There’s really nothing quite like cruising through never before seen terrain while listening to those throw back songs you just barely know the chorus to, all while enjoying the company of good people. In a small SUV through the blue tinted rock formations of Utah to the endless desert landscapes of Arizona, it’s safe to say my love for the Mid-West tripled just in the course of 3 days. Never before have I listened to so many consequent Talking Heads songs or experienced more quad sun burns than I had last June, but I truly wouldn’t have changed one thing. (Although perhaps I may have limited the amount of trail mix I ate, but hey, what more is there to do in a car than listen to good songs, eat way too many snacks, and take hundreds of Instagram worthy snaps?)
I’m not going to lie, I was pretty hesitant when the offer was first posed as sitting in a car for days on end doesn't sound like the ideal summer adventure, but I can promise you that the adventure is worth it. The trip from Denver, Colorado to Sacramento, California will no doubt be remembered as one of the best experiences of my life. Before you go, here are some pieces of advice from someone who went into the experience laughably unprepared:
1. Bring a blanket.
This is perhaps the most versatile item you will have in the car at any point during the trip. The main reason being those awkward sun angles, when no matter how you position yourself, the sun finds a way to pierce into your eyes. Also, as mentioned earlier, quad burns aren’t exactly a trending look nor is the process of acquiring them in any way comfortable, so the blanket doubles as a way to keep you warm and a way to thwart the power of the sun from making your trip less enjoyable.
2. Stop at every single gas station.
Every. Single. One. Depending on where your trip takes you, you may drive for 70 or so miles before you pass any semblance of an established town. From personal experience, the anxiety of having an empty tank and being in the middle of nowhere is a thousand times more terrifying than that 10-page essay you put off until the night before.
3. Bring good music.
One of my favorite ways to understand people is by listening to them trace through their memory to the first time they heard a song. I spent a good portion of the drive listening to my sister reflect on that college party when she first heard “I Love College” by Asher Roth, the time when my dad would turn on “Psycho Killer” by the Talking Heads the moment he came back from work, and the concert where she first heard “Ain’t No Reason” by Brett Dennen. Now, not only do these songs bring happy memories for her, but they bring me back to endless midwestern landscapes, summer time, and a great trip with one of my favorite people.
4. Indulge in those McDonald's Fries.
If there’s any time you should feel least guilty for eating fast food, it’s on a road trip. To be honest, there really aren’t many other options in the heart of unpopulated Nevada.
5. Take Tons of Pictures.
Lots of them, and don’t feel one semblance of regret for posting on your Snapchat story each time there’s a new geotag.
6. Keep a Road Trip Log
We all relish in reading back through past thoughts- the biggest hurdle is forcing yourself to take a minute or two to settle your thoughts and write. Travel journals are perhaps the largest elicitor for happy memories, so pay it forward to your future self and jot down what you experience.
7. Exercise at Every Opportunity
Hotels just a couple miles off a major highway may not have the most glorious gyms, but getting a sweat in before sitting for a few hours is definitely worth it.
8. Find Hiking Trails
Depending on where you’re traveling, you’re sure to pass by a few beautiful trails where you can stretch out your travel-sore legs and see some breathtaking scenery
9. Avoid Road-Tripping in Small Cars
This one is pretty self explanatory.
10. If you can, direct your road trip either to or through Colorado.
Maybe I’m biased but it is the best state, no questions asked. From quaint mountain towns to steaming hot springs, (and arguably some of the best Tex-Mex you’ll ever find), it is undoubtably the perfect place for a pit stop.
11. Enjoy the ride.
Sing too loudly. Make dogs everywhere envious by taking your shot at sticking your head out the window. Fill your mind up with memories of cascading land and the raw beauty of mother nature. Don’t be afraid to say yes to new adventures.
