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Planning a road trip?

Get advice from people who have done the same trip.

The Trippy road trip planner automatically calculates the optimal itinerary including stops recommended by Trippy members, favorite restaurants and hotels, local attractions and things to do based on what people who live in the area have suggested, and more.

Once you have a quick trip planned, you can customize every detail, adding or removing stops, or changing what time you leave in the morning or how long you stay at each stop. Then you can save your custom trip and share it with friends and family.

Let us know if you have requests for more features you'd like to see in the trip planner!

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The 10 Best Road Trip Planner Apps for 2024

Save time, money, and energy with these apps so you can focus on the fun instead

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We love road trips! Planning them can be fun but, let's be honest, also stressful. The right road trip planner apps can take some of that stress away by helping you plan, organize, and manage travel before and during your trip. We've researched and tested these apps to help give you peace of mind so that you can spend more time enjoying your trip.

The Ultimate Map App for Planning Your Route: Roadtrippers

Access to free and convenient travel guides.

Share-ability so friends can join in on the planning process and suggest places to visit.

The app can use up the battery life of your device quickly. Take a car USB charger with you.

Built for travelers, Roadtrippers helps you create your route while allowing you to discover great places as you plan it out. Add a new place to your itinerary to work it into your trip.

The app features an easy-to-use interface. In addition to covering the U.S., it also covers Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Download For:

Automate Your Trip Planning and Organization: Google Travel

Automatic trip organization via Gmail integration.

Offline access so you can see your trip information even when you don't have an internet connection.

Limitations with customizing some day trips exactly the way you want.

You can count on Google to make your trip planning a breeze. Pre-constructed day plans are available for hundreds of the world's most popular destinations, which you can customize to your liking.

It's one of the most versatile travel planner apps out there, giving you one convenient place to see your hotel, rental car, and restaurant bookings.

Find and Book a Last-Minute Place to Stay: Hotels.com

A fast, easy-to-use booking feature.

For every 10 nights you book through Hotels.com, you get one night free, provided it's the average daily rate of those 10 nights.

No option to easily cancel if you change your mind.

Whether your road trip itinerary changed, or you haven't decided on a place to stay yet, Hotels.com can help you find a place and book it when you're on the go, even when it's super last-minute. You can sort and filter hotels, see the amenities they have to offer, compare prices, and catch a glimpse of how many rooms are available.

This is the app you'll want to have handy if you want to see in-depth hotel details at a glance and need to find a place to crash ASAP without breaking the bank.

Find Local Restaurants, Read Reviews, and Make Reservations: OpenTable

Lots of great filter options and suggestions.

Access to gorgeous, high-quality images of menu items and informative reviews from other users.

Reported problems and inconveniences with their built-in reward system.

Searching for specific restaurants is more difficult than simply looking at what's around in the area.

Deciding on a place to eat in a new area is quick and hassle-free with OpenTable. See what's nearby, filter restaurants by cuisine, see photos of what's on the menu, make reservations, and get personalized recommendations based on your preferences.

OpenTable is known to be one of the top location-based food apps available, so you know you can trust its information when you're dying for something to eat.

Navigate Like a Local: Waze

Hands-free navigation with voice commands.

Alerts-only mode for road hazards and police.

Share up-to-date ETA with friends.

Spotify and Apple Music widgets get in the way.

Cluttered maps can be confusing.

Higher battery usage than Google Maps.

Waze is a community-driven travel app that shows you the shortest possible route to your destination. Like Google Maps, Waze makes real-time adjustments for traffic jams and other obstacles—but Waze is often more accurate since it caters specifically to drivers.

The app syncs with your Google Calendar and can tell you when you should leave for appointments based on traffic. There's also a cool option to record your own voice and use it for directions .

Know Exactly When and Where to Make a Pit Stop: iExit Interstate Exit Guide

Access to detailed summaries of what's at the next exit (including gas prices at nearby gas stations).

Search for the next 100 exits from your location.

The app can only be used on major U.S. exit-based highways.

No offline access, so you'll use your data plan while you're on the road.

Making a pit stop for food, gas, or a bathroom break is easy when you have the iExit app. Using your device's GPS, the app offers helpful suggestions for when and where to stop based on your location along the highway.

Whether you're looking for well-known franchises like Starbucks and Walmart to convenient amenities like free Wi-Fi and truck or trailer parking, this app has you covered.

Find the Cheapest Fuel Nearby: GasBuddy

An in-app gas payment feature.

Opportunity to save 10 cents per gallon on your first fill-up and five cents per gallon on every fill-up after.

The app can take up a lot of data and battery life as it runs in the background.

GasBuddy is an app specifically designed to find nearby gas stations and save money on gas. Use it to find the cheapest gas in your area and filter gas stations by amenities like car washes, restaurants, and bathrooms.

It's the app you want to have if you're serious about finding the cheapest gas around. Information comes from users like you, so you have the most up-to-date prices.

Download For :

Never Forget an Item: PackPoint Premium Packing List

Access to a built-in library of items to pack with the ability to add or remove items as needed.

An elegant, intuitive app interface.

Can't input multiple destinations for a single trip.

Not a free app.

PackPoint helps you make sure you have everything you need based on where you're going and what you're doing. In addition, the app takes into consideration the length of your trip and the expected weather conditions. Perhaps best of all, this app turns a mundane chore into something that's actually quite fun.

Find Out Where to Park and How Much It Will Cost: Inrix ParkMe

ParkMe is the only app that also includes street parking and parking meter rates where available, in addition to parking lots.

Real-time updates on available parking spots.

Rates and hours may be inaccurate in some areas.

ParkMe claims to be the world's largest and most accurate parking database. It allows you to purchase your parking spot through the app and compare prices across parking providers to help you save more money.

If you're road tripping around major cities in the U.S., Canada, or Europe, this app can be a huge help. You can even compare parking options and prices so that you always get the best deal.

Automate Your Itinerary: TripIt

Automatically creates itineraries from your inbox.

Widget displays trip details on your home screen.

Annoying amount of alerts by default.

If you're planning a trip, you'll likely have a lot of confirmation emails for hotels, appointments, restaurants, and attractions. TripIt syncs with your inbox and uses that information to compile an itinerary so that you don't have to scramble for it.

The free version is fine for road trips, but if you ever fly, the premium version gives you the option to upgrade seats and track reward miles.

In addition to your phone, laptop, and tablet, other travel tech essentials include chargers, headphones, travel adapters, cameras, luggage trackers, and off-grid communications

Yes. You can use Google Maps as a trip planner through the “Places” and “My Maps” features. Both the Google Maps website and app let you save locations to lists and get directions.

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Best Road Trip Cars in 2024 and 2025

We compiled a list of vehicles that are great for road trips. These vehicles are fuel-efficient, reliable, and comfortable, which will help you out on all of your highway adventures.

Kia Motors America |

The Best Cars, Minivans and SUVs for Road Trips

Summer is prime road trip season, whether that means hitting up a national park or getting together with family at a lakeside cabin. Choosing the right new car for an epic road trip can make your vacation more comfortable, more fuel efficient, and even safer, thanks to the new technologies found in many new vehicles. It can also mean less arguing, thanks to USB ports that keep devices charged, Wi-Fi hotspots that keep everyone entertained, and roomy back seats that keep siblings from touching.

We've rounded up the best road trip vehicles available this summer, with everything from sports cars to pickups, with plenty of family-friendly SUVs on the list. As new information becomes available, we update our reviews, so the data found in these slides might not match those reviews exactly.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. |

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid

$34,050 | usn overall score: 8.0/10.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid is a more fuel-efficient version of the popular compact SUV, with up to 43 mpg in the city. A 7-inch touch screen, smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and four USB ports come standard to keep everyone powered up and entertained.

The interior is one of the nicest in the class, and the standard upholstery is stain-resistant. The seats are comfy in both rows, with room for adults to stretch out even on road trips. The rear seats recline, so whoever is off driving duty can take a nap. Standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist help reduce the fatigue that can come with hours of driving.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas

$36,985 | usn overall score: 8.1/10.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas has enough room to bring along everybody and all their gear. It's available with either three rows of seating or two rows in the Cross Sport configuration. The third row is comfy for kids and adults on shorter trips. The Atlas has more cargo space behind the third row than most in its class.

Refreshed for 2024, in either configuration, a 12-inch touch screen with smartphone connectivity and a Wi-Fi hot spot are standard, along with wireless device charging and four USB ports. The Atlas can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly configured if you plan to bring a small camper or want to tow some toys for your vacation.

2024 Ford Mustang

$30,920 | usn overall score: 8.1/10.

Sometimes you want to live the American road trip dream in an impractical sports car. But guess what – the redesigned 2024 Ford Mustang is a rather practical sports car. It's as exciting to drive as you could hope, and it still manages to turn in great fuel economy numbers that won't put a damper on your budget.

The Mustang's interior has been updated with a more modern, tech-forward look. Its standard infotainment system has a large 13.2-inch touch screen and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. But maybe most importantly, for purposes of the dream, the Mustang is available as a convertible.

2024 Chevrolet Suburban

$59,200 | overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban is the classic family road trip SUV, and it's the winner of our 2024 Best Large SUV for Families award. It's huge, with more cargo space than almost any SUV out there. It can be configured to seat up to nine people, though that means someone has to sit in the middle of the front bench seat. In any case, the third row provides enough legroom for adults.

The interior is sturdy enough for epic journeys, and it comes with an 8-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and six USB ports. Depending on how you configure it, the Suburban can tow up to 8,300 pounds, enough for the average camper. It also comes with driver-assistance features like lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist.

2024 Kia Carnival

$33,600 | overall score: 8.2/10.

The 2024 Kia Carnival makes a strong case for the classic family minivan as the ultimate road-trip vehicle, especially with pricing that's among the most affordable on this list. It comes with a good list of standard safety features for long drives, including lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring.

The interior is upholstered with easy-to-clean materials, and all three rows have enough room for adults, though the third row has a bit less legroom than the first two. It also has lots of cargo space, even with all three rows in use. If you don't need the last row for passengers, it folds flat into the floor for even more cargo space. An 8-inch touch screen, smartphone compatibility and a whopping seven USB ports come standard.

2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

$53,425 | usn overall score: 8.3/10.

The plug-in hybrid 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid achieves up to 30 mpg in combined driving when operating in hybrid mode, which is great for any minivan. Once you reach your destination, plug this family hauler in overnight to be able to drive about 32 miles on electric power.

There's also a ton of tech included, like a 10.1-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and Amazon Alexa compatibility. All three rows of seating have lots of head- and legroom, and there's plenty of storage space. Standard safety features include stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

2024 Lincoln Navigator

$82,765 | usn overall score: 8.6/10.

Wherever your road trip takes you, the 2024 Lincoln Navigator will make sure you arrive in comfort and style. It's one of the best luxury large SUVs, with a well-built and high-quality interior. Standard features include a 13.2-inch touch screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot and five USB ports.

Every seat in all three rows is comfortable, and the available L model adds extra space to an already roomy cargo area. Though the Navigator is large, its powerful engine easily gets it up to speed on the highway. Standard safety features like lane-keep assist and stop-and-go adaptive cruise control can help reduce driver fatigue too.

2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

$32,575 | usn overall score: 8.6/10.

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is among the best in its class and was a finalist for our Best Hybrid SUV for the Money and Best Hybrid SUV for Families awards this year. The regular hybrid is the best for road tripping, with up to 38 mpg on the highway. But it doesn't sacrifice power for efficiency, with enough get-up-and-go for passing on the highway. All-wheel drive is standard for a sure-footed feel.

Inside, there's tons of room for adults in both rows of seating and a huge cargo area. A 10.25-inch touch screen is standard, along with Apple CarPlay , Android Auto , four USB ports and wireless device charging.

GENESIS MOTOR AMERICA |

2024 Genesis G90

$89,200 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

If your road-trip budget allows for a little luxury. the 2024 Genesis G90 delivers. It has a capable V6 and an optional mild-hybrid powertrain that improves acceleration when passing on the highway. The available air suspension makes long drives a dream, and the extensive list of standard safety features–including adaptive cruise control and a head-up display–eases the tedium of driving.

The Nappa leather interior wraps the road tripper in luxury, and both rows of seating are comfortable for adults. The trunk is large enough for several suitcases, and it opens automatically as you approach. The G90 also has one of the longest powertrain warranties in the business.

2025 Ram 1500

$40,275 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

If your road trip plan involves a camper or boat, you'll want to look into the 2025 Ram 1500 . When properly equipped, it can tow up to 11,580 pounds. As with most pickups, you can configure the 1500 in whatever way works for you, with bed, cab and powertrain options in addition to trim levels and packages to add on.

All of the available body styles have a spacious, high-quality interior. Quite a few safety features are standard, including stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. The infotainment system got an upgrade for the 2025 model year, which means even more available features, including three screen sizes, three sound systems, and a long list of available tech features.

2024 Honda Civic

$23,950 | usn overall score: 8.7/10.

You probably need one car to handle both the daily commute and the road trip vacation, and you need it to be affordable. Enter the 2024 Honda Civic . It's one of the best compact cars in its class, and we named it the 2024 Best Compact Car for the Money . All of its scores are high, especially when it comes to safety. It has the lowest MSRP on our list yet comes standard with desirable amenities like adaptive cruise control and traffic-sign recognition. It's also thrifty, with up to 42 mpg on the highway.

A 7-inch touch screen and smartphone connectivity come standard. The front seats in particular are supportive over the long haul, and the Civic has more overall interior space than most rivals.

Road Trip Car Characteristics

Passenger space: People turn cranky when they aren't comfortable after hours on the road. There needs to be space for everyone to stretch out.

Cargo space: At the very minimum, you'll be bringing luggage along and maybe also camping gear or tubes for floating the river. Make sure there's space for your gear.

Fuel economy: Stopping for gas on a road trip can get expensive. Fuel efficiency, particularly from hybrid powertrains, can ease the pain of stopping at the pump.

Infotainment: An AM/FM radio is no longer sufficient for most people. An infotainment system that's easy to use while driving and can connect to smartphones is key.

Safety tech: Driving long distances causes fatigue, and fatigue causes accidents. Modern driver-assistance features can help you stay alert and in your lane.

Reliability: No one wants to be the car in the breakdown lane while on their road trip. A good predicted reliability score shows that a particular model has on average been a solid performer over time.

Genesis Motor America |

Road Trip Car FAQs

What is the best car for road trips.

The best car for road trips is the one that fits your budget and your needs, so there's no one vehicle that will work for everybody. That said, the 2024 Honda Civic is a strong pick. It provides comfort, features, safety and reliability, and all for one of the lowest price tags on this list.

What is the best SUV for road trips?

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid combines a long list of standard features with great fuel economy, and it has one of the most spacious interiors in its class.

What is the best luxury car for road trips?

The 2024 Genesis G90 will take you anywhere in comfort and style. Most of its best features are standard, including leather upholstery.

What is the most comfortable car for long trips?

On a list of very comfortable vehicles, the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid is probably the most comfortable, especially for back-seat passengers who can take advantage of the reclining seats. If comfort is your priority, take a look at our list of most comfortable cars for more options.

U.S. News and World Report |

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

Plenty of families take road trips, so you might want to check out the winners of our 2023 Best Cars for Families awards too. Maybe you've been left stranded on an unfamiliar road by your former car and are looking for the most reliable cars available. If you know you need to bring along a lot of gear, see our roundup of compact SUVs with the most cargo space .

When you're ready to buy a new car, use our Best Price Program to pre-negotiate a great price with a local dealership. You can arrange for online buying and even vehicle delivery through the program.

U.S. News & World Report |

Best Cars for Road Trips in 2024 and 2025

2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid: $34,050 | USN Overall Score: 8.0/10
2024 Volkswagen Atlas: $36,985 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10
2024 Ford Mustang: $30,920 | USN Overall Score: 8.1/10
2024 Chevrolet Suburban: $59,200 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
2024 Kia Carnival: $33,600 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: $53,425 | USN Overall Score: 8.3/10
2024 Lincoln Navigator: $82,765 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10
2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid: $32,575 | USN Overall Score: 8.6/10
2024 Genesis G90: $89,200 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
2025 Ram 1500: $40,275 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10
2024 Honda Civic: $23,950 | USN Overall Score: 8.7/10

Browse Cars

9 Best Travel Apps for a Great American Road Trip

BROOK PIFER / Getty Images

Remember the days of embarking on a road trip with a big fold-out map and maybe a Michelin Guide for a directory of places to stay and eat? Thanks to smartphones, road trippers today have an infinite number of resources to help plan the perfect road trip (or at least provide some guidance for those who prefer not to plan ahead). Several apps are designed specifically to assist travelers who go by car—many of them free—so you can focus on enjoying the journey without getting bogged down by the details.

Roadtrippers

One of the most essential apps for any road trip, Roadtrippers is the ultimate travel planning resource for anyone embarking on a driving vacation. It's especially useful for travelers who have a clear starting point and ending point, but aren't quite sure what routes to take, what cities to stop in, and what to see along the way. You just punch in point A and point B, and Roadtrippers will give you all of the best options for getting from one to the other along with recommendations of hotels, restaurants, bars, and can't-miss points of interest. It's completely free to download and use, although a premium version is available with even more features.

HotelTonight

Road trips mean you don't always know exactly where you'll be sleeping every night of the trip. You may have a general itinerary of where you're going and when, but spontaneous plans, last-minute changes, or car trouble can throw a wrench at that. When you suddenly need a place to crash, open up HotelTonight . This free app works best for same-day reservations by finding nearby deals for rooms that would otherwise be empty. The options range from luxury resorts to boutique bed and breakfasts, so after a long day behind the wheel, you can make a pitstop exactly where you want to.

If you want to score the best deals on your trip, Groupon is the place to see what's available at a discounted price. Groupon collects deals for all types of services and products that would be useful to road trippers, such as hotel rooms, car rentals, restaurants, excursions, oil changes, and much more. The app is totally free to use and you can organize your results based on category or the city you're traveling to. It's great not just for finding new activities you may not have known existed, but also for finding deals on something that was already a part of your plan.

Tripit is a free and easy-to-use travel planning and itinerary organizing app typically used more by frequent fliers. But road trippers can use the Tripit app or website to plan a trip complete with hotel, dining, and shopping stops. Whenever you book a hotel, dinner reservation, car rental, or some type of transit, just forward the confirmation email to Tripit and it will automatically be stored inside the app, so your entire itinerary is easily accessible in one location. Tripit even lets you share your travel agenda to social media or with other friends on Tripit. Plus, it's an easy way to go back later and remember all of the travel details of your trip.

Google Maps

A navigation app isn't a revolutionary idea for a road trip and there's a good chance you already have one downloaded on your phone. And even though Google Maps is by far the most popular one, it's worth calling out as a necessity for your journey. You can filter directions by the fastest route, traffic conditions, avoiding tolls, or intermediary stops. You can also download entire areas to be used offline, which is essential for stretches of road that are outside of coverage zones. If you want to plan out when you'll stop for food, gas, coffee, or a supermarket, Google Maps will find places along the route, each one accompanied by all of the reviews of other Google users.

A road trip across the U.S. sometimes involves countless hours of driving at night in the middle of nowhere. Or, it could mean a camping trip under the stars. Either way, you're going to need to make a night-time pit stop, so why not use the break to take in those twinkling stars? The free Star Walk app is an easy-to-use astronomy program that lets you point your phone at the sky and discover which stars, planets, and constellations are above you. Which of those dots is actually the North Star? Can I see my birth sign constellation? Is that glowing red orb Mars? With Star Walk, all of these answers and more are at your fingertips.

Roadside America

What's a road trip without stops at the quirky attractions along the way? Roadside America enhances your road trip by mapping out all of the kitsch, bizarre, and one-of-a-kind points of interest along the route. The app costs $2.99 for a designated region of the U.S. or Canada and additional regions have to be purchased within the app, but it includes full field reports of hundreds of attractions organized by city, state, province, or category so you can actually learn about what you're seeing. Don't miss out on a weird museum, famous gravesite, Muffler Man, or another peculiarity that could be just a short detour away.

If you've ever been on a road trip, you already know the story: You've been driving for hours, you're in an unfamiliar area miles away from a big city, and you suddenly realize the gas indicator is dangerously close to "E." Do you veer off to the first rest stop you see? Or wait it out and hope for something less expensive a few miles ahead? Thanks to Gas Buddy , you can make a decision without any internal dilemma. This free app searches all nearby gas stations for the best prices, so you can easily choose and not risk paying more than necessary—or worse, running out of gas in the middle of nowhere.

Some of the best road trip memories likely involve turning the music up and rocking out to your favorite music with the open road in front of you. Rather than getting stuck with what's playing on the radio, download the Spotify app to find your favorite artists or music genre and create playlists with the tap of your finger. The app is free to download and use if you don't mind the occasional ad, but you can also upgrade to a premium version for uninterrupted tunes.

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myscenicdrives.com: Find your next Scenic Drive

Scenic Drives
Road Trip Planner

Road Trip Planning Made Easy

Create custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross country adventures worldwide

Powerful features for planning your epic road trips (and the shorter adventures in between)

Unlimited stops.

Add unlimited stops and sub-stops. Combine your own stops with our pre-planned routes and recommended places of interest.

Smart Scheduling

By the minute, hour, or overnight, set preferences for each stop. Export your trip to your own Calendar.

Set Vehicle Type

Car, RV, camper trailer, truck, motorcycle, pulling a boat? Get a realistic estimate of driving time. Adjust travel speed by percentages for each unique situation.

Divide Trips Into Days

Divide your trips into manageable driving days based on your custom settings by time or distance. And of course you can customize each day differently.

Route Preferences

Configure route preferences such as avoiding highways or tolls for each day or any segment of your trip.

Use Any Device

Plan trips from your desktop computer, iPad, Android tablet, and mobile phone with the same easy-to-use interface. No app to download or software to install.

Automated To Do List guides you through the road trip planning process.

Manage Your Budget

Track expenditures before you go and along the way. See a summary of expenses for entrance fees, activities, restaurants, and lodging, etc.

Gas Calculator

See the estimated fuel cost for your vehicle type.

EV Charging

Find EV charging stations along your route. Get reminders to recharge. Use Charging Ranges to display icons on the map where your vehicle will require recharging.

Export Options

We support Google Earth (KML), Garmin Communicator, BaseCamp and MapSource (GPX), Co-Pilot Live (TRP), Microsoft Streets and Trips, TomTom itineraries (ITN), TomTom Places of Interest (OV2), Comma Separated Files (CSV), and Tab Separated Files (TSV).

Directions on paper come in handy. Print your road trip with turn-by-turn maps and full directions, divided into your day-by-day itinerary.

Is This Really Free?

Yes! It is free to use our Scenic Drive Itineraries and Road Trip Planner. Please consider purchasing your National Park or National Forest passes on myscenicdrives.com.

Why Do I Need An Account?

A free account is only required for the Road Trip Planner, enabling you to create, edit, and save your trips. Your account is secure. We never share your information.

Do I Need to Download An App or Install Software?

No app or software is needed. myscenicdrives.com works in any browser. Simply go to myscenicdrives.com

More Resources

Documentation, myscenicdrives.com, how it works.

day planner, carbon offset, travel planner, travel, trip planner, route planner, itinerary planner

Plan your next

Adventure holiday weekend road trip.

AI road trip generator

Plan your journey with our state-of-the-art trip planner! Map your route , your waypoints and stop over times. Work out your travel times , calculate your arrival time and even see if you’re going to arrive before sunset with enough time to set up camp or get in some exploring before dark.

With our trip planner, your journey will be seamlessly organised, allowing you to maximize your precious time on the road and create unforgettable memories at every step.

it’s your time

Travel more. Travel better.

Not one for planning ? Or perhaps you want a record for another time? Track where you have been and record how much money you have spent and on what. However you travel, use Traveld to calculate your carbon footprint and offset it. When it comes to making plans with friends, especially for a road trip or holiday, having the best road trip planner or group travel planner can make all the difference.

Get offers and good stuff straight to your inbox.

Receive the good stuff.

Less stress. More travel

Making memories is what travelling is all about. Collect notes, add photos and videos to your maps building an interactive journal of your travels. Add travel companions to travel together .

Share Your Expedition:

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Environmental Stewardship:

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Comprehensive Overview:

Navigate Like a Pro:

Share the Joy:

Elevate your journey:.

Map multistop route
Route broken down day to day
Travel time estimate
Travel diary
Sunrise & Sunset for each day
Weather for day of the trip
Daily total distance, time travelled
Fuel usage and cost
Total distance, time for entire trip
Total distance, time travelled for all trips
Carbon calculator
Buy trees offset travel
Travel Group
Invite friends
Public shared view

When making plans with friends and organising a memorable trip, utilising the best AI road trip planner and group travel planner is essential. Hook up your social accounts and share to your social media accounts. You can bring in memories and share your travel dashboard with family and friends, letting people know your progress as you go.

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Consider the road trip

Airports are a nightmare. What about driving instead?

by Paulette Perhach

If you buy something from a Vox link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

An illustration of a car parked on the edge of a cliff, as a man and a dog sit and look out at a beach in the distance.

The theory of relativity is felt most strongly in a vehicle. A broken AC, busted speakers, or your brother-in-law’s stories from his frat days can make the miles pass so slowly, you wonder if the universe needs a change of battery. Yet, sitting shotgun with the love of your life with a perfect windows-down breeze, it feels like you could drive for days.

There’s only so much you can control inside a car, and how much you prepare will make all the difference in how your ride feels. So if you’re planning a long car trip and the road ahead feels daunting, we’ve gathered some tips from experts to help. I personally became an expert last year, by surviving, nay, thriving, on a 10-day trip moving from one corner of the country to the other.

Here’s how you can put more joy into travel on the open road.

Why the car?

The open road has become the shinier option again as airports around the country descend into madness. The shortage of 32,000 commercial pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers is estimated to cause issues for the next 10 years.

Even if you avoid the long security lines and the nearly one out of every four flights that are delayed, you’re packed tight with The Others, unable to move your elbows without having to apologize. Of course a plane is faster than a car, but if you factor in the 90-minute arrival window, drive to the airport, luggage wait time, and driving to your destination, it may be closer in duration than you might initially think.

In your own car, there’s a looser limit on what you can pack, and you can take more than a three-day supply of shampoo. Plus, driving yourself can save you the trouble of needing to book a rental car for your destination.

In a survey by United Tires , almost nine out of 10 people said road trips are “one of the best ways for families to bond.” Or kill each other. Let’s help you make it the first one.

Primp and prep your ride

“Do we need seat cushions?” I texted my best friend.

“No,” she responded so quickly that I was sure she knew my Amazon cart was full of anxiety purchases. She would soon fly to Seattle to drive with me and all my worldly possessions 2,993 miles to Florida, across the street from her house, where I was moving. I was determined to make sure that the 43 hours we would spend in the car together would not be a stress test of our friendship.

I was in disaster-prevention mode. How could we keep the vibe high?

I tried to think of anything that could be mildly annoying. My first thought was the sun. For this, I got two sets of sun shades, and they were the MVP of the trip. The first set expanded on wire rims and stuck to the glass, and were see-through. They gave us shade, but didn’t black out the outside world entirely.

The second set came in the shape of each window of the vehicle, and used magnets to stick to the frame, providing a complete opaque box. This made security easier, with no one being able to see in the car. It also made it into a dressing room when needed.

I purchased seat belt covers , so that in our summer tank tops, we didn’t have rough straps digging into our collarbones. Even to this day, when people get in my car, they feel them and say “Ooh.”

I probably didn’t need the padded steering wheel cover , but you know what, that breathable microfiber was a lifesaver on my sweaty hands driving at noon in the Nebraska sun.

The glove compartment had reading material, wipes, and napkins. I made sure a cooler was accessible, and to keep things exciting, I brought bougie treats to ration out across the journey, from smoked salmon to a ginger dark chocolate bar. We packed reusable plastic plates and bamboo cutlery to reduce waste.

I also organized the hell out of the car. I have one of those deep center consoles, and I put mini Tupperware in there to separate and store coins, cords, and various sauce packets I’ve collected, a habit I became more serious about since I heard about that man trapped in his snowed-in vehicle who survived five days on Taco Bell hot sauce . My best friend mocked this sauce container, until she got a gas station sandwich on the very last day that, lo and behold, lacked both mayo and mustard, two mainstays stocked in the sauce container.

Safety first

If you’re handy, you can check out your car yourself. Look at the brakes, tires, and fluids. But if you’re anything like me, you should get a professional thumbs up.

“If you’re maintaining your car properly, you may not need to take it to a mechanic or a technician to have them take a look at it,” said David Bennett of AAA, an ASE master certified technician with more than 35 years in the industry. Be sure to head to the mechanic shop well in advance of your road trip — don’t take your car in the week of or day before your trip. “If something’s wrong, and they have to order a part, you want to give them time to be able to do that,” Bennett said.

AAA’s emergency kit list includes a flashlight and extra batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for both people and pets, car battery booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves, and shop rags or paper towels. May I also recommend peanut M&Ms?

Bennett also suggests bringing a blanket or towel to lie down on in case you need to look under the car, and gloves in case things get messy (or in case the chocolate melts).

Other safety tips include a paper map, because you never know when GPS can fail. And also, please, get a phone holder that actually holds the phone. Not the one you bought off Instagram with a suction cup that couldn’t hold a pouf to a shower tile. Who wants to spend time searching the floor of the passenger side for your iPhone? It’s as annoying as it is unsafe.

Speaking of emergencies, let’s talk music. Download your playlists in advance so you don’t lose your flow. I have a playlist called “ Belting ,” which is my favorite list to sing, and you may create more harmony in the car if you use Spotify’s Blend feature, which creates playlists that pull from each person’s taste.

It’s a great idea to discuss the entertainment ahead of time. If you run out of things to talk about, you might have lined up a podcast you both want to check out. If you’re not lucky enough to be traveling with someone you’re particularly close to, it might be a good idea to fill the air with an audiobook.

“If you’re traveling with a friend, have them bring their favorite album, or their favorite mix or whatever,” said Bennett, “and see if maybe you’ll learn something new.”

Plan for the what-ifs

While you’re out there on the open road, you still have to think about being prepared.

“I would not let your gas tank fall below a quarter of a tank at any point in time,” Bennett said. “Because you never know when you could get stuck. We’ve seen it in wintertime. We’ve seen it in summertime.”

It’s only when people are stuck for hours that they usually remember that gas is their entire power source on the road. You need gas for heating and for cooling, as well as the radio and even to charge your phone.

He also suggested packing a cooler with drinks and food, evoking the 2022 I-95 shutdown in Virginia that had some people locked in their vehicles overnight.

“Plan ahead for the what-ifs,” he said.

Aside from entertainment, it’s good to come with at least a loose route and stopping plan. The king of the road trip apps in my opinion is Roadtrippers , which allows you to create a trip and search along the route for everything from places to camp to restaurants to mechanics. You can add stops to your trip, and get automatic estimated drive time and gas cost. You can add collaborators to share the trip, so that your passenger has a way to find out how much time you have left without interrupting your high notes during “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Roadtrippers has the option to get offline maps, but it’s still a good idea to bring a printed map for any location you’re planning to drive through.

Who are you wearing?

“It’s all about the clothing,” said Brandon Schultz, contributor to Fodor’s Best Road Trips in the USA . “With so much time spent sitting in a small space, you’ve got to be comfortable.”

He suggests loose-fitting clothes, and long sleeves and pants whenever possible to keep you warmer when it’s cold outside, but also keep you comfortable if the air conditioner is on in summer. He also mentioned that the extra padding with layered clothing helps pad your joints when jostling with the car doors, consoles, and each other.

But it’s also important to not overpack.

“I’m a chronic overpacker, so I know it’s not easy, but you will spend a lot of time cooped up in a vehicle, wishing for more space,” said Schultz. “Luggage, entertainment, snacks — it all eats up the little room you already have, so bring less and thank yourself later.”

Consider your personal security

Kay Kingsman, who writes The Awkward Traveller , started road tripping as an Army brat, making drives like Alabama to California with every move.

She loves the freedom of the road, the fact that you can be spontaneous, turning down any side road you want. But, as a Black woman, she also must consider her safety. Many cities have Black Facebook groups that she uses as a resource for road tripping.

“If I’m driving somewhere I’ve never been, I will post in that group asking if there’s any particular spots or towns along the drive that I should avoid stopping through (aka sundown-esque towns ) just for an added bit of reassurance in my drive from people in the area,” she said. It’s a sad reality, but drivers should always consider the safety of their route, surroundings, and destination.

Kingsman keeps a taser and pepper spray in her car just in case. And once, when she was followed for about an hour, even off an exit and into a parking lot, she was glad to have her dashcam.

If she’s traveling alone, she plans ahead so that she won’t have to stop for gas in the dark. With this, she travels by herself quite a bit, recently completing two months driving around 14 states in the southeastern US. “I usually do at least one good road trip a year,” she said, “if not more.”

Lessons from 10 days on the road

It helps to vary the style of travel from day to day. My best friend and I drove two long days, including one of 12 hours on the road, in order to make it for Tedeschi Trucks at Red Rocks. Then we rested for two days. We stayed with friends, and we stayed in a nice hotel. The trip felt like a flight of beer, but for cities. A taste of Park City, a sip of Nashville.

Make time for silliness. We pulled over for the world’s largest Czech egg , and we were not disappointed. Communicate about the goals for reaching the location and how much temporal padding to have; enough so that you can dally, but not so much that you stress out your co-pilots.

And with all the prep, the drive turned from a chore to an adventure, the miles under our tires practically the best part.

Paulette Perhach is a freelance writer and writing coach covering creativity, personal finance, business, life design, and travel.

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10 Best Road-Trip Vehicles That You Can Buy Right Now

CR's tests show that these are the best road-trip models across popular categories

Finding the perfect road-trip vehicle means striking a balance among many factors, such as front and rear seat comfort, space, fuel economy, ride quality, and noise. It also should be a vehicle that’s easy to live with when you’re not traveling, and with strong safety and reliability. That is a lot to ask of a single vehicle, but our analysts have scrutinized our test and survey data to find the best road-trip vehicles in 10 popular categories.

To find the standouts, we considered all those factors among models that meet the stringent criteria to be recommended by Consumer Reports . Each vehicle below scores at least average in those factors, plus they provide 500 miles or more of highway cruising range, based on our fuel-economy tests. They also have a sizable trunk or cargo area, based on our measurements. Because of the qualification needed to make a great long-distance runner, we omitted subcompact SUVs and small cars. We also list suitable alternatives, where possible.

All the vehicles featured here, except the Buick, come standard with forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection. (The advanced safety systems are optional on the Buick.)

The 10 models below are road-trip warriors, based on CR data. You can assemble your own list with CR ratings by using our A-to-Z guide . If you’re a Consumer Reports member, the full list is available to you here.

If you haven’t signed up yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and appliances.

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With rising flight prices, you may be wondering: is it worth booking the ticket, or should I just drive? We're here to help you figure out what you might save (or spend) if you decide to load up the car and hit the road - or if taking to the skies is really the more affordable option.

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BENY 12 Volt Refrigerator - Car Refrigerator 58 Quart Electric Car Cooler Dual Zone Portable Fridge APP Control -4℉~68℉, 12/24V DC & 110/240V Car Freezer for Camping, RV, Truck, Vehicles, Travel

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Versatile Storage with Removable Divider: Maximize your cooling options with our innovative removable divider system. When the divider is inserted in the car fridge center, the car refrigerator is in dual-zone mode for freezing and refrigeration, and the freezer area can be individually temperature adjusted (-4°F to 68°F) to meet your different storage needs. Remove the middle divider and you'll have a spacious 58quart single-temperature zone to use as a cooler or freezer. This flexible design ensures you have the perfect setup for every adventure. Note: For optimal performance, let the Portable refrigerator freezer stand upright for 24 hours before initial use.
High Efficiency & Low Power Consumption: Enjoy rapid cooling with our 12 volt refrigerator advanced compressor and efficient condenser tube, achieving a quick drop to 32℉ in just 15 minutes. The electric cooler provides MAX fast cooling and ECO energy saving modes. The RV refrigerator works in ECO mode with intelligent cycling and consumes an average of 45W of operating energy. Our 12v freezer ensures your food and beverages stay perfectly chilled.
Durable and Reliable for Any Terrain: The Portable refrigerator freezer shell is made of sturdy ABS+PP material, which is wear-resistant and collision-resistant. The electric cooler for camping is specially designed for outdoor complex road conditions, and can withstand the vibration and shock of bumpy roads. The car fridge portable 12v can work properly on steep inclines up to 40°. The 50mm thick foam insulation and reliable sealing keep your items cool for 1-3 hours even without power, ensuring your food and drinks remain fresh on the go.
Smart Control and Easy Mobility: Connect to your portable refrigerator via Bluetooth and manage settings from your smartphone for ultimate convenience. The portable design features foldable handles and rugged wheels, allowing you to move it effortlessly. The 12v fridge integrated LED light illuminates the interior for easy access at night, and a bottom drain hole simplifies cleaning. This portable car fridge is designed to be your reliable travel companion, ready for any adventure.
Battery Protection & Quiet Operation: The portable refrigerator for car has L/M/H three-stage battery protection that will detect DC voltage. The compressor shuts off automatically when the battery is low, preventing any risk of battery drain. The 12 volt fridge operates at less than 42 decibels, which is comparable to ambient sound in a quiet suburb. The mini fridge comes with both DC and AC power cords perfect for car travel, home use, or camping.

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BENY 12 Volt Refrigerator - Car Refrigerator 58 Quart Electric Car Cooler Dual Zone Portable Fridge APP Control -4℉~68℉, 12/2

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Attention road trippers! These apps play vacation planner, make life on the road a dream

For many people, the classic American road trip is a rite of passage.

The 48 states on the continental U.S. are home to rolling hills, mountains, rivers, oceans and countless other attractions. And thanks to modern technology, planning the perfect road trip is easier than ever.

Just juice up your phone, make sure your car is ready to roll , grab your go-to road snacks, and let your smartphone do the hard work.

Apps, like Roadtrippers or InRoute, can do most of the route planning for you.

Begin by inputting your starting and ending point, then let it suggest fun places to check out, whether you're taking the direct route via the highways or the winding roads less traveled.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Watch this video to learn more about some of the apps you need for your next road trip.

Roadtrip essentials

A good road trip needs these three things: Good snacks, an excellent playlist, and plenty of gas.

If you’re driving through an unfamiliar area, fill up your gas tank sooner rather than later to reduce the risk of getting stranded on empty.

Check out these apps to keep your car juiced up along the route:

Gas Buddy

Gas Buddy helps you find gas stations near you and tells you how much the gas costs.

Prices are put in by other users, so there is a chance prices may have changed by the time you arrive. If that happens, you can report the price change in the app.

PlugShare helps you locate EV charging stations that are compatible with a variety of electric vehicles.

And just in case you need it, because you almost certainly will, Toilet Finder can help you find a nearby facility to take a comfort break.

The app also tells you if the toilet can be used without charge and if it's wheelchair accessible.

Taking a road trip with a pet

If your copilot has fur and paws, BringFido will help you find dog-friendly places to stay, eat, visit, and more.

It even includes reviews from other users to help you make the best decision for you and your pet.

On the road again

By the way, before you hit play and take the wide-open road, download your car insurance app on your phone.

Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it can make it much easier to file a claim or call for roadside assistance.

Reviewed-approved car recommendations

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Customer-loved portable car vacuum: ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner
Durable phone car holders: Beam Electronics Phone Holder
A clutch jump-start box: N OCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter Box
This well-reviewed dash cam: RedTiger Dash Cam
A handy USB C charger: Anker USB C Car Charger

Travelers Say This Unexpected Amazon Find Is the 'Hero of Road Trips' — and It Won't Cost More Than $45

No more crumbs taking over your car.

Travel + Leisure / Francesca Fasciglione

With the joys of road tripping , you also get some minor discomforts, like crumbs and clutter all over the car, all the time. The mess is a small price to pay for the epic memories you make of group karaoke sessions, quirky roadside attractions, and untouched landscapes whizzing by, but if you’re one who strives for a clean commute, we have found the perfect gadget for you.

This handheld vacuum ensures cleanups are quick and painless, and that a silly thing like spilled snacks never hinders the road trip experience. Best of all, it’s easy to pack and fit in with the rest of your road trip essentials.

Bissell AeroSlim Hand Vacuum

Though not explicitly made for car travel, this Bissell AeroSlim Hand Vacuum ticks all the boxes of portability: It’s cordless, USB-chargeable, compact (taking up only about a foot of trunk space), and lightweight (weighing down your load by just one pound). It has more than 16,000 ratings on Amazon, where it has a 4.3-star average and glowing reviews calling it “the hero of road trips.”

“What a delight it was to spend five minutes going over my car after a 12-hour drive with a small child, and getting everything nice and clean again for the drive home,” wrote one reviewer . “The attachments allowed me to get into the car seat, and sucked up all the miscellaneous snacks that seemingly disappeared into the abyss.” They said the vacuum is worth every penny.

The device comes with a two-in-one hose and dusting brush attachment for getting into crevices. The included stand stores both the vacuum and the attachment. It also comes with a USB cable that you can use to charge at home, in your hotel room, off a laptop, or in your car.

The vacuum has a 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery that provides up to 12 straight minutes of sweeping action and recharges in 2.5 to 3.5 hours. There are three lights on the device that tell you when it’s fully charged or losing power. Reviewers say that although it does lose charge quickly, it also charges back up in no time. One said , “On average, my wife and I might use this thing for a few minutes a day, and we find ourselves plugging it in to recharge maybe once every 10 to 14 days.”

Cleaning it out is as easy as emptying the dust bin and rinsing the reusable filter. Some comments say that this particular Bissell pick works better than other handheld vacuums at sucking up hairs and crumbs and holding onto them instead of spitting them back out. “I've had far more expensive, name-brand floor vacuums that couldn't keep their contents inside the vacuum,” one shopper said . “This has a little flapper door that works very well so far.”

When you aren’t road tripping, the Bissell AeroSlim Hand Vacuum can be used to spot clean around the house, including furniture, keyboards, and hard-to-reach nooks. It’s just $42 at Amazon, so totally worth it to keep messes under control while traveling. Read on for more road trip-friendly handheld vacuums that are up to 80 percent off at Amazon right now.

More Handheld Vacuums to Road Trip With:

Black+decker advancedclean cordless vacuum, drecell portable car vacuum cleaner, fanttik slim v8 mate cordless car vacuum, eufy by anker homevac h11, black+decker quickclean cordless handheld vacuum.

At the time of publishing, the price started at $42.

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The Best Car Air Fresheners to Keep Your Ride Smelling Fresh

Don't let those drive-thru fries stink up the place!

the best car air fresheners to keep your car smelling fresh into 2023

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall

Febreze car air freshener vent clip.

Meguiar's Whole Car Air Refresher

Best Hanging

Little trees car air freshener.

There are many car air fresheners out there that can help, but our goal is to help you find the best ones. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we tested some of the most notable car air fresheners on the market to pull together a list of the best ones, from hanging cards to vent clips to traditional spray bottles.

There's a reason we named these the best car air fresheners in our roundup of the best air fresheners for every room in your home . The minimalistic design looks at home on your car's dashboard, they start working instantly as your car circulates hot or cold air and they can last up to a month. One tester was particularly enthused by the design, saying, "It's nice and small, and the black color blends perfectly into my vents and leather dashboard." Some users also note the minimalistic vent clip design is preferable to a swinging or hanging air freshener which can distract while driving.

In our testing, we noticed the scents may be a bit overbearing when first installing, but these clips are equipped with a dial on the back that lets you adjust the amount of fragrance released so you can easily tune them to your preferences. The brand claims they last for a full 40 days on low.

Type: Vent clip | Scent: 13 options | Size: .28 ounces

This innovative pick from Meguiar's works a little differently from the rest of the air fresheners on our list. While most spray bottle air fresheners simply have you spray an inconspicuous place in your car, this air freshener is a "scent bomb" that claims to eliminate odor by using the air circulation in your car. Simply close all your windows and doors, turn your air conditioner on high, and activate the canister's locking trigger. Leave the car for 15 minutes, then open all the doors and allow your vehicle to air out for an additional 10-15 minutes before hitting the road.

While it isn't as expedient as many other air fresheners, users say it's both easy to use and highly effective. One user says it cleared up smoke smells from a nearby forest fire; another said the scent lingered for months.

Type: Scent bomb | Scent: New car | Size: 2 ounces

These hanging air fresheners are a massively popular pick for keeping your car smelling nice year-round. They're simple, easy to install, and do exactly what they claim — replace your less palatable car scents with more preferable ones. We are particularly impressed with the sheer number of scents available (40 on Amazon!).

While some drivers may not like the distraction of a dangling item in their view, we can't help but admire the simplicity that these offer. If you don't want to hang it from your mirror, you can get creative and tie it around a vent adjuster, door handle or even a headrest. And who said you had to keep them in the car? They're versatile enough to hang anywhere you want a fresh boost.

Type: Hanging | Scent: 40 options | Size: 4.65 x 2.74 inches

Air Spencer CS-X3 Squash Scent Air Freshener

For the individualist who wants their car scent to stand out among the masses of green pastures and ocean breezes, we present the Air Spencer CS-X3. This refillable air freshener sits atop the dashboard to eliminate foul car odors.

The name is a bit of a misnomer in that this air freshener doesn't actually smell like squash — it has a citrusy sweet scent that many reviewers have compared to Ramune, a popular Japanese soft drink. Since this is a Japanese import product, getting refills might not be as convenient as some of our other picks, but how cool will you sound when you tell passengers that you import your air freshener?

Type: Dashboard | Scent: Squash | Size: Not listed

Drift Wood Freshener

We love just how beautiful this car air freshener is. The wood block is soaked in essential oil and has an organic, minimalist appeal. It clips into the car's sun visor using an included clip. Drift offers a subscription model so that when your old freshener starts to fade, you'll have a new one at the ready for your use.

Our Lab pros were wowed by this air freshener's design and equally impressed with the scents offered by the brand. Many of them, like coffee and teak, skew more masculine and are scents we've never seen before for in car air fresheners. We also loved the "scent of the month" option which features seasonally limited edition scents curated for the specific time of year.

Type: Visor clip | Scent: 7 options | Size: Not listed

Chemical Guys Signature Scent Premium Air Freshener and Odor Eliminator

If you don't like the feeling of a vent clip blowing scented air toward your face as you drive, a more subtle approach may be better. Chemical Guys makes a great-smelling air freshener in a spray format that lets you have more control over your air freshening application.

Testers were pleased by the spray's uniquely sweet and leathery scent that some Amazon reviewers compared to the Air Spencer CS-X3, meaning this may well be a more accessible dupe. While we liked the spray format, we noticed that upon first using it, the nozzle can get a little clogged and deposit more of a stream of liquid than a true mist, so you may want to do a couple of test sprays before applying to avoid depositing too much at once.

Type: Spray | Scent: Signature scent, black frost | Size: 16 ounces

Bath & Body Works Laundry Day Car Fragrance

If you're looking for a lot of options and a wide selection of both familiar and seasonal scents, look no further than Bath & Body Works. The shopping mall staple offers a variety of different vent clip styles so you can customize your dashboard, and the multitude of scents will appeal to those who like to switch it up.

One consumer tester noted they are strongly scented, and as such may not be for those who are easily overwhelmed. They also emphasized just how large the scent selection is and how they enjoyed being able to pick their favorite familiar Bath & Body Works scents for use in their vehicle . With 15 scents currently available online, even the pickiest connoisseur of scent is sure to find something agreeable. Type: Vent clip | Scent: 15 options | Size: .2 ounces

Yankee Candle MidSummer's Night Sidekick Vent Clip Fragrance Kit

Since deciding which car air freshener to use is so personal, we're always impressed with products that give the consumer as many options as possible. The Yankee Candle Sidekick features dispensers in vent-clip, visor-clip and hanging forms that all take the same refill.

A starter kit contains one dispenser and two refills, each of which the brand claims lasts for 30 days. Our Lab pros appreciate the novelty of using the same refills for different forms of car air fresheners. It seems so obvious, yet it's so uncommon! We also love that there are scents that mimic some of Yankee Candle's most beloved candle scents like Pink Sands and Clean Cotton. If you're already a fan of the brand's candles, you'll easily find a perfect freshener for your car. On the downside, some users say the scent doesn't linger for as long as they'd hoped.

Type: Vent clip | Scent: 15 options | Size: 06 ounces

Maison & Muse Car Freshener Vent Clip

Like other vent clips, this air freshener is very simple to use — you simply activate it and clip it onto your dashboard — or even back seat — vents. What separates this pick from the rest of the pack, though, is the scent. Our Lab pros found it to be more subtle than our best overall pick. The options are also all inspired by famous people — like Marilyn Monroe, Whitney Houston, Audrey Hepburn, etc. — which is a fun touch. We tested the vanilla and caramel (inspired by Marilyn Monroe), which was noticeable but not at all fake or overpowering.

We liked the aesthetic of this pick, too. The whole freshener is black, so it looks better on the dashboard and is less noticeable than others we've tested. Plus, it pivots to all angles, so you can direct it away from you.

Type: Vent clip | Scent: 4 options | Size: Not listed

Pura Car Fragrance Diffuser

This is one of the more innovative car air fresheners we've ever tested — it's a mini diffuser for your car. As such, it does have to be plugged into your car's USB outlet to work and only works when the car is moving. When the car stops moving it shuts off. But our Lab pros say you don't have to keep it up front with you; if your car has a rear USB port, that works just as well to avoid distraction or clutter around the dash.

Unfortunately, the scent discs are sold separately, but there are 35 very pleasing scents to choose from from luxe brands like Nest and Capri Blue. Once we had both in hand, we found the device easy to set up and use — it's all via a compatible smartphone app . Once up and running, the app even tells you how much scent is left and lets you adjust, stop and start it.

Type: Diffuser | Scent: 35 options | Size: .176 ounces

How we test car air fresheners

woman holding up a car air freshener in a car

Air fresheners are difficult to test in a controlled way, especially within the confines of the Good Housekeeping Institute, and recreating the environment of a car for such testing is an even bigger feat. Since we don't have the smell chambers necessary to do the most granular testing, we evaluate air fresheners similarly to how consumers do — by using them in our cars and seeing how they stand up to each other in real-life scenarios. We also appraise car air fresheners based on their design appeal, how easy they are to use and the variety of scents available. We evaluate claims made by different air fresheners and review their formulations and safety data sheets.

How can I make my car smell good permanently?

While it may be virtually impossible to have your car perennially smell brand new, there are some steps you can take to reduce the displeasing odors in your car and maintain a fresh scent for longer. First of all, preventing odor-causing messes is key. Using items like car seat covers can prevent smelly liquids from seeping into your car's upholstery, and many are machine washable making cleanup super easy. Second, you'll want to clean your car's interior regularly with a handheld vacuum and use a detailing spray or leather wipes to clean the upholstery. We've rounded up the best car cleaning products to help you find exactly what you need. Once your car is sparkly clean, consider using a car air freshener to mask or eliminate odors between cleanings, guaranteeing a fresh-smelling car year-round.

What to look for when buying a car air freshener

✔ Type : Car air fresheners come in a variety of formats that each have their benefits. Hanging fresheners are the easiest to set up. Vent clips won't obscure your field of vision as you drive and instantly start working once the air begins to circulate. Sprays give you more exact control over how much deodorizing you need, and the "scent-bomb" format lets you make sure every nook and cranny of your vehicle is pleasantly fragranced. When making the decision, consider what's most comfortable when you're driving and any risks inherent to the type (more on that below).

✔ Scent : Just like household air fresheners, car air fresheners are available in just about every scent you could imagine. This is an area of personal taste rather than objective truth, so you'll want to pick something that you know you and any regular passengers enjoy. If you or any passengers have fragrance sensitivities, a more thorough and regular car cleaning may be a better route than installing an air freshener.

✔ Safety : Consider both the safety of the driver and passengers when choosing your car air freshener. If the driver is apt to be distracted by a swinging object hanging from the rearview mirror, consider vent clips or a spray. If you have kids, make sure they cannot access your air freshener, as many fragrances are irritating and may be harmful if swallowed. Exercise caution and do not remain in the vehicle while using a "scent-bomb" air freshener.

Other products for your car

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Nikolas Greenwald has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University. He's no stranger to a safety data sheet analysis and uses his knowledge of formulation chemistry and chemical safety to take a look at products being vetted at the Good Housekeeping Institute. He also helps to refine testing protocols and data systems across the Institute based on industry standards and his knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and data science.

As a data engineer in the Good Housekeeping Institute , Nik (he/him) works with all of our Labs to develop testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022 , Nik worked in the labs of MIT and Regeneron, working on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.

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AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Nearly 71 Million People Expected to Travel over July 4th Week

This year’s extended independence day forecast exceeds pre-pandemic numbers, sets new record.

WASHINGTON, DC (June 20, 2024) – AAA projects 70.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday travel period*. For the first time, AAA looked at the entire July 4 th week, plus the Saturday before and the Sunday after the holiday. This year’s projected number of travelers for that time period is a 5% increase compared to 2023 and an 8% increase over 2019.

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We anticipate this July 4 th week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”

Share of Travelers by Mode pie chart and Number of Travelers by Mode table

AAA projects a record 60.6 million people will travel by car over Independence Day week – that’s an additional 2.8 million travelers compared to last year. This year’s number also surpasses 2019 when 55.3 million people traveled by car over July 4 th week. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Dallas, Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are the cities displaying the highest rental demand during the holiday week. The busiest pick-up days are projected to be Friday, June 28, Saturday, June 29, and Wednesday, July 3.

Gas prices are lower than last year when the national average was $3.53. Pump prices will likely continue going down leading up to Independence Day. At that point, they will likely level off and remain relatively stable until after Labor Day, similar to last year. An important caveat is hurricane season – underway now – which could affect gas prices should a storm negatively impact Gulf Coast oil production and refining centers.

The number of air travelers is also expected to set a new record. AAA projects 5.74 million people will fly to their July 4 th destinations. That’s an increase of nearly 7% compared to last year and a 12% increase over 2019. AAA booking data shows domestic airfare is 2% cheaper this Independence Day week compared to last year, and the average price for a domestic roundtrip ticket is $800. Airports will be packed throughout the week. AAA recommends arriving 2 hours early, reserving parking ahead of time, and traveling with carry-on luggage versus checked bags to save time and money.

More than 4.6 million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. This category is seeing an increase of 9% compared to last year, but this year’s number is shy of 2019’s figure of 4.79 million. Cruising continues its remarkable post-pandemic comeback. This time of year, Alaska cruises are in high demand, making Seattle and Anchorage top domestic destinations. Cruise travelers are also finding deals this summer. With new ships coming onto the market – and going for a premium – some cruise lines have been offering targeted discounts to fill older inventory for remaining cabins.

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says the worst times to travel by car before and on July 4 th are between 2pm and 7pm. Drivers should hit the road in the morning, and travelers returning on Monday, July 8 th should avoid rush hour traffic in the morning and afternoon.

“Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3 rd , as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7th, as they return,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “R oad trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal. Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations, and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions.”

Please note that the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located.

For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT.

Source: INRIX

Top Destinations

This July 4 th week, travelers are cooling off in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska – and by the ocean! Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage are top destinations because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Beaches in South Florida, Honolulu, Punta Cana, and Barcelona are in high demand. Historical sites in European cities like London, Rome, Dublin, Paris, and Athens are also popular. The top 10 domestic and international destinations below are based on AAA booking data.

Family Road Trip Checklist

With road trips expected to set a new record this July 4 th week, AAA teamed up with Chicco to share safety tips for families with young children.

Check car seat fit. Before you hit the road, check your child’s weight and height to ensure they’re in the right seat and mode of use – especially when it comes to transitioning from rear to forward-facing. Children should remain rear-facing as long as possible for better protection of their head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash. If you are unsure which car seat is best for your child, Chicco offers a car seat comparison guide.
Double check car seat installation. Even if your car seat is already installed in the car, it’s worth checking everything is safe and secure. An easy at-home way to do this is with the “inch test.” Simply grab the seat at the car seat belt path and pull side to side and front to back. If it moves more than one inch in any direction, uninstall and start over until a secure fit is achieved. For any questions, utilize the car seat manual, QR codes, or online resources like those offered by Chicco.
Secure loose items in the car. Take time to organize and clean up your car before hitting the road. Storage organizers that secure to the back of the driver and passenger seats are simple solutions to make sure everything has a spot, especially loose items that can become projectiles in case of a sudden stop.
Be prepared for the unexpected. Pack an emergency kit with first-aid supplies, water, snacks, blankets, jumper cables, and flares. Make sure your phone is fully charged – and keep a charger in the car – to call AAA or request roadside assistance digitally if your battery dies, you lock yourself out, or you need a tow.
Map your route. Families with young children should plan for frequent and longer stops along the way. Map out your route ahead of time with AAA TripTik and browse hotels, restaurants, and other activities along the way on AAA Trip Canvas.
Bring entertainment. Make sure to place toys and books within reach to keep children entertained. If your kids use tablets or other electronics, make sure the devices are fully charged and pre-downloaded before leaving home. Another fun way to get the whole family excited for the road trip is to create a family playlist of everyone’s favorite songs!

Holiday Forecast Methodology  

Travel Forecast  

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000. 

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM . The PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of May 27, 2024.

Because AAA forecasts focus on domestic leisure travel only, comparisons to TSA passenger screening numbers should not be made. TSA data includes all passengers traveling on both domestic and international routes. Additionally, TSA screens passengers each time they enter secured areas of the airport, therefore each one-way trip is counted as a passenger tally. AAA focuses on person-trips, which include the full round-trip travel itinerary. As a result, direct comparisons of AAA forecast volumes and daily TSA screenings represent different factors.

*Independence Day Holiday Travel Period

For this forecast, the Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as the nine-day period from Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, July 7. Historically, the Independence Day holiday period included only one weekend. This is the first year the Independence Day holiday travel period is a longer timeframe with two weekends included.

About AAA  

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com. 

About S&P Global   S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses, and individuals with the right data, expertise, and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges, and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity, and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow today. For more information, visit  www.spglobal.com . 

About DKSA  

DK SHIFFLET boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. Data is collected monthly from a U.S. representative sample, adding over 60,000 traveling households annually, and is used daily by leading travel organizations and their strategic planning groups. DK SHIFFLET is an MMGY Global company. 

About INRIX   

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com. 

Amtrak with kids is easier (and cheaper) than you think

Half-priced tickets and the Red Cap service made a trip from D.C. to NYC manageable.

Driving back to D.C. after a long weekend in New York in March, my husband and I were dreaming of a different kind of trip: no bathroom stops, no need to gas up, no shrieks from kids tired of their car seats, no traffic jams.

It’s a shame, we agreed, that it would be so expensive to take the train from D.C. to NYC as a family of four. But wait. Would it?

We started to consider the cost of fuel and tolls — and the toll of meltdowns, frequent bathroom breaks for a preschooler and stop-and-go traffic. Then we discovered Amtrak’s half-price tickets for passengers between the ages of 2 and 12, and a free ride (on an adult’s lap) for a child under 2. We ended up booking three round-trip tickets for a total of $255 — only slightly more than I’ve paid for a trip just for myself.

Take a forgiving baggage allowance, invaluable assistance at the train station, bathrooms in close proximity and the ability to have mini-adventures in transit (cafe car, anyone?), and my husband and I agreed: It felt like we were on vacation the moment we got on the train. Arriving in less time than it takes to drive — under three-and-a-half hours to New York and a little bit longer on the way home — was another perk.

Some Amtrak regulars might wince at the idea of sharing train space with a 3-year-old and 9-month-old, so I’ll just say this now: We avoided the quiet car.

Here’s what we learned about riding the rails with tiny passengers.

Take advantage of the Red Cap service

I read that families with kids are allowed to pre-board, but I wasn’t sure how that would work. All my previous experiences taking Amtrak involved watching for the gate to pop up on a screen and then making a beeline to jockey for position with hundreds of fellow passengers.

But using the Red Cap service was hands down the best advice we got.

The employees are described as “dedicated Amtrak staff you can count on for free baggage handling assistance.” They also assist passengers with disabilities, older travelers, large groups — and, yes, families with small kids. Amtrak says customers can tip if they like; I’m here to tell you that this service is priceless for a family and you should definitely tip.

We arrived at Union Station in Washington about 30 minutes before departure with our eyes peeled for red. Near the gates, we spotted a sign and someone in the namesake red hat (plus polo shirt) and asked for help boarding. He rolled our Pack ’n Play on his cart and brought us and another group with a small child right down to the track, then helped both parties find seats designated for groups of three or more people. We were on board by 9:19 a.m., more than 15 minutes ahead of departure.

In a first for me, the train was entirely empty when we boarded.

On our way back to D.C., we asked police in Penn Station for directions to the Red Cap station. Once there, someone checked our ticket and once again, got us on the train a few minutes before anyone else. Both times, we were able to get situated without getting in anyone else’s way.

People who want to use the Red Cap service should arrive 45 minutes early, an Amtrak representative told me later. The service is only available at major stations including Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Newark, New York, Wilmington, Del., New Haven, Conn., and Boston’s South Station on the East Coast. Elsewhere, find it in Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland, Ore., and Seattle.

According to Amtrak, priority boarding is also available for families with small kids at some stations; travelers should ask a customer service representative at the station to find out.

Book early for deals, but read the fine print

I often take Amtrak to New York, so I knew from experience that great prices can be found by searching far in advance, staying flexible with dates and seeking out less-convenient times. By booking six weeks in advance for a Thursday through Saturday, we found times and prices that were doable with kids. (I’ve since been tempted by round-trip tickets for the family for $175.)

Our fare was in the “value” category , which doesn’t come with a lot of flexibility: changes are not allowed, and there’s a 25 percent cancellation fee. The restrictions are clear when booking, but I must have shrugged them off because I was surprised when I tried and failed to change our return time.

Amtrak spokeswoman Kimberly Woods said the half-price discount for kids aged 2 to 12 is “an everyday discount we offer to encourage families to get onboard and experience a better way to travel.”

Kids need to be accompanied by at least one adult, and the discount isn’t good for business class on non-Acela trains, first class or private rooms. One child under 2 is allowed on board for free with an accompanying adult, as long as they sit on a lap.

You’re allowed more free bags than on a plane

My packing strategy for family road trips is usually “better safe than sorry” — which leaves us with a bunch of bags. That likely would have been fine under Amtrak’s luggage rules for this route. Every passenger can bring two carry-ons and a personal item at no additional charge. For people traveling with a child under 2, an additional infant item, like a stroller or diaper bag, is allowed for no fee.

I knew we’d have to manage every item on crowded NYC streets and public transportation as well as “the big train,” as we started calling Amtrak. With a stroller, portable crib, diaper bag, purse, small duffel, tiny cooler bag and two backpacks that held clothes for the four of us, we felt unwieldy — but were still within the baggage limits.

I thought that I might check a bag at the station, but found out in the moment that the train only allowed carry-ons. That turned out to be fine, but it was difficult to suss out in advance if we would be able to check a bag.

The cafe car is your friend

Our seats on both legs of the trip were conveniently close to the bathroom and suitably far from the cafe car — a good arrangement for urgent restroom needs and time-killing sojourns to check out the food offerings.

Amtrak’s website noted that changing stations were available in the bathrooms on “most” train cars, but we never found one. A spokesperson later clarified that changing areas were available on the Acela and some long-distance trains.

Being able to walk around was key; my daughter loved to tap the button to open doors between cars. Seats were spacious, and the view was sufficiently interesting to entertain both kids in spurts.

“Mama look, we’re going fast!” my daughter said as we accelerated. We passed over a sparkling body of water and she excitedly pointed out “the ocean!” We’ll work on geography.

The cafe car’s menu had plenty to satisfy a preschooler’s palate, even if some items like a chewy, barely warm grilled cheese were not a success. An iced lemon pound cake was a hit, as were pretzels and a tropical fruit salad that was as delicious as it was messy.

But it’s still a confined space, so pack entertainment

If you’re a parent too, you know kids get bored and antsy over the course of three-plus hours doing anything. This definitely applies in a confined space.

To pass the time, we packed toys for both kids and a tablet with headphones for our preschooler. She drew using an art app and watched some of her favorite movies and shows on Disney Plus in between walks, trips to the bathroom and food car visits.

The baby nursed, squealed as he tapped on the window and, at naptime, cried a little until we soothed him to sleep. Thankfully, the tears were short-lived — and unfortunately, so were the naps.

My husband and I couldn’t help but overhear someone else’s temper tantrum: a loud, angry businessman cursing during a video meeting, which prompted an Amtrak employee to suggest he relocate to the bathroom if he wanted to use that language.

Unlike my solo train trips, I did not pass my time napping, reading and browsing social media. But I loved taking the ride with them and introducing them to a new travel experience.

The takeaway

We found Amtrak a refreshing alternative to driving, and one that we’ll choose in the future. But we were also lucky on several fronts: The trains were not delayed, which is not always a given . Red Cap service was available at our station. We had our choice of seats when we boarded. There were no diaper emergencies.

If we had boarded somewhere without the extra assistance, or when the train was already packed, it could have been trickier. And the lack of a diaper changing station could have required yogic maneuvering in the bathroom (next time I’ll bring some oversized changing pads). Packing our own snacks and entertainment was crucial.

For us, the best part of the trip was eliminating the drudgery of a drive and turning that time into an adventure where both parents could be present and engaged with our kids. We watched the skylines pass until New York’s came into view and marveled over how much less stressful the train felt than four or more hours on I-95.

“I love the train,” my husband said at one point.

“Me too,” echoed the 3-year-old.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

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Best overall
Best for cruises
Best for reputation
Best for preexisting conditions
Best for digital nomads
Best low-cost
Best for road trips
How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Our Picks for the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best Overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
Best Reputation: C&F Travel Insured
Best for Pre-existing Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance
Best for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance
Best Low-Cost Option: Trawick International Travel Insurance
Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024.

Best Overall Travel Insurance

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review .

Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

Cancel for any reason coverage available

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up

Axa assistance usa travel insurance.

AXA Assistance USA offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review .

Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

Best Travel Insurance for Cruises

Aig travel guard.

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review .

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans)
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Best Travel Insurance for Reputation

C&f travel insured.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.

Read our C&F Travel Insured review .

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Tin leg travel insurance.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review .

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads

Worldtrips travel insurance.

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review .

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
Trip cancellation insurance
Trip protection insurance

Best Travel Insurance for Affordability

Trawick international travel insurance.

Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review .

Trawick Trawick International Travel Insurance

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

Travel medical insurance
Trip protection and cancellation
International student insurance
Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Best Travel Insurance for Road Trips

Travelex travel insurance.

Travelex Travel Insurance offers three plans:

Travel Basic
Travel Select
Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review .

Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared.

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own.

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you.

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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Discover the essentials to choosing the best travel insurance. Learn about coverage options, providers, and tips to ensure a worry-free journey.
MagSafe Monday: The top MagSafe accessories for summer travel
Belkin Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Using MagSafe in the car was one of the first accessories I purchased when I upgraded to the iPhone 12 mini (A phone ahead of its time), and I immediately fell ...
Electrostal History and Art Museum
Art MuseumsHistory Museums. Write a review. Full view. All photos (22) Suggest edits to improve what we show. Improve this listing. The area. Nikolaeva ul., d. 30A, Elektrostal 144003 Russia. Reach out directly.