Road Trip Itinerary: Laplata, MD → Union, MO → Citrus Heights, CA

Day 1: Laplata, MD to Union, MO (≈10 hours)

Morning: Depart from Laplata, MD and head west on I-70, covering roughly 300 miles. Stop for a quick fuel break and snack around Columbus, OH, allowing you to stretch your legs before continuing.

Afternoon: Continue on I-70 and I-64, crossing Indiana. By mid‑afternoon you’ll be approaching the outskirts of St. Louis, MO, where a brief rest stop can refresh you for the final leg.

Evening: Arrive at 1012 Pinehurst Lane, Union, MO for your overnight stay. Unpack, relax, and prepare for the next day’s drive.

Day 2: Union, MO to Las Vegas, NV (≈10 hours)

Morning: Leave Union and take I-70 W, then I-15 S toward Nevada, covering about 350 miles. A brief fuel stop in Grand Junction, CO ensures you stay topped up.

Afternoon: Continue south on I-15, crossing the Colorado–Utah border and enjoying high‑desert scenery. The road remains straight, making for a comfortable driving stretch.

Evening: Reach a motel near the outskirts of Las Vegas, NV for a restful night before the final stretch. A quick dinner and some sleep will recharge you for tomorrow.

Day 3: Las Vegas, NV to Bakersfield, CA (≈10 hours)

Morning: Start early on I-15 S, then merge onto I-10 W, driving through the Mojave Desert toward Barstow, CA. The early start helps avoid the midday heat.

Afternoon: After a short lunch stop in Barstow, continue on I-5 N toward Bakersfield, CA, covering the remaining mileage. The highway is clear, allowing a steady pace.

Evening: Arrive at a budget hotel in Bakersfield for a quick dinner and overnight rest. This break positions you well for the final leg northward.

Day 4: Bakersfield, CA to Citrus Heights, CA (≈10 hours)

Morning: Depart Bakersfield on I-5 N, heading toward Sacramento, CA, with a coffee break in Fresno to stay alert. The stretch through the Central Valley is smooth and offers plenty of services.

Afternoon: Continue north on I-5, passing through the fertile farmland of the Central Valley and reaching the Sacramento area. Traffic eases as you approach the suburbs, making for a relaxed drive.

Evening: Arrive at your final destination, 12801 Fair Oaks Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA. Unload, settle in, and conclude the journey with a celebratory meal.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Laplata, MD (Start) – 0 hrs stay – Fuel & meals: $30
• Union, MO (Overnight) – 10 hrs driving – Fuel, food, lodging: $120
• Las Vegas, NV (Overnight) – 10 hrs driving – Fuel, food, lodging: $130
• Bakersfield, CA (Overnight) – 10 hrs driving – Fuel, food, lodging: $120
• Citrus Heights, CA (Arrival) – 10 hrs driving – Fuel & final meals: $40

Total Estimated Cost: $440

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding an extra day in Nevada to explore Las Vegas or a scenic detour through Yosemite National Park before heading to Citrus Heights. To shorten the journey, reduce overnight stops to just one in Kansas City and drive longer days, but be sure to take regular breaks for safety.