When you think of a road trip, what comes to mind? Do you think a Sunday drive through the countryside or do you envision a cross country trip? The great thing is that it can be BOTH!
Some days I just need to get away or go in search of an adventure. On those days, it all starts with a stop at the local gas station for a full tank of gas and my road trip rations of choice…a bottle of water, a Coke, a pack of peanuts, a candy bar, and a pack of gum. If the kids are going with me, they get a similar set of rations, but for some reason, theirs always includes gummy bears. I think everyone has his or her favorites when it’s time for a road trip! Once the car is fully gassed and stocked, it’s time to hit the road. Usually I have some general idea of what direction to set off in based on some goal, errand, or previous conversation. The fun part is figuring out how to get there! You can just take random roads in the general direction of the destination or use the built-in map app on your phone. If you set the map app to avoid highways, there’s no telling where it will take you! I have found some of the coolest little towns and sites this way….including a tiny town in Alabama with a kitchen in a treehouse behind an antique store boasting the best hot dogs in the state.
Other times we feel the need to plan BIG road trips. They may be cross country trips or trips to specific destinations, such as Yellowstone National Park, the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky, or an amusement park like the Griswold’s did in National Lampoon’s Vacation. Whatever the reason, these trips usually require a great deal of planning. The trips may have specific time constraints or set stops along the way. When I’m planning trips like this I usually start months in advance. I keep a notebook to plot the course, points of interest along the way, and the budget for the trip. (We’ll talk more in depth about the specifics of my process in future posts.) If done right, these trips can be once in a lifetime trips full of amazing memories…and pictures!
Whatever your reason for taking a road trip, I hope you take the time to get out and explore the world around you. I look forward to sharing my trips and tips for memorable road trips with you all!