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Dave's Travel Pages

Greek Island Hopping | Greece Travel Ideas | Bicycle Touring

Travelling by Car: Advantages and Disadvantages

Traveling by car on either short or long trips has a number of advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we'll take a look at the pros and cons of car travel so you can weigh up your options.

My experiences of travelling by car

While I might be more well known for having cycled long distances such as Alaska to Argentina and England to South Africa , I've also undertaken quite a few travels by car.

And I'm not just talking about weekend trips. In fact, my first big travel adventure involved buying a car in Australia in 1997 and driving around the entire country in 12 months!

This is the car below – Surprisingly I managed to drive it around the entire country without any problems!

Since then, I've also driven around New Zealand, and more recently, when we go Greek island hopping, we also take our car from Athens with us.

For example, during our most recent 4 month trip around the Dodecanese islands of Greece , we've had the car with us. Sure it's added some expense to our ferry crossings, but the flexibility it's given us to explore the Greek islands has been amazing. I totally recommend renting a car in Greece during your vacation so you can see and do more!

This is the car we're using below – perfect for travel on the narrow roads of some of the islands!

Pros and Cons of Car Traveling

Of course, there's many advantages and disadvantages to planning your travels with a car. That's why I've put together this guide.

If you're thinking of taking a road trip, or want to embark on an epic cross-continent adventure, these pros and cons of travelling by car will definitely help you make your decision.

Related: How to plan a travel budget

Advantages of Car Traveling

There are many advantages to travelling by car, particularly if you're planning a longer trip . Here are 10 of the main benefits:

1. You can travel at your own pace in a car

When you travel by car, you're the one in charge. You can choose your own route, make spontaneous decisions and change your plans on a whim. This is great if you want the freedom to explore without being tied to a specific itinerary.

One of the best things about road tripping is that you can go at your own pace. If you want to take your time and enjoy the journey, you can do so without having to worry about making it to your destination on time.

There's no need to worry about making connections with flights or buses. If you want to spend a few extra days in one place or move on quickly, it's entirely up to you.

It can also be a great benefit to simply sleep in on days you are tired, knowing you don't need to rush off to take a bus or train.

Related: Why do people travel

2. It's more comfortable than public transport

Let's face it, car transport is a lot more comfortable than taking a bus or a train. When you travel in your own vehicle, you can stretch your legs, take a break when you want to, and you don't have to share your space with anyone else.

Related: 20 Reasons To Travel Around The World

3. You can make spontaneous stops when driving

Have you ever been driving somewhere and seen a sign for something interesting but haven't had the time to stop? With a car, you can just pull over and check it out! This spontaneity is one of the great joys of road tripping.

Being on your own schedule means you can stop at small villages and places of interest you ight normally pass by. From personal experience driving around the Greece and the Greek islands, having a car has enabled us to get off the beaten path and explore some of the interesting but lesser known areas.

Take a look at our road trip in Mani, Greece .

4. You can travel with more stuff in a car

When you're travelling by car, you can bring everything you need with you – including your kitchen sink (not recommended by the way)!

This is great news if you're travelling with kids as you can pack all their toys, clothes and other essential items. It also means that you can bring your bike or other sports equipment with you if you want to explore the local area during your stay.

I tend to find that it also makes it very cost effective to stock up on groceries in bigger places and then you don't need to buy so much in small places where goods are more expensive.

5. You can share the driving to reduce fatigue

Travelling by car also means that you can share the driving to avoid getting too tired. This is particularly important on long journeys where driver fatigue can become a real issue.

If you're planning a trip with friends or family, taking turns behind the wheel can make the journey much more enjoyable for everyone.

6. You can listen to music on a road trip

One of the great things about driving is that you can listen to music as loud as you want! This is perfect for long road trips when you need some entertainment to keep you going.

Here's some ideas of songs to listen to on a road trip !

7. You can save money

If you're travelling with a few people, car travel can be much cheaper than flying or taking the train. That's because you can split the cost of petrol and accommodation between everyone in your group.

You can also pack your own road trip snacks to eat along the way in order to save paying for food at roadside diners.

If you're looking at money saving options for your next trip, perhaps consider going by car.

8. You can avoid crowds

If you're looking to avoid crowds, travelling by car is a great option. You can explore less-travelled roads and paths and enjoy a more peaceful journey. Also, no more packed buses and trains!

9. You're not reliant on public transport

When you travel by car, you're not reliant on public transport, which can be unreliable, especially in rural areas. You also don't have to spend so much time waiting in a bus station, or going through pretty stressful times if you miss a vital connection.

10. Car travel is an adventure

Last but not least, one of the main advantages of travelling by car, is that it is an adventure in itself! There's something exciting about hitting the open road and seeing where it takes you.

It might test your driving skills, offer incredible opportunities to see things you might not otherwise, and give you a real sense of freedom. If you're looking for an adventure, travelling by car is a great option.

Disadvantages of Car Traveling

Of course, there are also some disadvantages to consider before hitting the open road. Here are 10 of the top disadvantages to keep in mind:

1. You might encounter car trouble

If you're driving an older car, you might have to deal with flat tyres, breakdowns and other car problems. This can be frustrating, especially if you're in the middle of nowhere.

Being able to fix minor car problems is essential if you're planning to travel by car. It's also a good idea to have breakdown cover in case of emergencies.

2. What happens if your car get stolen?

Another disadvantage of car travel is that your car could get stolen. Potential theft is especially a risk if you're travelling to a country where crime rates are high.

If you're worried about this, it's important to take precautions such as parking in well-lit areas and not leaving valuables in your car. It goes without saying that you want good car insurance as well as travel insurance!

3. A higher risk of road accidents

The more you do of anything, the higher the chances of something happening become, and this definitely applies to car accidents.

In fact, studies have shown that the risk of being in a car accident increases with each hour you spend driving. So, if you're planning a long road trip, be sure to take regular breaks and drive safely.

4. Car travel can be tiring

Driving can be tiring, especially if you're behind the wheel for long periods of time. This is why it's important to take regular breaks and share the driving if possible.

One top safety tip is to avoid driving at night if you're feeling tired. This is because your reaction times are slower and it's more difficult to stay awake.

5. You might get lost

If you're not used to reading maps, there's a chance you might get lost when travelling by car. This can be frustrating and waste a lot of time, especially if you have to keep stopping to ask for directions.

Before setting off on your journey, be sure to plan your route and have a good map handy. If you're worried about getting lost, you might want to consider using a GPS system or good old Google maps.

6. You can't always find parking

Depending on where you're travelling, finding parking can be a real challenge – and a costly one at that. In big cities, you might have to pay for parking and in rural areas, you might have to park your car a fair distance from your destination.

When we drive around Greece, we often have to leave our car parked in side streets. This might be a bit nerve-wracking for people not used to doing it!

7. You might have to pay tolls

If you're driving on a motorway or expressway, you might have to pay tolls. This can add up, especially if you're making a long journey. For example, driving from Athens to Thessaloniki can cost around 30 euros in tolls!

Of course, there are ways to avoid paying tolls, such as taking back roads or planning your route in advance. But this isn't always possible, or even desirable if you're short on time.

8. Car travel can be expensive

Travelling by car can actually be quite costly, especially if you're making a long journey. For example, you have to pay for petrol, tolls, parking and accommodation.

In 2022 in particular, petrol costs have been very high here in Greece. We've been lucky to get it for less than 2.50 Euros a litre!

You might also have to pay for car repairs if you encounter any problems on the road. All of these costs can add up, so it's important to factor them into your budget before setting off.

9. Traffic Jams

I'm sure I don't need to tell you that traffic jams are one of the most frustrating things about car travel. They can cause delays, wasted time and even accidents.

Of course, there's not much you can do about this except plan your journey in advance and try to avoid peak times. But even then, there's no guarantee that you'll escape the traffic!

10. Other road users

And finally, one of the most frustrating things about car travel is other road users. This includes aggressive drivers, people who don't know how to park and cyclists who seem to think they own the road! I'm not one of them – I promise!

As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider when travelling by car. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether the pros outweigh the cons. If you're planning a road trip, make sure to do your research and plan ahead so that you can have the best possible experience.

Tips for traveling by car

If you've decided that you want to go by vehicle for your next trip, these 10 insightful tips will help you prepare:

1. Get good using Google maps!

2. Don't leave valuables in the vehicle

3. Allow plenty of time for your journey especially in bad weather

4. Double check the condition of the car

5. Check where you find the gas stations with the best petrol prices using an app

6. Share the driving if possible

7. Avoid driving at night if you're tired as this is when many crashes happen

8. Make sure you have your drivers license and insurance details to hand

9. Be prepared for unexpected expenses and hidden costs

10. Have a positive attitude!

Here's some car rental tips you might like to read.

Final Thoughts On The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Vehicles 

Whether you're planning a road trip or travelling by car for another reason, it's important to consider the pros and cons of this mode of transport. On the whole, driving gives you more freedom and flexibility than other forms of travel, but there are some disadvantages to keep in mind.

Personally, I find using a car a great way to travel for longer trip.

What are your thoughts on travelling by car? Have you had any good or bad experiences? Let me know in the comments below!

Related Posts:

• How to get from Athens to Kalamata
• Road Trip Captions
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The Best Travel Gadgets and Tech For Your Next Road Trip

The experts at Good Housekeeping have tested and reviewed some of the best travel electronics and tech gadgets on the market. Here are some of the picks that will make your next road trip more memorable.

Our Top Picks

Best Travel Dash Cam

Garmin dash cam 57.

Best Travel Portable Coffee Maker

Cera+ portable electric coffee maker.

Best Travel Gadget Wi-Fi Hotspot

Verizon jetpack wi-fi hotspot.

Best Travel Action Camera

Gopro hero9.

Best Travel Gadget Radar Detector

Escort max 360 mkii radar and laser detector.

Best Travel Gadget for Portable Power

Anker 325 power bank.

Best Travel Headphones

Bose quietcomfort overear headphones.

Best Travel Mug

Ember travel mug.

Best Travel Gadget Cooler

Koolatron thermoelectric iceless cooler and warmer.

Best Travel Tracker

Apple airtag.

We all have our own ideas about what tech we need and which gadgets and devices we enjoy, so the Gear Team could have simply thrown together a list of some of our favorites. But Good Housekeeping has been testing and evaluating products for parents and homes for over a century, and its testing processes have become an industry standard. So we hit up our colleagues over at the Good Housekeeping Institute for some tips, just to make sure we weren't missing anything.

Relying on the expertise of the Gear Team and the testing acumen of Good Housekeeping, here are some of the Best Travel Gadgets and Tech for your next road-trip adventure. Note: Car & Driver has paraphrased Good Housekeeping 's findings to reflect our purposes here; we have omitted some of the Institute's non-automotive selections and included other products more suited for our audience.

Dash cams can be a fantastic tool for recovering damages, beating tickets, or recording incredible situations. The Garmin 57 mini dash cam takes the functionality up a notch with a Swiss Army knife–like list of features. It can record in 1440p and features incident detection, forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, and a cool option that lets you turn hours of driving into a time-lapse video. Best of all, it measures just about 1.0 by 2.0 inches.

Don't settle for whatever truck-stop cup of joe you come across while on the road. The CERA+ portable coffee maker will allow you to indulge your inner coffee snob wherever you are. It can perform cold or warm brews, and its rechargeable battery allows you to make several cups, no matter the type of coffee you choose.

Wi-Fi on your road trip can be a game changer. For those who lack the luxury of integrated Wi-Fi found on many newer cars, the Jetpack allows Verizon customers to connect up to 15 devices to their personal Wi-Fi network in more than 200 countries. During Good Housekeeping’s testing, the battery showed impressive all-day life. As a plus, it includes an extra USB port for charging other devices.

GoPro has been offering compact action cameras since 2004, and the HERO9 is perfect for road-tripping. It's durable and waterproof up to 33 feet, allowing you to take it with you just about anywhere. It shoots in 5K so you're guaranteed sharp, high-quality memories once your trip is over. GoPro also offers an array of accessories for attaching it to a helmet, your chest, your car—even a toddler.

Even if you don't consider yourself much of a speeder, having an additional layer of protection against hefty fines is a wise move. The Escort MAX 360 will keep you covered, just in case you lose track of your speed over hours of cruising. It's loaded with features, including dual antennas for increased range, 360-degree awareness, an easy-to-use app, and many more we don't have the space to list here.

Charging ports can be a point of contention in cars and trucks, particularly when a family is on the road for extended periods. This Anker portable battery will help nip back-seat fisticuffs in the bud. The 20,000 mAh Li-ion battery allows you to charge up to two devices at a time via dual USB-A ports, and it can be recharged through either its micro-USB or USB-C ports.

If you plan to spend many hours in a packed car, you will inevitably be met with conflict when everyone disagrees on what to fill your collective ears with. These noise-canceling cans from Bose provide a convenient solution, allowing your passengers to escape to their own audio reality for a bit. Testers found them very comfortable over extended periods and really appreciated being able to switch between Quiet and Aware modes to filter outside noise.

Caveat: No matter how tempting it may be to drown out the world around you, and despite settings that allow you to control ambient noise, we don't recommend over-ear cans like these while driving. Opt for a pair of AirPods or earbuds , if you must—but be advised, state laws vary on their use behind the wheel.

When you're on the road for hours on end, a warm beverage can be key in getting your body's motor started and keeping it going. This travel mug from Ember won't just keep your beverage warm, it will keep it exactly the temperature you prefer. The temperature can be controlled from an app on your phone, and its two-hour battery life can be extended by placing it on its charging coaster.

Staying hydrated and keeping your appetite at bay while on the road can be tough if gas-station jerky and drive-thru fare aren't your thing. Koolatron 's thermoelectric cooler and warmer plugs into your vehicle's 12-volt outlet and keeps the contents as cool as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as warm as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The 18-quart version can hold up to 23 standard soft-drink cans; the much larger 45-quart version is ideal for families.

Many are already familiar with the invaluable functionality that Apple 's tiny tracker provides. It can be used to track anything from your valuables to your luggage and even your car, right from your phone. It does require you to use Apple's digital ecosystem, but its overall functionality could just be enough to convert Android users. Its one-year battery lifespan makes it an easy set-and-forget tool.

Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool

If you don't already carry a good multitool, it's about time you do. The Wave Plus from Leatherman is a handy everyday tool for popping bottle tops, tightening screws, opening packaging, and a plethora of other odd jobs. Out on the road, it's great for small inconveniences and quick fixes, such as replacing burnt-out bulbs, tightening hose clamps, or whatever other mishaps may arise.

DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone Bundle

This DJI camera drone will elevate your ability to log your road-trip memories. When you're no longer limited to the ground, the photo and video opportunities you'll realize are pretty vast. The GH Institute testers loved that it can fold away into a compact carrying case and lauded its sharp picture quality. The included Fly More Kit opens up the potential to capture professional-quality aerial shots of your car ripping through the twisties. It includes spare batteries, chargers, parts, and more.

DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer

The DJI Osmo gimbal is a nice piece of kit to keep handy if you’re even remotely serious about capturing solid images of you and your flock while out on the road. Even if you're solo-tripping, it's an excellent way to capture photos or videos of your car in action. During testing, the gimbal held the phone stable and has a nice feature that allows it to rotate in a single sweeping motion. The magnetic clamp attaches easily to almost any phone.

JACO ElitePro Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Before and after long drives, it's important to keep tabs on your tires, as they are the only thing keeping you and your family on the road. Investing in a quality tire pressure gauge is key, especially if you drive an older car that doesn't come equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system. JACO 's gauge is calibrated accurately to professional ANSI 2A standards and offers a full lifetime warranty.

Rolling Square Keychain Charger Cable

Rolling Square's keychain charger is the perfect accessory to keep alongside your keys or in your glovebox. It offers multiple outputs and inputs including USB-C, USB-A, micro-USB, and even a lightning port for your iPhone. It complements the Anker portable battery above very nicely.

Reliefband Classic Wristband for Motion Sickness

Lots of us are burdened with the unfortunate affliction known as carsickness. This can get pretty messy on long drives, particularly if you have little ones prone to nausea. The Reliefband is a drug-free remedy to general motion sickness. If it really works—and most users claim it does—it's definitely worth it.

BUBM Electronics Organizer

Keep your wires and other small gear organized with this neat-looking organizer from BUBM . It comes in ten different colors, and the testers at Good Housekeeping loved the compact fold-flat shape and zipper enclosures.

How do I determine which items are essential to my trip?

A good rule, particularly with gadgets, is if you can't name around two-thirds of the buttons on your device, you probably won't use it (or at least to its fullest potential). Carry only what you might need and use.

I'm new to road-tripping. Will all these gadgets be daunting?

Some gadgets like a DJI drone can indeed have somewhat steep learning curves. We recommend trying out your gadgets at home to familiarize yourself with their features and controls. Apps are a requirement for some gadgets, so having those pre-loaded onto your phone can save time and hassle.

Can I buy stuff on the road?

Lots of gear can be a hassle to keep track of, so sometimes it is more efficient to forgo some of the less essential pieces and just pick them up as you need them. Rechargeable electronics are a great solution—they keep working and alleviate the need to carry around or purchase extra batteries.

Why Trust Good Housekeeping ?

The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products and providing expert reviews and advice on all types of travel gear in their labs, from luggage trackers and noise-canceling headphones to drones and mobile hotspots. The gadgets chosen for this list were evaluated by product testing analyst Selina Tedesco and updated by media and tech reviews analyst Olivia Lipski .

Why Trust Hearst Autos?

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers. If we're unable to test a product or category ourselves, we'll sometimes turn to noted experts such as the Good Housekeeping Institute .

Hearst Autos doesn't need to game SEO algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products to earn a buck. We're far more concerned with our legacy, our reputation, and the trust that our readers have in Autoweek , Car and Driver , and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations. Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here .

The Assistant Commerce Editor for Hearst Autos, Justin Helton is an enthusiast with a passion for heavily depreciated autos and a penchant for philosophical debate. As a lifelong Manhattanite, he has mastered the ins and outs of classic car ownership in one of the least car-friendly cities in the world.

Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years , overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems. 

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41 road trip essentials: what you need on your next road trip.

Add these items to your road trip packing list to help you travel more comfortably.

Road Trip Essentials

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A road trip is a great way to see the country. Consider stocking up on these accessories before you go.

If you're planning a road trip, you're going to have a lot of work to do before you pack the car and head out of town. You'll need to map out a general itinerary, plan your overnight stops and create a list of must-see sights along the way. And don't forget about all the stuff you need to pack to ensure your family is safe, comfortable and entertained.

While you don't necessarily need a lot of things to make a road trip a success, U.S. News searched far and wide to find the best gadgets and gear that will make your time in the car the highlight of your trip. These are all items you'll want to consider adding to your road trip packing list.

As you pack your bags and get ready for an epic road trip, here are a few last-minute road trip essentials you might want to add to your arsenal, organized by category.

Personal care and hygiene

Entertainment, comfort and convenience.

Keeping a reliable flashlight stored in your car is a good rule of thumb for all drivers heading out on a road trip. In roadside emergencies, the Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight can illuminate a distance of nearly 1,000 feet with a battery life of up to six hours. Its durable design makes it ideal for use in inclement weather, and its five settings include an SOS signal and a strobe light. Meanwhile, the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp – which features a 400-lumen beam and red LED night vision – is ideal for when you find yourself changing a tire in the middle of the night. Both products earn rave reviews from consumers for their powerful light.

Portable power bank

Goal Zero's Sherpa 100AC power bank is a portable power bank you can use to recharge tablets, phones, cameras and laptops on the go. It features two USB ports, plus four cables are included and it's lightweight at just 2 pounds. Recent customers loved the power bank's versatility, but recommend charging it every two to three days for the best results.

Jumper cables

Jumper cables from AUTOGEN can easily fit in your trunk and could save the day if your battery dies and you're unable to start your car while out on the road. Many travelers also say you can't go wrong with these heavy-duty cables from Energizer. These 25-foot-long cables are perfect for any car type and come with a travel bag for easy storage – they're a must for any road trip packing list.

Portable tire inflator

A portable tire inflator can be a lifesaver if you find your tires have a slow leak during your trip. The AstroAl Air Compressor Tire Inflator is compact, so it won't take up much space among the other gear in your trunk, and it includes an LED flashlight with independent switch control. It is programmed to stop automatically once it hits the preset tire pressure and it comes with a 36-month warranty. Other travelers prefer the ViAir 88P - 00088 Portable Compressor Kit , noting it works well with a wide variety of vehicles. In addition to a 12-foot air hose and 9-foot power cord, the kit comes with alligator clamps that power your air compressor by attaching to your car's battery.

Jump starter

Picture this: You're having the time of your life on your road trip when your car battery dies in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, a high-quality jump starter is all you need to avoid this disastrous scenario. In addition to being water-resistant and compact, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 comes with a built-in flashlight and a USB port for charging devices like smartphones and tablets. The Hulkman Alpha 85 2000A Jump Starter also comes highly recommended by travelers thanks to its easy-to-use design and powerful battery life (a single charge can hold up to 60 jump starts).

Waking up in the morning to an icy windshield isn't a pretty sight. Prestone AS244 Windshield De-Icer instantly melts ice upon contact, so you don't have to worry about waiting for your car to defrost when you're in a rush. As an added bonus, the can comes with a built-in scraper tool for easy ice removal. Recent customers have called this product a lifesaver during harsh winters.

Bringing a trusty multi-tool on your road trip is a simple way to make sure you're prepared no matter what situation you run into. Leatherman products impress consumers time and time again thanks to the company's high-quality and lightweight multi-tool designs. Customer-favorites include the Leatherman Bond and the Leatherman Wave+ , which offers 18 powerful tools like pliers and wire cutters.

Car charger

Frequent car travelers recommend always staying connected with the TECKNET USB Car Charger . Featuring four fast-charging ports, this adaptor can be used to charge smartphones, tablets and more. If you're hitting the road with the whole family in tow, or you simply want to charge more than one device at a time, travelers say this powerful charging adaptor is a must-buy. Pair it with an extra-long charging cable that can easily reach everyone in the back seat.

Dashboard phone mount

Keep your eyes on the road by installing a dashboard phone mount before your journey starts. The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 comes with a telescopic arm, a magnetic cord organizer and a strong-hold suction cup. Plus, its easy one-touch lock-and-release mechanism (a feature that is much appreciated among recent customers) makes taking your phone on and off the holder a breeze. If you don't like the rigidity of traditional dashboard phone mounts, consider choosing a phone mount with a flexible arm instead.

Document holder

Whenever you're hitting the open road, you want to prepare for the worst. In the event that you get into a car accident or are pulled over by the police, having easy access to your car's registration, insurance information and owner's manual is crucial. Recent travelers say that this Samsill car registration holder is great for keeping all your important documents organized.

Roadside emergency kit

To give yourself peace of mind while you're on the road, travelers recommend this STDY car roadside emergency kit from Amazon. Equipped with a tire pressure gauge, a utility knife, safety gloves, cable ties, a tow rope, tire repair tools, a raincoat and more, this compact kit has everything you need when life throws you an unexpected curve ball.

Extra-large body wipes

Extra-large body wipes from Busy Co make it easy to wash up when you can't take a shower. Cloths are suitable for dry, oily and combination skin types, and address a variety of skincare needs, including clarifying, toning, soothing and nourishing. Recent customers appreciated the large size of the wipes and said using them made them feel refreshed while traveling.

Lysol wipes

Disinfecting Lysol wipes are a must-have on your travel packing list. These cleaning wipes kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, so you can feel protected while on the road.

Disposable toilet seat covers

Disposable toilet seat covers from Amazon will help you avoid germs and stay clean when you stop for restroom breaks at gas stations, port-a-potties and campgrounds.

First-aid kit

A comprehensive first-aid kit can't be overlooked when packing up the car for your next road trip. Recent customers say this 298-piece kit from Amazon will get you the most bang for your buck, with bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze, Band-Aids, pain reliever and much more. Although this will arm you with the basics of what you may need in a medical emergency, it's always a good idea to personalize your kit according to your needs.

Nausea Relief

Long hours in the car might sound daunting to anyone prone to motion sickness. In those cases, having preventative nausea medicine like Dramamine can be a lifesaver. If you prefer a drug-free alternative, Sea-Bands are anti-nausea wristbands that use acupuncture as a natural remedy to reduce motion sickness. Travelers say these bands are highly effective at reducing nausea.

Hand sanitizer

From gas pumps to ATMs, you never know what germs you may encounter on a road trip. Protect yourself against viruses like the cold and flu by adding a travel-size hand sanitizer to your road trip packing list and keeping it in the car during your trip.

If you'll be spending long hours in the car, it's important to remember to wear sunscreen. Sun Bum's SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray is broad spectrum, moisturizing and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. And if you'll be heading for the ocean on your trip, make sure you pack a reef-safe sunscreen like this one from Reef Repair to protect marine life and coral reefs from harmful chemicals. Although some customers reported a white cast upon application (due to the zinc oxide), many reviewers thought the trade-off was worth it to maintain healthy ocean environments.

Toiletry bag

This chic Sonia Kashuk Weekender Makeup Bag features two zipper compartments, a center organizer and carrying handles that make it perfect for transport. Customers particularly love that the bag is compact without sacrificing storage space. For durable, leak-proof travel bottles, check out this Getaway Travel Kit from Ban.do . It comes with four pearlescent bottles, two jars, a spatula, a funnel and a zippered pouch for storage. Plus, it includes a fun set of sticker labels so you can organize your toiletries in style.

[Read:  The Top Travel Toiletry Bags .]

Sitting in the car for hours can be painfully boring at times, but there are plenty of ways you can enjoy your time while road tripping. With the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite , you have access to thousands of books at your fingertips. The device boasts up to 10 weeks of battery life, adjustable warm light and a glare-free display, which recent reviewers said made marathon reading sessions a breeze. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids , which offers a special font for children with dyslexia and comes with a two-year warranty.

Carefully curated Spotify playlist

Whether you prefer jamming out to tunes or listening to thought-provoking podcasts, having a Spotify playlist ready to go before you get on the road is a must. Take some time before your trip to curate a playlist or two so you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands off your phone while road tripping.

Audible subscription

Long drives call for catching up on all those books you've been saying you were going to read this year. With an Audible subscription, you can make the most out of traffic jams by enjoying some words by your favorite authors.

Choose a reliable duffel bag like the Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel for your next road trip. This bag is water-resistant, strength-bearing and perfect for when you need your luggage to fit in a small space. It also comes with lockable zippers and can be worn as a backpack or carried as a tote, a top feature according to recent reviewers. And if you're planning on hiking during your trip, travelers say the Daylite Duffel 30 from Osprey can fit everything you need with room to spare. This bag can be worn comfortably all day long and comes with a mesh water bottle pocket and functional harness straps.

[Read: The Top Rolling Duffel Bags .]

This YETI Hopper Soft Sided Backpack Cooler makes it easy to bring drinks anywhere without worrying about leaks. The cooler, which comes with a dryhide shell and a magnetic closure, can hold up to 18 cans (or 26 pounds of ice), and comes highly recommended by travelers thanks to its durable design. It's ideal for road trippers who plan to get out and explore, and need to stay hydrated or keep food fresh.

Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Save some space inside your vehicle by opting for a car roof cargo carrier. With an anti-slip mat and reinforced adjustable straps, the waterproof FIVKLEMNZ 15 Cubic Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier from Amazon is suitable for any car type. Recent customers say that they had no problem getting it to stay in place even on high-speed roads.

Car organizer

A car seatback organizer lets you arrange road trip essentials on the back of the driver's or passenger's side seat, where they're within reach of small hands. Many buyers said this seatback organizer from Amazon.com took some of the stress out of traveling with kids, thanks to its multipurpose storage compartments, including a place for a tablet and plenty of other spots to store key items for your trip. You can also maximize your space by stashing your essentials in a trunk organizer. This one from Drive Auto comes with multiple storage compartments, waterproof lining and tie-down straps to keep items in place while you're driving.

Car trash can

There's no doubt about it – road trips can generate a lot of trash. Keep your car clean on your next adventure with this Hotor car trash can from Amazon. Complete with an adjustable strap, mesh side panels for storage and a leak-proof interior lining, this useful accessory comes highly recommended by travelers who find themselves frequently on the road.

Reusable bags

Whether you're stopping for snacks at a gas station or running into the grocery store for those last-minute essentials, a reusable bag is an easy way to reduce your plastic consumption. Recent reviewers said these versatile and water-resistant reusable bags can even be used as laundry bags, garbage bags or beach bags in a pinch.

Electric car blankets

Electric car blankets allow you to stay warm on the road no matter the temperature outside. This Stalwart electric car blanket takes up very little space, is surprisingly lightweight and plugs into any vehicle with a 96-inch-long cord. While some travelers noted that this blanket alone won't be enough to keep you warm in extremely cold weather, many say it was a welcome addition nonetheless.

SleepPhones soft headband headphones let you enjoy the open road while listening to music, audiobooks, meditation, white noise or talk radio. These headphones are expertly padded, which reviewers say makes them more comfortable for long-term wear than earbuds. You can buy the classic version or a wireless version at SleepPhones.com.

Travel pillow

Pick up an ergonomic travel pillow from Cabeau if you need extra neck and shoulder support when you ride in the passenger seat. The pillow features supportive memory foam, a front clasp to ensure it stays put and a removable cover that you can wash. Recent customers also loved that the pillow comes with straps that can be attached to any headrest, making sure you don't fall forward while catching some shut-eye. For kids, this Cloudz plush animal neck pillow comes in a variety of colorful animal options, such as a unicorn, a ladybug, a dinosaur and more.

[Read:  The Top Travel Neck Pillows .]

A battery-operated mini fan from SkyGenius can help you stay cool and comfortable. This fan comes with a rechargeable and replaceable battery, and is ideal for the car and for camping. For even more cooling capacity, opt for a fan with dual heads like the XOOL Electric Car Fan from Amazon. Both mini fans earn glowing reviews from travelers thanks to their powerful airflow capabilities.

Shield your eyes from the sun by picking up a good pair of sunglasses before your trip. Choose sunglasses that protect against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, and are polarized to block glare. Travelers love that these Ray-Ban Aviator Classic sunglasses come in a variety of tints and can even be customized to fit your needs. For a more budget-friendly option, check out these SUNGAIT Ultra Lightweight Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses from Amazon, which recent customers say are very comfortable and perfect for road tripping.

Window shade

The sun beating down on your car all day can heat it up quickly. To keep your car cool, travelers recommend the EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade , which protects your vehicle from UV rays and helps maintain your car's interior temperature at a comfortable level. Pair it with these car window shades to protect your backseat drivers from UVA and UVB rays while you're on the road. The shades come in two different sizes and transparency levels, and previous buyers say they are very easy to install.

Travel towel

A travel towel is one of the most versatile accessories you can bring on a road trip. Whether you are cleaning up a spill or want to go for an impromptu beach day, having a spare towel on hand is always a good idea. This odor-resistant and quick-drying 4Monster travel towel from Amazon comes in several sizes and includes a compact EVA box, which recent reviewers say makes it perfect for travel.

Reusable water bottles

Skip the plastic bottles and opt for a high-quality reusable water bottle on your next trip. This 40-ounce bottle from Hydro Flask keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for a full day. It also comes with a lid with a built-in straw, which consumers say makes it convenient for driving. For kids, a durable water bottle like this 12-ounce YETI rambler fits the bill – its stainless steel bottle is dishwasher safe and shatter-resistant, a feature that parents love.

Cubcoats are two-in-one stuffed animals that transform into hoodies. Your child's furry friend (think bunnies, sloths and puppies) doubles as a soft, zip-up sweatshirt, and you get to save some space in your suitcase.

Inflatable car booster seat

If you're flying to another destination to pick up a rental car for your road trip, consider bringing inflatable car booster seats along. This BubbleBum backless inflatable booster is suitable for kids 4 to 11, and comes with a seat belt positioning clip for optimal comfort and safety. Recent buyers said it was portable and extremely easy to use.

Kids travel journal

A kids travel journal makes it easy for your child to document their road trip and all the fun things they see and do. This one from Peter Pauper Press includes world maps, puzzles, fun facts and more, and many parents said it made their kids' time in the car fly by.

Activity books

A family road trip means long hours in the car, and bored children are every parent's worst nightmare. Activity books can keep your kids occupied for long periods of time while you catch up on some much-needed quiet time.

Backseat travel tray for kids

If your co-pilot is constantly turning around to pick up toys or pass out snacks, a backseat travel tray is in order. The LUSSO Gear Kids Travel Tray comes with a safety strap that can be secured to any car seat, and includes a dry erase board table, a cup holder, a storage compartment for toys and a no-drop tablet viewing stand. Reviewers loved the tray's whiteboard area and said it was a great way to keep kids entertained on long car rides.

Shop in bulk

Check out Boxed.com for specially curated bulk items that are perfect for road trips and other types of travel. From sunscreen, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to Fruit Roll-Ups and snack-size packs of Pringles, Boxed.com is a convenient site to order bulk hygiene and snack items in one place.

Bring spare cash

Debit cards, credit cards and mobile phone payments may be the way of the world nowadays, but you may still run into a few places on your journey that are cash-only (for example, some national and state park entrance fees must be paid in cash). Be on the safe side by keeping some spare cash on hand in case of emergencies.

Save on gas

It's no secret that sky-high gas prices can put a damper on your vacation. Save some money on fuel by using apps like GasBuddy , which will show you the cheapest gas prices in your area. Go the extra mile by signing up for a gas rewards credit card to get the most bang for your buck.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Travel Backpacks
• The Top Sleeping Bags
• The Top East Coast Road Trips
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies
• The Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies

Tags: Travel , Vacations , cars , Road Trips , Travel Gear

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• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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Consider the road trip

Airports are a nightmare. What about driving instead?

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The theory of relativity is felt most strongly in a vehicle. A broken AC, busted speakers, or your brother-in-law’s stories from his frat days can make the miles pass so slowly, you wonder if the universe needs a change of battery. Yet, sitting shotgun with the love of your life with a perfect windows-down breeze, it feels like you could drive for days.

There’s only so much you can control inside a car, and how much you prepare will make all the difference in how your ride feels. So if you’re planning a long car trip and the road ahead feels daunting, we’ve gathered some tips from experts to help. I personally became an expert last year, by surviving, nay, thriving, on a 10-day trip moving from one corner of the country to the other.

Here’s how you can put more joy into travel on the open road.

Why the car?

The open road has become the shinier option again as airports around the country descend into madness. The shortage of 32,000 commercial pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers is estimated to cause issues for the next 10 years.

Even if you avoid the long security lines and the nearly one out of every four flights that are delayed, you’re packed tight with The Others, unable to move your elbows without having to apologize. Of course a plane is faster than a car, but if you factor in the 90-minute arrival window, drive to the airport, luggage wait time, and driving to your destination, it may be closer in duration than you might initially think.

In your own car, there’s a looser limit on what you can pack, and you can take more than a three-day supply of shampoo. Plus, driving yourself can save you the trouble of needing to book a rental car for your destination.

In a survey by United Tires , almost nine out of 10 people said road trips are “one of the best ways for families to bond.” Or kill each other. Let’s help you make it the first one.

Primp and prep your ride

“Do we need seat cushions?” I texted my best friend.

“No,” she responded so quickly that I was sure she knew my Amazon cart was full of anxiety purchases. She would soon fly to Seattle to drive with me and all my worldly possessions 2,993 miles to Florida, across the street from her house, where I was moving. I was determined to make sure that the 43 hours we would spend in the car together would not be a stress test of our friendship.

I was in disaster-prevention mode. How could we keep the vibe high?

I tried to think of anything that could be mildly annoying. My first thought was the sun. For this, I got two sets of sun shades, and they were the MVP of the trip. The first set expanded on wire rims and stuck to the glass, and were see-through. They gave us shade, but didn’t black out the outside world entirely.

The second set came in the shape of each window of the vehicle, and used magnets to stick to the frame, providing a complete opaque box. This made security easier, with no one being able to see in the car. It also made it into a dressing room when needed.

I purchased seat belt covers , so that in our summer tank tops, we didn’t have rough straps digging into our collarbones. Even to this day, when people get in my car, they feel them and say “Ooh.”

I probably didn’t need the padded steering wheel cover , but you know what, that breathable microfiber was a lifesaver on my sweaty hands driving at noon in the Nebraska sun.

The glove compartment had reading material, wipes, and napkins. I made sure a cooler was accessible, and to keep things exciting, I brought bougie treats to ration out across the journey, from smoked salmon to a ginger dark chocolate bar. We packed reusable plastic plates and bamboo cutlery to reduce waste.

I also organized the hell out of the car. I have one of those deep center consoles, and I put mini Tupperware in there to separate and store coins, cords, and various sauce packets I’ve collected, a habit I became more serious about since I heard about that man trapped in his snowed-in vehicle who survived five days on Taco Bell hot sauce . My best friend mocked this sauce container, until she got a gas station sandwich on the very last day that, lo and behold, lacked both mayo and mustard, two mainstays stocked in the sauce container.

Safety first

If you’re handy, you can check out your car yourself. Look at the brakes, tires, and fluids. But if you’re anything like me, you should get a professional thumbs up.

“If you’re maintaining your car properly, you may not need to take it to a mechanic or a technician to have them take a look at it,” said David Bennett of AAA, an ASE master certified technician with more than 35 years in the industry. Be sure to head to the mechanic shop well in advance of your road trip — don’t take your car in the week of or day before your trip. “If something’s wrong, and they have to order a part, you want to give them time to be able to do that,” Bennett said.

AAA’s emergency kit list includes a flashlight and extra batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for both people and pets, car battery booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves, and shop rags or paper towels. May I also recommend peanut M&Ms?

Bennett also suggests bringing a blanket or towel to lie down on in case you need to look under the car, and gloves in case things get messy (or in case the chocolate melts).

Other safety tips include a paper map, because you never know when GPS can fail. And also, please, get a phone holder that actually holds the phone. Not the one you bought off Instagram with a suction cup that couldn’t hold a pouf to a shower tile. Who wants to spend time searching the floor of the passenger side for your iPhone? It’s as annoying as it is unsafe.

Speaking of emergencies, let’s talk music. Download your playlists in advance so you don’t lose your flow. I have a playlist called “ Belting ,” which is my favorite list to sing, and you may create more harmony in the car if you use Spotify’s Blend feature, which creates playlists that pull from each person’s taste.

It’s a great idea to discuss the entertainment ahead of time. If you run out of things to talk about, you might have lined up a podcast you both want to check out. If you’re not lucky enough to be traveling with someone you’re particularly close to, it might be a good idea to fill the air with an audiobook.

“If you’re traveling with a friend, have them bring their favorite album, or their favorite mix or whatever,” said Bennett, “and see if maybe you’ll learn something new.”

Plan for the what-ifs

While you’re out there on the open road, you still have to think about being prepared.

“I would not let your gas tank fall below a quarter of a tank at any point in time,” Bennett said. “Because you never know when you could get stuck. We’ve seen it in wintertime. We’ve seen it in summertime.”

It’s only when people are stuck for hours that they usually remember that gas is their entire power source on the road. You need gas for heating and for cooling, as well as the radio and even to charge your phone.

He also suggested packing a cooler with drinks and food, evoking the 2022 I-95 shutdown in Virginia that had some people locked in their vehicles overnight.

“Plan ahead for the what-ifs,” he said.

Aside from entertainment, it’s good to come with at least a loose route and stopping plan. The king of the road trip apps in my opinion is Roadtrippers , which allows you to create a trip and search along the route for everything from places to camp to restaurants to mechanics. You can add stops to your trip, and get automatic estimated drive time and gas cost. You can add collaborators to share the trip, so that your passenger has a way to find out how much time you have left without interrupting your high notes during “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Roadtrippers has the option to get offline maps, but it’s still a good idea to bring a printed map for any location you’re planning to drive through.

Who are you wearing?

“It’s all about the clothing,” said Brandon Schultz, contributor to Fodor’s Best Road Trips in the USA . “With so much time spent sitting in a small space, you’ve got to be comfortable.”

He suggests loose-fitting clothes, and long sleeves and pants whenever possible to keep you warmer when it’s cold outside, but also keep you comfortable if the air conditioner is on in summer. He also mentioned that the extra padding with layered clothing helps pad your joints when jostling with the car doors, consoles, and each other.

But it’s also important to not overpack.

“I’m a chronic overpacker, so I know it’s not easy, but you will spend a lot of time cooped up in a vehicle, wishing for more space,” said Schultz. “Luggage, entertainment, snacks — it all eats up the little room you already have, so bring less and thank yourself later.”

Consider your personal security

Kay Kingsman, who writes The Awkward Traveller , started road tripping as an Army brat, making drives like Alabama to California with every move.

She loves the freedom of the road, the fact that you can be spontaneous, turning down any side road you want. But, as a Black woman, she also must consider her safety. Many cities have Black Facebook groups that she uses as a resource for road tripping.

“If I’m driving somewhere I’ve never been, I will post in that group asking if there’s any particular spots or towns along the drive that I should avoid stopping through (aka sundown-esque towns ) just for an added bit of reassurance in my drive from people in the area,” she said. It’s a sad reality, but drivers should always consider the safety of their route, surroundings, and destination.

Kingsman keeps a taser and pepper spray in her car just in case. And once, when she was followed for about an hour, even off an exit and into a parking lot, she was glad to have her dashcam.

If she’s traveling alone, she plans ahead so that she won’t have to stop for gas in the dark. With this, she travels by herself quite a bit, recently completing two months driving around 14 states in the southeastern US. “I usually do at least one good road trip a year,” she said, “if not more.”

Lessons from 10 days on the road

It helps to vary the style of travel from day to day. My best friend and I drove two long days, including one of 12 hours on the road, in order to make it for Tedeschi Trucks at Red Rocks. Then we rested for two days. We stayed with friends, and we stayed in a nice hotel. The trip felt like a flight of beer, but for cities. A taste of Park City, a sip of Nashville.

Make time for silliness. We pulled over for the world’s largest Czech egg , and we were not disappointed. Communicate about the goals for reaching the location and how much temporal padding to have; enough so that you can dally, but not so much that you stress out your co-pilots.

And with all the prep, the drive turned from a chore to an adventure, the miles under our tires practically the best part.

Paulette Perhach is a freelance writer and writing coach covering creativity, personal finance, business, life design, and travel.

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Road Trip Essentials to Pack for a Long Drive

By Karthika Gupta and Madison Flager

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There is certainly something to be said about the magic of an open road no matter where in the world you are. Near or far, long or short, road trips offer a sense of freedom and adventure and are often the most satisfying of journeys. While technically you just need keys, a driver's license, and a set of wheels, these road trip essentials—from the best car organizer to comfortable shoes and coffee kits to keep you caffeinated on the go—will make your journey that much more enjoyable, whether you're heading to a national park , cruising along Route 66 , or taking in fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway .

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Organization and luggage

No matter how big or small your vehicle is, being organized is key to maintaining your sanity as you travel, especially during a long road trip, or one with kiddos in the back seat.

The Duluth Trading Seat Back Bunker neatly organizes all your essentials, from road trip games, snacks, and Kindles to emergency preparedness kits, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, repair tools, and more. It has three tiers of storage including mesh pouches, see-through zippered pockets, and a full-width zip pocket. Collapsible aluminum poles provide a strong-yet-lightweight framework and keep the organizer secure as you drive.

A good duffel bag is worth its weight in gold, especially on road trips where space may be limited, depending on the vehicle and the number of passengers. Filson’s versatile, lightweight bag pulls double-duty as a duffel or a backpack for hands-free carry. The zippered lid is U-shaped so you'll have easy access to its contents. It has one exterior zippered pocket with an internal zip pocket to keep small gear and accessories like keys or a wallet easily accessible. The other nylon-coated pocket expands into the main compartment to keep shoes or wet or muddy gear separated from the rest of your load.

If a roller bag is more your choice of luggage, Yeti’s Crossroads 22-inch suitcase is perfect for road trips. It is made with rugged nylon material that can take any adventure thrown its way. It has removable modular compression straps that can be used internally to pack down gear or externally to compress the luggage overall, making it fit neatly in small spaces like car trunks or overhead car racks.

Packing cubes are just as helpful in keeping your backseat or trunk organized as they are your suitcase. Get a few different sizes with this Paravel quad, and assign each one a different purpose to store supplies, tech accessories, bug spray and sunscreen, toiletries, or anything else you don’t want rolling around. 

Tech and roadside emergency

Whether you are driving cross-country or just across the state line, there are certain tools, gadgets, and tech items that are absolutely required to make sure you get where you are going safely and on time, whether you're in your own wheels or a rental car .

Rule number one of any road trip is to always be prepared for any emergency that could happen and derail even the most well-prepared travel plans. The Always Prepared Roadside Emergency Kit will ease your mind when it comes to any potential car troubles. It contains more than 100 useful (and neatly organized) items, including jumper cables, a reflective safety vest and warning triangle to keep you safer if you have to pull over at night, a self-powered flashlight, two light sticks, an emergency rain poncho and mylar blanket, a full first-aid kit, a tire pressure gauge, and more. If there's one thing you add to your road trip packing list, make it this kit.

For something a little smaller and more compact, Leatherman’s Free P4 multi-tool is perfect for all the little things that need to be fixed. With over 20 tools all packed into one, the Free P4 is a must have for any road trip. Whether it’s used to replace a dim headlight, fix a broken antenna, or even cut open a snack packet without having everything spill onto the seat, the P4 rises to the challenge.

Whether you’re embarking on a solo road trip or have a travel companion who’d rather not dictate directions, a phone mount is a key road trip packing list item that makes it easier to keep an eye on your route safely. And since doing so can quickly drain your battery, we recommend one that doubles as a phone charger (this one has two USB charging ports, so you can charge it and other devices simultaneously). This one has an adjustable width to fit most cell phones, and a flexible gooseneck to angle it however you prefer.

In the interest of safety, you may want a dash cam in your car, should you get into an accident or pulled over. This one records clear, crisp video that syncs to your phone through the Nextbase app, allows for voice control commands thanks to connected Alexa technology, and offers a unique Emergency SOS service, which detects serious collisions and alerts emergency services of your location if you are unresponsive. You'll need to buy a Nextbase U3 microSD card to use with it, and use the included charger to keep it juiced up. The camera records continuously when it is plugged in and the car is on, and has an optional intelligent parking mode that automatically records any bump or physical movement on the vehicle when left unattended using the camera's internal battery.

If you're driving more than a few hours and have a car full of fellow travelers, keep a  headphone  splitter in the glove compartment. This one has five jacks, which means everyone can pull up a movie, music, podcast, or an audiobook on the same device—and when you're tired of the road trip playlist , you don't have to hear a thing.

Comfort and seating

Long hours of sitting upright can do a number on your back. Do yourself a favor and add a seat cushion or some lumbar support to your car setup. Plus, a few more creature comforts you might want to have on hand.

Just as handy for sitting on an uncomfortable dining room chair  while working from home  as it is on long car rides, this gridded seat cushion will make sitting for extended periods of time comfier—plus the design leaves room for air circulation. It comes with a zippered case for easy transport, too. The Simple cushion should be plenty for your average road trip, but if you’re heading cross-country or planning to make very few stops, pick up the more supportive  Ultimate cushion , designed specifically for truckers and long-haul drives.

Several hours behind the wheel can leave your back feeling less than stellar. Strap one of these lumbar support shells around your seat to make your ride more comfortable: It cradles your back, helping to improve your posture and keep you from sinking into the seat, with the added bonus of a mesh fabric to keep your back cool.

If you’re not too tight on space, consider adding a compact, foldable chair to slide into your trunk. You never know when you'll find yourself in need of a dry, comfortable chair on the fly—be it for extra seating at a roadside picnic table or to enjoy a secluded viewpoint at sunset. REI’s Camp X chair is made of quick-dry mono-mesh and polyester material and comes with a carrying case and two cup holders for impromptu lunch breaks.

If you’re not the only driver in the car, you’ll be happy to have a  neck pillow  while napping during your off shifts. OstrichPillow makes all kinds of interesting contraptions to help you get some sleep wherever you are, but we like the memory foam, velcro-close OstrichPillow Go travel pillow best for car rides.

If you still have a Little Trees Black Ice hanging from your rearview mirror, it's about time you elevate your air freshener game. Pop this inconspicuous diffuser onto one of your car's vents to make the space smell just like a Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain candle. Another fresh-smelling option: this under-$20 essential oil diffuser , which  Traveler  editor Rebecca Misner is a fan of.

A lightweight towel comes in handy during any number of road trip situations: Use it for spontaneous swims, roadside picnics, or as a buffer between the hot leather seat and your legs in the car. This extra-smooth Turkish cotton towel is as absorbent as a standard bath towel but much more compact.

Clothing and accessories

When dressing for a road trip, you want clothing that is comfy, breathable, and works in various climates. Bonus points for pieces that are stylish, too.

We love a good pair of compression socks for long travel days . And during pandemic-era road trips, when stops might be less frequent than usual, they work well at keeping the blood flowing and reducing swelling during long seated stretches in the car. Our favorite brand, Comrad, makes knee-high socks that come in 10 different colors and can be worn three to four times before washing, so you can throw 'em on more than once during multi-day trips.

No matter the excursion, Viev’s Gemma Mid Jacket is a great outer layer. It is lightweight and made with durable Gore-Tex fabric. Its design optimizes breathability to the torso and softness in the arms, back, and hood, making it extremely comfortable to wear even when you are driving. Plus, there are multiple pockets to securely store keys, a wallet, or phone, so your hands can rest comfortably in the outside pocket when you step out to take a break and stretch your legs at rest stops. The rain jacket's bonus is the storm hood brim, which maintains its shape when activated and lays flat when down without being overly rigid.

Along with a good pair of socks, a versatile boot that offers all-day comfort and durability is another must for long road trips. Red Wing Heritage boots are comfortable enough to keep on during long car rides and easy to pair with any outfit or climate, no matter where the road takes you. The Classic Moc is made with soft leather and a polyurethane traction tread outsole for faster break-in and comfort. Wear them in and out of the car, in all kinds of weather.

Drinks, snacks, and hydration

Another must on our list of road trip necessities: food and drinks. And while road travel is often synonymous with gas station coffee and oversized sodas, it doesn’t have to be so. There are plenty of healthy hydration options that change the relationship between road trips and caffeinated drinks.

You've got your insulated reusable water bottle , but if you want to keep your coffee hot, you're going to need a reusable thermos. Zojirushi’s stainless steel travel mug keeps hot drinks warm for up to six hours, and it has a slim design that allows it to easily fit in your car's cup holder. (And if you need to throw it in your bag, it won't leak either.)

The Pakt Travel Mug is in the running for perfect travel mug, too: It is a leak-proof vacuum-insulated double-walled mug that keeps beverages securely sealed and the perfect temperature (8 hours for hot and 24 hours for cold), making it an ideal travel companion. Plus it is sized to fit into most any cup holder.

If you are tired of terrible coffee on the go, the Pakt Coffee Kit has everything you need to make quality coffee in one sleek, portable package. All you need is water and electricity, so you can use this with an adaptor in your car’s charge port, at a rest stop, or at your accommodation. The pour over kit comes with an electric kettle, travel mug and lid, coffee grounds container, and collapsible stainless-steel dripper that packs down into a compact carrying case. All you need is to bring your favorite beans .

It is crucial to stay hydrated on the road, especially when you’re sitting still for hours at a time. Nuun offers a potent blend of electrolytes, vitamins, and botanicals that help with blood flow and support everyday health. The drink tablets are fizzy, tasty, and loaded with electrolytes that keep you healthy and hydrated. Plus, they are certified vegan and gluten-free and have a net-zero carbon emission footprint—good for you and for the environment.

Ritual coffee, based out of San Francisco , sources sweet, clean, single-origin coffees that are simply delicious. They have an ever-changing seasonal espresso blend, the best decaf around, and a single serve instant coffee mix for those times when the cup of gas station coffee just won’t do.

For something to carry, store, and keep all your drink options cool on your next road trip: the soft-shell Yeti Hooper Flip 12 cooler tote. It is leakproof with a wide mouth opening that makes it easy to access food and drinks. It even has a hitch point grid on its sides to help attach it to other gear for more compact packing options in the car.

While most of our favorite  road trip snacks  come in pre-packaged containers, for anything fresh or homemade (like trail mix, sliced fruit, or overnight oats), we turn to containers like S’well’s spill-resistant snack bowls. For those embarking on family road trips, there are plenty of kid-friendly patterns , decorated with Disney characters, dogs, pretzels, and more, all of which have a pull-out handle. For adults, there are  neutral colors like teak wood and marbled patterns available in 16- and 21-ounce sizes.

Best Road Trip Cars in 2023

Get ready to hit the road for vacations and holidays in a car that's fuel efficient, reliable and comfortable. We found the best road trip cars for any adventure.

Kia Motors America |

Looking for Adventure? Head Out on the Highway!

People have a lot of pent-up travel lust after years of pandemic restrictions and uncertainty. Air travel in particular has seen a huge rise this summer, with the busiest day in the industry's history occurring in June. Rather than fight those busy flights, hit the road in a new vehicle that can fit all your luggage and maybe even help you keep your cool.

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No single car is the perfect road trip vehicle for everyone, but great road trip cars have some features in common. We looked for vehicles that have good gas mileage for fewer stops at gas stations, enough USB ports to keep everyone's devices charged up and comfortable seats in all rows. Driver assistance features are important too, as they can help reduce fatigue during long days on the road.

When new information becomes available, we update our reviews, so the information in these slides might not match the reviews exactly.

Let's take a look at the best road trip cars so we can – finally – get out of town.

Hyundai Motor America |

2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

$31,350 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is among the best in its class. Its long list of features was refreshed for the new model year, and it was a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for the Money and Best Hybrid SUV for Families awards. The regular hybrid is the best for road tripping, with up to 38 mpg on the highway. The available plug-in hybrid shines brightest when you can take full advantage of its 33 miles of electric-only power around town.

Inside, there's tons of room for adults in both rows of seating and a huge cargo area. An 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay , wireless Android Auto , four USB ports and wireless device charging come standard.

More on the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

• See 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid »
• Read the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid Full Review  »
• See Hybrid SUV Rankings  »

Volkswagen of America, Inc. |

2023 Volkswagen Atlas

$34,460 | usn overall score: 8.0/10.

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas has enough room to bring along everybody and all their gear. It's available with two or three rows of seating, and even the optional third row has enough room for shorter adults or squirmy kids. It has more cargo space behind the third row than most in its class. A 6.5-inch touch screen and smartphone compatibility come standard.

Despite being a 3-row SUV, the Atlas is easy to maneuver, even when you leave the highway for city streets. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly configured if you plan to bring a small camper or want to tow some toys for your vacation.

More on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas

• See 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas »
• Read the 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Full Review  »
• See Midsize SUV Rankings  »

Ford Motor Company |

2023 Lincoln Navigator

$77,635 | usn overall score: 8.8/10.

Wherever your road trip takes you, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator will make sure you arrive in comfort and style. It's one of the best luxury large SUVs, with a well-built and high-quality interior. Standard features include a 13.2-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and five USB ports.

Every seat in all three rows is comfortable, and the available L model adds extra space to an already roomy cargo area. And though it is large, the Navigator turns in decent fuel economy estimates for its class, with up to 23 mpg on the highway. Standard safety features like lane-keep assist can help reduce driver fatigue too.

More on the 2023 Lincoln Navigator

• See 2023 Lincoln Navigator Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Lincoln Navigator »
• Read the 2023 Lincoln Navigator Full Review  »
• See Luxury Large SUV Rankings  »

General Motors |

2023 Chevrolet Suburban

$57,200 | overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2023 Chevrolet Suburban is the classic family road trip SUV. It's huge, with more cargo space than almost any SUV out there. It can be configured to seat up to nine people (though it's a tight fit). With seven or eight seats, even the third row provides enough legroom for adults. The interior is sturdy enough for epic journeys, and it comes with an 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and six USB ports.

Depending on how you configure it, the Suburban can tow up to 8,300 pounds, enough for the average camper. It also comes with driver-assistance features like lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking.

More on the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban

• See 2023 Chevrolet Suburban Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban »
• Read the 2023 Chevrolet Suburban Full Review  »
• See Large SUV Rankings  »

2023 Genesis G90

$88,400 | usn overall score: 9.3/10.

The 2023 Genesis G90 was completely redesigned this year, and it added an optional mild-hybrid powertrain that improves acceleration when passing on the highway. The available air suspension makes long drives a dream, and the long list of standard safety features-including adaptive cruise control-eases the tedium of driving.

The Nappa leather interior wraps the road tripper in luxury, and both rows of seating are comfortable for adults. The trunk is large enough for several suitcases, and it opens automatically as you approach. The G90 also has one of the longest warranties in the business.

More on the 2023 Genesis G90

• See 2023 Genesis G90 Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Genesis G90 »
• Read the 2023 Genesis G90 Full Review  »
• See Luxury Large Car Rankings  »

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. |

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

$30,725 | usn overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid takes everything that has made this compact SUV popular over the years, like a comfortable ride and plenty of standard high-tech features, and added a fuel-efficient and quick-accelerating hybrid powertrain. It can get up to 41 mpg on the highway, which helps cut road trip costs. It was also a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for the Money award.

The interior is solidly built, and both rows of seating are comfy. There's also great visibility for everyone, so games of "I Spy" may get competitive. An 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone compatibility and a Wi-Fi hotspot come standard. Adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition (both standard) help you when driving in unfamiliar locations.

More on the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

• See 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid »
• Read the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Full Review  »

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. |

2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

$32,950 | usn overall score: 8.3/10.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is a more fuel-efficient version of the popular compact SUV, with up to 43 mpg on the highway. It's been completely redesigned this year, with more standard tech features and an improved infotainment system. A 7-inch touch screen, smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and four USB ports come standard.

The seats are comfy in both rows, with room for adults to stretch out even on road trips. The rear seats recline, so whoever is off driving duty can take a nap. Standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist help reduce the fatigue that can come with hours of driving.

More on the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

• See 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid »
• Read the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid Full Review  »

2024 Kia Carnival

$33,200 | overall score: 8.5/10.

The 2024 Kia Carnival basically begs you to get the show on the road, and it comes standard with several advanced safety features, including driver-attention monitoring.

The interior is upholstered with easy-to-clean materials, and all three rows have enough room for adults, though the third row is short on headroom. It also has lots of cargo space, even with all three rows in use. An 8-inch touch screen, smartphone compatibility and seven USB ports come standard.

More on the 2024 Kia Carnival

• See 2024 Kia Carnival Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2024 Kia Carnival »
• Read the 2024 Kia Carnival Full Review  »
• See Minivan Rankings  »

Stellantis |

2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

$50,795 | usn overall score: 8.6/10.

The 2023 Chrysler Pacific Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid, so when you reach your destination and charge up, you can drive about 32 miles on electric power alone. Under electric power, this Chrysler gets 82 MPG-equivalent, and gasoline-only driving returns up to 30 mpg on the highway. These are great numbers for a minivan.

There's also a ton of tech included, like a 10.1-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and Amazon Alexa compatibility. All three rows of seating have lots of head- and legroom, and there's plenty of storage space. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking camera system.

More on the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

• See 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid »
• Read the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Full Review  »

2023 Ram 1500

$31,270 | usn overall score: 9.0/10.

If your road trip plan involves a camper or boat, you'll want to look into the 2023 Ram 1500 . When properly equipped, it can tow up to 12,750 pounds. As with most pickups, you can configure the 1500 in whatever way works for you.

There are a lot of options and body styles to choose from too, but they all have a spacious, high-quality interior. The availability of safety features and infotainment tech depends on the trim you choose and the options you select, so you can custom-build the road-tripping pickup of your dreams – or the one that fits your budget.

More on the 2023 Ram 1500

• See 2023 Ram 1500 Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Ram 1500 »
• Read the 2023 Ram 1500 Full Review  »
• See Full Size Pickup Truck Rankings  »

2023 Honda Civic

$23,750 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

Your road-trip car is probably also your go-to-work-every-day car. The 2023 Honda Civic ably handles both roles. It's one of the best compact cars in its class, and we named it the Best Compact Car for the Money as well as one of the Best Cars for Teens . All of its scores are high, especially when it comes to safety. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it the Top Safety Pick+ designation.

It's not just safe, it's also thrifty, with up to 42 mpg on the highway. A 7-inch touch screen and smartphone connectivity come standard. It also comes with adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition, which make driving in unfamiliar areas a bit easier.

More on the 2023 Honda Civic

• See 2023 Honda Civic Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Honda Civic »
• Read the 2023 Honda Civic Full Review  »
• See Compact Car Rankings  »

2023 Ford Mustang

$27,770 | usn overall score: 9.2/10.

Sometimes you want to live the American road trip dream in an impractical sports car. But guess what – the 2023 Ford Mustang is a rather practical sports car with one of the highest overall U.S. News scores. There are several available engines, but sticking with the base turbo-four means an estimated 32 mpg on the highway.

Living the American muscle car fantasy on the open road is best for two people, since the Mustang's rear seats are pretty small. Its standard infotainment system has a 4.2-inch display – not a touch screen – and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. But maybe most importantly, for purposes of the dream, the Mustang is available as a convertible.

More on the 2023 Ford Mustang

• See 2023 Ford Mustang Photos  »
• Find the best price on the 2023 Ford Mustang »
• Read the 2023 Ford Mustang Full Review  »
• See Sports Car Rankings  »

Road Trip Car Characteristics

Passenger space : People turn cranky when they aren't comfortable after hours on the road. There needs to be space for everyone to stretch out.

Cargo space : At the very minimum, you'll be bringing luggage along and maybe also camping gear or tubes for floating the river. Make sure there's space for your gear.

Fuel economy : Stopping for gas on a road trip can get expensive. Fuel efficiency, particularly from hybrid powertrains, can ease the pain of stopping at the pump.

Infotainment : An AM/FM radio is no longer sufficient for most people. An infotainment system that's easy to use while driving and can connect to smartphones is key.

Safety tech : Driving long distances causes fatigue, and fatigue causes accidents. Modern driver-assistance features can help you stay alert and in your lane.

Reliability : No one wants to be the car in the breakdown lane while on their road trip. A good predicted reliability score shows that a particular model has on average been a solid performer over time.

John M. Vincent | U.S. News & World Report

Road Trip Car FAQs

What is the best car for road trips.

The best car for road trips is the one that fits your budget and your needs, so there's no one vehicle that will work for everybody. That said, the 2023 Honda Civic is a strong pick. It provides comfort, features, safety and reliability, and all for one of the lowest price tags on this list.

What is the best SUV for road trips?

The 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid combines a long list of standard features with great fuel economy, and it has one of the most spacious interiors in its class.

What is the best luxury car for road trips?

The redesigned 2023 Genesis G90 will take you anywhere in comfort and style. Most of its best features are standard, including leather upholstery.

What is the most comfortable car for long trips?

On a list of very comfortable vehicles, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is probably the most comfortable, especially for back-seat passengers who can take advantage of those reclining seats. If comfort is your priority, take a look at our list of most comfortable cars for more options.

U.S. News and World Report |

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Plenty of families take road trips, so you might want to check out the winners of our 2023 Best Cars for Families awards too. Maybe you've been left stranded on an unfamiliar road by your former car and are looking for the most reliable cars available. If you know you need to bring along a lot of gear, see our roundup of compact SUVs with the most cargo space .

When you're ready to buy a new car, use our Best Price Program to pre-negotiate a great price with a local dealership. You can arrange for online buying and even vehicle delivery through the program.

U.S. News & World Report |

Best Cars for Road Trips

• 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid - $31,350 | Overall Score: 8.7/10
• 2023 Volkswagen Atlas - $34,460 | Overall Score: 8.0/10
• 2023 Lincoln Navigator - $77,635| Overall Score: 8.8/10
• 2023 Chevrolet Suburban - $57,200 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
• 2023 Genesis G90 - $88,400 | Overall Score: 9.3/10
• 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid - $31,225 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
• 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid - $32,950 | Overall Score: 8.3/10
• 2024 Kia Carnival - $33,200 | Overall Score: 8.5/10
• 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid - $50,795 | Overall Score: 8.6/10
• 2023 Ram 1500 - $31,270 | Overall Score: 9.0/10
• 2023 Honda Civic - $23,750 | Overall Score: 8.7/10
• 2023 Ford Mustang - $27,770 | Overall Score: 9.2/10

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

How to Road Trip Across the United States on a Budget

The Great American Road Trip is a rite of passage in the United States . We Americans have a unique fascination with the open road. It’s built into our cultural DNA. In Jazz Age America, the car was a symbol of freedom — a chance to escape your small town and the watchful eyes of parents.

As the highway system was developed in the 1950s, a wave of kids set out on the road to explore the country, giving new life to America’s car and road trip culture. Today, many still dream of getting in a car and driving into wide open spaces for months on end.

I’ve had the privilege of taking several multi-week and multi-month road trips around the country over the years. From traveling the Deep South to criss-crossing the country coast to coast , I’ve visited almost every state, exploring the myriad nooks and crannies of Uncle Sam’s backyard.

One thing is for certain, in diversity and scale, the United States is virtually unrivaled.

But this isn’t a post about fawning over America and its landscapes ( this post is ). This article is about how you can travel around the US on a budget.

Because, as it turns out, this country is surprisingly easy to travel on the cheap.

While rising gas prices and rental car price gouging post-COVID put a damper on things, it’s still easier than you think to have a budget-friendly road trip adventure around the USA.

In this post, I’ll explain how much I spent on one of my trips, how much you should expect to spend, and how you can save money on your next road trip.

Table of Contents

How Much Did My Cross-Country Road Trip Cost?

How to save money on your road trip, how to save on accommodation, how to save on food, how to save on sightseeing, how to save on transportation.

After 116 days traveling around the United States on this trip, I spent $6,262.67 USD, or $53.98 USD per day. While that is slightly higher than $50 USD a day, there were many parts of my budget I splurged on (see breakdown below) which skewed the number up. I definitely could have visited the country even cheaper if I didn’t have an addiction to Starbucks and sushi.

Here is how the numbers from my road trip break down:

• Accommodations: $1,036.36
• Food: $3,258.23
• Drinks: $438.94
• Gas: $696.98
• Parking: $253.00
• Starbucks: $75.26
• Miscellaneous (movies, toiletries, etc.): $170.00
• Attractions: $269.40
• Taxis: $41.00
• Bus: $17.50
• Subway: $6.00
• TOTAL : $6,262.67

Let’s break this down. First, my Starbucks addiction was unnecessary and added to my costs. Second, as a lover of sushi, trying various restaurants throughout my road trip drastically raised my food costs. Sushi, after all, is not cheap.

Moreover, I ate as if I wasn’t on a budget and rarely cooked, which is why my food expenses were so high relative to everything else. I would have definitely gone below $50 USD per day if I followed my own advice and cooked more often.

But, while I splurged in some places, three other things really helped me to keep expenses down: First, gas prices were low, averaging around $2.35 USD a gallon over the duration of my trip. (We’re going to discuss how to still do a road trip on a budget with high gas prices in the next section.)

Second, once you leave the big cities, prices for everything drop by nearly half so I spent a lot of time out of cities.

Third, I used Couchsurfing and cashed in hotel points to keep accommodation costs down. That helped a lot.

Overall, I didn’t do too bad and am happy with how much I spent. But is this how much you’ll spend, especially in the face of inflation and high gas prices? Let’s discuss that below.  

It’s no secret travel costs a lot lately and inflation and high gas prices have really made super cheap road trips hard if you’re not staying places for free but that doesn’t mean the road trip has to be super expensive.

With that in mind, here’s how to cut your accommodation, sightseeing, food, and transportation costs — all without cutting into your experience!  

1. Couchsurf — Couchsurfing is a service that allows you to stay with locals for free. Using this website (or similar ones) is the best way to lower accommodation costs, as you can’t get cheaper than free!

More than that, it’s a wonderful way to meet locals, get insider tips, and find off-the-beaten-track stuff to do in the area you’re visiting. While you’re generally expected to reciprocate your host’s kindness (cooking them a meal, taking them out for drinks or coffee, etc.), it’s still far cheaper than paying for a hotel or motel.

While the app has seen its community shrink in recent years, there are still plenty of hosts across the United States so you’ll rarely find problems finding someone to put you up.

Additionally, if you don’t feel comfortable staying with a stranger, you can use the app to meet people for drinks, coffee, activities, or anything else you want to do. That way, you can still meet a local and get their insider tips without having to stay with them. The app has all kinds of meet-ups and events too so be sure to check it out.

2. Airbnb — I only recommend using Airbnb in rural, out of the way places where hotels are limited. Avoid them as much as possible in other circumstances. Here is why we don’t really recommend them.

3. Budget hotels — There are a plethora of cheap roadside hotels such as Motel 6 and Super 8 that will help you stay cheap. Rooms start around $50 USD per night and are super basic and always look well worn. You’ll get a bed, bathroom, TV, tiny closet, and maybe a desk. They are nothing to write home about, but for a quiet place to sleep for a night, they do the trick.

And if you’re traveling with someone you should always say the room is for one person as these hotels charge you more for two people.

Also, make sure you sign up for Booking.com and Hotels.com loyalty programs. Hotels.com gives you a free room after 10 bookings, and Booking.com offers members 10% off bookings, as well as free upgrades and perks if you book multiple times after signing up. They definitely helped a lot.

Pro tip : Book through websites like Mr.Rebates or Rakuten . By using their links before going to Hotels.com or Booking, you’ll get 2-4% cash back in addition to the loyalty program deals.

4. Hotel points — Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. You can get upwards of 70,000 points as a sign-up bonus, which can translate into a week’s worth of accommodations.

The points came in handy in places where I couldn’t find an Airbnb, hostel, or Couchsurfing host. This saved my butt in big cities around the country. I was glad I had accrued so many hotel points before my trip.

To learn more about, check out these posts:

• The Best Hotel Credit Cards
• The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Best Travel Credit Card
• Points and Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• The Best Travel Credit Cards

5. Hostels — There aren’t many hostels in the United States, and most of them are overpriced. A dorm room typically costs around $30 a night, which means you can obtain a similar private room on Airbnb at the same price. If you are traveling with others, it’s often more economical to get a budget hotel than a bunch of dorm beds.

However, if you are traveling solo and want to meet others, the social benefits may outweigh the lack of value. There were just some times I didn’t want to be alone – I wanted to be around other travelers.

Some of the hostels I loved are:

• Samesun Venice Beach (LA)
• South Beach Hostel (Miami)
• India House (New Orleans)
• Jazz Hostels (NYC)
• ITH Adventure Hostel (San Diego)
• The Green Tortoise (San Francisco and Seattle).

For more hostel suggestions, here’s a list of my favorite hostels in the USA.

6. Camping — Dotted around the country — including around all the national parks — are inexpensive campsites. If you have a tent and camping gear, this is by far the cheapest way to travel. Campsites cost between $10-30 USD per night, which makes seeing the country incredibly affordable. Most campsites have basic amenities like running water, bathrooms, and the ability to upgrade to get electricity.

In addition to your standard campgrounds, check out the sharing economy website Campspace . It lets you pitch a tent on private properties all around the country for a small fee. Much like Airbnb, some plots are super basic and barebones while others are more luxurious, so be sure to poke around for a cheap place to stay as there are plots available all around the country.

It’s also legal to wild camp in national forests and on BLM land unless otherwise marked.

7. Sleep in your car — I know this isn’t glamorous but sleeping in your vehicle brings your accommodation costs down to zero. I know lots of travelers who did this to make their trip more affordable, some sleeping in their car just occasionally and others doing it every night. Chances are you won’t sleep well but you will save money, and that’s a fair trade to some people!

For those traveling in an RV, there are tons of free places to park and camp all around the country. Use iOverlander to find the best spots.  

To help you keep your food costs in check, here are a few quick tips:

1. Cook your own meals as often as possible – If you can bring a cooler in your vehicle, you can pack groceries instead of eating out all the time. And if you bring some containers, you can store leftovers in the car too, allowing you to cook larger meals at dinner that you can eat the next day for lunch.

2. Stay in accommodation with a kitchen – If you want to cook, you’ll need a kitchen. Prioritize accommodation like Couchsurfing, Airbnb, and hostels as those will typically provide kitchen access so you can cook your meals.

3. Shop cheap – Avoid the pricier grocery stores like Whole Foods when it comes to getting groceries and stick to budget places like Walmart. It’s not glamorous, but it will be cheap!

4. Find cheap restaurants – When you want to eat out but don’t want to break the bank, use Yelp, ask people on websites like Couchsurfing, or inquire at the desks at hostels for suggestions. Locals have the best tips and insights when it comes to where to eat so they can point you in the right direction. Simply cook, limit your eating out, and be happy!

1. Get a National Parks pass — For $80, you can purchase an annual National Parks and Federal Lands ‘America the Beautiful’ pass that provides access to all 63 national parks (as well as any other recreation areas administered by the National Park Service). In total, you can visit more than 2,000 federal recreation sites with the same pass. At $20-35 USD per visit, seeing five during your trip makes the pass a money saver. When you visit your first park, simply buy the pass and you’re good to go. There’s no need to order it in advance.

The U.S. national park system is amazing and really highlights the diversity of landscapes in the country. You can’t travel across the country without stopping at many of the national parks, especially as you get out west.

2. City tourism cards — City tourism cards allow you to see a large number of attractions (and often include free public transportation) for one price, usually $75-100 USD. They provide free access to museums, reduced access to attractions, and restaurant discounts. Be sure to look into them if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, as they generally will save you money. They can be purchased at tourism information centers or online before you go.

3. Free museums and events — Inquire at tourism centers, use Google, or ask hotel or hostel staff for information about free events and museums. Many museums offer occasional free or discounted admission throughout the week. There are always tons of free activities in any city in the United States.

4. Free walking tours and city greeter programs — Many cities in the US have free walking tours or city greeter programs that pair you with a local guide who can give you a brief tour. Whenever I visit a new city, I start my trip off with one of these tours. They show you the lay of the land, introduce you to the main sights, and give you access to an expert local guide that can answer all your questions.

Check in with the local tourism office when you arrive to see what programs and tours are available.

For greeter programs, you’ll need to sign-up in advance before your visit. It’s good to give about 2 weeks’ notice as they have to find someone to take you around. Google “(city name) greeter program” to find them as some are run independently of the city tourism board so might not be listed on their website.

Here are your options when it comes to traveling across the country:

1. Hitchhike — This isn’t something I did on my trip, as I had a car, but it’s very doable (and relatively safe). Here’s a post by my friend Matt who hitchhiked across the United States explaining how to do so and come out alive (don’t worry, it’s safer than you think)..

For more hitchhiking tips, use Hitchwiki .

2. Rideshare — Taking on riders can be a way to lower your costs. On my first trip across the U.S., I offered rides to people I met in hostels. On this trip, I had friends and readers join me along the way. You can post ads on Craigslist and Gumtree and at hostels to find riders. This not only makes the trip more enjoyable but lowers your gas costs. Or if you are a rider, you can use the same services to find rides to get you places.

3. Buy a car — If you don’t have a car or don’t want to rent one, you can buy cheap used cars from car dealers or owners on Craigslist. There are lots of listings, and you can resell the car at the end of your trip to recoup some of your initial purchase cost. While this is easy in other countries, it’s hard to do in the United States, so remember a couple of key points:

• You’ll need a US address for registration documents to get sent to. I would use a hostel or hotel address and then set up a forwarding address with the Post Office.
• You’ll have to buy car insurance, which can greatly add to the costs of your trip.

Another option is to use a car relocation service. This is when you take someone’s car and drive it across the country. You are usually paid, and gas is covered. The downside is you don’t often have a lot of leeway on timing, so you might not have much time to stop and sightsee along the way. Car relocation options are also usually limited. Two companies worth checking out are Transfercar and Hit the Road .

If you just want to rent a car, use Discover Cars .

4. Use gas apps & membership programs – Install GasBuddy , an app that finds the cheapest gas prices near you. It is a must. If you’re going on a longer road trip, sign up for the monthly program; it costs $9.99 but will save you up to 40 cents a gallon.

Also, sign up for every gas loyalty program you can, so as to maximize points and discounts. Moreover, if you get a brand’s credit card, your first 50 gallons usually come with 30 cents off per gallon.

You should also consider getting a Costco membership for cheap gas. They have around 574 stores around the US so you’ll be able to earn the cost of a membership back by saving money on both gas and food.

5. Download parking apps – Parking costs add up — especially in cities. Use apps like BestParking and Parker to find spots and compare prices.

6. Take the bus – If driving is entirely out of the question, you can find bus tickets for as little as $1 USD from Megabus. Greyhound and Flixbus also have cheap rides all around the US. Rides under five hours are usually around $20 USD if you book early, and overnight rides usually cost $50-100. You can save big if you book in advance (often upwards of 75%!).

Don’t let the United States fool you! A road trip across the United States is a fun way to see a lot of diverse landscapes, experience different cultures, and meet interesting people. Traveling America isn’t very expensive once you are outside the big cities and you can easily travel the country on a budget by using the advice in this article.

Book Your Trip to the USA: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on the United States? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on the US for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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How To Prepare Your Vehicle For An Epic Road Trip

Planning a road trip should be an enjoyable process, however, choosing destinations, booking hotels, planning activities can easily overwhelm even the most organized traveler. But with a little forethought, the results can be epic. That’s especially true during a global pandemic when America’s roadways are the most popular means of travel.

According to a survey conducted by Chevrolet and research firm Harris Poll, 80% of those polled said that going on a road trip has been one of their happiest moments since March. Forty-one percent said they road-tripped to a place they’ve never been before, which underlines an important element that often is left out of the planning process: preparing the family vehicle.

Even the most detailed travel itinerary won’t save a vehicle from a lack of routine maintenance, so it’s crucial to ensure that routine and other preparatory maintenance procedures are performed before setting out for an adventure.

Ideally, vehicle maintenance is a 24/7 proposition, but it is particularly important before a long road trip, especially in the heat of summer and to unfamiliar destinations off the beaten path. Though visiting family and friends has been the number one destination for coronavirus-motivated road trips, as reported by Harris Poll, beach, hiking fishing and national Park exploration rounded out the top five.

No matter the destination, take care in readying the vehicle that will get you there—and back. Here are some of the best ways to prepare a vehicle for a summer road trip.

Maintain Tires

Tires are the only part of a vehicle that are in direct contact with the road, so extra care is needed to ensure they are correctly inflated, display even treadwear, are free from any obvious defects and are of the size and type specified by the manufacturer.

Key considerations for tire maintenance include:

• Air pressure : The specific air pressure required by a vehicle’s tires is found on a small label attached to the inside of the driver’s door jamb. The temperatures listed are usually stated as being “cold temperatures,” which means that tire pressure should be checked before the vehicle has been driven for any length of time. Tire pressures should be checked at least every 1000 miles. If the vehicle is heavily loaded, towing a trailer, or kept on the road for extended periods of travel, the tires should, at a minimum, be checked visually at every stop. It’s a good idea to keep an air pressure gauge in the glove box of your vehicle.
• Rotation : Vehicles come in a variety of drive-wheel configurations, including front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The wheels that receive power wear tires more quickly than non-drive-wheel tires. This is especially true for performance vehicles, where wheel spin and hard cornering are part of the norm. Additionally, worn or loose steering components can promote the uneven wear of the front tires. Rotating tires moves them front-to-back or side-to-side, promoting even wear. (The proper rotation pattern for your car is located in the owners manual.) This service should be performed every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or sooner if uneven wear is observed. Many shops include tire rotation in the price of their oil change specials.
• Condition : Bulges, gouges, and other visually observable damage should be inspected by a professional to ensure that the tire’s structural integrity isn’t compromised. Even a minor impact from a pothole or curb can damage a tire. Visual cues, such as uneven tread wear and odd wear patterns on other parts of the tire are an indication that a checkup is overdue.

Check Fluids

Maintaining a vehicle’s fluids is an essential step toward ensuring that a summer road trip goes off without a hitch. While motor oil is sometimes referred to as the lifeblood of an engine, modern vehicles use a variety of specialized fluids vital to your vehicle’s operation and longevity.

• Transmission fluid : Many new vehicles come with sealed transmissions that don’t allow for easy checking or topping off of the fluid, but it’s still important to understand the role transmission fluid, or oil, plays in its operation. Depending on the vehicle, the transmission may have a service interval of up to 100,000 miles and require special equipment to replace it. A good rule of thumb for vehicles equipped with a traditional dipstick should be to check the fluid regularly and replace it according to the specifications outlined in your owners manual. Old fluid can accumulate dirt and debris and dramatically reduce your transmission’s performance and lifespan and burnt fluid can indicate severe wear of the internal components. Automatic transmissions can be finicky, so if you have any doubts, see your dealer or a qualified independent mechanic.
• Power steering fluid : While electric and electrically-assisted power steering systems become more common every day, plenty of vehicles still utilize hydraulic power steering systems. These power steering systems use a fluid that can become contaminated over time, hampering performance and possibly causing leaks or damage to the system components. The fluid reservoir is generally located in an easily accessible location under the hood, making it easy to check each time vehicle’s engine oil is changed.
• Brake fluid : Braking systems use fluid to build hydraulic pressure to force the calipers to clamp the brake pads down onto the rotors. If the brake pedal starts to feel spongy or soft, air may have accumulated in the brake lines, which can require a service to bleed the lines. Brake fluid also gets contaminated and can absorb moisture, both of which can reduce performance. Service should be performed according to the service intervals outlined in your owner’s manual or approximately every 24,000 miles in everyday use. Your dealer or local shop can advise you on the best plan of action if you notice reduced braking performance.

• Engine oil : Checking a vehicle’s engine oil is one of the most critical and easy to check maintenance items for an owner to perform. Some new vehicles come with a factory oil-change interval of up to 10,000 miles, but the oil should still be checked at least every 1,000 to 3,000 miles. Modern engine oil contains a number of additives that enhance lubrication properties and help to keep the oiling system clean, and over time they can become depleted. An unprecedented loss or consumption of oil could indicate more significant problems. The owner’s manual will define the type of oil to be used and how often it should be changed. And if you’re doing it yourself, don’t forget to pick up a new filter too.
• Coolant : Often referred to as anti-freeze, engine coolant is nearly as vital as motor oil. Coolant not only keeps engine temps down in the summer but helps the engine maintain the optimum operating temperature in cold climates as well as providing heat for the passengers. Low coolant can cause overheating, especially in hot weather with a fully-loaded vehicle. Like motor oil, coolant is fortified with additives that enhance performance and inhibit corrosion. Most vehicles have a transparent “overflow” tank under the hood that allows for visual inspection of the coolant level. CAUTION: Never attempt to check engine coolant on a hot or warm vehicle. If you suspect the coolant is low or compromised, see a qualified service professional.
• Windshield wiper fluid : Summer road trips offer several opportunities for bugs to smash into the windshield, and while it isn’t perfect, the vehicle’s windshield washer provides the only way to clean them off without making a time-consuming pit stop. Most vehicles have a warning light that indicates the windshield washer fluid level is low, but the fluid reservoir should be located in an easily visible place under the hood to allow for easy checks.

Keep Up With Routine Maintenance

Fluids are essential, but they are far from the only vehicle maintenance consideration. The following should be performed regularly, but are especially important before a long road trip:

• Air filters : Most vehicles have two types of air filters. The engine air filter provides debris-free air to the engine, and the cabin air filter filters the incoming air to the passenger compartment. For the vehicle to perform as intended and for the people inside it to breathe freely, the vehicle’s air filters need to be replaced regularly. The engine air filter and cabin filters should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Barring that, every 10,000 to 15,000 miles is a good rule of thumb.
• Belts and Hoses : Gone are the days when an average vehicle relied on three, four, or more individual belts to power all the accessories. Although there are exceptions, manufacturers now employ a single ribbed serpentine belt to drive the alternator, air conditioning compressor, water pump and other accessories whenever possible. Still, the belts wear and a quick visual inspection will reveal any cracks or fraying. While you’re at it, give the hoses a quick view noting any cracking sings of leakage at junction points.
• Lighting : A vehicle’s headlights are an obvious source of light, but there are multiple bulbs inside the cabin that may occasionally need checking and replacement. There is nothing more irritating than trying to use an interior light after dark, only to find out that it has burned out. These are generally easy to replace, and most auto parts stores carry a wide variety of replacements saving you trip to the dealer.

Clean the Vehicle

Driving a clean vehicle doesn’t just make for a more pleasant experience behind the wheel; it can add up to a fuel economy penalty if there is enough added weight. In addition to a full vacuum and exterior wash, make sure to remove all the excess baggage—athletic equipment, laundry and the rest of the daily detritus—to remove any extra weight. As a side bonus, it will clear room for luggage and other items required for the road trip. Plus, the psychological benefits of hitting the road in a clean, well-organized machine will make the trip even better.

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KAYAK Trips creates a travel itinerary for you that will give you flight status alerts, can be shared with friends and more. Simply forward your booking confirmations to [email protected] or use the KAYAK app and sync your email account to keep all your travel plans organized in one app, even if you didn’t book with KAYAK. You can share your holiday plans with friends and family and also check out your travel stats for past vacations, like how far you’ve traveled, your most popular cities and how many times you’ve traveled around the world. Even if you don’t have signal, don’t worry, as you can access Trips to check out your itineraries whilst on the road. Your data is safe and secure with us and you won’t have to re-enter credit card info when booking future trips. If you want to make changes or cancel bookings, then you should contact the travel provider, which is provided on the booking confirmation.

What makes KAYAK a great travel app?

On the KAYAK app for iOS and Android you’ll find all the great travel offers found on the website and much more. There are special mobile rates and app only deals that allow you to save even more money. Plus, you can get notifications straight to your phone letting you know when prices for your next trip have dropped. But the KAYAK app is much more than just a travel app. Use the Trips function to manage your travel itinerary and get up to date status alerts on flights, check-in changes and to store your boarding pass. Even if you’re in the middle of nowhere on your travels, you can still access your travel notes via Trips, as no internet connection is required.

What are KAYAK Price Alerts?

Instead of manually checking back in on the price of your next flight or stay, let KAYAK do the hard work for you with KAYAK Price Alerts. Once you’ve saved your search, our data will determine how the price will rise or fluctuate over the coming days. You’ll then get a push notification letting you know when’s the perfect time to book.

Amtrak Auto Train: 12 Things You Need To Know Before Riding

The Amtrak Auto Train allows passengers to bring their vehicle on the train between Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. The Auto Train is the only Amtrak train that allows passenger vehicles. With only two stops, the Auto Train is a quick way to transport yourself and your car between Virginia and Florida.

• 1 What Food Is Available On The Auto Train
• 2 Where Is The Best Place To Sit On The Auto Train
• 3 Where Does the Amtrak Auto Train Go
• 4 How Much Does A Car Cost On The Amtrak Auto Train
• 5 How Much Is A Ticket On The Auto Train
• 6 How Long Is The Auto Train Ride
• 7 Can I Sleep In My Car On The Auto Train
• 8 Is The Auto Train Cheaper Than Flying
• 9 Can I Bring My Pet On The Auto Train
• 10 Does The Auto Train Have An Observation Car
• 11 Which Sleeper Car Rooms Are Available On The Auto Train
• 12 What Is Priority Offloading On The Auto Train

What Food Is Available On The Auto Train

Sleeper car passengers on the Auto Train will be delighted to know that the Auto Train has traditional dining for all sleeper car passengers included in the price of their ticket. All passengers can also eat from the Cafe car on the Amtrak Auto Train. Traditional dining meals can be eaten in the dining room car or in your room. Meals from the Cafe can be eaten in your coach seats, the observation car, or your sleeper car room.

Where Is The Best Place To Sit On The Auto Train

The best place to sit on the Amtrak Auto Train is in the middle of a coach car on the upper level. In the middle of the car you’ll be away from the wheels and opening doors. On the upper level of the Auto Train you’ll have a much better view out of the windows than the lower level. If you have a roomette, the best views are also from the upper level. On the lower level it could be a little noisier, but you’ll have access to more bathrooms.

Where Does the Amtrak Auto Train Go

The Auto Train starts and ends in Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. It is meant to provide service between the greater Washington D.C. and Orlando areas. There are no intermediate stops on this route and you cannot get off until the end. Even though the Auto Train goes through Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, you cannot get off in these states.

How Much Does A Car Cost On The Amtrak Auto Train

When riding the Auto Train you’ll have to factor the cost of your car into the price of your ticket. In addition to your coach class or sleeper car ticket, you’ll need to pay for your vehicle. Standard cars start at $208, while extended vehicles are $239. Motorcycles cost $146 and there is a $60 charge for priority offloading.

How Much Is A Ticket On The Auto Train

Amtrak often runs sales on the tickets for the Auto Train. The regular starting price for a coach class ticket is $89 and the sleeper car rooms start at $301. In addition to this cost you’ll need to pay for your vehicle. Prices will go up as the train fills up, so as soon as you know your plans you should buy your tickets. There are not usually last minutes sales on Amtrak Tickets.

How Long Is The Auto Train Ride

The Auto Train takes 17 hours to travel from outside Washington D.C. to outside Orlando. You could drive this route in 12 hours, so taking the train does not save time. It does save having to deal with driving on I-95 and provides a more peaceful way of getting to and from Florida.

If you don’t like driving on the interstate the Auto Train is a great option.

Can I Sleep In My Car On The Auto Train

Passengers on the Auto Train will be sleeping for one night on the train. On the Auto Train you can sleep in coach class seats or in a sleeper car, but Auto Train passengers cannot sleep in their car while on the train. Vehicles are put in a special car which cannot be accessed by passengers during the trip.

The best way to sleep on the Auto Train is to get a roomette or bedroom.

Is The Auto Train Cheaper Than Flying

Taking the Auto Train is cheaper than flying because you won’t need to rent a car once you reach your destination. The price of a coach ticket ($89) and your vehicle fee ($208) will be less than buying airfare and renting a car in Orlando or Washington D.C. Riding the Auto Train for your vacation is a good way to save money.

Can I Bring My Pet On The Auto Train

Passengers are not allowed to bring pets on the Amtrak Auto Train. While pets are permitted on most Amtrak routes in coach class, the Auto Train is not one of them. You may bring your car, but not your pet, so if you have a pet you may need to rethink this form of travel.

Does The Auto Train Have An Observation Car

The Amtrak Auto Train is a Superliner train with a sightseer lounge car. The observation car on the Auto train can be used by all passengers. The car has a domed ceiling with great views out of both sides and includes seats that face out and tables where 4 passengers can sit together. There are outlets to charge electronics in the observation car .

Which Sleeper Car Rooms Are Available On The Auto Train

The Amtrak Auto Train is a Superliner train and has the following sleeper car rooms:

• Family Bedroom
• Accessible Bedroom

What Is Priority Offloading On The Auto Train

Priority offloading on the Auto Train means that your vehicle will be among the first 30 to be brought off the train after arrival. This will save you time at your destination. The cost to purchase priority offloading is $60 and can be purchased when you buy the ticket for your vehicle.

Select Executive Amtrak Guest Rewards members get one free priority offloading coupon per year.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

Sheremetyevo (SVO) Airport

There's a very neat and nice post office opened 24 hours in Arrivals zone (2nd floor), where among other things you can browse the interent for 200R ($8) / hour, use a printer, and charge your mobile phone. There's also wi-fi in TGI Friday's restaurant (2nd floor, Arrivals). There's a bar and a good grocery store in the Arrivals area, both opened 24 hours.

A few restaurants are scattered in the departures area (after the check-in counters), the only ones worth attention are Tajmahal restaurant (located next to Terminals 6-9, upstairs) and the Irish bar - the favourite among transit passengers. If you end up waiting for your flight, it’s better to go to one of these two places (by the way, you can plug in your laptop there).

The departure and arrival area outside of the check-in area have a few 24-hour food and souvenirs shops, pharmacy, cafes (a meal for about $10, drink - $2-$5), bank and exchange offices. The airport is located about 15 km to the north outside of Moscow, 5km to the right from Moscow - St Petersburg highway.

The new Terminal 3 was opened recently and it's much better than SVO2, but not all the flights arrive there, yet. 

Sheremetyevo SVO Arrivals / Departures

Traveling to / from sheremetyevo airport  , sheremetyevo - moscow with an aeroexpress train.

The best way to get to / from Sheremetyevo. The new train express (since 2009) takes you directly from Sheremetyevo Airport arriving to Moscow center (Belorusski train station). It takes about 35 minutes and the ride costs about 400R (€8). You can buy your ticket using an App or just before the departure. The train station for the Aeroexpress train is connected to the airport, so it's only about 10-15 minutes walking once you leave the luggage claim area.    

Sheremetyevo - Moscow by Taxi

Sheremetyevo - moscow with rent-a-car, sheremetyevo - moscow by bus, sheremetyevo - domodedovo airports, comments, questions, feedback, most recent articles:.

My family tried traveling by train instead of car, and I get the hype. Here are 6 ways rail travel is better.

Posted: May 12, 2023 | Last updated: July 12, 2023

• After taking road trips throughout the US, I tried traveling by Amtrak train instead. 
• My experiences on the rails have been comfortable and hassle-free, albeit not the most efficient.
• Trains aren't the answer for every trip, but I've begun to incorporate them into more of my travels.

Ahead of my family vacation to California, I dreamed of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway . There was just one problem: My son suffered from terrible car sickness. 

To avoid scrubbing vomit out of a rental car's upholstery, I booked tickets on the Amtrak Coast Starlight from Oakland to Santa Barbara.

The smooth, nine-hour journey offered all of the magnificent ocean views I would've wanted to see on the road trip, with none of the upset stomachs.

Since that trip, my son has found ways to manage his car sickness, and we've successfully traveled to 44 states by car. But there's a host of reasons my family is still choosing to return to rail travel .

Many Amtrak trains offer scenic views of some of the country's most beautiful locales.

When it comes to spectacular views , there's a lot to see from train windows. 

Though not all of Amtrak's routes pass idyllic settings, some journey through the US' most beautiful landscapes. I've enjoyed gazing at vineyards, mountains, harbor seals, and more on my rail travels. 

Many Amtrak trains, including the Coast Starlight, have observation cars with giant picture windows designed with sightseeing in mind.

As someone who's generally the designated driver on road trips , I savor the ability to sit back and take in the stunning scenery without the fear of taking my eyes off the road for too long.

Some trains also stop in underrated destinations I wouldn't have otherwise visited.

Amtrak offers picturesque long-haul journeys through the Rockies , the American Southwest, and beyond.

The prospect of gazing at snowcapped mountains and soaring red-rock formations is exciting, but these journeys also offer a compelling opportunity to stop and explore less-touted areas along the way — ones that I probably wouldn't go out of my way to visit otherwise.

Though some of the highlights from my road trips have been stumbling upon hidden gems in locales often labeled as flyover states (like spots in the US' heartland), driving through the Midwest's flatlands can feel like a bit of a slog.

However, I find stretches of farmland infinitely more charming when I view them out of a train window instead of a car dashboard.

Depending on the itinerary and season, traveling by train can be more affordable than driving.

Between gas prices and rental-car charges, road trips can be expensive ventures.

When it comes to Amtrak trains, you can expect to pay a premium for a private room in a sleeping car or a coveted last-minute ticket. However, you can usually find reasonably priced tickets with some advance planning.

On a trip my family recently took from New York to Pennsylvania, all three of our tickets for the Amtrak Keystone Service cost me a total of $47.50 — an absolute steal considering our trip fell during a peak travel period.

In many major cities, I probably would've paid the same amount for a few hours of parking. 

I feel safer traveling by train than by car, especially in poor weather conditions.

It gives me peace of mind to know that taking a train is statistically safer than driving a car . Plus, Amtrak has a lot of safety standards in place .

Though I feel confident in my driving abilities, I prefer not to be behind the wheel in certain situations, like when I have to navigate Manhattan streets or battle icy road conditions.

Trains are usually less impacted by weather, making them a solid transportation option in less-than-ideal conditions.

Amtrak's seats feel wider and more comfortable than the ones in most cars.

It's no surprise that traveling can make you feel a bit cramped, especially if you're constricted to a car seat for a long drive.

Regardless of how I travel, I'm always very eager to reach my destination and stretch my legs. In my experience, I've found that even the most bare-bones Amtrak trains offer wider seats than I've seen in most cars and a reasonable amount of legroom.

The trains' observation and dining cars are a real treat for my family since they allow us to enjoy peaceful moments, play a rousing game, or simply take advance of the freedom that comes with not being strapped in one place.

Rail journeys give me time and space to work, spend time with family, and rest.

Train travel isn't always the fastest way to reach my destination, but I've found that it's the mode of transportation that gives me the most time to be productive .

As someone who works remotely, trains are the perfect place to multitask and catch up on my to-do list, something I can't accomplish as easily in cars.

I obviously can't use my computer while driving, and attempting to do so in the passenger seat makes me queasy. However, traveling by train gives me an easy way to knock out work, help my son with his homework, read a book, or take a nap.

Trains aren't the right option for every trip, but I look forward to incorporating more of them in my future travels.

Amtrak trains have provided a lot of benefits for my family, but like any mode of transportation, they come with their own set of downsides. Trains, especially long-haul ones, are known to be plagued with delays. So you do have to pack some patience and be flexible. 

The routes Amtrak offers can also be limiting and inconvenient, with the journey between some destinations requiring multiple train changes that take you hundreds of miles and many hours out of the way.

I've decided that they're a great way for my family to travel in addition to road trips, but not in place of them.

I adore the spontaneity and impulsiveness that comes with traveling by car  and wouldn't trade the experience of pulling off the road to explore a quirky roadside attraction or stop for fresh baked goods at a local vendor's stand. 

I'm already plotting future trips and can't wait to see what's ahead on the rails and on the road.

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Flying cars are coming! Here's how they could change the way you travel.

If you'd told me a few weeks ago that flying cars will change the way we travel, I probably would have laughed at you. 

But when Elon Musk hinted there might be a flying Tesla soon, the internet started buzzing with flying-car news. And now people are talking.

“There's absolutely a sense that the time has come,” said aviation industry investment banker Joey Smith at Cassel Salpeter & Co . "Numerous well-funded companies are racing to build a viable production vehicle, and they could take to the skies as early as next year."

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

What's more, attitudes toward Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) – that's a fancy term for flying cars and other personal flying vehicles – have shifted. A new study suggests Americans, and particularly younger urban consumers, are warming to the idea of flying to their next destination. Even so, the definition of a flying car is a little hard to pin down. I'll explain in a minute.

Don't expect to open your apartment window and see a scene out of a sci-fi movie like "Minority Report" anytime soon. (You know, lanes of flying vehicles lining the sky.) It'll be a slow rollout, but it has the potential to change the way we travel like we haven't seen since the introduction of the jet engine.

'Flying feels different': Here's how air travel has changed recently

Air travel smells worse than ever. Here's how to fix it.

What kind of flying vehicles are out there?

Personal flying vehicles defy simple classification, which may be part of their allure. There are STOLs and VTOLs, quadcopters, octocopters and hexacopters. Some are electric, some are gas-powered. 

Don't be confused by all the acronyms. I think it's OK to just call them flying cars.

Right now, the ones generating the most noise are electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs). These aircraft take off and land like a helicopter. For example, Joby's air taxi service in Manhattan plans to use its eVTOL , which looks like an oversized drone, to shuttle passengers from New York to John F. Kennedy International Airport next year.

My categorization is a little unconventional, but here's how I see it: There are really just two types of flying cars. The first are cars that can drive on the road and fly, just like the ones in "Back to the Future." 

One of the most high-profile of these is the Model A being developed by Alef Aeronautics . It's an eVTOL that looks like a sports car. But once it takes off, the passenger cabin pivots and the vehicle flies sideways, which looks a little jarring but very cool.

The second type of flying vehicle doesn't even bother with the road. For example, the Lilium Jet is a fixed-wing aircraft and an eVTOL. But you won't see it on the highway unless it's making an emergency landing – so technically, it's not a flying car.

Like I said, these flying vehicles aren't easy to categorize. And it hasn't really mattered until now because you could find them only in aviation magazines and science fiction movies. But now there are serious discussions about flying cars, and developers have started taking orders. The future is almost here.

Flying cars aren't cleared for takeoff – yet

Don't get too excited. A few things still have to be worked out, experts say. For example, eVTOL manufacturers have struggled with several challenges. It's not just how to design lightweight aircraft made from the right composite materials and with adequate battery life. It's also piloting the flying car. Issues such as autonomous flight capability and pilot training have proven to be big barriers. 

There are also regulatory roadblocks. The Federal Aviation Administration, which has oversight of these new vehicles, has adopted a "crawl-walk-run" approach. And it's still in "crawl" mode. Last year, it laid down some rules for flying cars. Among them: They have to use existing heliports and they must have a human pilot. But there are no special traffic lanes in the sky for these vehicles yet.

The U.K. is also preparing for flying cars. In March, the government said it envisioned eVTOLs taking to the skies within four years . 

Observers are skeptical of the proposed timeline. Charles Leocha, president of the consumer group Travelers United , has worked on regulations for low-level unmanned aerial vehicles for the last decade. He said the wheels are turning slowly.

“The FAA is at least a decade away from allowing or approving any kind of flying car," he said.

All of that has made people reluctant to order a flying car – if they can afford one. Most vehicles can cost $150,000 to as much as $10 million.

"Prospective buyers are likely to hold off until regulatory barriers are dismantled," said Francesco Cerroni, a mobility expert at the design firm Buro Happold .

Pay less to fly: New strategies for finding cheap airfares now

Air travel may be about to get better. Here's what it means for your next flight.

Where to find personal flying vehicles now

If you want to see a flying vehicle for yourself, here's where to find them (outside of the movie theater):

• Lift Aircraft , which manufactures a single-seat eVTOL called Hexa, is offering test flights on its single-seat Hexas this spring. It's scheduled to be in Lakeland Linder International Airport in Florida in April and Austin in May.
• Early next year, you'll be able to hail an air taxi from Abu Dhabi and Dubai on a four-passenger Midnight aircraft. The eVTOL, operated by UAE-based Falcon Aviation , will cover the 81-mile trip in just 30 minutes. By road, the drive can take a few hours in traffic.
• There's even a flying car driving school. Netherlands auto manufacturer PAL-V will show you the ins and outs of flying a car. They even have a flying car showroom in Munich where you can buy your own gyroplane/car combination. (It'll cost you about $550,000.)

Bottom line: Flying cars remain rare. But change is on the horizon.

How flying cars could change the way we travel

High prices and continued doubts about the viability of zipping around town like George Jetson haven't stopped people from thinking about the future. Experts seem to agree that safe VTOLs with FAA approval could change travel forever.

"It would reduce congestion by removing some traffic on the road and create a new aviation sector, with new jobs," said Raj Rajkumar, professor of computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.

Flying cars could dramatically cut the drive time between destinations typically served by short-haul commercial flights. So instead of catching a shuttle flight from Washington to New York, you'd just fly there in your own car in a fraction of the time it used to take to drive.

But that's just the beginning. As these vehicles become faster and more affordable, they hold the promise of competing with commercial aviation. Imagine flying your family car from the suburbs of an East Coast city to Florida for your next vacation in less time than it would take you to go to the airport, get through security, wait for your departure, fly, land, collect your luggage and rent an earthbound car?

The thought of ditching airlines, with their awful customer service and addictive loyalty programs, may be the greatest promise of the AAV revolution.

If you'd asked me a few weeks ago if such a future was possible, I would have been very skeptical. Now, I'm just a little skeptical.

This is the second of a two-part series on the future of air travel .

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

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Josh Hawley celebrated his most recent fundraising haul… by blowing $75,000 on a new car???

This just in: Josh Hawley has a new set of wheels. Courtesy of money funneled into his reelection campaign.

The fist-pumping, quick-footed, anti-LGBTQ+ Missouri senator raked in a reported $2.5 million in the first quarter of 2024. To celebrate, he went to his local Buick/GMC dealership and dropped almost $75,000 on a new vehicle, according to FEC filings.

The Kansas City Star reports:

One of Hawley’s higher ticket costs was a vehicle from a car dealership outside of St. Louis. The campaign’s filing with the Federal Elections Commission did not disclose the make or model of the vehicle, but on the dealership’s website, the price tag is in the range of a GMC Yukon. Hawley’s campaign declined to comment on the car, but it could be an attempt to save money in the long run. Statewide campaigns often put lots of mileage on vehicles and, rather than rent a car for each trip, it could help bring down the cost over the course of a long campaign.

But not everything is as it seems.

Hawley’s $2.5 million fundraising haul might look impressive at first glance. But it turns out, over $1.5 million of it was just a money transfer from his victory committee to his reelection campaign. It didn’t come from individual donors or even Missouri voters.

His pro-LGBTQ+ Democratic opponent, Lucas Kunce, was quick to point this out on Twitter X.

I can't tell you enough how grateful I am to have a coalition of real people like you backing our campaign. This is our chance to take this U.S. Senate seat back for working families. We won’t waste it. pic.twitter.com/aLCMecJfQM — Lucas Kunce (@LucasKunceMO) April 16, 2024

Kunce, a 13-year Marine vet who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan, first rose to gay political prominence when he ran for Senate in 2022 and he shared a photo of himself running in a pair of short-shorts…  sparking an online fury .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lucas Kunce (@lucaskuncemo)

Though widely considered the underdog in the race, Kunce’s campaign just announced it pulled in over $2.25 million in the first quarter of 2024, setting a new record for a Senate challenger in the state and bringing his total cash on hand up to $3.3 million.

Unlike Hawley, who hates gay people, 41-year-old Kunce supports outlawing conversion therapy at the federal level and has said he would support the Equality Act. He has also vowed to help end violence against trans people and stand up for gender affirming care for trans youth.

Related: Josh Hawley has found a new hill to die on & it’s even dumber than the last five The gay-hating senator appears to be moving on from his agenda of safeguarding toxic masculinity to instead focus on silencing leftist bloggers.

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UN committee fails to reach consensus on full Palestinian membership, Security Council president says

From CNN’s Richard Roth and Michael Rios

A specialized UN committee failed to reach a consensus Thursday on Palestinian membership in the United Nations, according to the president of the UN Security Council.

Two-thirds of the committee members were in favor of moving on with membership, with many countries arguing that “Palestine fulfills all the criteria that are required” to be granted full state member status, Malta's Ambassador and Security Council President Vanessa Frazier said. 

She added that no one explicitly objected to the membership qualifications.

Frazier also said she would circulate a draft report on the deliberations as soon as Friday. If the committee doesn’t agree on the report, it could hold another meeting to iron out any differences.

Asked whether the process of deliberating Palestinian membership in the committee is now over, Frazier said, “Unless the next step of agreeing (to) the report of the committee warrants another meeting to iron out the differences, it’s not foreseen that there would be any further committee action.”

But she noted that any UN Security Council member can still table a resolution to vote on Palestinian membership at any time, regardless of the committee's report.

The US and Middle East brace for a possible Iran attack that could escalate the conflict. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

Concerns about a possible Iranian attack against Israel has prompted many diplomatic conversations around the globe.

Here are some developments on diplomacy around the threat of an attack:

• Iran's statement: The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.
• US and UK diplomacy: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with the foreign ministers of Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night and Thursday morning to tell them that countries should be urging Iran not to escalate the conflict in the Middle East after  threats made by Tehran against Israel,  according to a State Department spokesperson. The top US general for the Middle East is also in Israel . Additionally, Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict .
• Israel receives US support: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke with Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The US officials expressed the country's support for Israel against Iranian threats. Gallant warned that such an attack could lead to a regional escalation.
• Travel restrictions: The US State Department restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran. “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted. US officials  are on high alert  for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Meanwhile, here's some other updates:

• Hamas on hostages: A member of Hamas' political bureau said   a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations. "Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza, Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose."
• Updates on aid to Gaza: It is clear that Israel is working to ramp up humanitarian aid to Gaza, but it has not yet implemented all of the measures it has announced, a top United Nations humanitarian official said. Aid coming in trucks from Israel has to be "segregated from water, from food, from medical items" before it goes into Gaza, said Jamie McGoldrick, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Jerusalem. “Getting 400 trucks from Kerem Shalom doesn't mean 400 trucks go into Gaza,” he said, adding that the logistical complications are numerous, and take time to resolve. He also said Israel’s restrictions on movement inside the strip complicate matters.

Anera charity resumes work in Gaza after pausing when Israeli strike killed 7 World Central Kitchen staff

From CNN's Tala Alrajjal and Mohammed Tawfeeq

American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) has resumed Gaza operations "after a temporary pause" following an airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers on April 1.

"As you know, the decision to temporarily pause our operations was not an easy one. We followed the direction of our staff in Gaza, who've faced death, loss, and destruction since the start of the war," Sean Carroll, the president and CEO of Anera, said in a statement on Thursday. "After the killing of Anera staff member Mousa Shawwa , followed by the attack that killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen, we made the difficult but necessary decision to pause aid operations on April 2," Carroll added in the statement.

Carroll said Israeli authorities informed him during a meeting Thursday that "certain measures would be taken to protect humanitarian aid workers in Gaza – including Anera's staff."

"With the full support of our Gaza team, we have determined that the circumstances have changed sufficiently to resume our vital humanitarian work in Gaza," Carroll said. 

Anera on Thursday resumed "full operations in Gaza to deliver meals, food parcels, hygiene kits, tents, medical treatments, and more to families in dire need," according to the statement.

Iran says its imperative to punish Israel could have been avoided had UN Security Council condemned attack

From CNN’s Natalie Barr and Adam Pourahmadi

The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.

“Had the UN Security Council condemned the Zionist regime’s reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated," the  mission said on X.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack on April 1, according to a statement from the UN spokesperson Stephan Dujarric. A Security Council discussion was held on April 2 to discuss the attack, but differences among members prevented any formal action or condemnation from taking place.

The United States is on high alert and actively preparing for a “significant” attack by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region  in response to the strike in Damascus  that killed top Iranian commanders.

UK foreign secretary warns Iran not to draw Middle East into wider conflict

From CNN's Natalie Barr

Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict following a series of escalating threats made by Iran toward Israel.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron told Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that the United Kingdom was "deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence. Iran should instead work to de-escalate and prevent further attacks," according to a post on X .

Iran's state-aligned Tasnim news agency on Thursday reported that Amir-Abdollahian had told Cameron that the silence from the UK and the United States following Israel’s attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week only served to encourage Israel to continue waging war in Gaza and expand its conflict in the region.

US and Israeli defense leaders discuss fears of Iranian attack

From CNN’s Michael Conte in Washington, DC, Tamar Michaelis in Jerusalem and Larry Register in Atlanta

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant today to “reaffirm the US ironclad commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies,” according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

The call comes a day after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel " must be punished and it will be" following a strike on an Iranian embassy compound in Syria that killed seven Iranian officials.

Israel “will not tolerate an Iranian attack on its territory,” the statement read, adding that the two defense leaders also discussed detailed preparations “for an Iranian attack against the State of Israel.”

Gallant said an Iranian attack on Israel could lead to a regional escalation.

It is the second discussion held between Gallant and Austin over the past week, according to the statement. Gallant expressed his appreciation for Austin’s personal commitment to the security of the State of Israel and for the deepening cooperation between the defense establishments of both countries, as well as between the Israel Defense Forces and US CENTCOM.

State Department restricts personnel travel in Israel amid concerns over Iranian threats

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

The US State Department has restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran.

“Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” a  security alert  posted by the US Embassy Thursday said. “U.S. government personnel are authorized to transit between these three areas for personal travel.” “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said he would not “speak to the specific assessments that led to us to restrict our employees and family members’ personal travel, but clearly we are monitoring the threat environment in the Middle East and specifically in Israel.”

“We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days,” Miller said. “Israel is in a very tough neighborhood and we have been monitoring the security situation. You saw us slightly adjust for travel warnings at the beginning of this conflict and we conduct ongoing assessments all the time about the situation on the ground.”

US officials are on high alert for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Hamas says ceasefire with Israel is essential to collect data on hostages held in Gaza by different groups

From CNN's Abeer Salman and Mohammed Tawfeeq

A member of Hamas' political bureau said   a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations.

"Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose," he added.

Naim's statement was in response to questions from media outlets about whether Hamas has been rejecting the latest proposal, which was made in Cairo over the weekend, because it can not release 40 hostages in the first phase of a three-stage ceasefire deal.

According to an Israeli official and a source familiar with the discussions, Hamas indicated it is currently unable to identify and track down those 40 Israeli hostages, raising fears that more hostages may be dead than are publicly known. 

CNN's record of the conditions of the hostages also suggests there are fewer than 40 living hostages who meet the proposed criteria.

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