Planning your travel route is one of the most exciting—and sometimes challenging—aspects of RV life. Whether you’re a spontaneous road warrior or a meticulous planner, having a strategy ensures smooth sailing (or driving!) and maximizes your adventure time. Here’s how the Ibarra family approaches RV route planning, along with tips to help you create your own unforgettable journey.
- Start with Your Must-See Destinations
Why It’s Important:
Building your route around key destinations gives your trip structure while leaving room for flexibility.
How We Do It:
Before every trip, we sit down as a family and create a wish list of places we’d love to visit. For example, we’ve started planning our spring 2025 route to include iconic spots like Big Bend, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone. These destinations were chosen not only for their natural beauty but also for their family-friendly hiking and educational opportunities.
Tips:
- Use tools like Google Maps or RV Trip Wizard to mark your top destinations. We’re huge fans of RV Trip Wizard for its RV-friendly routes and wide selection of campgrounds. It’s worth every penny!
- Plan fuel stops and breaks using your route planning tools.
- Consider seasonal factors like snow in winter or extreme heat in summer. We love chasing the sun during winter months to avoid colder weather.
- Research RV-Friendly Routes
Why It’s Important:
Not all roads are RV-friendly. Some have low-clearance bridges, sharp turns, or steep grades that can be tricky to navigate.
How We Do It:
We always double-check our route using RV-specific GPS apps like CoPilot or Garmin RV. RV Trip Wizard is also a lifesaver for identifying potential trouble spots, like low bridges or narrow roads, before we hit the road.
Tips:
- Look for routes with wide lanes and pull-off spots.
- Check road conditions on state DOT websites, especially during winter. Many roads can be shut down during inclement weather, so it’s always important to be weather aware.
- Consider the RV Life app as another helpful tool for avoiding route hazards.
- Plan Stops for Fuel, Food, and Fun
Why It’s Important:
Long stretches of driving can be exhausting, especially with kids. Strategic stops make the journey more enjoyable.
How We Do It:
We aim for 2-4 hour driving chunks between stops. Along the way, we search for quirky roadside attractions, scenic picnic spots, or RV-friendly diners. Some of our favorite stops include scenic rest areas and any Buc-ee’s we find along the way!
Tips:
- Use apps like GasBuddy or Upside to find affordable fuel stations.
- Pack sandwiches, fruits, and veggies ahead of time to save money and eat healthier while traveling. Buying snacks at every stop can quickly bust your budget!
- Check for Harvest Hosts locations for unique overnight stays. These are great for short stopovers or when plans change last minute.
- Factor in Campground Availability
Why It’s Important:
Arriving at your destination without a reserved spot can lead to stress and scrambling, especially during peak travel seasons.
How We Do It:
We usually book campgrounds for our key destinations in advance but leave wiggle room for flexibility. On one trip, a quick call to a smaller, family-friendly RV park near the Texas coast turned up a last-minute gem.
Tips:
- Book popular campgrounds 3-6 months in advance if possible.
- Use apps like Campendium or RV Parky to find options on the fly. RV Trip Wizard is also fantastic for discovering lesser-known RV parks along our routes.
- Check reviews for amenities before booking. For our kids, parks with playgrounds are a must after a long travel day. During colder months, we also prioritize locations with heated pools for some off-season fun!
- Keep an Eye on Weather and Road Alerts
Why It’s Important:
Weather can drastically change your route, especially when towing an RV.
How We Do It:
Before every travel day, we check weather apps and alerts for storms, high winds, or icy conditions. During a recent trip, we adjusted our route north early to avoid the worst of a tropical storm hitting Tennessee and Kentucky.
Tips:
- Download apps like MyRadar for real-time weather updates.
- Always have an alternate route in mind.
- Be flexible and prioritize safety over speed. We’ve seen drivers rush in bad weather, only to get into accidents further down the road. Safety is always our top priority!
- Add a Buffer for the Unexpected
Why It’s Important:
Breakdowns, detours, or unexpected attractions can throw off even the best-laid plans.
How We Do It:
We build in extra time to explore places we didn’t plan for. For instance, recently we drove through the Ozarks, and it was nice to stop and soak in the stunning views.
Tips:
- Add 1-2 buffer days for every week of travel.
- Stay open to spontaneous adventures. Last fall, we planned to travel north of San Antonio, TX, but when we saw a cold front coming through, we detoured further south to enjoy warmer weather through the holidays.
- Share Your Route With Family or Friends
Why It’s Important:
Keeping loved ones informed ensures someone knows your whereabouts in case of emergencies.
How We Do It:
Before setting off, we send our general route and key stops to a family member. It’s also a fun way to share our travel excitement!
Tips:
- Use apps like Find My Friends to share your location during travel.
- Update your plans if you change routes mid-trip. This way, your loved ones will always have a general idea of where you are.
Planning an RV route doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—it’s part of the adventure! By combining structure with flexibility, you’ll create a journey that’s as enjoyable as the destinations themselves.
What’s your favorite tip for planning an RV trip? Let us know in the comments or share your experiences on social media. And if you’re new to RV life, check out more planning tips and travel stories at ibarradventures.com!
