We do love to travel, don’t we? But often, when we vacation, we are in such a hurry to get to our destination that we feel the need to travel by air. But, consider the alternative: The Great American Road Trip, that noteworthy innovation that allows travelers to experience local culture, marvel at history and nature along the route, and to happily celebrate the freedom of the open road.
Freedom abounds on the open road.
(Photo courtesy of WikiMedia Commons)
Here are reasons why you should consider road-tripping on your next vacation:
FLYING IS A PAIN—Ok, let’s get this to the forefront because it is the absolute truth: Flying is not fun!
Much has been written about the stress, intimidation, and germ-laden air associated with flying today. Add to that the intrusion of other people—the oaf in front of you who lowers his seat back into your lap, the child behind kicking your spine, the agony of the middle seat—and the personal indignity when you are required to practically disrobe for the security check.
Getting to the airport hours before a flight. Delays and cancellations. Lost luggage. Overbooked flights. Cancellation fees. Cranky fellow flyers. The list is long.
There are a lot of negatives associated with air travel.
(Photo courtesy of WikiMedia Commons)
Air travel does offer a speedy mode of transport (once you are in the air), but beyond that, it doesn’t have much going for it. This is why more and more Americans are rethinking the air journey and seeking out the pleasures of the open road.
Yes, let’s!
(Photo courtesy of Highpoint.edu)
A ROAD TRIP OFFERS FLEXIBILITY AND FREEDOM—No other travel experience can beat the sense of freedom found while traveling America’s highways and back roads. Anyone with a motor vehicle of some sort can go anywhere.
Every road leads somewhere.
(Photo courtesy of WikiMedia Commons)
Sometimes interstate highway travel is necessary, but whenever possible, take the next off-ramp and explore the parts of America that the interstates often bypass. The back roads are filled with obscure towns, roadside curiosities, local lore and odd-ball trivia. Atlas Obscura and Roadside America are websites that will guide you to the wackiest and weirdest attractions along your route.
Haven’t you always wanted to see the world’s largest ball of twine?
(Photo courtesy of roadsideamerica.com)
Once the world’s largest jack-a-lope (Douglas, Wyoming)
(Photo courtesy of atlasobscura.com)
You have the flexibility to stop when and where you want and stay as long as you would like. Whatever interests you can become a diversion from the miles of pavement. As Yogi Berra said, “If you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
Drive off Interstate 40 in New Mexico onto what is left of old Route 66.
© Deborah Erickson
Since you might be covering many miles on your road trip, make sure you build in time to stop and stretch your legs, have a picnic, or even grab a quick nap. Click here for a list of US highway rest stops, noting picnic areas, pet areas, and WiFi. (Note: It is usually best to find an established accommodation for overnight sleep.)
You have the flexibility to take whatever you would like with no baggage fees. Fishing gear, hiking boots, bicycle, picnic basket . . . . . as long as it will fit in or on your car, you can take it.
Perhaps a bit overpacked!
(Photo courtesy of fatherly.com)
“SAVOR THE EXPERIENCE” BECOMES THE THEME OF A ROAD TRIP—A road trip allows the journey to become part of the destination where you see the world close-up, not from 35,000 feet above.
Remember the paper map? They unfold to reveal endless routes across huge swaths of land. Your GPS is handy for telling you when to turn, but it also restricts you by picking a route that is probably the fastest but usually not the most interesting. When you consult a paper map, you get a better idea of the big picture, because you can actually see the whole thing. You can also make a game of trying to re-fold it!
Let a paper map be your guide on the road.
(Photo courtesy of H Is for Home on Flickr)
Paper maps are available at AAA (must be a member), bookstores, on-line, at roadside convenience stores/gas stations, at state tourism departments and highway welcome areas (usually free).
Put away the electronic gear. Gaze out the window at the passing landscape. Talk with your companions. Tune in to a local radio station and ride along with local color. Play the license plate game. Roll down the window and breathe fresh air. Talk to people when you stop for a break or to gas up the vehicle. Combine traces of nostalgia with elements of discovery. Delight in the magic of being away.
Chat with the locals while you eat in Dubois, Wyoming
© Deborah Erickson
While road-tripping in America you can:
- Gaze at a river as great as the Ganges–
Shilajit: A well-known ayurvedic aphrodisiac, Shilajit is a resin residue from the crevasses of rocks levitra sales online in the Himalayan mountains. Even if cancer is detected early, weather it http://djpaulkom.tv/video-da-mafia-6ix-hundid-thou-wow-ft-billy-wes-la-chat/ cialis 10 mg affects mortality is under debate. You need to female cialis online be confident with yourself. Even with increased education, most men will soft tab viagra thought about that never admit having ED or talk to their doctor.
The Mississippi River
(Photo courtesy of WikiMedia Commons)
- Marvel at mountains as majestic as the Himalayas–
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado
© Deborah Erickson
- Discover a desert as dramatic as any in Africa–
The Great Basin Desert
(Photo courtesy of the National Park Service)
- Find farmland and fields of grazing animals unmatched anywhere in the world–
The American Mid-West
(Photo courtesy of farmland.org)
READY TO GO?–If you are ready to embark on your own Great American Road Trip, here is where a little advance planning can save you money, spare you a headache or two, and keep you rolling smoothly:
- Plan the route ahead of time but leave room for some spontaneity.
- Make motel and activity reservations in advance if traveling in a peak season.
- Give your vehicle a thorough check-up.
- Come up with a realistic budget. Even on a road-trip, expenses can add up quickly. Search for coupons and discounts that will lower costs.
- Pack food and drink.
If you have wheels, you can road-trip.
(Photo courtesy of planet-ride.com)
It’s much simpler and more rewarding on the open road. So, whether you are a road warrior, a biker, an RVer, or a Sunday driver . . . . . hop in, turn the key, and hit the road!
