"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." — Robert Frost
If you have a wanderlust that is insatiable like mine, but not a lot of cash... May I introduce you to the road trip!
OK, I'm sure everyone has heard of a road trip. Think back to those early years before you had that beautiful piece of plastic called your license. You rode to whatever summer destination awaited and complained the whole way.
Really, think back to the first road trip you can remember. How annoying were you, asking questions every five seconds, trying to get the whole family to play a game or just whining about having to use the bathroom?
I know I was super annoying. I have accepted it and learned. There was one family vacation that I went on with some cousins and my grandparents that I can recall quite well. Not only did my cousin's scary stories prevent me from sleeping that night, and keep me from ever entering a cave again, but my grandpa would shake the camper and yell mountain lion or bear! It was traumatizing to my 10 year old psyche let me tell you.
I also remember my cousin and I (who are the same age) were very fond of the cheetah girls. Not only did we listen to their CDs over and over again in our DiscMans, but we sang it, Out loud... Our family had admitted they hated us that whole trip, and we assume responsibility.
What I'm getting at here is that road trips can create the best memories. They can bond you closer together with your travel group than you ever thought possible. They allow for more sight seeing, and give you a chance to really appreciate all the wonders that lie just under your nose.
For the average college kid, they're also a lot cheaper than hopping a plane and going somewhere. Especially, if you have a full car to split the gas with. With planes you go right over all the flyover states that shouldn't be flyover at all. There's so many beautiful and different things to see in this country! Why would you not want to take the time to see it all, and make memories with your friends in the process?
So, with what's left of the summer, be spontaneous. Randomly decide to drive to Colorado to see the Rocky Mountains for the first time. Make a huge trip and go to California. Stop everywhere you can along the way!
Life is fleeting and in the words of Ferris Bueller "Life moves pretty quick, if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it." Don't miss these adventures. Pack a cooler, get a full tank of gas and set out in your journey. Which road will you choose?
