So many different things can dictate how you plan a road trip in your Airstream. Perhaps you want to work around weather, maybe you have a destination but want to see the sites along the way or conceivably you have a week’s vacation and want to make the most of it. What’s the best way to plan a trip with so many variables? Here is a list of great resources you can utilize to achieve Airstream road trip success any time of year.
For general planning tips, watch this on-demand video to hear from two Airstream owners as they share their top tips for effective travel and camp planning.
How do I make the most of my Airstream road trip?
We here at Airstream love all kinds of RV road trips, big or small! Whether you hit the road to visit beautiful landmarks, embark on new adventures, or simply spend time with family and friends, we have some tips that will help you!
Check out our top 10 tips for road tripping in an RV:
Tip #1: Be a smart packer
When it comes to clothes, less is more. You don’t need a ton of fancy clothes and accessories to travel in your Airstream Travel Trailer or Touring Coach. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly when planning your travel wardrobe. Keep your luggage limit to one bag per person to increase RV storage space and lighten your load. And if you're stressed about packing here are seven ways to save time.
Tip #2: Keep a well-stocked cooler
When on the road for an extended time, proper meals and snacks are a key component to keeping everyone happy and healthy! Pack plenty of water and easy snacks like trail mix, granola bars, and even a sweet treat or two to munch on while hitting the open road.
Tip #3: Use technology to your advantage
When planning your road trip, don’t be afraid to use technology to help! There are great apps and travel tools like Roadtrippers to discover the best lodging and attractions.
Tip #4: Anticipate trouble spots
When traveling with friends and family, it is important to realize that things will go wrong while on your RV trip. Make a note to think through roadwork and high traffic areas while on vacation.
Tip #5: Don't be restricted by campgrounds
When planning your Airstream travels, don’t forget about boondocking! What is boondocking, you might ask? It is a term used to describe camping in nature without the use of commercial camping areas or hookups. It might seem intimidating at first, but here are some tips on how to boondock with ease.
Tip #6: Stay entertained
This tip is especially important for your family RV road trip. Bring road trip essentials like portable games, coloring books, movies, and audie books to keep every member of your family in good spirits!
Tip #7: Document your trip
Bring along a Go Pro, travel journal, or just a simple camera to capture the incredible memories you will have on your road trip. Here is a quick guide to roadtripping and shooting with iPhone.
Tip #8: Try something new
It wouldn’t be a successful road trip without learning new things and participating in new experiences! Try local food or try an activity that you have never done before.
Tip #9: Bring a real map and a permanent marker
GPS devices are great for driving directions, but it is more fun and exciting to record your road trip progress on a traditional printed map. We suggest tracing your route and writing down fun memories and people you met while on the road!
Tip #10: Live Riveted
Embarking on a road trip is the essential Live Riveted experience, where you can discover and explore not only new places but also yourself and other people around you.
What are the best road trips to take in my Airstream?
If nothing makes you happier than getting outdoors, a week’s vacation in your Airstream probably sounds like heaven. But with so many places you could see and things you could do, narrowing it down or making a final decision can seem overwhelming. Our Best Road Trips Guide compiles favorite road trip routes that you can use to plan your own classic outdoor adventure. Sometimes the best ideas are the ones you borrow from someone else.
You can also check out our Round Trip Series, which takes one city at a time and dives into the vibe, the scenery, and an insider’s perspective on what to do, what to eat, and where to stay – with a particular focus on the local artisans and craftspeople who are passionate about manufacturing quality products, just like we are.
Round Trip: Bandon, Oregon Where the land meets the sea in the Pacific Northwest you'll find rugged beaches, towering forests, and friendly faces.
Round Trip: Joshua Tree Come for one of our most unique National Parks. Stay for a desert oasis of art, culture, music, and food.
Round Trip Salida, Colorado Salida has a piece of everything that makes Colorado magical, monumental, and majestic.
We also love National Parks! Our love for national parks runs deep. So, whenever we think of majestic places to go, we start with our nation’s preserved lands. Here are two of our favorites.
The Grand Canyon If you’re making this a bucket list year, why not check off one of the nation’s favorite bucket list places? Grand Canyon National Park spans 277 miles of some of the most awe-inspiring views that you just have to see in person to really understand. There are multiple campgrounds in and around the park, and we’ve put together a list of our five favorite ones for you to check out.
Grand Camping at the Grand Camping: Five Campgrounds to Make the Most of Your Visit
Yellowstone National Park Within a day or two’s drive of the Grand Canyon is Yellowstone National Park, our country’s very first national park. You’ve heard of Old Faithful and the hot springs, but there’s so much more hiking, fishing, and nature-watching to be had on this absolutely stunning preserved land. We’ve rounded up our favorite Yellowstone Campgrounds to make planning your visit easy.
The Best Yellowstone Campgrounds
For more information on National Parks, download Airstream’s 10 Favorite National Parks Guide which gives you background info on each of our top national park picks, including wildlife, hiking, and weather information to help you plan a visit.
You can also consider boondocking, which is dispersed camping on public land. Read more about planning your first boondocking trip.