California is arguably the best place in the world for road-tripping, thanks to its stunning array of picturesque highways and must-visit hotspots that are great for overnight stops and excursions.

To make the most of your experience, there’s a lot you’ll need to think about, so we’ve put together a guide to going on an unforgettable road trip along the west coast of the USA.

Decide on a schedule

Covering over 163,000 square miles, California is big. So if you’re expecting to see everything it has to offer in a single trip, you’ll be disappointed.

This also means that you need to set aside a realistic amount of time for your road trip rather than trying to squeeze too much into a short window.

Seven to 10 days is ideal, so build your schedule around this, and break up driving days with more sedentary periods, so you don’t get burned out. The more time you take, the more you can see.

Plan your route

The good thing about California is that it comes with a few predetermined road trip routes which are worth following if you want an easy life.

For example, the Pacific Coast Highway is a world-renowned journey that goes all the way from San Diego in the south to San Francisco 600 miles to the north.

You can mix things up or create a unique route, taking in surf spots, amusement parks, natural wonders, and much more. The point is to be proactive about choosing a route because while spontaneity is fine, it won’t be as efficient in practice.

Get the right insurance

You need car insurance for a hassle-free road trip, and your policy has to reflect your driving history. For example, if you need an SR-22 in California because of a previous road-related conviction, getting cover that factors this in is the only legal way to drive any distance.

Also consider that if you’re renting a car rather than driving your own personal vehicle, the basic insurance that comes from the rental firm will usually have a large deductible that you’ll have to pay if you get into an accident. So having additional insurance to cover this, or paying a little extra at the point of rental, is always worthwhile.

Load up with everything you need

You can’t just toss a few t-shirts and a toothbrush in a bag and hit the road. Your trip will be much smoother if you’ve selected a few essential items to take along with you.

Things like a first aid kit, bottled water, healthy snacks, and a backup battery bank for your mobile phone will all come in handy, especially in the event that your vehicle breaks down.

Speaking of mobile phones, don’t forget that this is probably going to be your main source of entertainment on the road. Before you go, downloading plenty of podcasts and playlists directly to your device, rather than streaming, is sensible because you can’t rely on network coverage in the more isolated parts of the state.

Choose your traveling companions carefully

Most road trips are better with friends, but you need to know that everyone’s on the same page regarding the itinerary, the activities, and the schedule and that they’ll also bring the right vibe to the car.

Obviously, if you’re traveling with your family, you don’t have a choice over who’s coming with you. In that case, make sure to plan the trip with everyone in mind, putting in things that will keep kids and adults alike in good spirits.