Road Trip Planning Essentials

Road Trip Planning

• The trip must be more than 150 miles from home and include at least one overnight stay.
• Maximum driving time per day is 8 hours (16 hours with two drivers).
• Average driving speed is 65 miles per hour.
• Maximum daily distance is 1040 miles (with two drivers).

Route Planning

• Plan the entire route, including highways, cities, and overnight stops.
• Research hotels online using ctrip.com (for Shanghai) or booking.com (for Detroit).

Expenses

• Food cost: $20 per person per day.
• Gasoline cost: $3.95 per gallon.
• Car's fuel efficiency: 28 miles per gallon.
• Car's tank capacity: 15 gallons.

Emergency Fund

• Set aside extra money for unexpected expenses, such as towing, flat tire, or extra hotel stay.

Itinerary

• Provide a detailed description of the itinerary schedule.
• Include a reason for the trip (e.g. shopping, Disneyland, sightseeing, concert, etc.).

Evaluation

• Project worth: $100.00.
• Grading criteria:
  • Accurate calculations for travel plans and expenses: $50.00.
  • Detailed description of itinerary schedule: $25.00.
  • Creativity of presentation: $25.00.

Accommodation Booking

• Research and book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons
• Consider factors such as location, amenities, reviews, and budget when booking
• Use online booking platforms to compare prices and find deals
• Be aware of cancellation policies and fees

Travel Insurance

• Research and purchase travel insurance to cover unexpected medical or travel-related expenses
• Consider factors such as medical coverage, trip cancellations, baggage loss or damage, and travel delays
• Compare policies from different providers to find the best coverage for your needs
• Always read the policy's fine print and understand what is covered and what is not

Exchange Rates

• Research and understand the current exchange rate for your destination country
• Consider factors such as exchange rate fees, credit card fees, debit card fees, and cash exchange fees
• Use online tools or apps to track exchange rates and receive notifications when rates change
• Consider using a credit card or debit card with no foreign transaction fees

Itinerary Planning

• Create a detailed itinerary to make the most of your trip
• Consider factors such as travel time, attractions, downtime, and budget
• Use online tools or apps to plan and organize your itinerary
• Be flexible and willing to make changes to your itinerary as needed

Road Trip Planning

Budgeting

• Determine the total trip budget and allocate funds for transportation, accommodation, food, activities, and miscellaneous expenses
• Track expenses using budgeting apps or spreadsheets
• Set a daily budget to avoid overspending
• Consider allocating funds for unexpected costs

Itinerary Planning

• Decide on the route and destinations
• Research and book activities and attractions in advance
• Plan for rest stops and breaks along the way
• Consider the time of year and potential weather conditions
• Leave some flexibility in the itinerary for spontaneity
• Create a rough daily schedule to stay on track

Exchange Rates

• Research current exchange rates for countries or regions being visited
• Consider using a credit card or debit card with no foreign transaction fees
• Load local currency on a prepaid travel card or debit card
• Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist areas for unfavorable rates
• Use online tools or apps to stay up-to-date on exchange rates

Accommodation Booking

• Research and book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons
• Consider budget-friendly options (hostels, camping), mid-range options (hotels, motels), and luxury options (resorts, boutique hotels)
• Use online booking platforms or travel agents to find deals
• Read reviews and check the cancellation policies
• Book accommodations with free parking or convenient transportation options