As the heat of summer begins to abate, thoughts turn to a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park to see the aspen leaves begin to turn and “quake,” a visit to the old alma mater, or maybe tying in a side trip with an upcoming business trip. Depending on the distance between home and the chosen destination, flying or taking a train might be an option. But if the schedule allows, a road trip adds the allure of seeing the sights along the way up close and personal instead of as a passing blur.
Planning the Route
A good place to start is with a large, old-school road map spread out on a table to consider where to go and how to get there. Avoiding the interstates in favor of two-lane highways, also known as “blue highways,” makes the trip take longer but provides a view of small-town America that most never see. For many, this is as close to a road trip as they may get, as work or family obligations make actually taking the trip not feasible at this particular time, but the fun of plotting routes makes it a worthwhile exercise.
When considering a driving adventure, the most important factor is time; trying to rush from Point A to Point B while adding in multiple side trips along the way often ends in running out of time. Experienced road trippers will allow an extra day or two to make sure they have ample time to discover where a side road leads, or to spend more time exploring an unexpectedly delightful town.
Choosing Your Vehicle
The next crucial question revolves around choosing the vehicle for the drive. There is certainly no wrong answer—except perhaps an EV that requires frequent charging on an off-the-beaten path route with few charging stations, creating the possibility of becoming stranded. The family sedan or minivan might be the right choice, as long as they are in good mechanical condition.
A sportscar can be the closest thing to a magic carpet for exploring twisty highways like the Tail of the Dragon while taking in magnificent views along the way. The downside to a sportscar is the limited room for luggage and seats that might not be all that comfortable for many long hours of driving.
An alternative to using a personal car, such as a leased vehicle with mileage limits or a subcompact car that would be cramped, is taking a rental vehicle. Renting a car or an SUV has the benefit of driving a new or almost new vehicle that is in excellent mechanical condition and perhaps has more room inside than a personally owned vehicle. If opting to rent, always check the rental agreement for mileage limitations in order to avoid unpleasant surprises when it is returned.
Preparing to Launch
Before heading off on the trip, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect the vehicle, even if it is a rental, to make sure the air conditioning and heater systems are in good order and to look at the tires, including the spare, and the wiper blades for excess wear. Make sure the oil and coolant levels are full and the battery is strong for easy, reliable starting. For a personal car or a leased vehicle, create a bin of road supplies that hopefully will not be needed, including a quart of oil and a gallon of water. Other useful items include a first aid kit, a roll of duct tape, a basic tool kit, a flashlight, a 12V tire inflator, and a portable jump starter that can also recharge phones and laptops. Some of these items may seem excessive, but when traveling far from the interstate, it is best to be self-sufficient.
Miscellaneous Tips
If the route passes through areas where it is expected to get cold, bring a lightweight fleece blanket to provide warmth; a blanket is easier to use than trying to slide into a jacket while in a car.
To avoid relying on fast food or convenience stores for snacks, pack an assortment of fruit, candy, or granola bars, avoiding chocolate that can create a gooey mess. Pack a cooler with water, sodas, or fruit juices.
If the vehicle has a satellite radio, there will be many music, talk radio, and sports channels to choose from; otherwise, load the phone with a library of personal favorites that can be enjoyed via Bluetooth. For older vehicles, a stack of CDs or cassette tapes may be the way to go.
As the journey progresses, be flexible; if the route passes near a scenic drive, take the detour. Also, keep an eye on weather and traffic conditions on the route to help avoid unplanned detours or delays. Now get out and drive!
Driving Adventure
See the United States from behind the wheel.
Map it Out
Use an old-school road map to choose a course to scenic and historic destinations, as well as interesting towns along the way. Add an extra day or two to allow time to explore scenic towns or see where that side road takes you.
Rent It
Consider renting a vehicle to avoid wear and tear on a personal vehicle or excessive miles on a leased car.
Be Prepared
In addition to snacks and water, a first aid kit, basic tools, a roll of duct tape, and a portable jump starter are items that should be packed, hoping they won’t be needed.
