Car travel will account for 97% of domestic vacations this year according to AAA. Vacations might look different nowadays, but a classic road trip could be the best way to re-gain that feeling of freedom. Insert this 10 Step Guide!

Last week, I came back from driving the Pacific Coast Highway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. What made the trip feel so exhilarating though was our lack of itinerary, and this isn’t the first time I’ve taken this approach. We’ve flown into Barcelona, Colorado, and now California with no accommodations and no plans. Each of those trips helped develop a special set of memories though. By relying on the internet and locals, we’ve seen places we would’ve otherwise missed, connected more deeply between the two of us, and gained a new confidence in our ability to get by in any scenario.

I know the idea of traveling without an itinerary could seem crazy, but it’s so worth it. If you’re considering it but want to feel somewhat prepared, here’s your 10 step guide to an unplanned road trip:

Step #1. Peak Seasons, Weather Conditions, & Current Events

First things, first. Nothing will ruin a trip like arriving to your destination to a crowded event, terrible weather conditions, or peak season pricing. These factors are what, personally, caused me issues on past trips.

While the first two are quick searches, make sure to consider all of your stops, especially metro areas, for special events. Concerts, sporting events, or festivals could price you out of your must-see destinations.

Step #2. Make a List of EVERYTHING You Want to See

If you’re anything like me, you probably decided you want to road trip, so you can see as much of your destination as possible. After you’re identified any road blocks, make a list of EVERYTHING you want to see while you’re there. Bear in mind – this is your dream list. Most of the time, only 50 – 75% of my list makes it on the rough ‘map.’ As you’ll see, I use the term loosely.

Step #3. Plot All of Those Places on Google Maps

Google Maps is your friend! The app allows you to plot multiple places on one map and then connect them along a ‘route.’ Typically, I will plot everything on my dream list to get an idea of where each activity, restaurant, or landmark is located.

Step #4. Identify Clusters to Determine ‘All-in-One’ Activities

Once all of your places are plotted, identify where clusters of activities are located. These will be your overnight stops and will help define what I like to call ‘All-in-One’ activities. In other words, multiples stops you can make in the same day because they are close to one another. This will give you multiple single day schedules that can be interchangeable and flexible.

This will also help identify your outlier activities (i.e. everything outside of the clust4ers), but don’t remove them from your ‘map’ just yet!

Step #5. Outline Your Itinerary Based on Proximity/Driving Time

Now that you know where you might stay, begin connecting the dots between places to create a rough ‘route’. This should provide a general idea of driving time AND any outlier activities you can turn into pit stops between overnight stays.

Step #6. General Accommodation & Activity Research (Without Booking)

While Step #1 should have identified potential concerns, it’s always good to check AirBnB, hotel, or reservation availability regularly. As long as a healthy amount of rooms are available in the area, you can find last-minute AirBnB’s discounted from 5 to 30%.

Step #7. Book Any Must-Haves or Limited Availibities

While traveling fully unplanned is an adventure, I have had moments of feeling like I missed out on something, because I didn’t plan ahead of time. Go ahead and book any experiences or places you REALLY want to see and work those in your itinerary accordingly.

Step #8. Book Your Rental Car & Transportation To It

Do. Not. Wait. to book your rental car. Research how you will pick it up at the airport (if necessary), and make sure to get something comfortable in size depending on the distance you’re traveling. Having one that doesn’t accommodate your needs will make for an unenjoyable road trip, especially if you’re planning last minute.

Step #9. Arrive at Your Destination & Search for a Good Restaurant/Bar/Coffee Shop

OK! Now, the fun begins. You’ve arrived. You have no where booked to stay and may not be entirely sure where you’re going first. Once you’re on the road, search for a local restaurant/bar/coffee shop. LOCAL is the key word here. This will be a great introduction for your trip that hopefully makes you feel more grounded in a new place.

Step #10. Ask the Locals What to Do and Book Your Stay as You Go!

Last but not least, chat with the locals! Ask them what they think of your plans. Ask where they would go. Ask what their favorite part of the city, country, state, whatever is. Whether you’re international or domestic, this will give you an idea of what stops you can miss and which ones are must-sees. You can then edit your itinerary based on their feedback which is something I recommend doing with each stop, ASK FOR RECS.

Now, you’re fully prepped to take on your road trip! You know what issues might arise, you know where you generally want to go, and you’re ready to take on a whole new place with a brand new sense of confidence. Get out there, and let me know in the comments or on IG where you’re headed!