Although it’s one of the busiest weekends to travel, these Memorial Day road trip hacks can help make your experience more enjoyable. Between dealing with traffic, coordinating pit stops, and keeping your kids entertained, traveling during Memorial Day can be a bit overwhelming. This is especially true if you’re spending lots of days or long hours on the road—fatigue and frustration can easily set in without a smart plan in place. However, with the right mindset and a solid strategy, you can turn even the longest drives into part of the fun.
The truth is, planning an unforgettable Memorial Day road trip is easier than you think. With the right tools and some thoughtful preparation, you can make sure that everyone has fun on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. From prepping the car with must-have essentials to downloading playlists and planning scenic detours, these Memorial Day road trip hacks are designed to maximize enjoyment and minimize stress. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or flying solo, incorporating these strategies can make your road trip smoother, safer, and a whole lot more memorable.
Don’t forget—simple things like organizing your snacks, timing your departure to avoid peak traffic, or booking attractions in advance can go a long way. In the end, it’s all about making the journey just as exciting as the destination with the help of smart Memorial Day road trip hacks.
4 Best Memorial Day Road Trip Hacks
1. Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
While nothing beats a spontaneous journey, Memorial Day weekend may not be the best time to gamble with last-minute plans. Traffic can be very heavy, especially if you’re planning to leave or return during peak times. If you can, try to leave early in the morning or late at night to avoid traffic. This also means your kids will likely sleep through part of the drive, which can make the trip a bit easier! You may also want to look for alternative routes that avoid cities or busy highways, as they can be congested during peak times. This is by far one of the best, time-saving Memorial Day road trip hacks!
2. Book Accommodations Early
It doesn’t matter if you’re pitching a tent at a campsite at Campgrounds of America or booking a hotel in the city with Extended Stay America. Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel times of the year, so it’s vital you book accommodation early. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll likely pay exorbitant prices. That is, if you can find any place to sleep at all!
When looking for a place to stay, it’s important to choose something with family-friendly amenities. Whether it’s a kitchen for cooking or an outdoor space for playtime, certain facilities can make your trip a lot smoother. A great Memorial Day road trip hack is to to book a few weeks to months in advance.
3. Consider an RV or Camper
Bringing accommodations with you? That is one of the top Memorial Day road trip hacks! Instead of taking a car, consider renting an RV or camper van from Escape Camper Vans for more flexibility and comfort. You’ll be able to avoid crowded hotels while enjoying all the comforts of home (like a kitchen and bathroom). Don’t forget — that you might need to reserve your campsite ahead of time, especially if you need water or electricity. Plus, there’s much more room to spread out, which is important if you want to keep your little ones happy and entertained. Handling long hours in the car is much easier when they have space to rest or play!
4. Make the Journey Part of the Adventure
Even if you have an endpoint in mind, don’t forget that driving there is half the fun! Take time to visit some attractions along the way, whether it’s a local landmark or a favorite diner. This can add excitement to the trip while already breaking up the long drive…and it’s a great opportunity to explore some hidden gems or sights you might have normally overlooked! It’s about the journey, not the destination, and one of the best Memorial Day road trip hacks is to remember just that!
Packing Tips for Your Memorial Day Road Trip
Combining Memorial Day road trip hacks with some simple tricks to keep the kiddos distracted while on the road, get all the luggage to fit in the car (or RV), and eat healthiily will make your Memorial Day road trip a breeze. Consider these easy tips for your Memorial Day road trip:
Avoid overpacking
Overpacking doesn’t just take up lots of room in the car – it can also lead to unnecessary stress since you’re moving around a lot. It’s more important to pay light and to only bring what you’ll need on your trip. Leave bulky clothing at home and instead opt for versatile outfits that can be layered depending on the weather. Packing cubes can also be incredibly useful by keeping your items neatly organized and easy to find.
Keep Important Items Easily Accessible
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to find your phone charger or medication in the midst of all your luggage. This is why we highly recommend packing your essentials separately from your clothing or items you’ll use when you reach your final destination. Keep all your important documents and items in a separate bag or backpack that can be easily accessed when needed. Kids can also have their own pack with small toys, books, and snacks. This gives them a sense of responsibility while also having everything they need within reach.
Pack Healthy Snacks for the Road
Fast food may be easier to obtain and chow down on for meal time in the car, but it can be expensive and rather unhealthy. Instead of indulging in burgers and french fries, one of the best Memorial Day road trip hacks is remembering to pack an electric cooler with nutritious snacks and foods. Not only is it healthier, but it’ll also save time by avoiding long lines at fast food chains or rest stops. If you’re looking for some road trip food inspiration, then we’ve got you covered! Here are the tastiest snacks and drinks to bring with you on a road trip.
Bring Some Familiar Comforts
If your child gets homesick, you’ll be glad you packed some comforting items for your trip. This could be a favorite stuffed animal or a security blanket they just can’t sleep without. You may also consider other games and toys to keep them occupied on the journey. Coloring books, tablets, or audiobooks can make the drive more entertaining (and enjoyable) for everyone involved. And for more fun, we also have a list of games and creative questions to ask on a road trip.
Prepare for Emergency Situations
When traveling with family, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! This is why you’ll want to pack a first-aid kit for your Memorial Day road trip. Stock it up with bandages, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes. You’ll also want to make sure you bring any prescription medication with you as well. In addition to a first-aid kit, it’s a good idea to prepare a car emergency kit too. This should include jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, and tire repair or replacement tools. Hitting the open road can be an exciting time, but it’s also full of uncertainties, so it’s always best to be prepared!
These Memorial Day road trip hacks will help you make the most of your time with your family, turning long hours on the road into cherished memories. From choosing the perfect playlist to planning scenic rest stops, small details can make a big difference in your travel experience. One of the most important Memorial Day road trip hacks is making sure your vehicle is fully ready to hit the road—because a well-prepared car means fewer headaches and more time enjoying the ride.
In addition to packing the right items like snacks, chargers, and entertainment for the kids, your vehicle should also be prepped for the journey using a comprehensive road trip checklist. This includes checking your oil, tire pressure, windshield wipers, and emergency kit to ensure everything is in top shape before you set off. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your holiday stress-free and focused on what really matters: spending quality time with your loved ones.
