You love your bimmer, and you’d rather be behind the wheel than just about anywhere. Why not combine your driving fun with vacation? Planning a cross-country BMW road trip is only slightly less fun than living out the dream.
The ultimate escape deserves a mindful approach. Here’s what to keep in mind as you plan.
Gear Up
The right supplies make smooth sailing even more enjoyable and transform major headaches into minor inconveniences. Ensure you cross the following items off your BMW road trip checklist before departure:
- Copies your license, registration and insurance, including enrolling in your state’s digital id program, if available where you live. Electronic copies make everything easier.
- A spare tire and repair kit, including flares, triangles and a jack. Many BMWs come with run-flat tires, which let you travel up to 50 miles at low speeds to reach a repair shop — no dangerous changes by the side of the road.
- A roadside emergency kit with reflective vest, rain poncho, tire pressure gauge, window breaker, some pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers and spare gas.
- A paper map, just in case, although many newer bimmers have built-in navigation systems.
- Auxilary and charging cables
- An ice scraper, de-icer and gloves
- Comfort supplies not otherwise in your luggage, such as a blanket if you must wait for roadside assistance in the cold, spare cash, snacks, toys for the kiddos and, most importantly, plenty of bottled water — especially if traveling through desert regions.
Plan the Perfect Itinerary
The journey is as important as the destination on a BMW road trip. On the east coast, Florida’s Overseas Highway connects the Florida Keys and features the Seven Miles Bridge, where you can pretend you’re Bond, James Bond. Finish in Key West and hobnob with the celebrity set.
Out west, the Pacific Coast Highway or Route 101 provides breathtaking views of the world’s largest ocean. It’s also one of the safer routes in the Golden State, as the I-405, SR 60, I-10 and I-105 saw over 3,500 fatalities in 2018. Although you could theoretically make this 10-hour drive in a single day, why rush? Stop by the sleepy mountain town of Felton to visit the Bigfoot Museum or go hiking in the rugged mountains surrounding Big Sur to stretch your legs.
What about America’s heartland? You can still get your kicks on Route 66 and see 2,448 miles of the nation’s countryside. If traveling as winter approaches with your kids, a stop in Williams, AZ is a must for the genuine Polar Express experience. If traveling earlier in the fall, get your tickets for the nation’s biggest rodeo. Of course, you must stop a bit further east and take your picture standing on the corner in Winslow, AZ.
Although you’ll need to make a few detours on your way to Chicago, thanks to time taking its toll on the road, the side trips are all part of the fun. Remember, the fastest route isn’t necessarily the best, and your GPS system makes plugging in new directions a snap. The Meremec Caverns in Stanton, Missouri once stood as the underground hideout for Jesse James, and the Shea Gas Station Museum and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum await you in Illinois.
Finding Lodging and Supplies
If nothing else, you’ll need to refuel or charge your bimmer if you’re driving one of the newer all-electric models like the i4XDrive40 or i4M50. Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of charging stations nearly anywhere you go. Making your reservations in advance and calling your hotel before you depart is always wise to ensure your accommodations meet your discriminating tastes.
What if you just want to catch some quick shuteye without leaving your ride? Download an app such as Trucker’s Path or iOverlander before you depart to find the safest rest stops along your route.
Timing Is Everything
Another consideration for your BMW road trip is when to go. Of course, spontaneous types might throw a dart at a map, anytime, anywhere and go where the highway takes them. However, if, like most mere mortals, you have limited vacation time, combining your excursion to coincide with festivals and special events can make the journey extra memorable. Some up-and-coming fun to consider for the fall include:
- Elk Fest in Estes Park, Colorado, lets you see the massive beasts live and in the flesh while experiencing Native American performances. Stop for lunch at the Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining.”
- Salem, MA, is the ultimate Halloween destination for lovers of all things spooky. Can you communicate with the ghost of Giles Corey and others from beyond the grave?
- Oktoberfest Zinzinatti brings America’s heartland alive with German music, dance and, of course, fantastic beers and microbrews.
Planning a Cross-Country BMW Road Trip
When it comes to your next getaway, make the journey as much fun as the destination. Planning a cross-country BMW road trip marries your love of your ride and the open road with whatever destination you choose. Enjoy the best drives America has to offer in your bimmer.