I am currently in the middle of my own cross-country road trip from my home in Salt Lake City, Utah to Bucknell University, Pennsylvania. It's a whole lot of road and a whole lot of nothing, but here are some tips and tricks I've found to be true through experience. Road trips are more time-consuming than flying, but actually way more fun.
1. Get a good night’s sleep the night before.
Trust me on this one. Nothing makes you feel more zombie-like and lethargic than staring at road for hours on end. Do yourself a favor and get a good amount of shut-eye before you tackle the pavement beast early morning.
2. Get your car checked out before you go.
To make sure there aren't any existing issues with the oil or tire pressure. You don’t want to find yourself in the middle of nowhere with a flat. Make sure everything is in pristine shape before you hit the road.
3. Coffee is your friend.
Yes. Forever and always. Just don't attempt to sip that freshly brewed cup while on an uneven road ...
4. Make a KILLER playlist.
I think music may have the ability to save lives — and it definitely saves road trips. When you’re in a car for upwards of eight hours, it is a must to have an exciting playlist that makes you feel like a champ. Pick something you can belt out and car-dance along to.
5. Stop at every cheesy roadside attraction.
In the middle of South Dakota? I was. Break up the long hours by stopping at the silliest roadside attractions — there will be many. A corn palace? A petrified garden? What does that even mean? Let’s find out! Check out Roadside America: it’s a mecca for this kind of tomfoolery. You’ll stretch your legs, and it’s guaranteed to make an amusing Snap Story.
6. Bring snacks.
Snacks on snacks on snacks. You may just be sitting, but you’ll get the munchies real quick.
7. Keep an eye on that gas tank.
Self-explanatory. You all know what calamity may befall if you don’t.
8. Choose the path less travelled by ...
And by this I mean the route most intriguing to you. If you have the time, instead of just picking the quickest way to get someplace, take a route that will guide you through cities you’ve never seen or landmarks you should see. Driving from Utah to the east coast, I could have easily trekked through Nebraska, or I could go north a bit and see Mount Rushmore and drive through the Badlands. Guess which we chose? (Nothing at all against Nebraska, for the record).
9. Get a podcast or book on tape to listen to.
We listened to Serial most of the trip, and I am completely hooked. I’ve always considered myself more of a paper books kind of person, preferring to read something than have it read to me. However, listening to the Serial podcast was enticing and kept my mind off the long drive. The time flew by, surprisingly so. I assume any kind of book on tape would have the same effect. Highly recommended.
10. Find a driving buddy.
If you can, get someone to go on this adventure with you. Sure, it’s totally doable on your own, and I truly believe in the importance of solo travel time. However, having another being on the open road with you is invaluable. It’s nice having someone to talk to or feed you when your hands are on the wheel. Plus, it’s someone else to take driving shifts.
11. Document your travels.
Pictures and silly videos. This won’t be something you want to forget.
Safe travels!
