First time road tripper

Hi, i have been thinking about going on a road trip. I don’t have a specific place picked out yet. I’m actually not really sure where to start planning this. I thought it would be fun to go on a road trip w some friends, maybe rent a van. Do people stay in hotels at stops or do they sleep in the van or is it just preference? Any information on planning, and how it works would be greatly appreciated 🫶