The road trip. One of my all-time favs and practically a rite of passage. There are plenty of perks, but the biggest may be flexibility.
A classic road trip can end up anywhere because the goal is to go from point A to point B without any limit or restriction.
You can plan your vacation the way you want, deciding when to stop, what to do, and everything in-between without being constrained by a strict itinerary.
You can start your road trip in your hometown and move across the country or state. Want to level up? Fly to the country of choice, rent a car and start exploring. Either way, you will have so much fun that you will fall in love with road tripping.
Not all road trips have to be epic, cross-country adventures. I bet you can find something incredible within a day’s drive of your home. So, what are you waiting for? Hit up Google maps, or better yet, grab an atlas, and start planning.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
Google Maps
Enter your start and endpoints to get an idea of travel time. Google will usually route you more than one way. The shortest way is not necessarily the best way. What you want is the most exciting route. If Google offers only one option, type in “Avoid Highways” and reroute.
Music
Few things are more synonymous than music and road trips. Download some playlists to your phone. Have fun with it. There are plenty of songs about the open road. Try including some specific to the area where you’ll be traveling.
Consider turning on local radio occasionally. You may hear an ad for a local event, attraction, or restaurant that you’d otherwise miss.
Snacks
I like to think that calories don’t count on a road trip. Go ahead and fill a sack with the kind of food generally purchased by a teenager. It’s nice to have some water and drinks in a small cool bag. Don’t forget to sample local offerings along the way.
Be Flexible
Spontaneity rules on road trips. See a sign for a weird tourist attraction? Visit it. Stop at a local farmer’s market. Take a short hike in a park or nature preserve. Meet the locals and venture down paths you’ve never seen before. That’s where the real magic of a road trip lies.
Plan Ahead
Okay, I know I’ve talked about spontaneity and the road less traveled, but if you plan on adding in a major attraction, think Alcatraz or the Grand Canyon, be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment. Now, more than ever, it’s imperative to check for any travel restrictions in place.
Stay Safe
Get out of your comfort zone and explore, but do it sensibly. Let someone know where you’re going and take advice from locals and fellow travelers.
There’s no question about it. Road trips are fantastic, and the memories will stay with you forever.
Time to hit the road!
As always, thanks for reading! XOXO
Want more like this? Grab a copy of my new book Stuff I Wish I Knew Before I Went Hiking: Tales and a Few Fails From the Trail
