One of the main attractions of going on a road trip is the freedom of it. There's nothing like experiencing the freedom to roam and being able to go wherever one wants. But for some, it is also important to structure and plan a road trip so that they can see the must-see attractions and not drive past things worth seeing.

The United States is without a doubt one of the best (perhaps even the best) countries in the world for an epic road trip. If one is planning to road trip across the country, then one may want to have some answers to the FAQs. For an ultimate road trip consider driving the Pan American Highway - it is the longest "motorable" road in the world running from Alaska to Argentina.

Not All The Best Places Are Known

Admittedly, if a place is touristic, there is likely a good reason why. Most tourist places are worth seeing. But just because places are not touristic, that doesn't mean they are not worth seeing.

For example, there are lots of desert attractions around Las Vegas - but that is mostly because folks are already in Vegas and are looking for day activities. Nevada is a state bursting with natural attractions, but they are often remote and few bother to go there. Many places are popular because of proximity more than by virtue of being something truly unique.

Part of the point of a road trip is to seek out the lesser non-known places and to discover gems for oneself.

For the ultimate road trip - consider some of the longest roads in the world.

Longest Roads:

• Pan American Highway: 15,000-19,000 Miles (24,000-30,000km) (Longest "Motorable" Road)
• Australia's Highway 1: 9,000 miles (14,500 km) - Longest National Highway In The World
• Trans-Canada Highway: 4,645 miles (7,476 km) - Longest North American Highway
• Route 20: 3,365 miles (5,415 km) Longest Highway In The USA
• Route 66: 2,448 Miles

Related: Here’s How Long It Would Take You To Drive All The Way Around Australia

Limit Road Trip Planning To A Minimum

In some instances, it is important to plan ahead or some of the destinations and attractions will be sold out. One may want to spend some time camping in a national park - but without a reservation made months in advance, it could be booked out. Activities like horseback riding in the Grand Canyon need to be made well in advance.

• Booking Ahead: Some Things Need To Be Booked In Advance (But Most Don't)

But over-planning takes out the spontaneity of a trip. Many of the best places to see and explore are largely unknown. Many of the most rewarding discoveries to be made on a trip are by just driving down a non-descript road and finding little gems along the way.

Some of the most memorable camping spots and most picturesque landscapes are located well off the tourist map.

In off-the-beaten-track locations, the other road-trippers one meets are likely to be a wealth of knowledge of lesser-known attractions in the area. Also, if one is going to a local bar or café, ask the locals about the places worth visiting and spending the night.

Suggestions For A Fun Road Trip:

• Limit Planning: Plan Only The Main Destinations (Leaving A Skeleton Itinerary)
• Limit Reservations: Only Reserve Places That Sell Out
• Emphasis Flexibility: Be Flexible In The Road Trip
• Ask Around: Ask Other Road Trippers and Locals For Suggestions

Related: It Takes This Long To Drive North America's Longest Highway

Striking The Balance

The trick is striking the balance between planning and spontaneity. The balance depends on every individual person and group. If there are things that one would like to see and explore, then build an itinerary around them, but leave flexibility to just drive down random roads and stop at random attractions that crop up along the highway.

One way to have a fun road trip is to avoid the main highways as much as possible. Take backroads to one's destination and see what is along the way.

• Tip: Drive The Backroads

Some people do enjoy planning more than others. But the sweet spot is to find a balance between planning and spontaneity to discover the hidden gems and to have the flexibility to spend longer in surprisingly special places along the way.

Outside the United States, one of the best places in the world for a road trip is the stunning country of Namibia in Southern Africa.