Summer is all about having adventures, and this summer, I am having the adventure of a lifetime interning in Los Angeles. Being from Birmingham, Alabama, though, it was no small task getting me, my car, and all my things out to California. So, after a lot of planning, I set out on the road trip across the country! After trekking across the U.S., I have discovered some useful tips to make the most of your summer road trip whether you are going 2,000 miles or only a few hours away.
1—Learn some history. For part of our trip, we drove on historic Route 66 which was such a cool experience. Route 66 has such a rich history. One of my favorite things was taking time to stop and learn about all the people who moved west hoping for a better life. Wherever you’re going, be sure to check out the history that made it what it is today. The extra time will enrich your trip and make it more memorable.
2—Find something unique. Every place has something a little weird and quirky that makes it unique. Find it! On our trip, we stopped at the Cadillac Ranch to see these cars stuck halfway in the ground in the middle of nowhere that people spray paint. Weird, right? It was actually one of my favorite stops because I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
3—Enjoy nature. Nothing can compare to the beauty in nature. I got to explore the Petrified Forest on this trip and it was absolutely breathtaking. We are so lucky to have such a cool country with so many things to see and do outside. So, go check out a National Park, go on a hike, or go to the beach and enjoy what is right outside your door.
4—Fall into just one tourist trap. We have all seen those souvenir shops with every sign imaginable trying to draw you in. For the most part, those should be ignored, but I recommend going into one and buying a little souvenir (no matter how useless it is). It will bring a smile to your face every time you look at it and think of your road trip.
5—Be prepared for the drive. Road trips are fun, but seeing a cacti is only so fun after you have seen a million of them already. So, be sure to bring lots of entertainment for the road. Bring a good magazine (or 50), a pillow and blanket for nap time (as long as you aren’t driving), a new book you’ve been dying to read, and lots of music to listen to on the drive.
If you follow these tips, I promise you’ll have the road trip of a lifetime!
Where are you road tripping this summer? Let me know in the comments below.
