The time of road trips has come and past, unfortunately. Most people would prefer to hop on a plane and get to their destination in a few hours, instead of wasting days in a car. Personally, road tripping is my favorite form of travel, and I think that the world needs to embrace the beauty of going off the beaten path and finding the well-kept secrets around them.
Summer is the season of the road trip, and that's no surprise there. Warm weather, bright sun, festivals and carnivals around the country make for an eventful trip. You can't get a few hours down the road without passing many little towns, some interesting people, and hidden land marks. With modern travel and generally busier people, some of these simple pleasures in life are left behind, which isn't good for anyone. Some of these little towns strive for more tourists, and it's good for the soul to step out of your comfort zone once in a while. Besides that, there are other benefits to road tripping on your next vacation.
You Will Find Places You Wouldn't Go To Otherwise
When you are taking a road trip, chances are you will be stopping in random towns along the way, and they are probably places you have never heard of. Flying gets you from point A to point B, but driving takes you to points B, C, D, and so on. You will meet people you never thought you would, and you will see land marks you have never even heard of. Expanding your world and your experiences makes this trip called life more enjoyable, and who wants to miss out on that?
Avoid High Anxiety Levels You Get From Flying
Ok, I want to point out that I am aware not everyone is a nut-case like I am. I hate flying. Hate it. My anxiety goes haywire when I have to fly. Sure, it's nice cutting your travel time drastically, but my blood pressure goes through the roof when I have to fly. First off, you have to limit your packing to 50 pounds (give or take), then you have to get through security quickly without a hitch, next you have to cram your belongings in a cramped space on an airplane, and finally, you FLY. There are so many people out there who love to fly; they think it's the coolest thing ever. Sure, it's pretty spectacular to watch, but actually flying is pretty terrifying. You are gliding in the air, and if something goes wrong- you're screwed. I hate to be a pessimist, but accidents do happen at any time. Driving in a car is much more deadly, but I have much more peace of mind when I'm cruising down the interstate.
You Will Feel Young Again
It's easy to get caught in the hustle of modern travel, and honestly you see crabbier, more worn out faces at the airport than you do on the open road. I feel like I'm in my prime again when I set the cruise control, crank up the tunes, and laugh with good friends and family in my car. Going on a road trip allows you to slow down a bit (make sure to stay under the speed limit) and enjoy the ride. After all, who wants to sit in silence for hours on end? Turn on your favorite song and let loose! Stop at that little Podunk town and find out where the local's favorite place is for food. These things that seem meaningless at the time will probably make up the highlight reel of your trip when you get back, and you will feel young again.
Sure, long road trips can get boring and even stressful if you are on a tight schedule, but that goes for anything in life, doesn't it? It is only as good as YOU make it, and if you take in all of the amazing things this country has to offer, you won't be disappointed. The best thing to do is throw out the itinerary, follow the map, and make impromptu stops where you want to. Don't feel that you HAVE to hop on a plane when you are going on a trip, because that's not your only option. Next time you have a trip coming up, call your closest friends and plan a fun-filled road trip.