It’s road trip season! Summer road trips are all about embracing freedom, having fun, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Each mile will be a new chapter in your summer road trip saga.
Planning a road trip may seem simple, but selecting a destination and managing the costs of your desired itinerary can be challenging. You have to consider the cost of gas, which has remained persistently high throughout the year. Currently averaging over $3.50 per gallon nationwide, according to the AAA. Let us not forget accommodations, activities, and dining expenses are all feeling the pinch of high inflation too.
WalletHub took on the mission of assisting fellow travelers in planning an exciting and cost-effective road trip. They evaluated all 50 U.S. states, analyzing 32 key metrics ranging from attractions abundance to road conditions and overall expenses.
The Best & The Worst For Summer Road Trips
According to the study, Texas, New York, and North Carolina emerged as the top states for summer road trips. On the other hand, Montana, Hawaii, and Connecticut are ranked as the least favorable states for embarking on a summer road trip.
Let’s Talk Michigan
Michigan secured a position in the top 20, claiming the 18th spot for best summer road trips. The study highlighted Michigan for its low average car repair costs. An advantage when cruising in your car on your road adventure. Additionally, the study revealed that the state has some of the most budget-friendly camping prices. Not only will you save on car repairs, but you can also pitch your tent without breaking the bank.
Other Study Findings
Regarding scenic byways, California takes the crown with 66 routes. This number is 22 times higher than the states with the fewest scenic byways, Connecticut and Delaware, each having only three. Mississippi is the place to be if you’re looking for affordable camping. With a daily price of $36.86, it’s a steal compared to California, where camping costs a hefty $129.19 per day, making it 3.5 times higher. The study also found that with three-star hotel rooms, Oklahoma offers the best bang for your buck. At just $62, it’s 2.8 times lower than Hawaii, the state with the highest price of $173. If car theft is a concern, Vermont is the safest bet. With only 0.42 car thefts per 1,000 residents, it’s 12.5 times lower than Colorado, the state with the highest rate of 5.24 car thefts.
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Have you ever thought about taking a road trip? Road trips are a great way to vacation with your partner, family, or BFF. Think of Thelma and Louise with a less dramatic ending. Whether you travel by car, van, or RV, don’t miss these eleven essentials for your summer road trip.
If there’s anything the Griswold’s taught us it’s that a road trip is all about the journey, not the destination. So let’s make sure your journey is a blast!
What makes a great summer road trip?
According to SWNS Digital, people’s preferred mode of transportation is the car (38%), rather than a plane (35%) or a train (18%).
People’s golden rules for road-tripping include that everyone uses the bathroom before leaving (43%), people should wear deodorant, but not strong perfume or cologne (39%), the front seat passenger has to help with directions (38%) and that the driver always gets to choose the music (31%).
The road trips Americans want to take most are heading across the country (40%), up and down the East Coast (38%), and the West Coast (37%), as well as traveling historic Route 66 (33%).
With millions of people hitting the road for a vacation this summer, these essentials for your summer road trip will ensure a great time.
Before you head out on a road trip, you want to give the ole jalopy a tune up and make sure you have kit to solve even the problems you didn’t know you could have. Then, buckle up and rest assured that if/when something goes astray you don’t have to wait hours for roadside assistance.
No one thinks they smell bad, but when you’re cooped up in the car for an extended period of time with food and drink, there are bound to be smells and not every one of them will be pleasant. These Febreze air fresheners are the solution you’re looking for.
Whether your backseat passenger is 2, 22, or 92, this seat organizer is what every road tripper needs. Perfect for storing snacks, drinks, reading materials, and even a tablet at eye level to binge your favorite shows.
This one is a game-changer. Behold the magic of baby wipes. They’re perfect for a quick wash when you’re not feeling so fresh (which is apt to occur on a road trip). They clean up spills and sticky messes. They get marks off clothing and other fabrics. And, of course, you can use them if you stop for a pitstop and there is no toilet paper.
One of the best things about going on a road trip is the snacks! This cooler is great to buckle into the middle seat (perfect between two toddlers, teens, or twenty-somethings) and pack with drinks, fruit, and other munchies to keep the trip rolling.
Some people have no trouble falling asleep in the car, but if you’re like me it takes more than a seatbelt to hold my body in a position of comfort. This infinity pillow can be shaped in a way to make it work for you!
I know you have Waze and Google Maps, but what happens when the satellite is on the fritz or when you don’t have service? You’ve got to pull out the good ole trusty map!
There’s nothing worse than pulling away from the drive-thru window, merging back into traffic, and then realizing you don’t have any utensils. This set is a must have for every car, whether you’re road-tripping or commuting to and from work.
This handy-dandy mat folds up small enough to keep in your glove box but unfolds large enough to host a family picnic at a rest stop along your journey. And can double as a blanket if you’re arguing over the a/c.
Please note that items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time we published this list. Have an idea for a fun theme for a gift idea list you’d like us to create? Drop us a line at [email protected].
Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.
She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.
A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.
She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.
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