Recently my family and I took a road trip down to Florida. As great as it was, there were some minor issues that came up along the way, which inspired me to write this. It's everything you should know about road tripping, whether it be with family or a group of friends.
1. Best: It’s a vacation.
The open highway is beautiful during sunsets, seeing all the trees around you and clear skies. Yes, there are cars racing past, behind, and in front of you, but looking past that, you can be amazed by just looking out the window. You’ve got a good playlist if you're with parents, or if you’re with friends, you’re ready to blast it in the car and get hyped.
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2. Worst: Long car rides.
If you're not a fan of being in cars for extended periods of time, this isn’t exactly your kind of adventure. Then there’s also the matter of how many people are cramped into the car, when you’re going to stop, how many bathroom breaks you need, who’s going to drive, and if there will be a rotation of drivers.
3. Best: Try all the food!
Road tripping through states also will include destinations to get food, stops to go to a nice restaurant, or even ask a local and see what they would recommend. You’d be surprised what you can find.
4. Worst: Expenses.
Of course gas, food, and hotels would all be considered expenses, and I’m sure there’s others I’m forgetting. But either way, you’re going to run into some sort of expense you need to pay for so just make sure you have the money to pay for all of it.
5. Best: Hotel jumping.
Staying somewhere for the night so you don’t drive exhausted is also a pretty fun part. You may pick some hotel in the middle of nowhere that doesn’t give you a sense of the night life around you. Finding a hotel that can accommodate but also give you some places to go in whatever area you stop in would be nice.
6. Worst: Sometimes they can't accommodate.
At times, there are places that do not rent to those under 21. But if you are with family then you’re good. Even if you are with family, sometimes there’s so many people in a hotel that they don’t have any pull out/roll out beds, which means someone might have to sleep on the floor.
7. Best: Exploring.
You can never say no to an adventure when you’re on a road trip; looking through the life of the towns you pass through on the way can give you a culture shock you never expected. For instance, I just took a road trip to Florida and we spent the night in Charleston, South Carolina. It was gorgeous with a New Orleans feel, and it was so relaxed. Even at night, it was just as breathtaking.
8. Worst: Make sure you’re in a good area.
Of course, you still need to be careful wherever you go. Spending a night in Charleston as opposed to Baltimore means you need to make sure you stay at a hotel in a nice, safe part of the area. You should choose a place where you feel safe being and walking around.
9. Best: The experience.
Road tripping is fun. For me, spending time with my family is something that was very needed after a long semester. Everyone needs family time. And yes, of course we just wanted to get to Florida, but when you stop in cities to explore their cultures, you can see the differences between home and where you’re going.
