Summer break means prime time for planning trips and vacations while the kids are out of school. While some will be heading to expensive resorts and touristy coastal towns, others will be opting out of the same ol’ vacation. If you’d rather spend time in a car sightseeing than in a cozy hotel, a cross-country road trip might be just what you need.

Planning a Trip

The first step in planning your cross-country road trip is deciding just where you want to go. There are hundreds of scenic sites across the country. Choosing just one is the hard part. We can help make it easier.

USA Today named the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway in Oregon one of its must-drive bucket list road trips. The century-old route was constructed entirely for scenery, so there’s always a good view. There’s plenty of pull offs, too. Just outside of Portland, Oregon, is Multnomah Falls and farther along the road you’ll essentially drive right into Mt. Hood. Make a pit stop, plan a picnic or take a hike and enjoy all the Pacific Northwest’s beauty.

How about a road trip in the Sunshine State? The Overseas Coastal Highway from Miami to Key West also made USA Today’s list. The 120-mile route connects the vibrant city of Miami to the Florida Keys. Along the way you can stop to swim with dolphins or dine on seafood.

Wherever your adventure takes you, make sure you pick a destination you’ll enjoy. Plan a few spots where you might want to get out and stretch to take a break from driving, too. Or, if you have friends scattered in different cities across the U.S., schedule a time to stop and catch up with them over lunch. They may even let you crash on their couch.

Websites & Apps for Trips

Once you’ve decided on the perfect road trip destination, the second step in planning requires mapping it out. While you might not be the best planner, helpful apps and websites can guide you in the right direction. Websites including RoadTrippers and OnTheWay can help you make the most out of your trip. These sites suggest the best spots to stop. Hungry? The Roadfood app will show you where to eat. And, Apps like FuelMyRoute can come in handy while on the road in unfamiliar settings. This app takes your starting and ending points and pinpoints the best fuel prices along the way. So you can save money to buy knickknacks and souvenirs once you arrive at your destination.

Prior to Your Road Trip

Before you set out on your next big adventure, make sure you have all of the necessary documents and coverage in place. Ensure your tags are current as well as your insurance. Newer drivers can brush up on their driving skills by visiting sites like DrivingTests.org. The site can refresh your memory when it comes to understanding the rules of the road and can help you out if you haven’t driven in a particular state before. If you’re not used to driving in big cities or through mountainous terrain, it’s wise to study up so that you’re confident on the roads. And, each state may have its own set of rules. Getting a ticket on the road can take a big chunk out of your trip budget, and an accident, well, that’s even worse.

Need a New Ride?

Before that big adventure, make sure you are driving in style. If you are looking for a new or used car, be sure to check out the Auto Buying Service offered at OpenRoad Lending. There you can shop new and used car pricing in your area and find that car or truck of your dreams before hitting the highway.