|
Travel
Road Trip
Are you longing for the open road? You know what I mean. Good tunes blasting on the radio as your heading down the highway, heading for adventure with the destination unknown? There's only one solution: Road Trip!
Road trips can set you free on a path of discovery and fun. They can be as long or as short as your schedule allows. The best thing about road trips are their flexibility. You can leave on a moments notice. Have an unexpected 3 day weekend? Pack your bags and hit the road. Not sure where to start? Read on.
Where to?
If this is your first road trip, you may want to stay closer to home. This does not lessen your chance for adventure!! First, decide how far you'd be willing to drive in one day. This doesn't mean you have to drive this distance in one day. But it's easy to get carried away on a road trip, and you want to keep your drive home manageable. Not get out a map and draw a circle around your hometown that is equal to your chosen distance. This is your home territory, and where you need to be by the last night of your road trip. Now look in all directions around you. If there's a place you've always wanted to go head that direction. If you're still not sure, and you're a total free spirit, spin a pencil in the center of your circle and head off in the direction it points to. If you're a bit more reserved, head in a direction that looks more populated. Remember - this is about the journey, not the destination. You just want to make sure you head in a direction where you have a chance of seeing more than just gas stations and cornfields.
How Much?
Decide on a budget, then stick to it. A road trip can be as inexpensive or as expensive as you choose.
The biggest part of your budget will go towards lodging. Are you a hotel-room-service-required type of girl, or a camp-under-the-stars gal? You may want to call around before you head out to make sure reservations won't be needed. I've never made advanced reservations myself, but it's good to know if the Smith Family Reunion has booked all of the hotels in a 30 mile radius before heading out.
You can pack some food in a cooler, hit fast food stands, or treat yourself to elegant dining. You can combine all of these options. But it's a good idea to have a daily food budget in mind. You know what your food habits are. If it would cost you $30 a day to eat out at home, it's a safe bet to budget $40 each day while on the road.
Whether you collect postcards or antiques, the urge to shop will most likely hit while on the road. Budget enough so you can buy some souvenirs. To help keep expenses down, don't buy anything you can get at home. Turn your trip into a "hunt". Pick an item you'd like to find, and only buy that item. This could be anything from an out-of-print book or a vintage hat to add to your collection. Road trips are also great times to begin Christmas shopping, no matter what time of year.
It's best to have your oil changed, tires checked, and if needed, a tune-up, before leaving. You want to avoid any repair work while on the road. Figure out how many miles you can drive on a tank of gas, and how much a tank of gas costs. If you're only willing to spend $20 a day on fuel, this will tell you how many you can drive in a day.
Have money set aside for expenses such as tolls, parking fees, etc. If you know you'll be heading on toll roads it's best to have a stash of coins ready.
Pick a Compatible Companion
Who you bring on your road trip can make or break the trip. Having similar tastes in everything from music to food is important. If you know your best friend is an antique nut, yet you shudder at the thought of dusty furniture and old clothing, some compromise may be needed. You don't want to spend the trip arguing, or feeling like you've missed out on things you wanted to see. This should be fun for everyone involved.
Independent Spirit
There may be times you find yourself wanting to browse through stores longer than your travel companion. There's nothing wrong with going your separate ways for a while. In fact, after spending hours together in a car, a little "me" time could be welcome. Before striking off on your own, decide on a place and time to meet. A restaurant or café is a good choice. This gives you a chance to talk about the places you just visited.
When you arrive in a town, ask people what there is to see and / or do. Ask store clerks, waitresses, people waiting in line. Not only can you find great places to see, you can really meet some interesting people along the way. Not sure what to ask? This has always worked for us: "If you could only be in town for a couple of hours, where would you go?"
Keep An Open Mind
The key to a great road trip is having an open mind. Remember, the joy of a road trip is the trip itself, and not necessarily the destination. In fact, the best road trips don't have a destination. They don't even have a schedule, outside of your departure and returning dates. Allow yourself the pleasure of stopping at any roadside diner or antique store that strikes your fancy. Explore the historic sites that you see advertised along the highway but never have the time to visit. Take a detour down a smaller highway and don't be afraid to get lost. After all, if you don't have a destination, how can you be lost?
What to Bring
Maps
Reservation phone numbers for hotel / motel chains
First Aid kit
Good music
Cooler (for food or beverages)
Flashlight
Camera and film
Journal (you'll want to write about your adventure!!)
Stamps (for sending postcards)
Clothing - Keep weather, destination and comfort in mind. The key is to pack light. You'll be traveling, so people won't know if you wore the same sweatshirt 3 cool evenings in a row.
Umbrella / rain gear
Safety
Safety is always important. Use your common sense. You should have fun and be carefree, but not careless.
It's a good idea for someone to know where you are each day. Before you leave, let someone (boyfriend, husband, friend, mom, etc.) know you'll be calling each day. Then call each day.
I don't like to travel with much cash. With ATMs, credit cards and Visa Check Cards, you don't need to carry much cash with you.
It's a good idea to keep your luggage and any purchases in your trunk. You don't want to advertise that you're on vacation and have a car loaded with goodies.
For more safety information, please visit the following links:
Send this page to a friend
Return to Main Travel Page |
Sign up for your password to the 'Members' Only' Area
Become a GirlPosse.com Member to access "Members Only" contests, The Crypt, special offers, promotions, receive e-mail updates and more!
|
Printer Friendly Version