Here’s How To Plan for a Long-Term Vacation or Road Trip

Planning a long trip or road trip is always exciting! You might be heading out on a famous Route 66 road trip, taking friends on a college road trip, or enjoying a Christmas vacation with family. Regardless of where you go, the trip itself is as fun as the place you’re headed. In this guide, we’ll show you how to prepare, from snacks and packing tips to finding secure RV storage in Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Orange Park, and Ponte Vedra.

Step 1: Plan Your Route and Timeline

Start by planning your route and timeline so your trip runs smoothly from the beginning. Do you want to experience the nostalgia of a Route 66 road trip? Or perhaps you’re leaning toward seasonal adventures, such as a Christmas vacation with family and friends. Planning ahead with tools and apps like Google Maps or Roadtrippers will help you calculate mileage, track fuel stops, and find great places to rest.

Factor in Rest and Adventure Stops

Some of the best road trips you could ever have may include stops you didn’t know you’d make on the way to your destination. So while it may seem tempting to cover as many miles as possible once you’re on your way, making stops at RV-friendly campgrounds or nearby cities can make for a smoother ride.

Step 2: Pack Your Road Trip Essentials

Once your route is set, it’s time to pack the essentials for a comfortable, safe, and ready road trip.

Clothing and Gear

Pack only what you need, but bring clothes suitable for various weather conditions. For a short college road trip, you may need casual outfits and a light jacket. As for a longer trip across the country, you’ll want clothes for warm, sunny days and cool, chilly nights.

Road Trip Snacks and Treats

A group of friends sits in the back of a car, sharing fruit and laughing, with a guitar nearby during their road trip.

Snacks are fuel for the road, and having the perfect mix can keep everyone energized and happy. Pack plenty of healthy options, such as fresh fruit, nuts, trail mix, and granola bars, to provide lasting energy during long drives.

These choices help avoid sugar crashes and keep your mind sharp while driving. However, no road trip snack bag is complete without a few sweet treats. Chips, cookies, or road trip gummies add variety and a playful touch, making long stretches on the highway more enjoyable.

Tech and Entertainment

It’s essential to have all the necessary tech tools and gadgets to ensure a smooth trip and stay on track. This will include anything that helps with navigation, phone chargers, and even a carefully curated playlist to keep everyone entertained if you’re on the road for an extended period.

If you’re going on a family trip, we recommend pre-downloading games to play or audiobooks to listen to together. As for college road trips, loading up on podcasts will help spark conversation topics, and road trip games will fuel up some friendly competition until you hit your next stop or final destination.

Step 3: Prepare Your Vehicle or RV

Before you start your trip, ensure your car or RV is ready to go, complete with all the necessary safety checks and supplies.

Car and RV Maintenance Checklist

Before hitting the road in your car or RV, take time to:

Check oil, transmission fluid, and coolant
Refill the windshield washer fluid
Inspect tires for wear and damage
Verify tire pressure
Confirm your spare tire is ready to use

If you prefer, you can also schedule a general check-up with your local automotive shop to get an expert’s opinion ahead of your road trip.

Know Where To Park Your RV

One of the most common questions travelers ask is where they can park their RV, and the answer depends on their destination. Many cities have designated RV parking lots, while campgrounds are a safe bet for overnight stays. If you’re visiting downtown areas, look up RV parking options in advance so you don’t encounter last-minute hassles.

Step 4: Secure Storage for Vehicles and Boats While You’re Away

When you’re away on a long trip, secure vehicle storage provides peace of mind for your other rides while you’re away. Whether it’s a pick-up truck, motorcycle, or a family car, security measures like fully fenced facilities can provide the reassurance you need for your extra vehicles while you’re traveling long-term.

Boat Storage for Extended Vacations

If you’re taking a trip in your car or RV and need to leave your boat behind, secure boat storage will keep it in good hands until you get back. We have convenient options, so your boat is ready for fun as soon as your next water adventure begins.

Step 5: Organizing Personal Belongings Before You Go

Before you leave, take time to organize your belongings so it’s easier to settle back in when you return.

Home and Apartment Storage Tips

Be sure to check that you haven’t overlooked any personal items at home. When preparing for a long-term vacation, it’s easy to focus solely on your trip, but ensuring your belongings are secure is equally important. Thankfully, a long trip is the perfect time to place seasonal items like winter coats, holiday decorations, or sports gear into residential storage.

Step 6: Have a Dedicated Space for Your Vehicle Between Road Trips

An RV parked at a campsite with chairs and tables set up outside under the awning.

After your adventure ends, your car or RV will need a dedicated parking space. If you have limited room in your garage or driveway, or your homeowners association or apartment community has strict parking regulations, head to Atlantic Self Storage. We offer convenient, affordable car and RV storage to help you focus on exploring instead of worrying where you’ll park your ride when you come home.

Count on Atlantic Self Storage for Vehicle Storage in Florida

Planning a big trip takes time, but finding secure storage shouldn’t. At Atlantic Self Storage, we make it easy to keep your RV, boat, or personal belongings all in one place while you’re away or between your trips. With convenient locations across Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Orange Park, and Ponte Vedra, you can find a spot close to home. Our clean, secure storage facilities and flexible rentals provide you with peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the enjoyment of your journey.

Call or contact us online to reserve your storage unit or vehicle space today and start your adventure!

Author

Atlantic Self Storage Content Team

At Atlantic Self Storage, we’re dedicated to making self storage simple and hassle-free for the Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and surrounding communities. With years of experience serving thousands of customers in these areas, we provide practical advice on everything from organizing and packing to selecting the perfect storage unit. Our mission is to take the stress out of storage, offering you the guidance you need to make informed and confident choices for your space.