We’re surrounded by so much new-fangled technology that it’s easy to forget that some old-fashioned things are still worthwhile. Like the road trip. Because spending time with friends is so much better than FaceTiming them.
Traditions like the family road trip to Wally World or grandma’s house were enjoyed by generations because they were fun. There wasn’t a mad dash to the airport at some ungodly hour of the morning, just to wait around for hours. Road trips became an annual ritual because although the destination was set, the route could be whatever you wanted it to be.
The freedom of movement is a big plus. It’s the driver’s choice whether to take the scenic route, or jump on the highway if the weather was too gosh-darned rainy for sightseeing. And if anyone wants to make a pit-stop in a small town nobody’s never heard of before, it’s not a problem! Try that on Air Canada.
The ability to change the route on a whim, to go on the adventurous route over the mountain rather than going around it, is also what makes the road trip great. There’s so much to see when travelling across country, sometimes you just have to take a detour.
And if you want to get up before sunrise and make good time on your journey, or sleep in late and head out after a big breakfast, that’s fine. There is no train schedule to keep in mind. You’re the one deciding when and where, so you’re always on schedule.
The most important factor in a successful road trip it the vehicle. There are really only two choices: convertible or a station wagon.
If the road trip is just two people, the convertible is the right choice. Top down all the way to the coast. Hopefully it’s a vintage American car with those little quarter windows you can open when it’s raining. But for a family trip, it’s got to be a station wagon. The ability to reach over the back seat to grab snacks from the cooler is perfect. If someone forgot their shades in the suitcase, there’s no need to pull over just to grab them from the back. Pack as much as you want. Nobody’s limiting you to 100 mL of moisturizer.
The greatest part of the road trip is the journey itself. Visiting strange new places, seeing different landscapes than you’d ever seen back home. If a roadside attraction catches your eye, stop and explore. Of just keep on driving. If you were going on a cross country road trip, of course the airplane is faster, and the train might be more comfortable. But nothing can compare to seeing the beauty of this country than from behind the wheel of an automobile.
I have taken many road trips. I love to drive with my window down, and a cool breeze flowing in. I’ve seen all sorts of scenery from rivers and lakes to mountains and desert views. My favorite is the ocean, by far. Despite the fact I cannot swim. 🌊😄
Driving can be such a peaceful and serene experience. I keep my window open (just a crack) even in Canadian winters just so I can feel.connected to the world outside my windshield.
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Road trips allow us to be in control of things, even for a while. We decide where to go, how fast to go, what to listen to, when to take a break, whether to have the convertible top down or not. I really love road trips too.
you evoke many sensations and feelings in this post. the road trips we have taken have a sort of freedom that is nowhere to be found when we must worship at the idol of the departure time.
Worshiping the clock. Yup, that’s what we do at work and in our daily lives. That’s the freedom of the road trip, isn’t it? Getting to decide the where and WHEN to go next.
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PS: Thought you were quoting Lightning McQueen: “I create feelings in others that they themselves don’t understand.”
oh i only wish i could be as deep as lightning.
hubs and i had such an amazing road trip in august across the southern shore of lake superior, we can’t wait to go back. nothing like it.