Planning a road trip in Quebec, Canada, or the United States? Good preparation is essential to fully enjoy your road trip getaway. Check out our road trip checklist and plan plan before you leave to make your road trip a success. A complete guide for weekend trips and long-distance travel.
Choosing your road trip destination
North America offers an enormous playground for road trips. The best destination will always be the one that best matches your pace and interests. To choose wisely, consider a few key factors:
Your interests (bucket list, relaxation, new experiences, activities)
The number of days you have available
The maximum daily driving distance you want to cover
The people travelling with you (friends, partner, children, family, etc.)
Among the most popular North America road trip routes, you'll find the spectacular Icefields Parkway in Canada and the legendary Route 66—passing through Las Vegas— in the United States.
Travelling to the United States: Requirements and tips
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required for Canadians travelling to the United States. Before hitting the road for your road trip in the United States:
Check the land border entry requirements based on each traveller's age.
Confirm the total value of goods you are allowed to bring back to Canada, depending on the length of your stay.
For more details, consult our guide Travelling to the United States: Required documents (including the I-94 form), snowbirds, restrictions, pets, and more.
“Always keep a small reserve in your budget. A restaurant you fall in love with, a show you stumble upon—it's often these unplanned moments that make a road trip truly unforgettable. And before you leave, notify your credit card issuer to avoid blocks and reactivation hassles mid-trip.”
Manon GirardinAssistant Manager, Sherbrooke Travel Centre, CAA-Quebec
Good to know: CAA-Quebec members enjoy discounts at major hotel chains and on gas purchases. Perfect for sticking to a tight budget!
Planning your route with the right tools
Planning your trip itinerary carefully helps avoid unpleasant surprises. Good preparation also encourages the discovery of scenic routes, small towns and off-the-beaten-path villages, and points of interest that GPS devices often miss. If you've purchased attraction tickets in advance, plan to arrive early in case of traffic or border crossing delays.
Create a custom itinerary with the TripTik® Travel Planner
The TripTik® Travel Planner offers personalized, optimized routes. In the United States, it often highlights free secondary roads with no toll stations. It also suggests:
Accommodations (book early to avoid availability issues)
Attractions along the route
Gas stations or EV charging stations
AAA/CAA-recommended restaurants
Your itinerary can be viewed online, printed, or saved as a PDF. The last two options are ideal if you plan to visit national parks where there's no cell service. Round out your planning with a road guide and road maps.
Use navigation apps or a GPS
Navigation apps like Waze, Google Maps, or an up-to-date GPS for a road trip help you avoid traffic congestion. Before you leave:
Upgrade your mobile data plan, get a roaming plan, or purchase an eSIM for international travel;
Download offline maps;
Check your phone's built-in mapping app (e.g., Apple Maps).
These tools make it easier to find rest stops, hotels, and campgrounds.
Good to know: Navigation apps and GPS devices typically suggest the shortest route. Adjust the settings if you'd prefer to explore scenic drives off the beaten path.
In Quebec: Le Circuit électrique and FLO are compatible.
In Canada: ChargeHub and PlugShare offer detailed information on each station.
In the United States: ChargePoint is widely available and accepts Circuit électrique and FLO accounts. Some networks, such as Electrify Canada, allow credit card payment.
CAA-Quebec's CAP method can guide you. Once on the open road, staying focused and courteous are your best allies.
Good to know: In the United States, rules on cell phone use while driving vary by state. Check the regulations before you leave.
Take regular breaks during your drive
Whether you're travelling alone, as a couple, or with children, stop every two hours regardless of your total planned distance. Build these rest breaks into your itinerary. They make the trip more enjoyable and safer for everyone. Use the time to walk, stretch, have a snack, or simply rest for a few minutes. Rest areas and parking lots along the road are ideal. Can't find one? Gas stations and fast-food chains can also do the trick.
Never fight fatigue at the wheel
Fatigue is a driver's number-one enemy. If you feel your eyes drooping or your reaction time slowing, pull over in a safe location and take a short nap.
Tire wear and tire pressure check (including the spare tire)
Fluid and lubricant levels
Battery
Professional inspection
For added peace of mind, have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic or specialized shop. You'll get a complete diagnostic of the engine, body, suspension, brakes, and more.
Renting a vehicle is ideal if you want to avoid adding hundreds or thousands of kilometres to your own car. It's also a great option for having more space for passengers and luggage. Check the pick-up and drop-off terms and conditions in advance for a worry-free trip.
Stay well hydrated, especially in summer, by always keeping a water bottle within reach. If you're driving, opt for light snacks and meals to stay focused. Pack wet wipes if you're travelling with children.
Travelling with your pet—dog or cat? Plan more frequent stops to let them stretch their legs and relieve themselves.
Prepare activities and onboard entertainment
A long road trip can become monotonous. Mix up your activities:
Movies, games, and shows on a phone or tablet
Music, podcasts, and audiobooks
Colouring and reading
Observation games
Prepare your music or streaming services on your multimedia system. Check out our "Hitting the road with CAA-Quebec" playlist on Spotify.
Eco-friendly road tripping
To reduce your carbon footprint:
Practise eco-driving: maintain a steady speed, avoid unnecessary cargo;
Bring reusable water bottles;
Use garbage bags;
Choose certified eco-friendly accommodations.
Roadside Assistance, safety, and insurance: Road trip tips
Roadside Assistance
With CAA-Quebec Roadside Assistance, you are the one who's covered — even as a passenger in a vehicle you don't own. You get 24/7 assistance in Canada and the United States for flat tires, mechanical breakdowns, or accidents. Download the CAA Mobile app to request service quickly.
Taking your road trip getaway in a trailer or RV? Make sure you have a CAA Plus RV or CAA Premier RV card to receive up to 4 assistance calls exclusively for your recreational vehicle.
Good to know: CAA Plus and CAA Premier members have access to trip interruption coverage. It covers living expenses in the event of a vehicle-related problem.If you travel twice or more per year, CAA-Quebec's Annual Travel Insurance may be a good option. It offers telemedicine, unlimited trips within Canada with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions or stability periods, and coverage valid for 12 months.
Need advice regarding your vehicle or want to upgrade your membership?
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