Roaming the open roads, discovering new cities and sights of beauty — the classic American road trip is an unforgettable adventure that promises to take you out of your comfort zone and into a world of new experiences. From stopovers in small towns to stunning views of nature as you cross the country, road trips offer memories that last a lifetime. Embark on a unique and inspiring journey with this guide to cross-country drives and unforgettable views.
1. Setting the Stage for an Epic Road Trip
So, you’ve been dreaming of the great open road for months – perhaps even years! You’ve saved up your hard-earned cash and are finally ready to kick-off that epic road trip.
But what plan do you have in place to make sure your perfect road trip becomes a reality? Here are some tips that will set the stage for your journey:
- Choose your route: You’ll want to make sure and explore the places you’ve been dreaming about for so long. Do some research and decide on a plan for visiting the sites and local attractions of key cities on your trip.
- Create your packing list: You’re going to want to keep your packing list to the minimum for the sake of convenience. Make sure to bring a first aid kit, snacks, tarp, blankets, and other camping supplies. Add toiletries, maps, laptop, and any other tech you might need to make your road trip seamless.
- Do a car check-up: Make sure to give your car a quick once over to ensure it’s in top condition for the journey. Check things like tire pressure, engine oil, fluids, battery, and brakes.
- Research the laws of the road: Take the time to look up the rules and regulations of the countries you’ll be passing through. Make sure you’re up to date on the speed limits, traffic laws, camping permits, and any other potential laws.
- Plan some fun activities and adventures: Figure out some of the things you plan to do along the road. Whether it’s a relaxing hike around a national park, or more thrilling activities like bungee-jumping or hot air ballooning, jot them down in your roadmap.
plus
Once you’ve checked off all these tasks from your list, you’re good to go for your epic road trip! So buckle up, stick to the plan, and let your adventure begin.
2. Experiencing the Joy of the Open Road
Exploring the open road is a timeless thrill, and one that can bring a joy that no other can replace. From the sensation of the wind on your skin to the sound of the engine beneath you, a rewarding journey awaits.
- Take Control of the Road
There’s no feeling quite like climbing into the driver’s seat, turning the ignition, and moving away. Whether you’re heading out on a multi-day adventure or just on your daily commute, you’re in control of where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. - Say Hello to Natural Beauty
Whatever type of journey you choose to take, one of the greatest joys will be the expanse of natural beauty around you. From stunning open fields, to rolling hills, to magical forests, there’s something for everyone. - Take a Trip in Time
The open road can also provide an intriguing insight into the past. If you choose an historic route, keep a look out for hidden gems from days gone by. From forgotten monuments to abandoned cottages, each will be a distinctive reminder of past lives and stories. - The Sounds of Oneness
The open road has its own soundtrack, from the low hum of the engine to the scattering of stones beneath your tires. Every road trip is unique, so make sure to take some time to take in the songs of the road.
As the miles stretch on, make sure to take the occasional pause in your journey. It could be a roadside diner to break up the ride, a brief photo opportunity, or something more extravagant. Just like every trip, every pit stop should be savored.
Then, once you have reloaded and returned to the road, you can bask in the freedom that comes with it — the freedom to explore, the freedom to find, and the freedom to see what lies around the corner. It is within this that you will be able to find the highest joys: the joys of the open road.
3. Capturing Unforgettable Vistas Along the Way
One of the best parts about traveling is taking in the incredible beauty that comes with seeing vast, mesmerizing landscapes. From sweeping mountain views to immense, horizon-spanning coastlines, is something that can truly leave an indelible mark.
For those who are looking to take home unforgettable visuals, a good camera is a must-have tool. Invest in one that is durable and allows you to zoom in close to capture the details that make a particular scene truly stunning. Make sure to take extra memory cards and backups of your photos in case an unexpected event arises.
When you come across particularly inspiring views, it’s crucial to find the best angle and apply a bit of creativity. A great way to make your photos stand out is to use leading lines to draw the eye to a particular element. This can be done through roads, footpaths, staircases, rivers, or anything else that can act as a natural frame for your subject.
Don’t be afraid to apply other techniques when setting up your shots, like using longer shutter speeds to capture motion blur or framing your subject to emphasize their place in the environment. Bracketing is another useful tool for HDR images, where you take multiple photos at multiple exposures and then merge them later for more texture and contrast. Discover what works for you.
When the perfect light appears in the sky, make sure to take advantage of the natural beauty that accompanies it. Soft, morning-glow sunrises or the deep, fiery reds of sunset can truly set a mood that will last forever. Keep shooting at dusk and during blue hour to take some of the most unforgettable photos you’ll ever take.
Finally, take time to pause and really appreciate the beauty of the moment. Life moves quickly and pausing to truly absorb a view and all of the emotions that come with it will only make the memory stronger. The next time you take a journey, be sure to bring along a camera to capture these unforgettable vistas and moments.
4. Discovering New Places and Revitalizing Memories
Whether you’re in the mood for a family road trip, a weekend getaway with friends, or a cross-country voyage, discovering new places is one of the best parts of traveling. There’s no limit to what you can find and explore — a beautiful beach, a hidden waterfall, a charming small town, or a fascinating city.
Visit landmarks to learn about interesting cultures and histories, or take a drive to find your own private spot for a campfire — it’s up to you! Each destination you visit offers its own unique opportunities and experiences, and you never know when you might stumble upon something unexpected.
Seeing new places can also be a way to revive long-forgotten memories. If you can, try to track down the places where you grew up, or the spot where you had your first kiss. It’s a great way to revisit those special moments, and perhaps even make some new ones.
No matter where you go, pack your camera, sketchbook, or journal for sketching and recording your adventures. You’ll want to capture the priceless moments and look back fondly. And of course, don’t forget to talk to the locals for valuable insight and advice.
During your travels, choose the activities that speak to your interests. Maybe you’ll find a bird sanctuary to explore or join a local cooking class. When stepping out of your comfort zone, you might make a connection that could become a nostalgic memory someday.
- Visit landmarks to learn about interesting cultures and histories.
- Take a drive to find your own private spot for a campfire.
- Track down places from your past.
- Pack a camera, sketchbook, or journal.
- Check out local attractions and join classes.
Step outside and see the world, or just take a short drive to the other side of town. No matter the distance you travel, there’s a good chance of making new friends, uncovering hidden gems, and creating wonderful moments that will stay with you forever.
No matter how you plan it, there’s simply nothing quite like a road trip. From the scenic back roads to the freedom to explore, road trips can provide some of life’s most breathtaking views and most memorable experiences. So fill up the tank, buckle up and embark on your own cross-country adventure.
