*For ideas see our Road Trip  Maps and refer to the photos & video pages for coinciding images.

 

Either use our maps as guides or, to start from scratch, decide on a state or region you want to visit, then do a Google search for "Most Beautiful Places in X State"... or "Most Interesting, Historical, Best Hiking"... whatever your motive is.  Then copy each place you discover into a new Google search to learn more, see images, & decide if you definitely want to go there.  If yes, then open Google maps , name your trip, and begin adding each place on your map.

 

After you have added all of your places of interest on the map, edit your driving route based on proximity & logistics.  For example, I routed central Utah with the east side of Idaho & the west sides of Wyoming & Montana when heading north, then did western South Dakota, Nebraska & central Colorado when heading back south. 

 

If there are places on the map that don't coincide with your driving route leave them there until the trip is over incase you have last minute alterations (ie. last year we were headed to Sequioa NP and it caught on fire, so we detoured to another place on the map.) 

 

Using the editing tools on the Google Map legend you can color & add any pertinent information to each location.  Because we often have over 100 spots on our map, I make our definite stops one color and the questionable spots another color.  Taking it a step further, after we see each place I change it to a 3rd color as a way of checking it off of our list as done. 

 

Wifi may be spotty at times, so planning & saving your options on a Google map ahead of time is crucial.  Routes seem to always be in a state of flux.  If you miss any places add them to a different map when you get home & see them on another trip.  

 

Be sure to check access to the locations as well.  Some place might look amazing, but you need a 4x4 or boat to get to it, it might require a few days hiking to get there, or a reservation to see it.  You don't want to drive a long distance only to find out you don't have the means to see what you went there for. 

 

The National Parks (NP's) are always good stops.  If you're going to be near one definitely add it to your map.  If you plan to see multiple NP's it's worth it to buy a NP pass - it's good for one year.  If you like to hike, definitely download the AllTrails app, it's super helpful in navigating & tracking.

 

Take notes & pictures at each place to log your memories.

 

For camping ideas see my "Where to Lay Your Head" blog.

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The world is a beautiful place!