Why I Choose Road Trips Over Everything Else

Look, I've done the fancy resort thing. I've spent way too much money on city hotels where you barely see daylight. But here's what I've figured out: road trips give you something those other trips don't complete freedom.

You decide when to stop. You decide when to eat. You stumble across amazing places you never would have found otherwise. Last summer, I was driving to some lake I'd heard about and ended up spending three hours at this incredible antique shop in the middle of nowhere. The owner told me stories about the town's history while I browsed through old books. Try getting that experience at a chain hotel.

How to Plan Without Going Crazy

• Keep It Close, Keep It Real

Here's the thing I wish someone had told me years ago: don't drive more than 3-4 hours from home. I know it sounds limiting, but trust me on this. You want to spend your weekend exploring, not sitting in traffic.

Think about it like this draw an imaginary circle around your home. What's interesting within that circle? You'd be surprised how many cool places you've never visited that are practically in your backyard.

• Take the Long Way

Skip the highway when you can. Yeah, it might add some time, but that's kind of the point. I used to always take the fastest route until I missed this incredible drive along a river because I was stuck on I-95. Now I actively look for the scenic routes, even if Google Maps thinks I'm crazy.

• Stay Somewhere with Stories

Hotels are fine, but bed and breakfasts? Vacation rentals in old houses? That's where the magic happens. The owners know things like which restaurant has the best pie, or where to watch the sunrise without crowds. Plus, you'll actually remember where you stayed, which is more than I can say for most hotel chains.

• Pack Like You Actually Have to Carry It

I used to overpack like I was moving to a new city. Now I keep it simple: comfortable shoes, layers for weather changes, a phone charger, and a good camera. Oh, and here's my secret weapon a small cooler with drinks and snacks. You'll save money and never get hangry between destinations.

• Don't Forget Your Car

This should be obvious, but I learned it the hard way. Check your tires, make sure you have emergency supplies, and yes, bring actual paper maps. I know, I know, we have GPS now. But cell service can be spotty, and there's something satisfying about spreading out a real map and figuring out where you're going.

Places That Deliver

• Mountain Towns Are Magic

There's something about mountain air that just clears your head. Whether it's fall and the leaves are changing, or summer and there are hiking trails everywhere, mountain towns have this way of making you slow down. Plus, small mountain communities usually have great local food and friendly people.

• Coast Roads Never Disappoint

I don't care if you've seen the ocean a million times coastal drives hit different on a road trip. Find those little beach towns where you can walk around, eat seafood that was caught that morning, and watch the sunset without fighting for a good spot.

• Wine Regions (Even If You Don't Drink Wine)

These areas are gorgeous, period. Rolling hills, amazing restaurants, and a pace of life that makes you wonder why everyone's always in such a hurry. Even if wine isn't your thing, the scenery and food make it worth the drive.

• History Comes Alive

Sometimes you need perspective, and historic places deliver that in spades. Walking through old towns or battlefields makes your everyday problems seem pretty manageable. Plus, you'll learn something new.

Actually Making It Happen

The biggest mistake people make? Trying to see everything. You've got 48 hours, not 48 days. Pick one main destination and leave space for wandering. Some of my best memories come from unplanned stops that a roadside diner with amazing pie, or the scenic overlook I almost drove past.

Put Your Phone Away Sometimes

I get it  you want to document everything. But try spending at least part of your trip actually being present. Your Instagram followers will survive, and you might actually have real conversations with the people you're traveling with.

Do It Without Going Broke

Gas is usually your biggest expense, so plan your route smartly. Mix up where you stay, maybe camp one night and splurge on a nice B&B the next. Pack some meals but don't skip the local restaurants entirely.

The best parts of road trips are often free anyway: hiking trails, beaches, historic main streets, scenic overlooks. You're not trying to impress anyone, you're trying to recharge.

Why This Actually Matters

After years of weekend road trips, I've realized something: the destination isn't really the point. It's the break from routine. It's having conversations that go deeper than usual because you're not distracted by your normal life. It's noticing things, noticing them because everything's new.

When you get home Sunday night, you'll feel like you've been gone for a week. That's the real value here; it stretches time and gives your brain room to breathe.

Just Go Already

Stop scrolling through Netflix wondering what to watch. Stop spending Saturday running errands. Pick a direction, pack a bag, and remind yourself that you don't need a passport or a huge budget to have an adventure.

The road's waiting. What are you waiting for?

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