Now that travelling is quite difficult, I can’t stop thinking about my previous trips and how badly I want to go to places. As a kid, I was no fan of road trips. At all. Maybe because growing up in the middle of Europe meant to my parents that you might as well drive everywhere since everything so close. Literally everywhere. We drove to Spain several times - through the ENTIRE country of France. It took us two days until we reached our campground. Being stuck in a car in southern France in the summer (and with your annoying little brother) isn't fun at all. But hey, I know the best parking spots along the way now.
My worst memory though is a road trip with my family to Croatia. I was stuck in the back of the car with my brother and my cousin - with no AC! I hated it so much and was basically in a bad mood all the time. I can't even remember stopping at the Plitvice Lakes along the way because I was too busy complaining. Even though this fact makes me very sad, I can't possibly imagine a way where I would have not hated this.
As I grew up - and maybe because not being forced to go on road trips with my family any longer if I didn't want to (sorry, guys) - something changed. Yes, I like me a good and exciting city trip and also a relaxed all-inclusive week in a hotel. But up to this day, one of my favorite ways to spend a vacation is the road trip. I admit, there might be the occasional roadkill, flat tire or you get lost in the middle of nowhere. But these are things that make the trip more exciting, too.
So here is my attempt trying to convince you that road trips don't suck!
1. The adventure Starts Instantly
No checking bags, no rushing to the gates, no exhausting cab ride to the hotel. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE airports (Heathrow airport is my favorite). But the great thing about a road trip is that as soon as you get into the car, the adventure begins!
2. It's Calming
Taking a flight might remind you, too, that you are only one tiny part of this wicket world. After all, you are flying, seeing the world from an unusual perspective and everything seems small and insignificant. However, I have the same feeling when riding a car. Well, maybe not to the next supermarket that is a 10 minute drive away. But seeing the landscape change and driving on an open road also makes me realize, how big this planet is and how small my problems are.
3. The Scenery
Seeing the world from above is impressing, but you can't really observe the scenery and how it changes. It can be so impressive driving through a thick forest or an endless desert. You can admire so many things along the way that you wouldn't see otherwise. And after all, it is not only about the destination, but also about the way.
4. You are in control
You want to stop for a couple of hours to experience a certain part of your route? You feel like you just passed the perfect spot for a picnic? When you're on a road trip, you are in control about where to stop and how to plan your trip. There's no flight that might be delayed or no train that just isn't showing up. It's just you and the car.
5. You can save money
Road trips can be a real money saver. If you are driving a bigger car you might even be able to sleep in it, too, which will save you the money for the hotels as well. If you don't want to do that there might still be a way to save some bucks. You can bring snacks and whatever you might need along the way with you and don't need to buy a lot of things. Plus, if you already own a car you only have to spend the money for the fuel in order to get going.
6. No carry-on limits
25kg for a checked bag, 8kg for your carry-on, liquids only in a transparent plastic bags - taking the plane can be annoying. If you plan a vacation for several weeks it might be a huge headache to pack your suitcases and figure out how to NOT end up with a 50kg suitcase. If you are planning a road trip you don't need to think about that. Throw into the car whatever fits!
7. Find the Unexpected
If you are driving somewhere, you might find some unexpected things along the way that you didn't know existed!
8. Brings people together
To be fair - a road trip can be quite exhausting if you are doing it with the wrong people. After all, you have to sit in the car with them for quite some time. However, if you tag along the right people, it can bring you closer together and create some awesome memories!
What is your opinion on road trips? Do you like them or do you hate them? Do you have a road trip (such as the famous ‘coast to coast’ road trip in the US) on your bucket list?
Kate recommends: In The Lost Girls three friends, each involved in their own quarter-life crisis, decide to quit their jobs in the Big Apple to embark on a new adventure. They leave their friends and family behind to enjoy their one-year-long backpacking adventure around the world. The Lost Girls is written by Jennifer Baggett, Holly Corbett, and Amanda Pressner and based on their actual adventures. Nothing better if you want to get some inspiration for your very own one.