Plan your itinerary. Research the attractions you'd like to visit so you can allot time to do everything you want to do. Book lodging before you go; nothing is worse after a long day on the road than searching for a place to crash, and if you're driving at peak travel times to popular destinations, you might find limited vacancies. Also, decide if you want the actual drive to be part of the experience; it takes only six hours to get from San Francisco to Los Angeles on Interstate 5, but much of the eight-hour scenic route on Highway 1 overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
Budget your money. According to "Let's Go: Roadtripping USA," a cheaper trip (staying at campsites or hostels, buying food at a grocery store) will cost about $25 a day. That number doubles if you stay in motels and eat some meals out, and can easily double again (and again) depending on the kind of road trip you want. Remember to factor in mileage, gas prices, entrance fees and money for souvenirs.
Map it out. Whether you use a navigation system, a map or directions researched online before getting on the road, know where you're going and how you're getting there. Your day at the beach will be ruined if you go the wrong direction on Interstate 10 and end up in San Bernardino instead of Santa Monica.
Pack lightly and efficiently. Whatever you bring has to fit in the car and be packed and repacked repeatedly. Look for space-saving products to help organize your packing and maximize space.
