18 hour trip

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18 Hour Fishing Rodeo – Extended Deep Sea Fishing Trip

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: 18 Hours
• Users Ages: 13+ years

Welcome Aboard the Fastest, Cleanest, Air-Conditioned Party Boats in Destin!

This a special Destin Fishing Rodeo Trip extended fishing trip more suitable for the 16 years of age & up angler although ages 13+ are allowed accompanied by and adult.

This trip will drive longer to get to deeper water in hopes of landing in-season fish that are larger in size than our typical catch. The aim is more of a quality over quantity.

It’s important to remember to bring ample food/beverages for your trip as we sell nothing on the boat and you will need to stay fueled and hydrated. You can also bring a light blanket/pillow because the boat checks in at 11:30 pm and leaves at 12:01 followed by a lot of driving to the deep water. There will be time to rest up before reaching your first fishing spot at dawn.

Please be advised that you may be waiting in the Rodeo weigh line upon return to the harbor so allow plenty of extra time at the end of the trip (i.e. don’t make dinner reservations).

No discounts are applicable on this trip and no comps or punch cards can be redeemed for this trip as we have limited the amount of anglers to make the trip more comfortable for you.

Boats make some people very sleepy, and it makes a few people seasick from the motion of the boat on the water. We recommend talking to your doctor about a motion sickness cure that they would recommend. We further recommend talking to your doctor about having you take it the night before and then again the morning of the trip so that it’s in your system so that your full day will be a delightful experience (and those around you). There are several over-the-counter remedies available that a local pharmacist can also recommend. Buy sunscreen and after-sun lotions while you are there.

• Chevron down Important Information

We are very proud of our magnificent boats!

The DESTINY is a 72-foot G&S Sport Fisher with a passenger capacity of 56. The DESTIN PRINCESS is a 65-foot catamaran that can carry 42 passengers. Both boats are very clean and super fast, with awnings and bench seating all around the outside, and very comfortable picnic-style tables and benches inside. They are both heated and air conditioned, providing you with a comfortable ride.

All bait, tackle, and fishing licenses are included with your trip. Passengers should bring any food and drinks they want for the day. We ask that no glass containers be brought on board.  A fish cleaning service is provided after your trip for an additional 50 cents per pound. Also, please remember our mates work very hard for tips.  The customary amount is 15-20% of your fare.

We also recommend that you bring items for your comfort, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, camera and a hand towel.

888-837-5088, or local: 850-837-5088. We secure your reservation by taking full payment at the time of booking. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are all accepted. You are welcome to pay with cash if making your reservation in person; there is no difference in the price. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure to sign in and get your boarding pass.

If you find you cannot make your trip, you MUST notify us 24 hours in advance to cancel your reservation to avoid being charged.

We constantly monitor weather and offshore conditions, and are happy to pass that information on to you. Just give us a call: long distance 888-837-5088, or local 850-837-5088. In the event we have to cancel a trip due to weather conditions, we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know. NOTE: it is very important that you provide us with a good contact number, and that you have voice mail on your phone so we can leave you a message if you don’t answer.

Our goal is to provide you with the most pleasurable and memorable trip possible. Whether you have fished offshore for years, or have never been in a boat, a trip aboard the DESTIN PRINCESS or DESTINY is the way to go!

• Chevron down Policies

Individual fares on open boat trips are paid in full in advance of the trip.  These fares are refundable 24-hours prior to the trip or if the captain cancels the trip due to inclement weather or mechanical failure.   If you miss the boat for any reason, your fares will not be refunded.  Again, if you miss the boat for any reason, FOR ANY REASON, your fares will NOT be refunded.

For private charters (when your party books the entire boat only for themselves), a $1,000 deposit per day is required to confirm and hold your reservation. You may also pay for private charters in full.  Either way, the $1,000 deposit is only refundable or carried forward if the Captain cancels the trip due to inclement weather or mechanical difficulty.  There is no 24-hour cancellation policy on private charters.  Otherwise, charter deposits are non-refundable for any reason and will not be applied towards future trips. Customers do not dictate weather calls.  If trips are paid in full, any amount over $1,000 will be carried forward to a future trip or refunded if the trip is cancelled.

Drugs on Board Will Not be Tolerated.

Neither the Coast Guard nor the Florida Marine Patrol has a sense of humor or any flexibility regarding this rule, and neither do we.

CREDIT CARD CHARGES

If you pay by credit card, the only conditions under which your credit card will be refunded is if the boat returns to the dock due to inclement weather or mechanical difficulty, at the sole discretion of the captain of the boat. Payments are non-refundable for any other reason and will not be applied towards future trips.

Travel Time Calculator

Quick links, travel duration calculator.

Travelmath provides an online travel time calculator to help you figure out flight and driving times. You can compare the results to see the effect on the total duration of your trip. Usually, the flight time will be shorter, but if the destination is close, the driving time can still be reasonable.

Another popular tool is the time difference calculator, which can be used to check the time zone change anywhere in the world. This is especially useful if you're making international calls, since you can find the best time to schedule your phone call.

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11 tips for surviving a long-haul flight in economy

We don't have to tell you this, but flying in economy isn't exactly a glamorous or enjoyable experience.

Sure, it's totally fine for quick domestic flights, but being contained in a small seat that doesn't have much recline, pitch or legroom for more than a few hours really starts to take a toll on your body (and, let's be real, your mind). Luckily for you, we've rounded up some of our favorite tips and tricks so you can walk off your next long-haul flight feeling fresh as a daisy.

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Choose your seats wisely

Don't pick your seat assignment blindly. We recommend checking Seat Guru before you click "confirm" — after all, you don't want to end up smack in the middle of a 2-4-2 configuration or right next to the lavatory, do you? You may also want to consider selecting an exit row seat (just know the pros and cons) for more legroom. But unless you have status, you'll probably have to pay for the privilege.

Check in early

Didn't get 22A? Don't panic. But don't wait until you get to the airport to check in for your flight, either. During the (usually 24-hour) check-in period, watch the seat map and refresh it regularly — something better could easily open up at this time, and if you're able to score a window or aisle seat, the quality of your flight will be significantly better.

Get comfortable

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Comfort is key when traveling, especially toward the back of the plane. More likely than not, you're going to want to get some shuteye, so wear clothes that resemble (or at least feel like) pajamas, without actually being, you know, pajamas. You still want to look at least somewhat presentable .

Dress in layers

Travelers should always dress in layers, but this is especially true if you're on a long-haul flight. Nothing, after all, is more uncomfortable than wild inflight temperature swings. And don't expect airlines to give you more than a bolt of thin fabric in coach as a stand-in for a blanket, so consider investing in a cozy scarf, wrap or cape that you can easily slip on and off, wear as a sweater or curl up under when you're trying to sleep.

For men and women, we love Jet&Bo's "Make Travel Luxurious Again" travel set , which includes a travel wrap, socks and a sleep mask that pack away in a zip-up case that easily fits in your carry-on. And did we mention everything is made of 100% cashmere? You'll be more comfortable (and feel more extravagant ) than travelers flying in the front of the plane. Well, almost.

Bring your own amenities

On that note, you're going to want to come prepared. Don't just show up for your flight with only your bags in tow. Many travelers, including The Points Guy himself, have been known to save first- and business-class amenity kits for trips in the back of the bus.

But you can always put together your own. Whether it's a great neck pillow, the aforementioned travel set, your favorite sleep mask or a footrest (economy can be uncomfortable for short people, too!), bring items with you that will make you feel "at home" as much as possible. There are a few items that you'll always want to keep handy, so be sure to create an amenity kit with hand sanitizer, lip balm, tissues, ear plugs and either toothpaste and a toothbrush or, at least, a bottle of mouthwash.

As an aside, I flew seven flights in coach in four days and believe me when I say the foot sling was a game-changer.

Drink water

When you think you've had enough water, drink some more. Flight attendants — especially in coach — are somewhat notorious for not handing out enough water, but don't be afraid to ask for what you need. Air on planes is known for being incredibly dry, and it can really start to mess up your body. You'll be able to start your trip on the right foot if you're hydrated and taking care of yourself, so pack a reusable water bottle — like the lightweight Vapur bottles that collapse and lie flat when empty — and fill it up after security.

Bring snacks

Airplane food isn't exactly a gourmet dining experience (unless, of course, you're sitting at the pointy end of the plane). So, pack some of your favorite snacks from home to do away with those pesky hunger pains. Just be mindful of your fellow passengers , please and thank you, and stick to less, well, aromatic foods .

Take care of your skin

Remember what we said about air on planes being really dehydrating? Same principle applies for your skin. Do a moisturizing face mask, apply your favorite creams and oils — whatever you need to do to keep your skin feeling good. You'll likely never see any of these people again, so put your pride aside and focus on your wellbeing.

Drown out the sound

Splurge on the best noise-canceling headphones money can buy, and then drown out all the gloomy sounds of economy. Slip on the downright luxurious Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H8i or classic road warrior Bose QuietComfort 35 Headphones II and say goodbye to the engine roar, howling babies (and their parents) and the whoosh of the lav toilet flushing. You can thank us later.

Bring some backup

Like we said, you'll likely want to get some sleep on the long flight (and if nothing else, it's a good way to pass some time). If you can't fall asleep easily naturally, it's not a bad idea to bring a little help with you. Whether it's melatonin, a dose of Benadryl or something a little stronger — prescribed by your doctor, of course — being able to fall asleep easily can make a world of difference.

Stock up on entertainment

It's no secret that many airlines' inflight entertainment systems aren't exactly the most entertaining. And they're certainly not reliable, especially if you're enduring the long haul in coach. So, download that podcast you've been meaning to listen to or every episode of the television series you've been wanting to binge. If that's not your style, there's always a good old fashioned book that could use some love.

Related: The best starter credit cards

Will your long-haul flight in economy to the other side of the world be the best one of your life? Probably not. Will it be at least bearable — or dare we say comfortable — with these tips in mind? Absolutely.

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My Best Road Trip Tip: Leave Early in the Morning

by Sharon Rowley 7 Comments

We take lots of long family road trips at our house- because it is the most economical way to travel with eight people! When we visit family in Michigan- it's a 12 hour drive each way, and when we head down to Florida-it's more than 18 hours each way! But of all of the things that I do to prep our car and ourselves for travel- the #1 road trip tip that I follow on EVERY trip we take- is to leave early in the morning!

Over the years we have tried many different approaches to handling these long drives with young kids- such as breaking up the journey into two days to minimize time in the car, but we found that all this does is shorten the number of vacation days on each end of the trip, and we don't arrive any more refreshed because we took our time getting there.

In fact, it feels as if the trip “took forever”.

We also tried leaving at bedtime so the kids could fall asleep as soon as we set out, but since it was also near the adult drivers' bedtimes as well, it meant one of us needed to sleep and the other drive right from the get-go- and I prefer to have both of us awake when driving at night when we could potentially become sleepy at the wheel.

The Road Trip Tip That Has Worked Best for Us: Leave Early in The Morning!

The method that we have found to work best for our family is to depart in the wee hours of the morning to get as many driving hours in as possible before the kids wake up for the day.

We try to leave for a long trip by 3 am, which means we are up and getting ready by 2 am. (Because isn't there always some last minute packing to do before you head out the door?)

Once we are almost ready to leave, we wake up the kids, have them use the bathroom, grab their pillows and hop into the car and buckle up. Everyone has a cozy fleece blanket This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you.  to cuddle up in, and the kids typically fall back asleep within the first hour of getting on the road. (You can see a list of my road-trip “must haves” on my Amazon influencer page! This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. )

And since we interrupted their sleep schedule coupled with the constant hum of the car engine- we can usually get them to sleep in a few hours later than usual too- which helps us to log those road-trip miles more easily!

I have a few suggestions on how to make my best road trip tip work:

1. Don't depart on less than 5 solid hours of sleep!

The adult drivers need to get at least five good hours of restful sleep before getting up for the day.

So if you are up late taking care of that last minute packing, or if you try to go to bed at 8 pm but are still wide awake at 10 pm- then move back your alarm time to make sure you get at least 5 hours of sleep before attempting a long stretch of night-time driving.

2. When it's dark- have two wide-awake drivers!

It's really tempting to allow one of the adults to go back to sleep when leaving at 3 am so the more rested driver can take over at 6 am, but night driving is tough ( unless you are used to being awake at 3:30 am!) and the best way to tackle it is to have someone to chat with so that the driver stays awake and alert.

It makes the time fly by faster too! I have to admit- I really look forward to this quiet time with my husband when the kids are all asleep in the car and we have long uninterrupted hours to talk!

Once the sun comes up, then take turns napping in the passenger seat while the other person drives. Yes, it is harder to nap during the day, but you'll likely be tired from the middle-of-the-night departure, so you should be able to get in a few more hours of sleep.

3. Be prepared with warm caffeinated beverages and snacks

The right beverages and snacks are the key! Before we leave, I like to fill a couple of thermoses with tea (for me) and coffee (for my husband) that we can sip while we chat. Although take it slow on the sipping so as to avoid rest stops (see tip #5!)

I also like to pack some sort of a healthy snack to eat (we wait to make a breakfast stop until the kids wake up) so I take along granola bars, pretzel sticks, dried fruit and nuts to munch on. I find that often it's not that I am actually hungry, but more than my body is craving energy, likely because it knows it's really supposed to be sleeping!

And don't discount the treat of 4 am french fries, if you can find them!

4. Direct music to the front speakers and try to keep it low

Singing along to some tunes or listening to an audiobook helps make the nighttime drive more fun, but unless you want the kiddos awake at 4 am singing “Shake It Off,” it's best to keep the speakers turned off in the back of the car and the overall volume turned low.

5. Try to avoid a rest stop during the younger ones' normal waking hours

If the kids normally wake up between 6-8 am, try to avoid making pit stops during those hours. Otherwise, the stopping of the car engine will likely cause them to wake up.

We try to make a rest stop around 5 am and then wait again until after 9 am to stop for breakfast. If we managed to depart at 2 am- that's 6 hours of driving time behind us- before the kids even wake up for the day!

Do you find long road trips work best when you leave in the wee hours of the morning?

Planning a family road trip?

You might want to check out these other posts that offer tips and advice on planning and packing for road trips:

• How to Plan a Great American Road Trip
• Packing for a Road Trip : How to Pack the Inside of Your Car
• The Best Car Coolers for a Family Road Trip
• 8 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials!

And if you are looking for some cool family road trip destinations:

• 10 Great Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids !
• 8 Things to Do in Williamsburg VA with Kids
• 5 Reasons to Visit Mammoth Caves with Kids
• Washington DC with Kids
• 7 Reasons to Visit Lake Placid with Kids

November 5, 2019 at 8:01 pm

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Barbarigo Bernardini says

October 26, 2018 at 6:37 am

Bel articolo. Grazie!!

Michael Lee says

September 14, 2018 at 11:16 am

I have driven a lot over this past summer. I think that it is just as important for the parents to make that stop as it is for the kids once they are awake. I start getting bored and restless while driving if it is much over 2 hours. Kids would be much more restless than parents also, I just have the children watching a movie with their little travel tray and after about two hours then they need to stretch their legs. I love your idea to leave super early!

kuberendra says

July 20, 2018 at 1:25 am

very useful though. planning a solo trip from toronto to vancouver

Erica Filpi says

October 15, 2014 at 6:34 am

I do the same thing and my friends act like I’m crazy. Also I always pack the car during the day before we leave, this gives everyone time to grab the last minute oops and set up their area. I even try to have blankets and pillows already in the car so we are literally washing them up, going to the bathroom, and jumping in the car.

Glad to see I’m not the only one.

Sharon says

October 15, 2014 at 10:52 am

I find especially as the kids get older, that I have to leave more time for the last minute “Oops” too. Electronic devices, chargers, headphones, etc. But if the 5-minute delay while they run back into the house and grab what they left means a smoother 18 hour trip? No problem!

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The Ultimate 18-day California Road Trip

A California Road Trip with Highway 1, the big cities and famous National Parks in it, it’s what lots of people dream of seeing once in their life. This road trip of California is technically a California and Nevada road trip, since it starts in Las Vegas. The whole Californian road trip stays in California after Las Vegas.

From Las Vegas to a string of stunning National Parks ending in San Francisco, from there on heading south on Highway 1 with mesmerizing ocean views ending all the way in San Diego. This is a perfect California Nevada road trip.

California Road Trip

Day 1: Arrive at Las Vegas

Day 2: Drive from Las Vegas to Lone Pine (228 miles, about 4 hours)

Day 3: Drive from Lone Pine to Three Rivers (257 miles, about 4 hours and 15 minutes)

Day 4: Seqouia National Park

Day 5: Drive from Three Rivers to Oakhurst (127 miles, about 3 hours)

Day 6: Yosemite National Park

Day 7: Drive from Oakhurst to San Francisco (288 miles, about 5 hours and 15 minutes, via toll roads)

Day 8 + 9: Explore San Francisco

Day 10: Drive from San Francisco to Monterey (127 miles, about 3 hours)

Day 11: Drive from Monterey to Gorda (67miles, about 2 hours)

Day 12: Drive from Gorda to Santa Barbara (164 miles, about 3 hours)

Day 13: Drive from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles (97 miles, about 2 hours)

Day 14 + 15: Explore Los Angeles

Day 16: Drive from Los Angeles to San Diego (124 miles, about 2 hours)

Day 17: Explore San Diego

Day 18: Going home

Day to day itinerary

This was such a beautiful road trip, a dream come true. We really wanted to drive Highway 1 and visit Yosemite and Death Valley. With this California Nevada road trip itinerary you can tick many of your bucket list items.

Day 1: Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a world on its own. You have to see to believe it. We arrived late, it was already dark, but that isn’t a problem, since Las Vegas comes to life in the evening/night. We only strolled around a short part with Yuri sleeping in the stroller. Paul and I had already been to Las Vegas on a South western road trip. It’s fun to walk up and down the whole Strip and walk into the hotels and admire their grandiosity. There are several free shows which you can watch, like the fountains at the Bellagio.

Day 2: Death Valley National Park

Leave Las Vegas early in the morning, not much show at that moment on the Strip. Drive to Death Valley National Park. This is the hottest, driest and lowest National Park in the USA. Drive the road through the park and walk on the Badwater Salt Flat, the lowest point in North America. Next to that take a hike at Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. We only hiked a short bit at Badwater Basin, since it was too hot for our son. Since he was only one at the time, he couldn’t express properly yet if he was too warm.

Day 3 till 5: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Be mesmerized and astonished by the sequoia trees. They’re so high and beautiful. We took one day for each park. There was still lots of snow when we visited, a great difference in temperature with Death Valley a few days before.

Go on hikes in both parks to tunnel log, General Sherman Tree and General Grant Tree. Stop at the viewpoints. Take the whole 4 th day for Sequoia National Park and the morning of the 5 th day for Kings Canyon National Park. Then drive to Oakhurst.

Day 6 & 7: Yosemite National Park

You have a day and a half for this famous national park. We had some less time because it turned out that Yuri had the chickenpox. So we stayed at the hotel the first morning and only went to the park in the afternoon.

Go on one of the hikes. We explored the Valley, where most people go to. We did the Bridalveil Fall Trail. On the 7 th day we did the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, a small steam train which we liked very much, especially our son. We drove again through the Valley, the views on El Capitan and Yosemite Falls are amazing and something you don’t get tired off.

Day 7 till 10: San Francisco

From Yosemite National Park drive all the way to San Francisco, it’s a long drive, a little bit longer than we expected, but we already had made a reservation for the hotel in San Francisco.

San Francisco has lots to offer and you can’t explore all of it in 2 days. We explored Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, Hyde Street Pier and the Cable Car. We didn’t venture far outside of the tourist area, since we still had a sick kid with us, so we took it slow.

Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 are very touristy, but watching the sea lions is fun and strolling around on the Wharf is great. As historians we just had to see Alcatraz. Driving over and walking on The Golden Gate Bridge is iconic. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge on day 10, just before starting on Highway 1.

Day 10 till 13: Highway 1

We drove Highway 1 along the coast from San Francisco south all the way to San Diego. From day 10 till 13 you’ll be driving the part from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

Be prepared to stop every few meters, since you see another splendid view on the ocean. Besides stopping at every view point, there are numerous attractions along the way. Naming here the ones we stopped for along the way or made a small detour for.

Monterey is worth a stop with its Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row and Monterey State Historic Park. Get some history with the 17 buildings at the park, among them the first theatre in California and with the old sardine factories at Cannery Row. Sample seafood at the Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

Drive the 17 Mile route on the Monterey Peninsula, enjoy the views and stop at Spanish Bay, Point Joe, Cypress Point, the lone Cypress and Pebble Beach.

Close to Monterey is the town Carmel-by-the-Sea, a lovely and romantic seaside destination. Visit the Carmel Mission for some tranquility and history about the Spanish missions in California.

Then drive the famous Big Sur part of Highway 1, with the Bixby Creek Bridge. Big Sur is the part of Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon. Enjoy the really beautiful, mesmerizing views without interruptions. We sadly couldn’t drive all the way to San Simeon, since there was a road closure due to a landslide. Hearst Castle is worth a visit and one of the most beautiful fairytale castles in the world . We had to make a detour and entered Highway 1 at Harmony again. Luckily we got to drive this part of Highway 1 year later on our Orlando to San Francisco road trip . Hike to McWay Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North America .

Visit Bubblegum alley at San Luis Obispo or one of the many wine orchards in the valley. Then head on over to Santa Barbara with the Moreton Bay Fig Tree and the beautiful center with its splendid architecture.

On the last part of Highway 1 till you reach Los Angeles, it’s beach time. Visit Ventura Pier, play on the beach at Malibu and go to Santa Monica Pier, where the end of route 66 is. Route 66 and Highway 1 are both iconic road trips in the US.

Day 13 till 15: Los Angeles

Upon arrival in LA we first went to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where we admired the stars on the boulevard. Visited the TCL Chinese Theatre and had dinner there.

The next day we went to Universal Hollywood and did a Star Houses tour. This was a package tour. They brought us to Universal and picked us up again and then we had a 2 hour tour through LA. Seeing the homes of stars and famous places from movies. It was fun. At Universal we did a tour of the sets, among them the set of Gilmore Girls.

For our last day in LA we went to Disneyland, which was our second Disney park then. We had already been to Disneyland Paris and a few years later to Disney World . Disney is always a good idea. It’s just magic!

Day 16: Highway 1

On this day, drive from Los Angeles to San Diego on Highway 1 along the coast.

Visit Oceanside for the historical, wooden pier, an iconic landmark. After that stop at La Jolla Cove for the seals.

Day 17 & 18: San Diego

We went to SeaWorld during the day and met up for dinner with a friend we had met at the Hurtigruten cruise back in 2009. On the last day we flew home. We liked SeaWorld, but if we would be visiting right now we probably would go to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Balboa Park or the USS Midway Museum.

Where to stay

We made this road trip back in 2011, so I couldn’t find all the hotels we stayed at anymore. Except for at Las Vegas, San Francisco and Gorda we stayed at Best Western. We booked them same day or just drove as far as we liked that day and stopped at a Best Western.

In Las Vegas we stayed at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino with a swimming park. At Lone Pine, past Death Valley National Park we stayed at Best Western Plus Frontier Motel. At Yosemite we opted for the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn. In Gorda we couldn’t go further because of a road closure. Just before The Redwood House Gorda Springs Resort. We loved our stay here, with a view on the ocean from our cottage.  We had a luxurious last stay in the USA at the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina in San Diego.

Where to eat

In San Francisco we enjoyed dinner at the Franciscan crab restaurant and lunch at the Sea Lion Cafe. From the last one you can look down on the sea lions at Pier 39.

When to visit

This is a route you can drive all year round. We drove it in April/May. We had beautiful, warm weather at Las Vegas, Death valley and along highway 1. In Sequoia and Kings Canyon there was still lots of snow in late April. At Yosemite National Park the Tioga Pass was still closed due to snow. But there’s plenty of other things to see at the park. The Tioga Pass is usually only open during the Summer months. During the Christmas season not everything may be open, but San Francisco and Solvang are among the best places to celebrate Christmas Around the World .

• Bring a coat, scarf, mittens and hat when visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon, there can be lots of snow.
• Be prepared that a part of Highway 1 might not be open, due to a landslide.
• Buy a National Parks Pass, several National Parks are on this route.
• Bring protection against the sun for Death Valley and the coast.
• Read these US Travel Books before or during your trip.

Alternative itineraries

Make it a round trip, add a few days at the end.

Day 1 till 17: the same as above

Day 18: Drive from San Diego to Palm Springs

Day 19: Joshua Tree National Park

Day 20: Drive from Palm Springs to Las Vegas

Day 21: Going home

This ends the California road trip

It’s a beautiful road trip with a lot of highlights, such as Las Vegas, Death valley, Sequoia, Yosemite, San Francisco, Big Sur, Los Angeles and San Diego. Nature, coast and big cities. Hope you enjoy this wonderful road trip.  

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43 Comments

ANUKRATI DOSI

Wow! That’s such an amazing guide to the road trip in California. I am most definitely bookmarking this for my sister who lives there.

Hope she gets to go on this road trip. California is a beautiful state.

Cynthia | Adventuring Woman

What an epic California road trip. The views along the coast are just stunning. A trip along Highway 1 is definitely on my dream to-do list, and you hit all the highlights!

Hope you get to go on a road trip along highway 1. It’s really beautiful.

A Capone Connection

Those sequoia trees look AMAZING! You’ve convinced me to look into making this a priority to see. Thanks for all the great info! Saving for later.

Hope you can go soon. The sequoia trees are definitely amazing to see.

I would absolutely love to go on a road trip in this part of California! This is a great road trip outline you’ve made that touches on some fantastic points of interest.

Hope you can go on this road trip in the future. Southern California is really beautiful.

Elena Pappalardo

Love this comprehensive guide! I’ve been wanting to do a Cali road trip and you’ve included such great points of interest. I’d especially love to check out Big Sur!

Hope you can go on a California road trip in the near future. Big Sur is really beautiful. We’ve driven the part twice now and still can’t get enough of it.

Cindy Ladage

What a dream trip! I do want to see the Redwoods bucket list!

Hope you get to see the Redwoods, they’re just above San FRancisco, so doable from this road trip (but nit in it).

Wow, such a great detailed guide! I’m so excited to plan my west coast USA road trip and do all of these things 🥰 it all sounds like an incredible experience!

Hope you get to go soon on a west coast USA road trip. It’s a fantastic area.

I love this idea! This is a great itinerary too because it leaves a little space. Did yall stop in Orange County at all? That’s my favorite section of southern California. But this is a great trip nonetheless. Ill have to do something like this next time we are there! Thank you for putting this together! – Linzey @thefamilyfuntour

What a great road trip! There is soych to see in California!

There’s indeed a lot to see in California, it’s a beautiful state.

In orange County we stopped at Disneyland and drove the part of highway 1 that’s inside Orange County.

This California coast road trip sounds amazing. Thanks for including so many great points of interest! Hope to visit one day!

Hope you get to visit California one day.

This is perfect!!! Hits all the major spots.

I’ve lived in California for the majority of my life but sadly have yet to do anything like this yet! Sadly, I don’t think I’ll get to (boo on not enough vacation days) but definitely gonna try to break it up into multiple day trips so I can visit everything I haven’t seen yet! 😛

Too bad that you don’t have enough vacation days, you live in a beautiful state. Breaking it up into multiple day trip would also be perfect.

Tiffany Smith

I would love to do this road trip! So many awesome spots and a good mix of everything 🙂

Hope you get to go on this road trip in the future.

What a great itinerary for a California road trip!

Cassandra Trzebski

Excellent Itinerary! Looks like such a great trip.

Thank you! And it was.

Go Wander Wild

This road trip guide to California is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!

Thank you! Hope you get to go on this road trip in the future.

Tickets For Four

This road trip is epic! Can’t wait to visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Saving this for later!

Hope you get to visit both those parks in the near future, they’re well worth your time.

What a great itinerary! It looks like you visited all of the best spots. California is such a breathtaking state! 🙂

Yes, it’s indeed a breathtaking state. We loved touring through California.

Sharyn McCullum

What a fabulous trip. You covered a lot of miles and packed so much in! Gave me lots of inspiration for a trip to the US I’m hoping to do in 2024.

I did the San Francisco to LA section of this road trip in a bus in my 20s. I do not recommend lol! But I really want to go back and repeat it in a convertible. California is beautiful.

Wow, that’s a fantastic itinerary. I will definitely save this one for my trip to California. Thanks for sharing this guide!

This is a bucket list California road trip! Really enjoyed reading about your experience 🙂

This article brought back so back memories of my time in the US! Though it seems I missed a few crucial spots, so I’ll have to come back <3

simplyjolayne

You visited so many amazing sites in one road trip. Did you have a favorite? I love Yosemite and Big Sur.

Jennifer Record

Perfect! I have just started a 2025 CA trip and this post has so many great recs..thanks!

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25 Practical Tips for Long Road Trips

By Jason Barnette | Travel writer and photographer with 15+ years of road tripping experience

• Last Updated on May 26, 2023
• Published on July 7, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

You’re finally ready to embark on that epic road trip that will take you across the country from sea to shining sea. The gas tank is full, you’ve checked off every item on the packing list, and you’re ready to hit the road. But are you actually ready for a long road trip?

The longer a road trip, the more complicated it can get. I didn’t say would get, but it certainly can get complicated. Have you packed enough clothing for the entire trip, or will you need to do laundry along the way? Are you ready for chilly nights, rain, and unexpected adventures? Unfortunately, these are the kinds of questions many people don’t consider until the road trip is underway – and it’s too late to make many changes.

These 25 practical tips for long road trips will help you get prepared long before you leave home, save money along the way, and help you spend more time enjoying the road trip and less time dealing with those pesky complications.

Buy food at grocery stores instead of gas stations

Road trip snacks are almost as necessary as gasoline for the car – they even perform similar functions. But one of the worst things a person can do on a road trip is to buy the snacks spontaneously at random gas stations along the way.

Save money and time with those snacks at grocery stores or bulk purchase stores. Stock up on all the snacks, drinks, and coffee at a fraction of the price of buying it along the way. The more you save, the longer you can drive.

Get your car inspected

Before leaving home, get your car inspected. Most national chain auto repair shops offer free inspections because they want your business when they find something wrong with the car.

But it’s an excellent way to get all the fluids topped off, tires rotated and balanced, and the hundreds of moving parts of a car inspected before you leave. Spur of the moment auto repairs during a road trip can be prohibitively expensive – not to mention you might have to shack up at a roadside motel for a few days while the work is done.

Keep your car maintained

Did you know properly inflated tires can lead to better gas mileage? Under-inflated tires cause a drop of 0.2% miles per gallon for every 1 PSI of all tires. That may not seem like much, but it can add up on long road trips.

Consider a 5,000-mile road trip in a vehicle that gets 30 miles per gallon. This would require 167 gallons of gas to complete the trip. However, if all four tires are underinflated by an average of 4 PSI, that means the vehicle is only achieving 27.6 miles per gallon. This would require 182 gallons to complete the trip – an increase of 15 gallons.

Beyond tire pressure, be sure to maintain fluids for the radiator, brakes, and engine oil to prevent damage to the engine. Replaced burned out headlights and taillights immediately. Keep up with oil changes and tire rotations for trips longer than 5,000 miles.

20 Essential Travel Apps for Awesome Road Trips

Set a reasonable daily mileage goal

The point of a road trip is to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Driving 500 miles per day on the interstate highways doesn’t make for a very enjoyable road trip adventure. Driving that far on two-lane roads is incredibly tedious and exhausting.

By the time you stop at a couple roadside attractions, go for a hike in a state park, sit down for lunch, and take a short detour, the number of miles you’ll be able to cover in a single day will be limited at best. But that’s the point of the road trip! Set a limited number of miles to drive each day, giving yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything you’ll discover along the way.

Avoid rush hour traffic and peak dinner times

Sitting in congested traffic and waiting for food are two of the biggest examples of losing time on a long road trip. In fact, those are the biggest time wasters for just about any kind of travel. But there is a simple way to avoid losing time: avoid rush hour and peak dinner times.

Eat breakfast after 9 a.m., get lunch around 2 p.m., and consider dinner either early at 4 p.m. or wait until 7 p.m. During those time frames, you’ll get seated faster, and food served quicker. Also, when driving around town or between destinations, avoid the rush hours of 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

As an added bonus, use a navigation app or dedicated GPS device in your car that includes traffic information – this information will help you spot potential traffic jams from congestion, construction, or accidents and usually includes optional detours. Using an app like OpenTable ( iOs | Android ) will allow you to make reservations at many restaurants – cutting down the time spent waiting for a table to open.

Road Trip to the 8 Presidential Sites Throughout Northern Ohio

A void Small Town Travel on Sundays and Mondays

Roll into almost any small town with a population of less than 20,000 on a Sunday or Monday, and you’re likely to find every restaurant, museum, and attraction closed. It’s not from the owners’ lack of business sense but rather because the owners often work in their businesses, and they want a couple of days off each week.

Sundays and Mondays tend to be the most common days these local businesses are closed. However, it may also include mid-weekdays like Tuesday and Wednesday. Instead of visiting the small towns, consider spending the night in state or national parks, driving scenic routes, or just taking a couple of days to relax.

Pack everything – including the kitchen sink

I own six rain jackets, four sets of trekking poles, and two pairs of Crocs Swiftwater shoes . It’s not because I want a particular color combination for each day of the week, but instead because I kept leaving the items behind, thinking I wouldn’t need them.

Pack everything you can possibly fit into your vehicle for a long road trip. Go beyond your tentative itinerary and think about things you enjoy doing that you might want to do along the way. Take those golf clubs or stunt kites, pack the fleece hoodie, and bring more than two pairs of shoes. Although it’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality, every little bit helps save money in the budget.

Fill the gas tank on Monday

GasBuddy ( iOS | Android ) conducted a survey a few years ago to determine the best and worst times for gas prices. Interestingly, Mondays were the cheapest day of the week to get gas on average, with the best time coming around 10 a.m.

Also, interesting – though not surprising – was that the worst day to get gas was Friday or the day before a major holiday. During those days, gas prices tended to spike first thing in the morning.

18 Essential Items That Belong on Every Road Trip Packing List

Don’t rely on cellular service

One universal constant of any long road trip is the eventuality of running into a cellular dead zone. Rural areas in the Midwest, rugged terrain in the Rockies, and sporadically throughout the Southeastern United States are areas in between cellular towers that will leave your cellphone or tablet as useful as screen doors for submarines.

Be prepared to eventually lose cellular service during your long road trip. Download Google Maps ( iOS | Android ) for offline use, make sure all your apps are up to date, and download movies for entertainment. Doing as much of this as possible while connected to WIFI will prevent you from breaching a monthly data limit.

Plan to do laundry on the road

Depending on the length of the road trip, the activities you plan to enjoy along the way, and your fashion style, it just might not be possible to pack a new outfit for every single day. So rather than pack five suitcases stuffed with every stitch of clothing you own, consider doing laundry somewhere along the way.

As a rule of thumb, pack at least five of each type of clothing. Shorts, pants, tees, polos or blouses, underwear, and socks. On top of that, pack something for chilly nights and rain. This will give you about a week of clothing – but you’ll need to get used to wearing those shorts and that shirt more than once in between washing.

Buy a laundry bag and take it with you on the road trip. However, do not buy laundry detergent ahead of time. The heat and humidity will ruin most detergents and leave your car with an overwhelming smell. When you finally decide to do laundry, be sure to take enough quarters to complete your load, never leave your laundry unattended, and always use a laundromat during daylight hours.

Get organized

Organizing all your clothing, gear, food, and accessories is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of any long road trip. But, after two, three, or four weeks of restacking bags, hunting for that small item, and shifting cargo around every curve of the road, you’ll be on the edge of losing it.

Buy stuff sacks or use gallon-sized Ziplock bags to organize smaller items. Buy midsized duffel bags or plastic totes for organizing smaller bags. Stackable totes that can lock together are best for keeping the totes from sliding around in the vehicle. Label everything and always leave the most frequently used items on top.

Get plenty of sleep

The first few days of a long road trip, you’ll likely feel energized by the excitement and tempted to stay up 18 hours a day. I can typically keep that level of stamina going for about the first three weeks of constant travel – but eventually, everyone slows down.

Getting plenty of sleep is important to maintaining your mental and physical health, not to mention keeping morale high. Spending too much time traveling and not enough sleeping will eventually lead to exhaustion, depression, and moodiness.

On a long road trip, plan to take one or two days a week off from travel. Find a nice roadside motel, splurge on a super nice hotel with a free hot breakfast, or settle into a campground for two nights. Avoid the temptation to go out and explore the area – just focus on rest and relaxation.

Road Trip Along the Scenic Route from Gatlinburg to Asheville

Keep the car clean (inside and out)

The day before any road trip begins, I always find one of those really nice car washes with the conveyor belt that pulls the vehicle through a wash cycle. Then, after getting the exterior cleaned – included RainX and a tire shine – I visit the vacuum cleaners. There is no greater feeling than starting a long road trip with a squeaky-clean vehicle.

On long road trips, it will probably be necessary to do a little cleaning along the way. Car washes are easy enough. Instead of relying on their vacuum cleaners – or paying for them – consider buying the THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner . It uses 12v power with a removable collection bin and comes with a nice travel bag.

For an added touch, the Little Trees Vent Wrap Car Air Freshner’s “new car smell” will make your vehicle smell brand new after getting it clean.

Join a roadside rescue plan

Most auto insurance companies and cellular providers offer some sort of roadside assistance rescue plan. If you don’t have the option for either of those, consider buying a AAA membership to access their roadside rescue plan.

At the very least, roadside rescue plans will unlock a vehicle, tow your vehicle to safety, and provide gas in case you run out. Better plans will include longer towing distances and more gas. It’s the one thing you never think about until you need it – so this time, plan ahead.

Road Trip on the Scenic North Carolina Waterfall Byway

Keep up with monthly bills

Only about 40% of Americans use auto pay for monthly bills like utilities and credit card payments – I’m not one of them. One of the biggest mistakes with long road trips that last more than a month is forgetting to take care of those bills before you hit the road or somewhere during the trip.

It’s easy to pay those bills with the home computer with your login information saved, but could you pay those bills on the road with a cellphone or tablet? Be sure to take your login information with you and keep it in a safe location like a locked glovebox or portable security case. Add the due date for any bills to your travel itinerary – and remember that cellular service is not a guarantee everywhere.

Life Pro Trip: Many credit card companies and certain utilities allow you to choose a due date for your monthly bill. Aligning all these bills for the same due date makes it easier to keep up with – especially while you’re traveling.  

Leave room for souvenirs

I know I said “pack everything – including the kitchen sink” earlier, but don’t go overboard and fill the entire vehicle before you hit the road. More than likely, you will want to buy some souvenirs along the way.

Smaller souvenirs like clothing, décor, and Christmas ornaments – my favorite type of souvenir to buy – are easy enough to pack into a bag or tote in the vehicle. But if you buy more oversized items like artwork, glassware, or large gift items, ask the retailer if they can ship them to your home or a relative’s home for safekeeping. Often, the shipping is included, especially in areas of high tourism where they expect the buyers to be non-locals.

Insider Tip: An easy way to keep up with souvenirs on a long road trip is to mail them to a friend or relative. The Flat Rate boxes at the United States Postal Service come in several sizes and are indeed a single flat rate – ranging from about $5-$15 per box – no matter where you ship it in the continental U.S.

Bring your favorite ___________

Do you have a favorite coffee mug? Slippers? Or what about a television series you love to watch? Just because you’re going on a road trip doesn’t mean you can’t bring some of those with you.

Bringing your favorite items with you on a long road trip can help you feel more at home and relaxed. Instead of missing that perfect coffee mug or comfortable slippers, you’ll feel much better having them with you.

Have an itinerary but leave room for spontaneity

It’s always good to have a travel itinerary. It’s essential to know the business hours of museums, restaurants, and attractions, so you don’t arrive too late or on a day when they are typically closed. Building an itinerary can help you avoid those frustrations.

However, leave room for spontaneous detours that will inevitably come along during a long road trip. Be prepared for entire destinations to change as your route progresses. Take advice from locals and be willing to give something new a try!

Road Trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Fill all prescriptions and bring extra

For three years, I worked as a certified pharmacy technician at CVS/Pharmacy in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. During the hectic – sometimes chaotic – summer months, we would sometimes fill thousands of prescriptions in a single day. The most common type of prescription was for someone who had left the medication at home.

If you have any kind of regular medication, be sure to pack that for your trip. But for long road trips that last more than 30 days, you might run out while on the road. Make sure your prescription has refills on file with your pharmacy or take a new prescription with you – as long as it is not a controlled substance. If your insurance allows, consider getting two or three months’ worth filled at one time for your long road trip.

Watch out for 140-degree heat in the car

On sunny days during the summer months, vehicles’ internal temperatures can rise 30-40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. When I was a kid, I remember going for a walk to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse during a family vacation. When we returned, my mom opened the back of the car to make snacks – only to discover the Cheese Whiz had exploded all over the car!

The high internal temperatures of vehicles can ruin more than just pressurized cans of food. Contact lenses, prescriptions, electronics, and coolers are all susceptible to damage from temperatures over 100 degrees.

You can reduce those internal temperatures by using a windshield sunshade. Close the sunshade on the moonroof. You may even consider buying curtains for the side windows – it’s not as silly as you might think.

Set a daily and final budget

My first road trip adventure of 2021 was a spontaneous, itinerary-free adventure along the Gulf Coast from Gulf Shores, Alabama, across Florida to Vero Beach. After a week exploring that area of Florida, I was considering heading south to Key West for what would have been my first visit. But when I looked at my bank account, my heart hit the floor when I realized my travel budget was at an end.

I’ve never been good at creating or keeping to a travel budget, and that resulted in a road trip cut short. So the better method is to create a daily budget and stick to it. But also give yourself leeway for those rare opportunities to do something awesome and set a final budget for the entire trip.

The advantage of a long road trip is that if you’re on the road long enough, you might just get an extra paycheck while you’re traveling. So how many vacation days do you have saved up for your long road trip?

Only travel by day

Some people only travel at night to avoid any traffic congestion at all – and that’s a good idea. But driving on unfamiliar roads at night poses some safety issues – not to mention what would happen if your vehicle broke down at 3 a.m.

The safest and surest way is to only travel by day. It will be much easier to keep aware of the unfamiliar road ahead, and you’re certain to get roadside assistance faster during normal business hours.

The Ultimate Road Trip on the Skyline Drive Through Shenandoah National Park

Choose the best road trip route

My #1 Rule for Road Trips is no interstate highways. There is just no reason to take a road trip route onto the interstate – you’ll miss everything along the way.

But what is the best road trip route? National scenic byways are a good start – there are dozens across the country. But sometimes, the most scenic or exciting road trip route is just a simple country road connecting interesting destinations. The best way to find those is to ask the locals – they always know the best route.

Document the trip

After returning home from an epic long road trip, it might be difficult to remember precisely where you found that amazing cheeseburger or savory salted caramel ice cream cone or watched that stunning sunset. It can be downright frustrating when you realize you don’t have a single photo to share or any clue where to find the name of that restaurant.

But what exactly does it mean to document the trip? I am not advocating for ten thousand photos plus an additional five thousand selfies from your long road trip. Don’t become one of those people who jump out of the car on the Blue Ridge Parkway just long enough for a selfie and then leave just as quickly.

It starts with the photos. Capture an exterior photo of every restaurant, museum, and attraction you visit – and be sure to include the name of the business. Capture an interior photo and then one or two photos of every meal or activity.

Take a journal. Jot down notes of the places you visit. Feelings. Smells. Sights. Take note of the business name, details of the food you eat, and reaction to museums. Draw pictures and maps, create word maps, put any word to paper that comes to mind. It will all be wonderful to see all the photos and notes again when your long road trip is finished.

Keep in touch with regular updates

One of the most important safety measures you can take during a long road trip is to let someone know where you are and where you are going by the end of the day. Particularly in places where cellular reception could be spotty, it’s good to tell someone that by nightfall, you should be at a particular destination and able to call them again.

That way, if your vehicle breaks down while in a cellular dead zone with little traffic, at least someone knows the route you were driving to send rescue your direction.

5 Responses

Great tips. Do you have a good app that we can use to track how our car is doing. So like we put in the mileage and it does the calculations for us of how many miles to gallon and stuff like that?

The best app I know about is called Mile IQ. It’s meant for contractors who have to keep up with their mileage for bookkeeping, but it works for road trippers as well. Give that a look and let me know if it works~!

Wrote down some of the tips that I want to remember before the trip. Changed the idea of minimizing clothing to being sure to cover (see what I did there) all bases. Like having a warm hoodie even though I am planning a trip, late June, to the South. Having something & not needing it is so much more logical that getting something I already have but not bringing it. Thank you for your tips.

Thank you very much for taking the time to put these tips together! Very helpful!

Great tips, thank you! My son is traveling the month of May on a solo road trip for the first time so wanted to pass these tips on to him!

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How to tell if you're too tired to drive — and what to do if you are

Perhaps you were coming home from a tiring day at the beach with your family, commuting to work, or pushing through the last leg of a long road trip. Your eyes felt heavy and began to droop. And you fought off an endless series of yawns while struggling a bit to keep your eyes on the road.

Sound familiar? Reports show that for many of us it does. This year, AAA reported that the number of crashes involving drowsiness is almost eight times higher than federal estimates indicate. And according to the National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep in America poll , 60 percent of adults admitted to driving drowsy and 37 percent admitted to having fallen asleep at the wheel. A more recent Sleep Health Index put out by the foundation found that 3 percent of Americans — which would equate to 7 million people — admitted to falling asleep at the wheel within a two-week period.

It may be an alarmingly common experience, but it’s one that Maureen Short, a Human Factors Expert and Senior Safety Engineer for Chevrolet, hopes to reduce.

Being awake for 18 hours straight makes you drive like you have a blood alcohol level of .05.

“We want people to understand how dangerous it is to drive drowsy,” Short told NBC News BETTER, especially during the summer when kids are out of school and people are more likely to take long road trips. “Drowsy driving causes a few things: one, you’re going to have a delayed reaction, and that is critical when you’re driving ... to be able to respond if you have an unexpected event. The second thing is that your decision making is impaired.”

In fact, The National Sleep Foundation reports that sleep deprivation can have similar effects on your body as drinking alcohol. "Being awake for 18 hours straight makes you drive like you have a blood alcohol level of .05 (for reference, .08 is considered drunk)," they report. "If you’ve been awake for a full 24 hours and drive — say, after a night where you just couldn’t fall asleep — it’s like you have a blood alcohol level of .10."

To help spread awareness about the dangerous effects that fatigue can have on drivers, Short is travelling to a few cities this summer conducting drowsy driving simulations. During the simulation, participants don a 23-pound suit and goggles that replicate how your body feels when you are driving in a drowsy state, including delayed blinking patterns, sluggishness and extreme tiredness.

“The simulation goggles change the way your eyes close and really give you the idea of what it’s like to drive while drowsy,” says Short. “As you get tired, the way we can tell is by your percent of eye closure, so every 10 seconds, the goggles close for one second; this represents being a medium level of drowsy, and mimics your eye pattern when you’re tired. If you’re truly drowsy and you nod off, it can be 2-4 seconds of eye closure at a time.”

The weighted suit works to slow your reaction time, similar to how it is slowed when you're tired. "When that reaction is slowed, you don’t always feel the effects," says Short. "Unfortunately, drowsiness doesn’t just happen quickly; it happens over time.”

I suited up and took part in the simulation when Short set up shop in the parking lot of Citi Field in New York city earlier this summer. It was definitely unnerving (to say the least) to have my field of vision obstructed every 10 — and then every 4 — seconds. When told to turn either left or right at the last minute, having a reduced field of vision slowed my decision making skills — and then I had a delayed reaction time once I did decide which way to turn, thanks to the weights on my ankles and wrists.

While I attempted to navigate the course, Short reminded me that while we were driving on a closed course going just 15-25 miles per hour, on the highway, you’re driving 60 to 70 miles per hour and covering a lot more area, which really increases the risk.

4 signs that you’re too tired to be behind the wheel

Reducing the occurrence of driving drowsy starts with being able to recognize the signs that you may be too tired to be behind the wheel. Short says to look out for these commons signals that our bodies are fatigued and our ability to drive may be impaired:

• Yawning. Continually yawning or the inability to keep your eyes open. Yawning is one of the simplest indicators to signal that you're tired, Short says.
• Memory lapse. “If you don’t remember the last couple of exits or last couple of miles, you’re getting tired and need to stop,” she says.
• Lane deviation. If you’re starting to go back and forth in the lane, drifting from lane to lane and/or engaging the rumble strips on the side of the road, it's time to pullover.
• Unsafe driving maneuvers. Frequent tailgating, braking or other unsafe driving maneuvers are a sign you may be dozing off, especially if active safety features (like lane keep assist, lane departure warning and others) have been engaged more than average.

Strategies to help you get home safe

We’ve all tried to power through that last 30 minutes of a long journey or had too early of a start in the morning when we're still groggy. Short encourages us to recognize when we're too tired to drive and not get behind the wheel in the first place. When you do recognize the symptoms above, "number one is always to get off the road,” says Short. But until you can, there are some strategies you can use to help keep yourself alert.

• Call someone. “Call a friend , call your mom, or if you are in a vehicle with other passengers wake them up and have them talk to you, and really get your mind engaged," says Short.
• Take advantage of the safety systems in your car. Many cars come equipped with features designed to keep you safe on the road. “Turn on your active safety systems," says Short. "At Chevy, we have lane departure warning and lane keep assist, those will help you stay in the lane. And forward collision alert. Give yourself enough time as possible to make a decision."
• Play mental games. Anything that gets your brain engaged mentally will help you stay alert. "If you start to feel your mind wander, go old-school and play eye-spy, 20 questions or the billboard alphabet game," says Short. "Engaging your mind can often help you stay alert, so you can focus on the road ahead."
• Consider a nap. AAA says to not underestimate the power of a quick nap . If you’re on a longer drive or road trip, pulling into a rest stop and taking a quick catnap — at least 20 minutes and no more than 30 minutes of sleep — can help to keep you alert on the road, they say.
• Don’t rely on quick fixes. Short stresses not to rely on energy drinks or coffee to power you through your trip. There is no better way to tackle tiredness than getting the recommended amount of sleep, she says. If you’re too tired to focus, consider pulling over in a safe place for a nap or find the nearest hotel to get a good night’s rest, she says. “Don’t be fooled, the only antidote for drowsiness is sleep,” said William Van Tassel , manager of Driver Training for AAA. “Short term tactics like drinking coffee, singing, or rolling down the window will not work. Your body’s need for sleep will eventually override your brain’s attempts to stay awake.”

READY TO GET MORE ZZZ’S? READ THESE AND REST BETTER

• 7 Ways to Actually Get to Bed An Hour Earlier Tonight
• Why Lack of Sleep Is Costing Us Billions of Dollars
• 8 Sleep Mistakes You Can Fix Tonight
• 16 Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep Without Popping a Pill

Want more tips like these? NBC News BETTER is obsessed with finding easier, healthier and smarter ways to live. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .

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Any barners jumping on this trip? 12/31 I wanted the voyager but waited too long to book...  

Not a bad trip but not perfect. Boarding was supposed to start at 11 but didn't start till almost midnight. 50 people were supposed to be the max but they let on 19 more people so almost 70 anglers on board. Boat probably left around 1ish and returned at 4 w/ game wardens just a few mins late to catch a few guys. At least 4 guys I know of should of got tickets. The asian next to me kept roughly 50 fish and put a lock on his cooler. He was the 1st off the boat and obviously took his cooler with him. More like a 14/15 hour trip then a 18 hour trip... Not everyone had there limit but w/ some guys keeping 25+ fish the boat probably had it's limit. I thought we would try for some porgies or something the last few hours if everyone had there limit. Catching wasn't on fire but pretty good at times. I had around 20 keeper size fish but only kept 14 bigger ones in case my count was off. Biggest for me was 18"s and pool fish was roughly 4.5lbs. No porgies or trout just bsb, doggies, skates, and 1 nice trigger. Squid was king and clam bellies a close 2nd, I preferred a jig w/ gulp teaser. I used a slow pitch 250g jig in glow/chart w/ a muskie stick. Squiding didn't work for me, yoyo or a quick few twitch's w/ a drop worked best. Jig bite was way more fun since they smacked it pretty good. Fished 2 big wrecks on the hook and just moved around on the wreck 4 or 5 times. Mates were good at untangling messes. Fried sea bass, french fry's, and hush puppies tonight for dinner. Looked like the northern boats had some bigger fish and many trout/porgies. Voyager will be the boat I do one of these trips next year.  

my guess the extra 19 were the ones who were trying to go on the second boat that was advertised to try and sail, but they probably fell short of the number for the second boat to sail. i agree jigging is much more fun if you are into jigging bsb. voyager has top notch ratings.  

That was exactly the case, the anglers from the 2nd boat got put on the main offshore boat  

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I took an 18-hour train ride from DC to Chicago for $87. Here are 4 things that surprised me about the trip.

• I traveled 18 hours on Amtrak's Capitol Limited train from Washington, DC to Chicago. 
• I bought a one-way coach ticket for $87, but next time, I'll splurge on a seat in the sleeper car.
• The train ride was filled with surprises — from crowded cabins to a lack of hot food options.

I've been regularly traveling on long-distance trains for over three years, so I didn't think a lot could surprise me anymore. 

But after my Amtrak trip on the 18-hour Capitol Limited route from Washington, DC (my hometown) to Chicago (where I currently live), I came away with several new realizations and experiences. 

Here are some of the most surprising takeaways from my recent journey.

The coach cabin was more crowded than I expected

An 18-hour trip seems relatively short to a frequent long-haul train traveler like me.

I figured I'd book a one-way coach-class ticket for $87. It was significantly less expensive than the $400 I would've had to pay to sit in the Capitol Limited's sleeper car , a higher cabin category that offers private rooms.

After all, I've traveled comfortably in Amtrak's coach cabins on much longer trips, like my journey all the way from Denver to DC. And many times, I had an entire row to myself for the duration of the trip, which allowed me to stretch, relax, and enjoy my privacy. 

I quickly realized that this experience was going to be a lot different.

As people have started to feel more comfortable traveling during the pandemic (partially because COVID-19 vaccines have become more widely available in the US), I've seen Amtrak ridership gradually increase .

I could sense the difference during my most recent trip on the Capitol Limited line. Securing my own empty row in coach felt impossible. The conductor regularly announced that passengers will have to share rows, preempting any protests. 

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Even though meeting people on board is one of the most fun parts of train travel, I still prefer to have my own personal space, especially on a long-haul trip. 

I've really loved being able to save money by traveling in coach, but on my next long-distance trip, I think I'll upgrade to the sleeper cabin for my peace of mind. 

I've taken the route before but was still blown away by the scenery

Roaming over the most gorgeous parts of the country is my favorite part of train travel.

Even though I've taken Amtrak's route from DC to Chicago countless times, I still found myself captivated as we passed by rivers, quaint towns, and the Allegheny Mountains.

There were few hot food options offered to coach passengers 

Coach passengers could buy snacks, like pretzels and soda. But we mostly had to rely on the food we brought ourselves during the 18-hour trip.

I usually bring several prepared sandwiches to snack on when I'm traveling in coach. But this was the first trip when I found myself pretty sick of eating the same food. 

Next time, I'll make sure to bring some new and exciting meals . 

It's worth noting that passengers traveling the sleeper cars could order from Amtrak's flexible dining menu .

I've ordered from the menu in the past, and I strongly prefer the meals on Amtrak's traditional dining menu , which is only available in the sleeper cars on Amtrak's Western lines, like the Empire Builder or the California Zephyr . 

Despite the blips, I'm excited to take the train again

Even if I was more than ready to get to Chicago by the time the Capitol Limited arrived at the station, I'm pleasantly surprised to find that I still really love trains and can't wait for my next rail adventure.

Whether you're taking a train, plane, or bus, travel can come with unavoidable annoyances. Not every experience is transformative or peaceful, and some are downright unpleasant .  

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18 hour layover - success! 🥂 - Paris Forum

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18 hour layover - success! 🥂

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6 replies to this topic

That all sounds wonderful!

I am glad that things worked out for you.

Merci! I’m glad we gave it a go!

I have always fly direct but in awe of these long layovers where you can get out of the airport and have some fun. Did you have to go through customs during the layover? How did you get back into the terminal? ( I am so clueless ).

I am so glad everything went well. What hotel did you stay at the 1st?

"Did you have to go through customs during the layover?"

-- However, in this case the OP came from Italy , which is in the Schengen Zone, so it was like a domestic flight within a country ... just get off the plane and leave the airport.

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11 Proven Tips for Taking a Cat on a Road Trip

Published by sarah vaughan on june 7, 2021 june 7, 2021.

In March of 2021, we set off on a cross-country road trip from Virginia to California, taking our beloved cat, Fitzgerald, along with us! During that time, we’ve driven over 7,000 miles and spent more than 120 hours in the car with our furry friend. While taking a cat on a long distance road trip has its challenges, it’s absolutely doable! In this article, we’ve compiled everything we’ve learned from many hours spent in the car with Fitzgerald. We hope these tips will give you the confidence you need to hit the road with your feline companion!

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Our Story: Taking a Cross Country Road Trip with our Cat!

If you know me (Sarah), you likely know that I am a total sucker for animals – cats, dogs, horses – I love them all. When I’m not traveling, I spend my spare time fostering kittens for the SPCA. In fact, many of the pictures you’ll see in the post are of my foster kittens. And if you know the two of us, you know that our cat, Fitzgerald (aka Fitz, Fitzy, Ger, Ger Bear…), is our pride and joy.

And so, when the global pandemic hit and we found ourselves working remotely and contemplating a long-term cross-country road trip, there was never a question that we were taking Fitzgerald with us.

From Virginia to California

In March of 2021, we got rid of most our belongings, packed up what was left, subleased our apartment in Virginia and hit the road: California bound! We drove from Virginia to St. Louis in one day, then to Denver the next.

After spending one week in Denver to break up the road trip, we continued to Southern California. Over the span of that first week, we drove 2,653 miles and spent over 40 hours on the road, all with our cat!

P.S: You can read more about us here and keep up with our road trip adventures here .

A long-term road trip

Since driving across the country the first time, we’ve decided to make life on the road our permanent lifestyle and haven’t settled down yet.

Needless to say, Fitzgerald has gotten pretty used to long car rides and changing homes, and we have learned a ton about how to make him most comfortable and stress-free in the car. All in all, he’s traveled more than 4,400 miles and spent around 68 hours in the car with us!

In this article, we’ve outlined 11 tips that we use to ensure taking our cat on long distance road trips are stress-free every time ! We hope you’ll find our tips helpful for road tripping with your cat too!

Tip | About to head off on a long road trip? Check out this list of our favorite songs about travel and adventure and refresh your playlist before you hit the road!

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11 tips for a taking a cat on a road trip.

Without further ado, here are the 11 tips we’ve learned from long distance travel with a cat in the car long-distance road tripping with Fitzgerald.

We hope these insights will help keep you and your feline companion stress free on the road!

• Try to stop as little as possible
• Get your cat a collar with tag for traveling
• Bring a familiar comfort item from home
• If possible, make one long trip rather than several shorter trips
• Create a “safe space” in the car for your cat to retreat to
• If your cat is especially nervous, try feline anxiety medication
• Try letting your cat roam free, but always pack a cat carrier just in case
• If you must crate your cat, leave the carrier out several days before your trip
• Pack your cat’s litter box, filled with clean litter
• Take away your cats food the night before the trip
• Set up a small, quiet place for your cat to rest at your final destination

Please note that these tips are based on our own personal experience road tripping with cats. All cats have different personalities and may react differently in the car! We are not veterinarians – please consult with your cat’s vet about the best way to travel with your cat in the car.

1. Try to stop as little as possible

When you first get in the car, your cat will be nervous (no matter how relaxed he/she normally is). However, most cats will settle in after a few minutes of adjusting to their surroundings and the motion of the car.

Each time you stop, there are new sights, sounds, and smells for your cat to take in, and he/she may become unsettled all over again. To minimize your cat’s stress, try to make as few stops as possible.

Pack snacks and lunches, fill up on gas the night before and only stop when absolutely necessary. In general, cats don’t like change, so trying to create a consistent environment is key.

2. Get your cat a collar with tag for traveling

My biggest fear when hitting the road with Fitzgerald is that somehow he’ll escape at a gas station or rest area and be lost forever! A bit dramatic, I know, but cats are so sneaky and it’s easy to imagine him getting startled and darting out the door.

I got Fitzgerald a collar and tag with his name and both our phone numbers engraved on the tag, and it gives me serious peace of mind to know that if he somehow gets lost, we at least have a solid chance of getting him back.

• For an extra layer of protection, attach a tracking device ( Apple Airtag or Tile ) to your cat’s collar.

Tip: You can get an inexpensive collar and engraved name tag super easily at most pet supply stores.

3. Bring a familiar comfort item from home

Fitzgerald has absolutely loved this old, raggedy orange blanket since he was just a little kitten. At home, he’ll knead, or “make biscuits,” on it all the time before he naps. It’s definitely his favorite comfort item (or security blanket, if you will)!

Whenever we road trip, we bring this blanket and make sure he has a comfy spot to curl up with it. If your cat has a favorite toy, blanket, bed, etc., it’s a great idea to bring with you! A little hint of familiarity from home can bring some comfort to your cat in a new environment.

Side note : When cats “make biscuits” like Fitzgerald does, they are replicating the act of nursing, and it’s typically because they lost their mother too early as a kitten.

4. If possible, make one long trip rather than several shorter trips

Let’s say you’ve got a 12 hour drive coming up. You may think it’d be best for your cat if you split this long drive up into two shorter 6 hours drives, stopping for the night along the way. In our experience, however, it’s actually better to just go for the full 12 hours at once.

Cats hate change , and one long drive means less change than 2 shorter drives. Typically, the most stressful parts of the road trip are getting into the car and settling into a new place at your destination.

Taking several shorter trips means more adjusting to the car and more adjusting to temporary new homes when you stop.

5. Create a “safe space” in the car for your cat to retreat to

This is especially important if your cat is a “hider.” Set aside a comfortable space in the car for your cat to retreat to when he or she gets scared.

We typically pack Fitzgerald’s cat carrier and leave it open with some toys and blankets during the car ride in case he wants to curl up in his own little “safe space”. He ends up spending most of his time in the car lounging inside the carrier.

6. If your cat is especially nervous, try feline anxiety medication

You should only try medication as a last resort . Many cats will be perfectly fine in the car without medication, as long as you take appropriate steps to keep them comfortable.

But if your cat is particularly anxious, it may be a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about anxiety medication to keep them calm in the car.

7. Try letting your cat roam free, but always pack a carrier just in case

We’re very lucky that Fitzgerald has a laid-back demeanor, and we’re able to let him roam free in the car. He typically spends his time in the car either sleeping on our laps, perched up on our piles of stuff looking out the window, or curled up in his carrier.

If your cat is laid back in the car, you may want to try to let them roam free, at least to start out. Having some space to move around will make your cat happier, and hopefully, mean less whining.

It’s a good idea to test this out with a short trip , and whether it’s a good idea for you depends on your cat’s personality. If you are traveling alone, it’s best to keep your cat in the crate since you will have no one to help you in the event that the cat starts to become a distraction.

That being said, safety should always come first. If your cat starts to try to get under your feet or becomes a serious distraction to your driving, it’s better to be safe and crate them. Always pack a cat carrier or small crate just in case, even if you don’t think you’ll need it.

8. If you must crate your cat, leave the carrier out several days before your trip

If you plan on crating your cat, it can be helpful to leave your car carrier out in your home a few days prior to your trip. Put some of your cats favorite toys, blankets, or bed in there and let them get used to being in the crate before the trip.

Doing so will give your cat some time to adjust to life in the crate and reduces the chance they will freak when it comes time for your road trip.

9. Pack your cat’s litter box, filled with clean litter

Cat’s have an amazing ability to hold in their urge to go to the bathroom. That being said, sometimes the urge can be overwhelming and your cat will need to use the litter box on the road, particularly if you are road tripping long distance . Make sure their litter box is accessible in the car so they can relieve themselves if nature calls.

Most importantly, make sure the litter box is clean before you leave! You do not want to be stuck in the car with a dirty litter box for hours.

The smell of clean litter can be overwhelming on its own! We recommend getting a covered litter house with a door , if you don’t have one already, to help contain the smell and reduce the likelihood of any litter spills.

10. Take away your cat’s food the night before the trip

Your cat might be mad at you for taking away their food, but trust us, it is not as bad as a puking cat at the start of a road trip.

Our cat, Fitzgerald, usually does great on road trips but both times we’ve forgotten to take away his food, he has thrown up within an hour of being in the car. The first time we were lucky and he made it to his litter box. The second time, he barfed all over Matt’s legs in the passenger seat. Not fun for felines or humans!

To reduce the chance of any pukey cats, take away their food before going to bed the night before your trip. They may whine at first but they will be okay, and you will definitely be thankful when you have a barf-free car ride!

11. Set up a small, quiet place for your cat to rest at your final destination

How you introduce your cat to his/her new environment is just as important (if not more!) to your cat’s mental health as how you handle the car ride.

Like we’ve said, cats do not handle change well so giving them time and space to adjust to new surroundings is super important. They will also likely be tired from a long and stressful journey in the car.

Once you get to your final destination, it may take some time for your cat to warm up to their new surroundings. This is perfectly normal. Try to make them feel as comfortable and safe as possible by setting up a quiet place for them to rest and adjust.

Road trip packing list for your cat

To help you prepare for taking your cat on a long distance road trip, we’ve summarized the most important items to pack:

• A favorite item from home: make sure you have something available in the car that reminds your cat of home and brings them a sense of comfort. This can be anything – a favorite toy, blanket, pillow, bed, etc.
• Cat carrier : for moving your cat to and from the car, and just in case you need to contain your cat while driving.
• Collar and leash with name tag : for moving your cat to and from the car, and just in case your cat gets loose.
• Litter house (with a door) : so your cat can use the bathroom while in the car if necessary, without spilling litter everywhere.
• Comfortable bed or blanket: If you are traveling with a fully loaded down car, make sure you have a comfortable spot for your cat to relax.
• Anxiety medication: if needed, talk to your vet
• Treats! But only for after you arrive at your final destination (Fitzgerald’s all time favorites are Temptations Shrimpy Shrimps )
• Scratching post : At home Fitzgerald loves his scratching post with hammock . Even though its a bit bulky, we always bring it with us on road trips because it means he won’t scratch up furniture at our Airbnb/hotel/short-term rental. 100% worth the space it takes up!

Other Useful Resources

Planning a road trip? You may also be interested in the following resources:

• Road trip | 59 Best Songs About Travel and Adventure
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• Road trip | 27 Highlights of Our Life on the Road in 2021
• Road trip | The Ultimate 1 Week Arizona and Southern Utah Road Trip
• Road trip | How to Plan an Epic Utah National Parks Road Trip
• Road trip | Texas to California: 14-Day Itinerary

With the right preparation, you can ensure that both you and your cat have a low-stress and safe road trip experience. Let us know if you have any questions as you get ready to hit the road or other tips you use to make road tripping with your furry friend a breeze .

Sarah Vaughan

Hello! I'm Sarah, one half of the couple behind Two Outliers! In 2023, I quit my job as a Data Scientist to travel around the world on an epic 15-month journey in search of the world's greatest hikes and outdoor adventures. Matt and I started Two Outliers in 2021 as a place for visitors to find concise, accurate, and honest information to plan their own adventures. We hope our experiences inspire you to hit the trail! Happy Hiking! Sarah

11 Comments

Judy McCormick · September 4, 2022 at 8:32 am

We bought a large, comfortable carrier for our back seat that has it’s own litter box, but, made the mistake of giving him treats before we left which our cat threw up and, ended up sitting in the litter box! Will definitely take advice about stopping food night before, and think will try to have his regular litter box outside the carrier, because it is very hard to clean that carrier! Are planning to take him to Florida in February, and, appreciate any help we can get! Would like to know if you should try to give food and water to your cat while traveling?

twooutliers · September 11, 2022 at 5:32 pm

Hi Judy! We typically give Fitzgerald water while traveling (especially on longer trips) but try to avoid giving him food if possible because we’ve found that it upsets his stomach in the car. Also, we have a litter box house with a lid that does wonders to prevent the mess in the car! It’s definitely a bit large, but we like to give him the option to have it and it’s pretty easy to take with us.

Marcus Koolmees · August 30, 2022 at 5:34 am

Thanks for this article, I was wondering though: Do you let Fitzgerald roam free outside when you get to the new location? I’d be worried of the cat walking off / getting lost?

Jenny Wong · August 18, 2022 at 2:06 pm

What a fantastic well written article! I am potentially moving from Ontario, Canada to Alberta, Canada which is a 45 hour or more car ride if we make no stop. We plan on making stops. This was a great read and I’ve wrote down some notes. I will for sure also talk to my veterinarian for further advice.

twooutliers · August 22, 2022 at 9:47 pm

Thanks so much! We were just in Alberta – it’s one of our absolute favorite places!

Syd · July 12, 2022 at 1:55 pm

Most of this seems like very solid advice, but I genuinely don’t think letting the cat roam about in the car while it’s moving is a good idea, given that the cat could easily get around the pedals and potentially cause a very dangerous situation. Every vet I’ve ever been to heavily emphasized even on short trips taking your cats in carriers specifically because of this. They may be somewhat less happy about the situation, which does suck, but is likely better than the potential death of everyone in the vehicle.

twooutliers · July 13, 2022 at 8:39 pm

Hi Syd, completely see your point. I think it depends a ton on the personality of the cat. We’ve traveled thousands of miles in the car with our cat and never had any trouble. But certainly, not all cats are as laid back, so whether it’s a good idea definitely varies and should be up to the cat’s owner who knows their personality best. We’d also never do this if traveling alone, in case the cat starts to become distracting or tries to get under the driver’s seat. I’ve updated that section to include a few extra words of warning on this 🙂

Sherry Kirchoff · May 30, 2022 at 11:02 pm

Thanks bunches for your amazing tips for taking Fitzgerald on car trips! My child and I have two rescued cats, and our trip is going to be 14 hours plus delays/stops. I designed the cats’ collar tags (HippieClecticHope on Zazzle), but I was otherwise clueless about preparation (I don’t normally travel, let alone with passengers).

twooutliers · June 8, 2022 at 8:41 am

Hi Sherry, best of luck with your trip! Hope you and your cats have a safe drive. That’s so cool that you designed the collar tags yourself!!

Alexandra Romanyshyn · May 20, 2022 at 12:11 pm

A lot of great advice here! Just to add on: if you do let your cat roam free in your car, be sure to disable your airbags. Airbags are deployed with enough force that they can crush an animal, or even a carrier. God forbid you do get into an accident, the safest place for your pet will be in a crate buckled into the back seat, which will prevent them from getting jostled around as much and also protect them from airbags. There are many articles on this issue, but here’s one for starters: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1427837/driving-animals-pets-road-safety-airbags-danger

twooutliers · June 5, 2022 at 5:49 pm

Hi Alexandra, that’s a great point, thanks so much for the tip!

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Pair these L.A. road trips with a hike and a lunch

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In April 2020 — only a month or so into the COVID-19 pandemic — my wife and I were running out of things to do. The novelty of Zoom calls with friends was wearing off. We’d watched lots of movies and TV. We were itching to get out of our apartment, but with the virus still raging, we couldn’t risk being around other people. Then we had an idea: Why not go for a drive?

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For our first trip, we drove the length of Little Tujunga Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest. After that, we were hooked. In the ensuing months, we crisscrossed the Santa Monica Mountains and made trips into Los Padres National Forest and beyond.

My wife bought me a California road atlas, and it became part of our scenic drive ritual: We’d consult its pages for inspiration, looking for two-lane roads and state highways that squiggled through mountain ranges or meandered through deserts. After returning home, I’d highlight our route. Four years after our first drive, the atlas is full of highlights documenting our travels — and there’s still a lifetime’s worth of backroads we haven’t covered yet.

No matter where we go, each drive gives me a deeper appreciation for the incredible range of landscapes in Southern California. And these journeys have led to many rewarding discoveries, from out-of-the-way diners to new trailheads for hiking and biking.

If you’re tired of visiting the same places, it’s time to hit the road. These two trips — all within a three-hour drive of the city — will get you started.

Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument This route traverses winding mountain roads through Los Padres and spits you out near the southern entrance to Carrizo Plain — a vast preserve of native grassland and a hotspot for wildflowers (at least on some years ) and birdwatching . From Interstate 5, take Exit 205 and head west on Frazier Mountain Park Road. This two-lane road changes names several times as it ascends into the San Emigdio Mountains, passing forested slopes and epic canyon views along the way.

After about 42 miles, you’ll meet California 166. Take a right here and then a left on Soda Lake Road to enter Carrizo Plain National Monument. Drive northwest for 35 miles to the parking lot for the Soda Lake Trail, a short boardwalk that gets you up close to the park’s salt-crusted lake. If you plan ahead, you can also book a guided tour of Painted Rock, a sandstone outcrop with Native American rock art.

Hungry? Head back the way you came, take a right on California 166, and drive west 15 miles to the Cuyama Buckhorn , a renovated ’50s motel, restaurant and bar. The eatery’s Santa Maria-style tri-tip is superb, and if you grab a room, you can turn this scenic drive into a full weekend escape .

Volcan Mountain and Julian This route will take you to Julian , a mountain town famous for its apple orchards and delicious pies. From Interstate 15, take Exit 58 for California 79. Take a right on Pechanga Parkway and head south. The road becomes Pala Temecula Road and emerges into a wide canyon with mountains towering on either side. Take a left at Pala Mission Road and continue east on California 76, which hugs the San Luis Rey River before ascending more than 1,000 feet up a chaparral-covered ridgeline.

After some hairpin turns, the road levels off and skirts Lake Henshaw, a picturesque reservoir. Take a right on California 79, and after 10 miles, take a left on Wynola Road. Follow that road for about 3.5 miles, then take a left on Farmer Road to arrive at Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. Stretch your legs on the Five Oaks Trail , a 1.2-mile path that ascends the western flank of Volcan Mountain and offers sweeping views of the orchards below.

With your appetite revved up, head south on Farmer Road into Julian and make a stop at the Julian Pie Co . Grab a well-deserved slice of apple pie and some apple cider and rest your feet at a picnic table while you chow down.

3 things to do

1. Race plankton in Manhattan Beach In celebration of Earth Day, the Roundhouse Aquarium will hold a day full of educational activities inside and outside its facilities. Highlights include dolphin spotting, a fish feeding, crafts, games, a “shark shack” and, yes, plankton racing. The festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and go until 4 p.m. The event is free, but be sure to register ahead of time at roundhouseaquarium.org .

2. Go gardening in San Pedro Give back to the land by planting native species, removing weeds, mulching and watering the White Point Nature Preserve’s garden with the folks at Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. You’ll also have the chance to enter a raffle and take a guided nature walk. As a bonus, refreshments will be provided by Starbucks to keep you cool and hydrated. The three-hour event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. All volunteers under age 16 should be accompanied by an adult, and all volunteers under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver at the event. Register at pvplc.com .

3. Stretch your legs on Venice Boulevard CicLAvia is back. And this time it’s shutting down a 5.75-mile stretch of Venice Boulevard that connects Palms, Mar Vista and Venice Beach for walkers, joggers, bikers, roller skaters, unicyclers, penny-farthings, pogo sticks — anything as long as it’s completely powered by humans. There will be three local hubs along the route where you’ll be able to partake in family-friendly activities, pump air into your bike’s tires, refill your water bottle and use the restroom. Be sure to reference CicLAvia’s digital map so you can scope out the local businesses you’d like to visit along the way. It all takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information about the event and the area it covers, visit ciclavia.org .

The must-read

The Klamath River in Northern California has turned brown and muddy, but that’s a good thing. As Times writer Ian James reports , it’s a side effect of the largest dam removal project in history, which aims to restore the river to its natural state. Four dams are being removed along the Klamath, and the river is passing freely through tunnels in three of them, draining reservoirs and churning up an estimated 2.3 million tons of sediment that had settled along the bottom of those man-made lakes. Although the turbid water might look ugly, restoration advocates and tribal leaders see it as a sign of healing. The muck is passing out of the Klamath, and new life — everything from salmon heading upstream to native plant seedlings along the riverbanks — will soon take its place.

Happy adventuring,

Want to try birding but don’t have binoculars? Head to the Audubon Center in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and you can borrow a free pair of binoculars (as well as a birding guide, backpack and other gear) to help you spot the 140 species of birds that call the park home.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

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Michael Charboneau is a freelance writer covering gear and the outdoors, and he’ll be writing The Wild newsletter for the next few months. He has written for a variety of publications, including Men’s Journal, Runner’s World and InsideHook, and he lives in West L.A. When he’s not writing, he can be found running, hiking and biking around Los Angeles and its mountains.

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