try to keep it over 1/3 of a tank always.
    Dont stay in East St. Louis, unless you really do want to get stabbed!
    Slow down!! Most people drive way too fast. Remember it's the speed LIMIT, meaning the fastest you should drive under ideal conditions. Most states also have a speed mimim, meaning you really should be going somewhere between those two speeds!!

    • @briangulley6027
      @briangulley6027 4 роки тому +4

      Non sense, about 5 over and most important stay in the right lane except to pass. Nothing worse than left lane hogs.

  • @Awvpd25
    @Awvpd25 3 роки тому

    Toledo has been under construction since 1997 and that’s just when we moved to toledo. So yeah it’ll be under construction for a couple more years at least.

  • @hughjass1044
    @hughjass1044 3 роки тому +1

    Don't forget to take that left turn at Albuquerque.

  • @garraroom1736
    @garraroom1736 2 роки тому

    How do you prepare the car, I’m looking forward to one but don’t know how to prepare my car.

  • @LUIShtRUIZht
    @LUIShtRUIZht 4 роки тому

    This Chanel is my new homepage 😂

  • @ElTequilaDiablos
    @ElTequilaDiablos 4 роки тому +1

    So I've done 3 road trips of the western USA. Everywhere west of Nebraska excluding Texas and never seen 88-octane gas, only 87 and 89. Dunno why but 88 sounds really weird to me.

    • @j.s.7335
      @j.s.7335 4 роки тому

      I guess the 88 is only in Texas, where I've see it.

    • @rickyaz8640
      @rickyaz8640 4 роки тому +1

      Utah has 86 and 88

  • @godzillasmother
    @godzillasmother 8 місяців тому

    Sitting in a high school gym in Kentucky blizzarded in, with my sporty little Honda buried in a foot and a half of snow, All I could think was I left a perfectly good four-wheel drive vehicle back in Florida. Under most circumstances the faster, gas sipping Honda was a better choice, but not on that trip.

  • @rohannock
    @rohannock 4 роки тому +16

    That's your tip ?? Overnight in East St Louis ??? No way Jose !

    • @kmvstudios9072
      @kmvstudios9072 4 роки тому +2

      Most of the Illinois suburbs are ok. It’s just East St. Louis. Belleville can be a little rough sometimes too. Try Edwardsville or Granite City

  • @johnbond1602
    @johnbond1602 3 роки тому

    “Geography King, turn around and show me that little thing, Geography King!”

  • @KevinBruceRoy316
    @KevinBruceRoy316 Рік тому +1

    “You might get stabbed” lmao 😂🤣👌🏻

  • @unclebaobabmusic
    @unclebaobabmusic 4 роки тому +18

    6:40 that did not age well...

    • @drexldog
      @drexldog 4 роки тому +2

      I like his vids, but driving your car through protesters kinda made me lose interest in this one.

    • @mr.rollercoasters
      @mr.rollercoasters 4 роки тому +3

      They make it seem like they're running over protesters, when it's the protesters not letting them drive

  • @derbagger22
    @derbagger22 4 роки тому

    AAA is/was good for planning trips and avoiding construction areas. Not sure if they still do Triptiks. But those were cool...
    Now? Waze. If you have signal.

  • @ESPLTD322
    @ESPLTD322 2 роки тому

    IMO there are still quite a few middle of nowhere’s in the eastern US, it’s just not as much or as big as most of the west. The Appalachicola National Forest in the Florida panhandle is a good example. A lot of Florida is when there’s no beach nearby. Same with South Georgia and North Georgias forests. Same with the Smokies and Appalachians, anywhere from East TN, west NC, east KY, a lot of Virginia and a bit of West Virginia as well. Western Mississippi, etc. That said, I’m sure it’s nothing compared to a good chunk of Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, or especially, Alaska. It’s just far too big to have any people most places.

  • @davidbuell7051
    @davidbuell7051 2 роки тому

    Toledo freeways are indeed under construction as of right now. Same for Detroit

  • @billblackwell5453
    @billblackwell5453 4 роки тому +2

    Driving through Denver is no picnic either , they have the worst system I've ever seen , the lane stop's with out much notice

  • @jiw823546
    @jiw823546 4 роки тому +1

    Where can I get a map of the Sierra Nevada you have on yyour wall?

  • @davypig571
    @davypig571 4 роки тому +3

    Don’t forget to drive through downtown areas for the bum fights 😉

  • @pdogakron1623
    @pdogakron1623 2 роки тому

    Change Toledo to Dayton and Akron for the next 20 years. Toledo highways are in pretty great shape now