Road trips have always held a special place in our hearts. The thrill of hitting the open road, the sense of freedom, and the anticipation of new adventures make every journey unforgettable. In America, road trips have a rich tradition, steeped in exploration and discovery. (For an intriguing glimpse into the history of road trips in the U.S., check out this article from TIME: Link)
While we’ve enjoyed road tripping with our kids, we’re now stepping into a new chapter—one where we can explore at our own pace. Last summer, we embarked on an epic Midwest car tour, and earlier this summer, our family vacation took us on a road trip along Oregon’s coast and Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Now, we’re contemplating a quicker method of exploration—long weekends on the road.
Our road trip experiences have evolved over the years. In the past, especially when our kids were young, our focus was often on getting from point A to point B efficiently. My family had a proud tradition of minimizing stops, even down to just one. I distinctly remember the pride we felt when we once covered the 565-mile journey from Indianapolis to Washington, D.C., in a single tank of gas, with only one brief rest stop for a bathroom break. Picture a family of five in a 1979 Corolla with no AC, enduring over 8 hours on the road in the summer. Such was the road trip legacy in my family. In stark contrast, Dieter’s family was known for frequent stops, even on a 10-hour drive. I was flabbergasted when we halted our journey just one hour into a 9-hour drive to California. It was clear we had differing road trip philosophies!
Thankfully, with time, we’ve found a happy middle ground. We now seek out unusual attractions, prioritize music, and savor authentic local cuisine. While we still maintain a loose schedule to reach our destination in a reasonable time, we’ve learned to build in flexibility to embrace unexpected experiences—the true highlights of our trips.
The Role of Music
Music is an integral part of our road trip experience. We meticulously curate playlists in advance using Spotify. During our epic Midwest Road Trip in 2022, we even had a dedicated playlist for each state we drove through. These playlists feature songs related to the state or a specific city within it. For instance, John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” accompanied us through Colorado, while Sam Cooke serenaded us in Chicago, Illinois. Music not only keeps us entertained but also fosters a deeper connection to the land and its culture, making long drives more engaging.
Literary Journeys
To further enrich our road trips, we’ve embraced reading lists. When driving through Nebraska, we delved into Willa Cather’s My Ántonia, immersing ourselves in the region’s literary heritage. In Chicago, we explored Gwendolyn Brooks’ poetry, gaining insights into the city’s vibrant life.
Practical Tips and Essentials
For the practical side of road tripping, we rely on Expedia for hotel/motel reservations. And, we always keep a trusty road atlas in the car, as our dependence on GPS navigation can’t replace the comforting reliability of a physical map. We recommend Rand McNally’s Easy Finder Road Atlas—it’s compact, spiral-bound, and features larger print for easy reading.
Essentials for a smooth journey include sunglasses, sunscreen (reapply every 2-3 hours), and a sunshade to protect the car and keep it cool during stops. Neutrogena’s non-greasy facial sunscreen and Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50, which won’t leave stains on the car interior, are our top choices.
Invaluable gadgets include the Hussell Car Charger Adapter with dual ports for fast charging and a car trash can like the GNEGNI Car Garbage Can, which hangs conveniently from the back of a seat and has a waterproof lining. An adjustable tray that attaches to a cup holder provides extra surface space for food or your phone.
Stay Entertained and Connected
To keep the trip fun, we recommend “Road Trip Table Topics to Go.” These conversation starters are a fantastic way to spark engaging discussions. Don’t forget to bring a travel journal to record your experiences and impressions—it’s a treasure trove of memories.
Favorite Snacks for the Journey
Finally, we have a selection of favorite snacks from Trader Joe’s that are ideal for road trips:
- Single Organic Coconut Water: A refreshing thirst quencher that restores electrolytes.
- Organic Sparkling Apple Cider Vinegar Beverage (Lemon + Strawberry or Ginger + Lemon): Enjoy the benefits of apple cider vinegar while keeping your blood sugar levels in check.
- Thai Lime and Chili Cashews: A fusion of heat, crunch, and tanginess for a protein-packed snack.
- Dried Mangoes: Sweet and chewy, these make for a delightful and healthy treat.
- Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels Nuggets: These savory delights offer a satisfying protein kick, and you’ll find it nearly impossible to resist munching on just a few!
- Dark Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Indulge in one of our all-time favorites, these sweet and salty treats are the perfect way to wrap up a road trip snack session!
