The art of road trips is too often forgotten.
My mother is a free-spirited soul and my dad is an adventurous Marine. In my 20 years I have hopped around six different states and moved 10 times. Always seeking adventure, my parents were adamant that our transitions should always include a healthy, dragged-out road trip (example a: it took us over a month to get from California to Rhode Island). Given the situation, to say I have had my fair share of road trips is absolutely an understatement.
I’ve grown to love a good ride in the car. With my experience and passion for exploration, here are a few must-haves for your venture:
1. Good music
True, I don’t remember the first three years of my life, but I do know I was born in California and because of that fact alone I’ve had a playlist named Pacific Coast Highway in my music since the days of the iPod Mini. This playlist is filled with nothing but throwbacks and feel-goods. Very essential.
2. Good friends
If there’s anything I truly believe, it's that it’s not where you are that’s important, it’s who you’re with.
3. Good snacks
I highly recommend eating that really gross-looking local food they sell at the gas station. For example, when I drove down the south east coast recently, I tried some boiled peanuts (obviously I’ve never lived in the south, it was weird for me). Do your best to immerse yourself in the culture.
4. Sunglasses
5. Disposable camera(s)
There is nothing better than disposable cameras because 1. it forces you to put your phone down and 2. the authenticity that comes out in these pictures resembles the experience much better than any iPhone picture. Take my word for it.
6. Mexican blanket
7. Journal
8. GPS Paper maps
I know, at this point it’s retro (sorry, Mom). Paper maps give you an overview of your entire trip, making it easier to know where you want to stop and explore.
9. Apps
10. Waze
Waze notifies you when a cop is nearby. But you’re not speeding anyway, right?
11. TV Food Maps
In a recent conversation a friend and I decided that food is definitely one of the top three most important things on any journey. This app helps you make wise decisions regarding that.
12. Spotify
The only reason I would promote Spotify over Apple Music is because Spotify gives you access to hundreds of great playlists and allows you to explore your friends' playlists as well.
13. Listerine strips
Gum is messy.
14. Sex Wax Air Freshener
15. Chap stick
16. Old CDs
For some reason they always come in handy.
For my last point I was going to write that you had to be all in, but thinking back, I don’t know if that’s true. Some of the greatest trips of my life were done in the midst of leaving behind people and places I really loved. With that being said, I would encourage you to adventure whether you’re comfortable with it or not. New experiences have a way of opening our eyes widely and filling us with knowledge.
Good luck, and happy road tripping!
