Two girls sitting in back of car on a road trip

Road Trip Essentials: What to pack for a one day road trip

Road Trip Essentials:  7 Tips for a Stress-Free Guess Where Trip

AKA How NOT To Screw Up Your Mystery Road Trip

Planning to take a Guess Where Trip? While the adventure is a surprise, a little preparation will make your road trip even more enjoyable! From packing must-haves to timing your departure just right, these tips will help you stay stress-free and ready for whatever the road brings.

1. Read the ‘Before You Go’ Section 2-3 Days Before Your Trip

Guess Where Trips customer holding the ‘Before You Go’ envelope before heading on mystery road trip.Every good road trip starts with a little planning–even the surprise ones! To make the most of your mystery adventure, be sure to read the ‘Before You Go’ section 2-3 days in advance. Don’t worry, it won’t spoil the surprise! Instead, it’ll help you ensure that your mystery trip goes smoothly. When reading this section, play close attention to the ideal departure time, what to pack, the best days or seasons to take the trip, as well as how long the overall trip will take.

2. Check Our Travel Updates Page

The Guess Where Trips Travel Updates page

Before you head out on your adventure, be sure to check our travel updates page the night before or the morning of your trip. This quick step ensures that all your planned stops are open and ready for you, so you can avoid any unexpected closures or changes. It’s a simple way to make sure your journey stays smooth and hassle-free from start to finish!

3. Pack Some Car Entertainment

The Guess Where Trips Sunshine Drives curated Spotify playlist

As you make your way to each stop, keep the journey fun with some entertainment! Our Sunshine Drives playlist will have you singing along for miles, while this Travel Trivia and printable bingo cards are great options for road trip games that won’t take up too much space.

4. Don’t Try to Do Every Suggestion At Each Stop

Woman sitting on top of car parked on the side of the road.

At each stop of your Guess Where Trip, we provide multiple activity options depending on your wants/needs and the season you are traveling. While it’s tempting to do all of the options provided, we recommend focusing on only one option per stop. This way, you can fully enjoy each experience without feeling rushed, allowing for a more relaxed and memorable trip.

5. Make the Most Out Of Your Trip By Turning It Into An Overnight Stay

Hotel room bed and side tables

If you'd like to explore more than one option on your mystery road trip, consider extending your trip into an overnight stay. This way, you can enjoy the activities you missed on the first day without feeling rushed. Plus, if you're planning to stay overnight, we’ve got you covered with hotel recommendations tailored to each trip. 

If you're gifting a Guess Where Trip and think they'd enjoy an overnight stay, you can share the recommended hotels from this page without spoiling the surprise!

6. Want to Combine a Trip? Ask Us For Recommendations!

If you’re looking to turn your adventure into a weekend getaway by combining two Guess Where Trips, we’d love to help! Our team can recommend the best trips to pair together based on location and experience. Feel free to reach out—we’re happy to answer any questions!

7. Prep For Emergencies

First aid kit in a red case.

While our trips are in no way dangerous, with any road trip it’s essential to be prepared for minor mishaps by packing a first aid kit with essentials like bandages, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipe. It’s also a good idea to keep a roadside emergency kit in your car, just in case.

With these tips in hand, you’ll be ready for whatever the open road has in store. So pack your bags, hit the gas, and let the adventure begin!

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Tags: Guides