You’ve survived the school year. You’ve answered exactly 4,000 emails. You’ve said “because I said so” more times than you can count. You deserve a road trip. But before you load up the snack bag and download three different audiobooks the kids will immediately ignore, you might want to check this list first.

WalletHub just dropped their annual ranking of the best and worst states for a summer road trip — and the results are chef’s kiss interesting.

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🏆 The 10 Best States for a Summer Road Trip

Minnesota snagged the #1 spot this year, thanks in part to finishing in the top three for safety. And honestly? A safe road trip with kids in the backseat is worth its weight in gas station coffee.

Here are all 10 states that made the “yes, please” list:

1. Minnesota
2. Utah
3. Louisiana
4. New York
5. Florida
6. Texas
7. Maine
8. Georgia
9. North Carolina
10. Ohio ← Hey, that’s practically next door!

The study looked at 32 different factors across three big categories: costs, safety, and activities (think national parks, amusement parks, beaches, lakes, and scenic drives). So these rankings actually mean something — it’s not just vibes.

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💸 A Few Fun Facts From the Data

Before we get to the losers (er, “least recommended” states), here are some highlights that might help you plan:

• Cheapest state to road trip: Louisiana — great news if your budget is mostly earmarked for Chick-fil-A.
• Safest state: Maine — pack your flannel.
• Most to do: California — but it’ll cost you. A lot.
• Least safe: New Mexico 😬
• Least to do: Delaware — we’ll just leave that one there.

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🚗 The 10 Worst States for a Summer Road Trip

Now for the hall of shame. These states landed at the bottom — for various reasons ranging from sky-high gas prices to, uh, just not having much going on.

1. Rhode Island ← Yes, really. More on this in a sec.
2. Delaware
3. Connecticut
4. California (too expensive!)
5. Maryland
6. Vermont
7. Massachusetts
8. New Mexico
9. Montana
10. New Hampshire

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😂 About Rhode Island Coming in Last…

Okay, we have to address this. Rhode Island — the tiniest state in the entire country — ranked dead last. And honestly, it tracks.

You could literally drive across the whole state without realizing you’d entered or exited it. Then turn around to head home and accidentally do it again. It’s basically a speed bump on the East Coast. No shade, Rhode Island. You’re adorable. Just… maybe not a destination.

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So, Is Indiana a Road Trip Base Camp?

We may not be on the list, but Michiana is actually a pretty perfect launching pad for some of those top-10 states. Ohio is right next door. You can hit up Tennessee or Georgia in a day’s drive. And if you’re feeling adventurous, Minnesota is totally doable for a long weekend.

Want the full rankings so you can sort by cost, safety, or activities? WalletHub has the complete breakdown right here — it’s actually really fun to play around with.

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Now grab that iced coffee, cue up the road trip playlist on Froggy 102.7, and start planning. You’ve earned it, mama. ☀️🐸

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Where are YOU hitting the road this summer — and are you brave enough to attempt Rhode Island?? Drop your road trip plans in the comments on our Facebook page!