9 Reasons Why Road Trips Are Fun
Today we have a lot of options when it comes to traveling. But there’s a specific method of getting from one place to another that’s tried-and-true and timeless: road-tripping. Since automobiles became accessible, people have been packing their belongings and hitting the open road. There’s nothing quite like the freedom and spontaneity that comes with a road trip, and if you’ve never experienced one, well, you are missing out–big time!
You may be wondering: why do people like going on road trips? I’m so glad you asked. In this article, I put together a list of 9 reasons why road trips are fun. Feel free to use these points to convince your family and friends to load up the car and take off on an adventure. Just remember to always drive safely!
Jamming out to Your Favorite Road Trip Playlists
Imagine this: the windows are down, the breeze is in your hair, and your favorite playlist is jamming through the speakers. Road tripping is all about listening and singing along to your favorite tunes and digging up old songs you haven’t heard in ages. We don’t always have time to just sit and appreciate good music but being on the road gives you a chance to do that. If you don’t have a road trip playlist, don’t worry! Spotify and other streaming services have an endless supply of playlists at the ready!
Stocking up on Road Trip Snacks
Driving for hours and hours takes up a lot of energy, and it’s the perfect excuse to stock up on tasty road trip snacks. Fill up a cooler with your favorite beverages–non-alcoholic, of course–and keep yummy treats within arm’s reach. I’m all for choosing the healthy option, but on a road trip, you can bet I’m picking up a few guilty pleasures. Chocolate bar, anyone? It’s a road trip, and you can do whatever you want.
Exploring Small Towns
Don’t get me wrong, flying is a great form of travel, but you miss out on stopping at small towns you normally wouldn’t visit. These off-the-beaten-path locations are home to some hidden gems, like antique stores, historical attractions, and public art installations. On a road trip, you can explore the nooks and crannies of each town and see a part of the country that often gets overlooked.
Getting Away from The Hustle and Bustle
We all get sucked into the stressors of daily life and put too much focus on unwanted obligations. Well, you can leave all that stress behind as you pull out of the driveway and take off on a road trip. On the open road, you are officially OOO (out of office). It’s a great little break from checking emails, making calls, and worrying about what’s next on the schedule. Think of a road trip as a nice reminder to enjoy the little things in life. I guarantee you’ll feel like a new person when you reach your destination!
Saving Money on Travel Costs
There are a lot of benefits of road trips, but cutting down on travel expenses might take the cake! Even if you find a cheap flight, you still have to take an Uber or taxi to the airport, check a bag, and rent a car. All that gets expensive fast! Not to mention, you could experience delays and get stuck with a middle seat–not the ideal travel scenario. On a road trip, the only expenses are filling up on gas and stocking up on food. Inviting friends along, who can help chip in, is a foolproof way to further cut back on travel costs!
Traveling At Your Own Pace
Rule #1 of a road trip is that there are no rules! You get to decide how slow or fast you travel, and no one can tell you otherwise. Not feeling rushed is by far one of my top reasons to go on a road trip. I love stumbling upon old historic towns, pulling over, and exploring everything it has to offer. So, when you’re cruising down the road and want to take a side-trip somewhere that’s out of the way, you should do it! It’s your trip, after all.
Spending Quality Time with Friends and Family
Life gets busy, and finding time to spend with friends and family can be a challenge. A multi-hour road trip with loved ones is a wonderful way to catch up and check in with each other. There are no distractions to keep you from giving your full attention. When you arrive at your destination, you’ll have a closer relationship with whoever you are traveling with.
Stopping Off at Viewpoints
Another reason why road trips are better than flying is that you get to appreciate the stunning scenery throughout each region you drive through. Highways and interstates have designated viewpoint pull-offs, so you don’t miss out on any of the natural beauty. At lookouts, I like to find a little walking trail to stretch my legs and soak in everything around me–you can’t do that on a plane, huh?
Checking off New Places
I use road trips to check off destinations I’ve always wanted to visit. In the U.S., we have 50 states, and only a small percentage of people ever make it to all of them. Thanks to road trips, I’ve been to 49 states and hundreds of towns and cities. It can be shocking when you realize how little of your country you’ve explored, and one of the benefits of road trips is that you have an excuse to see everything in the region.
Final Thoughts: Why Are Road Trips Fun?
There are countless reasons to go on a road trip, but for me, it’s all about letting go of daily worries and enjoying the present moment. Throwing a few suitcases in the car, picking up friends, and burning rubber on the open road is an experience you’ll never forget. So next time you’re debating between flying or driving to a destination, remember what we discussed in this article. I promise you won’t regret choosing to take a road trip!
Road Trips > How to Make a Road Trip Fun > Why are Road Trip Fun
About the Author
Ryan Hichens is a freelance writer, digital nomad, and sucker for a good time. He’s a native Californian but has spent the last five years backpacking and road-tripping throughout North and South America. Check out his Instagram to follow along with his travels and writing.