17 Road Trip Tips from a Professional Driver (Save Time, Money & Stress)

Quick Road Trip Tips That Will Save You Time & Money

The visually oriented way to Sight-Seeing.

I’m a life-long native West Virginian. One of my favorite parts of living here? It’s centrally located for many directions of roadtrips. I mean, you truly can go any direction!

The Wonder of West Virginia

“Our state is the most eastern of the western, the most western of the eastern; the most northern of the southern, and the most southern of the northern. It is where the East says ”good morning” to the West and where ”Yankee Doodle” and ”Dixie” kiss each other goodnight.”

Robert C. Byrd, US Senator (D-WV)

It’s easy to cross into another region from *here.*

I love Roadtrips!

Traveling.

Doing.

Seeing.

Exploring.

My eyes take it all in. As they say: “Getting there is half the fun“. I enjoy planning the drive; and getting ready. Having something to look forward to.

Not only do I enjoy the planning phase. I love those spontaneous trips, too. I’m always down to go!

Day trips.

Weekend getaways.

Cross-country trips.

I enjoy the driving part and being on the road. Seeing everything in front of me: all the cool stops. People, places, and things. Musing at landmark names and gawking at anything different. Being from the Mountain State: I find topography very interesting; the changes in mountains and terrain. Beauty is all around us! Make time to appreciate everything given.

I am a firm believer in making memories and enjoying life. It’s not all about money and work. Yes, that’s important, too. I’m grateful for a balanced life to where my schedule is open. I can enjoy work or play, whenever possible.

For years, I drove about 2,000 miles each week for work. From that perspective; driving all day is something I’m very used to. These days, I’m still knocking on doors. However, I’m not racking up the miles.

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As much as I have enjoyed seeing all around the East Coast (particularly WV, MD, OH, and PA). Taking a step back from my career was a much needed adjustment. Simply put: An unhealthy portion of my waking hours were spent working. I didn’t have time to enjoy life. These days, my life feels so balanced. Each day is different. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring.. My schedule is free and open. And I like it this way!

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Buy less, Create more: Roadtrips are creating memories. I believe that happiness is not bought. Getting out and changing scenery: It changes perspective. In the journey, the mind is set on the destination. It’s a process, till the end. Keep focused. Stay committed. You’ll get to where you are going!

Seeing

Appreciating

Learning

Discovering

In placenames, I enjoy the history.

In nature, I enjoy the geography.

In retrospect, I enjoy the Timeline.

It’s a way of life. Rather than to buy things, which accumulate clutter. We take trips. My mind is cluttered with adventure. Tidbits about landmarks, towns, and good places to eat. As well as some crazy stories of survival. So many good memories!

At least once a month, we try to branch out and do something different. Go somewhere new. See some place none of us have ever been. Or go to some old place we remember. There’s joy in that, too.

That’s the adventure that keeps me going. I’m thankful for all the experiences life has to offer. In a way, traveling is experiences in live-moving-action. Whether it’s a wonderful vacation or an absolute crazy trip: The stories and the memories are there. Each experience makes me more thankful.

With these hacks, I hope to spark some inspiration. Families that connect together in nature, treasure connections everywhere. We travel well and we travel often. Because we CAN!

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Life is for living: Live fully and be fulfilled.. In the Mindset of Fulfilment: each day is a blessing, time is precious, make each day count.

Never stop exploring..

Keep being thankful.

The journey IS the destination.

Tip #1: Leave Earlier Than You Think (It Changes Everything)

This is my biggest advice. This saves so much time, money, and STRESS. Traveling in the wee hours of the morning traffic is non-existent.

In turn, your body is off-rhythm. You will not need to stop as often for bathroom breaks or meals.

Win-Win!

And for the third win: You will have a full day to begin at your destination! OK, you may be a tired little zombie. A quick nap, or more excitement may be necessary.

Tip #2: The Cooler Trick That Saves You Hundreds

I’m big on saving money and drinking water. Both are pretty much necessary for survival.

Pack a small cooler for any roadtrip! Even if you’re just going an hour away.

For long roadtrips, pack two coolers. We pack a XL cooler for multi-day trips. Inside is a 40 pack of water: half of the bottles are frozen. The other half is chilled. As well as juices, sodas, and energy drinks.

Having a “two cooler system” makes it easier to grab a drink when you’re on the go! As well as save $$$.

Great Value 40 pack water: $4.76

20oz water at a convenience store: $2.79

Tip #3: Pack Like You’re Not Coming Back Soon

I’ll admit, I’m more a planner than a packer. But this advice keeps us prepared!

From head to toe: Get ready to go!

Hair Care
- Shampoo, Brush, Products, etc.
Eye Care
- Eye drops, glasses, etc.
Ear Care
- Q-Tips, Hearing Aid batteries, etc.
Mouth Care
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc.
Tops
- Bras, shirts, blouses, jackets, etc.
Bottoms
- Underwear, pants, shorts, etc.
Socks and shoes

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Tip #4: Book Hotels Smarter, Not Cheaper

There are two kinds of trips:

Stay and Play

Go and Flow

For the “stay and play” trips: Book a hotel about a week in advance, or up to two days before. Once you reach the window of cancelation policy; the price of the room will surge.

For the “Go and Flow” trips with multiple stops and long internaries: Do your best to block plan. The evening before; it’s nice to go to sleep with a hotel booked for the next day. From Point A to Point B: it’s easier to get there when you have almost gotten there.

Tip #5: The Hotel Pricing Trick Most Travelers Don’t Know

Those hot destination have a “busy season”. Some places are never ever really busy. But, most hotels have a premium price on weekends. By skipping Friday and Saturday night; you can save up to 40%.

Tip #6: Every Stop Costs You More Than You Think

This is my second biggest travel tip. Be aware of time and schedule.

For each time you stop ten minutes: you lose twenty minutes.

If you stop for an hour: you bump up your original ETA by two hours.

I really try minimize my stops and keep moving to stay on track. Sometimes you must stop! Other times, just focus and keep on moving.

Tip #7: The Mental Trick That Makes Long Drives Feel Shorter

My definition of a long roadtrip is anything over four hours.

I mentally do fractions to divide a trip up. Which makes it feel like I’m making progress.

For example: if I’m headed to Buffalo, NY, which is four hours away. Let’s pretend we’re headed to Erie County Fair:

From Morgantown, 90 minutes to Pittsburgh

From Pittsburgh, 90 minutes to Erie

From Erie, 90 minutes to Buffalo

By breaking it down this way (in my head), and not looking at the HUGE PICTURE: The drive feels shorter.

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Tip #8:Always Carry Cash (It’ll Save You When You Least Expect It)

When it comes to money and traveling: Cash is king. I try to bring about $100 per day. For hotel bookings: Always use a major credit card.

There are always cool stops along the way that are “CASH ONLY”. Such as:

Farm Stands
Yard Sales
Mom N Pop Restaurants

Some parking and admission gates are cash only, too. It’s good to be prepared and not pay exorbitant ATM fees.

Tip #9: How to Find Bathrooms on a Road Trip

One of my life-skills is finding a good place to pee. I can pretty much drive by any place and tell you whether they’ll have a public restroom. Most standard gas stations do not.

I like truck stops, or regional gas stations like; Sheetz, Wawa, Casey’s General Stores, Stewart’s Shops, or Buc-Ees.

Fast food locations have restrooms, by law. Hotels are a smart move, too.

And if you don’t see any Golden Arches around: Dollar General usually has restrooms, if you ask for the key. And they’re everywhere.

Tip #10: Eat Like a Local: The Road Trip Food Trick

One of the best parts of traveling is eating somewhere new. Trying regional places and local food is part of the whole experience. And you won’t know local food until you ask a local!

I can give you information on local West Virginia food. Like:

Hotdog with chili and slaw
- As well as a few good hotdog joints
Pepperoni Rolls
- Best found in a gas station
Biscuits and Gravy
- Go to Tudors or any small town restaurant.

Go on, ask a local. Or find a pizza joint that isn’t chain.. You’ll be glad you did!

Tip #11: Trust Your Instincts on the Road

When it comes to travel: Very few places are off-limits. That’s the beauty of it! You can keep going, but sometimes it’s best to turn around.

I’ve gotten “that feeling” a few times. Was it paranoia? Too much culture shock? Or a was it legit wrong time/wrong place?

Trust your intuition. If you think you should, then go.

Tip #12:How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip Without Staying Overnight

Without getting a hotel: There’s a perfect ratio for day trips.

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We get up early and start a “day trip” quite often. From Morgantown, we can venture many different directions.

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Depending on the plans for the day: These trips are budget-friendly. On hiking or getaway trips: altogether we spend the whole day; with gas and food for usually under $50..

Roadtrips aren’t as expensive as you’d think..

Tip #13: Avoid Traveling on Holidays or Weekends

Crowds, traffic, holiday premium pricing, gas price gouging, patrolling police presence.. Do I need to list more reasons to not travel on these days?

Maybe I do have some flashbacks of Memorial Day weekend 2010: When I got pulled over twice in one day. One ticket for a headlight, and a warning for speeding (and another warning for the headlight).

I fully support law enforcement and I respect their bravery to keep potential dangerous situations safe and orderly. However, the holiday weekend is a big situation. Everyone wants to celebrate!

Celebrate the Season.. and stay put!

Tip #14: Pack for Every Season and Occasion

One thing I LOVE about driving, rather than flying: You can take as much as you want. Airlines will have you “packing light” and meeting weight requirements.

In my travels: The weather has been unpredictable. I’ve been to Tennessee, in the South, in the summer and it barely eeked up to 60°.

Then a couple of weeks later: Up in North Eastern Canada, I got the worst sunburn of my life!

You never know until you go! It’s best to bring a mix of everything for all seasons. Bring pants and a jacket, even if you are sure you won’t need them.

Tip # 15: Road Trip Planning: Drive the Longest Leg First and Last

Cross Country roadtrips sure are fun! It takes some planning, or at least figure out an anchor point each night. As you go through familiar territory; close to home, keep driving!

I drove over 8,000 miles to go “out West” in 2022. On the first day, I drove from WV to Minnesota, straight through. Which knocked out the first 1,000 miles.

On the last day: I drove from Missouri to back to West Virginia in one day. Which was about 900 miles.

In between: I drove about four hours each day. Which gave me time to sight-see and make stops. And when you’re far from home, you’ll want to see as much as possible. Get out of “close range” and go see new things!

Tip # 16: Plan Fewer Stops—You’ll Get There Faster

Keep on, keeping on! A well-planned trip makes for ease. In the planning phase; give yourself time to enjoy each stop.

I like to plan in blocks. Here’s an example of block planning for a day trip to Lancaster, PA..

4 or 5am: Leave
8 or 9am: Arrive Green Dragon
12 or 1pm: Have lunch at Shady Maple
4pm or 5pm: Start Home

By “block planning”, you fill your time slots and there’s extra time (“OR” means wiggle room). And it doesn’t feel too constricting. If you see something extra cool; you may have time to stop!

If you’re on a whim; try to stay focused. You can always come back and see more. Do it “next time”..

There’s 24 hours in a day: make the most of it and give yourself extra time.

Tip #17: How to Stay Motivated on Long Road Trips

It’s important to plan, pack, and focus. In the journey, the rewards system will help you get there. Indecisiveness or excuses, doesn’t get anybody anywhere. Remember the plan, stick with it, and just do it!

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I understand how sometimes the drive seems like it’ll never end. When you’ve been driving for hours, and there’s still a long ways to go.

Keep the trip interesting with:

Spotify Playlists
Libby Audiobooks
Podcasts
Good conversation
Phone a Friend

Occupy yourself, and keep moving forward! Your destination is waiting..you’ll get there.

Plan ahead, pack smart, and focus on the destination. You’re on your way, and you are getting there!

Whenever you’ve got an itch to go somewhere: Take the trip! Say yes! Don’t let excuses hold you back!

Stuff your eyes with wonder. Live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.

-Ray Bradbury

Live well.

Appreciate the ordinary.

Cherish the extraordinary.

Reflect on the difference.

Give all the thanks..

For all these things were given.

You are so loved ❤️