There’s something undeniably romantic about the idea of a road trip—throwing the essentials into the car, setting off into the unknown, and stumbling upon hidden gems along the way.

It’s the kind of adventure that makes you crave more.

Driving tours are also a fantastic choice for anyone looking to escape their routine without compromising social distancing guidelines. Here, we've compiled some of our best tips for creating self-guided tours that will not only captivate your audience but also keep them coming back for more!

1. Turn Your Tour into a Story

Tour-goers look to you as the storyteller, not just a guide providing a list of facts. Rather than offering a dry catalog of information, weave a compelling narrative throughout your tour. This is your opportunity to be creative and artistic! Aim for at least 100 words of engaging text at each stop—though adding more content to enrich the experience is always a bonus.

Tip: Showcase your expertise by providing insights. What makes your tour special? What unique knowledge can you share that someone driving the same route might miss? Remember, you’re the expert, and your personal perspective will offer a much deeper understanding of each stop than the average tourist would get on their own.

2. Keep the Energy Up: Avoid the Lull

While the best parts of any road trip are reaching the destination, singing along to your favorite songs, and bonding with your travel companions, long stretches between stops can sometimes lead to a lull in excitement. If you're catering to families, especially those with young children, consider adding plenty of engaging stops that are just a short drive apart.

This will keep little ones entertained and prevent boredom from setting in. But don’t worry—older kids and even adults will likely have fun too!

Interactive Idea: Add an element of play by introducing games. You can also create printable Bingo cards or a visual scavenger hunt. Small, creative touches like these will keep families engaged and help them interact more with your tour.

3. Suggest a Soundtrack

No road trip is complete without a great playlist, and your driving tour can benefit from the same sensory experience. While you can’t directly embed a playlist in your tour, you can suggest one or even curate your own on platforms like Spotify or Pandora.

Tip: Tailor the music to match the theme of your tour. For example, a coastal tour could feature beachy tunes from artists like Jimmy Buffett or The Beach Boys. An art or architectural tour might benefit from a classical playlist, while a South Florida tour could feature salsa rhythms. Don’t be afraid to throw in a few unexpected tracks that still complement the vibe!

4. Promote Safe Driving Practices

While you want your tour-goers to have fun, safety should always come first. Encourage safe driving by offering audio narrations that allow your guests to stay engaged with the tour without needing to look at their phones while driving. Also, be mindful of the destinations you include in your tour.

5. Test Drive Your Tour

The best way to ensure your tour delivers a high-quality experience is to experience it yourself. Set aside a few hours to drive the route as if you were a tour-taker. This gives you the chance to check the flow of the route, ensure all information is accurate, and confirm that the distances between stops are reasonable.

What to check for:

1. Are there road closures or construction that could affect your route?

2. Are any of the stops too far apart or too close together?

3. Are the locations still open, and are all the details (costs, hours, etc.) up-to-date?

4. Are there any new or hidden gems you could add to the tour?

By following these simple tips, you can launch a successful driving tour in no time!