Road Trips Half the fun of a vacation is getting there. There is so much that a person will miss by choosing to fly instead of taking a road trip. By driving, you are able to make several stops at points of interest along the way, and there is no hassle of getting a rental car when you arrive.
On a recent road trip from Seattle to New York City our group found many interesting places to stop and take pictures, such as Grand Coulee Dam, Mount Rushmore, Mall of America, Amish communities in Pennsylvania, Niagara Falls, several historical sites, and the beautiful fall leaves in New England, just to name a few. The photo opportunities are endless on a road trip.
Even with the outrageous gas prices these days, it is more economical to take a road trip versus flying if more than one or two people are traveling. If you are traveling in the Eastern United States be sure to bring plenty of change for the turn pikes.
There is a little more preparation to consider when planning a road trip. The vehicle that you are taking on your road trip should first visit your mechanic to be sure it is in tip top mechanical shape before you start out. Tires should be checked for air pressure and tread, and carry a good spare tire.
A little extra packing is required for a road trip also. Be sure to bring a gallon or two of water, a few quarts of oil, jumper cables, first aid kit, flashlight, and a roadside assistance card such as AAA. Don’t forget the maps or a good atlas! If you have a cellular phone, be sure to have a car charger along.
Remember there will occasionally be long stretches of boring road, so bring some entertainment, like your favorite CDs, books, writing material, and if you are fortunate enough to have a portable DVD player, don’t forget to pack that too!
Consider where you will end each driving day and make reservations at a hotel or campground. Rest stops are another alternative to keeping the price of your trip to a minimum. Motor homes and recreational vehicles are allowed, as well as cars. You can usually stay at a rest stop for up to 8 hours at a time.
Sure, a road trip takes a little more planning, but the benefits are far worth the effort, in memories of a great adventure vacation!
Liddie Anon manages several Travel Guide sites, where you can book your entire vacation, plane tickets, hotels, rental cars, and all. Plan your Road Trip here.
