How to plan a USA road trip: routes, rest stops and realistic driving days

Finding your rhythm on the road

There’s a temptation to bite off more than you can chew—a classic rookie move. On my first cross-country trip, I tried to blitz 700 miles in one go. Learned fast: even with two drivers, six hours is about where the fun ends and fatigue sets in. If you’re travelling in December, shorter days and unpredictable weather mean less daylight and slower progress. I always recommend checking sunrise and sunset times for your route, especially if you’re aiming for Christmas markets or a New Year’s Eve event. US rest stops aren’t created equal. East Coast highways have regular facilities, but out west—say, Utah or Nevada—you might find yourself eyeing a lonely sign for the next food exit (50 miles ahead). Most rest areas now offer free Wi-Fi, though the speed varies wildly. I’ve had luck in Oregon and Ohio, but not in the Dakotas.

Key takeaways for planning your USA road trip

Stick to 4–6 hours of driving per day for comfort and safety.

Download maps offline and keep a physical backup.

Check local events—many towns stage winter festivals worth a stop.

Use a digital SIM like Graba SIM to manage data without roaming fees.

Stock up on snacks and charge your phone at each stop.

Destination insight: US connectivity and festive detours

Network coverage in the US is a patchwork—fantastic in cities, spotty in rural stretches. New York City is blanketed with high-speed data, but once you’re out in the Rockies or near the Canadian border, expect signal drops. In my experience, Chicago’s Union Station has reliable LTE even at peak times, while the Appalachian valleys in West Virginia can leave you radio-silent for half an hour. During December, city centres come alive with Christmas markets (especially in places like Chicago’s Daley Plaza, Denver’s Civic Center Park or Nashville’s Capitol Mall). Many festive events offer complimentary Wi-Fi, but it often struggles under crowds—last December, I queued 10 minutes just to get a hotspot connection at NYC’s Bryant Park Winter Village. I always keep a backup data option, especially if you’re planning to stream, navigate or share festive snaps. If you’re chasing winter holidays, don’t miss New Year’s Eve celebrations in Miami Beach, Las Vegas or New Orleans. But be warned: public networks are often saturated, and roaming fees can climb quickly if you’re not careful.

Staying online: why a digital SIM makes sense in the States

When I switched to an eSIM for my last California road trip, it was frankly liberating. No need to swap fiddly plastic SIMs mid-journey, especially in a cold rental car with numb fingers. Graba SIM’s instant activation meant I could top up data while waiting for coffee in Flagstaff. Their Data Pulse widget—very handy—sits on your home screen, so you know exactly how much data you’ve used (and what’s left). That’s a lifesaver when you’re streaming city guides or mapping the next festive food market.

From experience, the 24/7 live chat support really does respond quickly (I tested it at midnight Pacific Time when my data was running low). If you’re unsure which plan fits, their Plan Finder helps tailor options—handy for students, long-haul drivers, or anyone hopping between several festive destinations. For device compatibility, don’t assume all phones are equal—last year, a friend’s iPhone SE wouldn’t accept an eSIM, but my iPhone 14 worked perfectly. Use the compatibility checker before you buy.

Step-by-step: planning your route, rest and connectivity

Step 1: Choose your festive route

Map out holiday destinations—Christmas markets in major cities, winter festivals, scenic drives (e.g., Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway).

Research local events and weather hazards (snow closures, icy roads).

Step 2: Break the trip into realistic driving days

Plan for 4–6 hours of driving daily, factoring in daylight and weather.

Mark rest stops, petrol stations, and food exits in advance.

Step 3: Prepare your devices

Download maps for offline use.

Activate your eSIM before departure; test data speeds in your starting city.

Set up Data Pulse monitoring so you track usage on the go.

Step 4: Book festive accommodations early

Winter holidays fill up quickly—book hotels near Christmas markets or New Year’s Eve events early (I missed out on Nashville’s festival last year by leaving it too late).

Step 5: Pack power banks and snacks

Many rest stops lack reliable charging—pack extra cables.

Stock up at larger supermarkets before heading into rural stretches.

Local travel tips from the road

Comparing connectivity options for your US trip

Traveller scenarios: festive journeys and practical choices

Frequently Asked Questions