There's a famous adage out there, that the journey is more important than the destination. Personally, I've always found this to be partially true. Yes, the journey is certainly more important than the destination. But what about the destinations you encounter while on the journey?
I find that as time goes on, the less and less appreciated form of travel is a good old fashioned road trip. In that famous film that has gotten a remake, Vacation, the Griswolds pack into a car and drive to a theme park. In the recent film, Paper Towns (which we reviewed last week), the characters pile into a car and take a fast-paced trip across the country to find their missing friend. Now, road trips don't have to be this drastic or dangerous for them to be fun.
The fastest option to get between places is to take a plane. You could even take a train. Obviously, these travel options get you between Point A toand Point B with little to no trouble. But where's the adventure in that? Those ways just take you over or around the interesting little quirks of the cities between you and your destination. Why not stop at that gas station right on the edge of a farm? Or get a 3 AM snack at the cleanest Denny's on the East Coast? Or even pull off the road in the middle of nowhere because you need something out of your suitcase? When you're behind the wheel of the car, you are the master of your journey.
The best kinds of road trips are the ones where you don't have a time limit for when you have to arrive. There are so many incredible little things in between the metropolitan locations in this country. It's hard to imagine that there are people living lives just as you live yours in those houses passing in a blur out your passenger window. It is like catching glimpses of an alien planet. That is someone else's Publix, McDonald's, and gas station.
And let's not forget driving music. Nothing is quite as bonding as screaming I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by the Proclaimers like you're Ted and Marshall and the cassette is stuck in the player. My personal favorite listening option is to pop on a Bo Burnham album and just laugh until your cheeks hurt.
Now, why go on road trips? As in, where do you need to go? There are plenty of options and all of them lead to exciting possibilities. Spring break is a great option for driving adventures. But what about a spontaneous road trip that just goes to all the exciting little areas in your hometown? You'd be surprised what kinds of things you can find within a certain mile radius.
Regardless, don't let road trips die. Don't be afraid of getting into the nitty - gritty of this beautiful country we live in. Why not take a Saturday, hop in your car and get a little lost?
