Start with your arrival deadline and work backward. Add time for fuel, meals, and rest stops to the drive time for each leg. Build in extra time around busy cities or places where you need to arrive before closing.
Write down the name and address of each main stop, plus a backup if it is closed or full. If people are sharing costs, keep fuel, tolls, and parking in one log.
The night before, check who is packing snacks, chargers, and anything that must stay accessible. Put the first stop and its estimated arrival time where everyone can see it.
The GGC Studios Road Trip Stop Planner includes route, cost, and travel-day worksheets. https://payhip.com/b/zLJR0