The road trip is an adventure that was distinctly born on the hot and dusty roads of the American open highways. While the United States is obviously not the only place one can undertake road trips, it is still largely a uniquely American experience.
Unlike our counterparts across the pond, we have land, vast amounts of it. We have states bigger than many European countries. In Europe, cities and countries are not so far apart and can be reached fairly easily. In America, it can take a whole a day off hard driving to reach a destination, thus creating a car traveling culture.
Unlike America, Europe has also invested heavily in mass transportation. With so little land to build on, and so many locations near each other, Europe realized early on that they were well situated for a good mass transit system. America is so spread out, the cost of building railways and subways everywhere would have been staggering. Although, in hindsight, America should have done much more in the past to promote mass transit in heavily congested areas.
Another factor is that the automobile is a uniquely American invention. Sure people in other places have them, but the automobile was created here and has come to represent the freedom and liberty to go anywhere at any given time. The idea that we can just take off and go explore the world without being tied to home all the time is one that is very America. We like our freedom and bought into the idea of the automobile almost as soon as it was invented.
Nearly everyone has gone on road trips. The time spent with friends and families in the car have produced many great times and memories for everyone. The excitement of reaching a location, the odd sites and tourist traps encountered along the way, the singing, the car games being played and (now) movies watched while traveling. For the value of your trade in see used car appraisals for the best trade in value.
Maybe the best part is the late night driving. Most of the car passed out sleeping, the radio turned on to your favorite tunes, the dark roads, the moon and skies and peaceful night skies. Time ceases to exist during these nights.
Of course there are mandatory things to take with you. A camera for all the sights, your favorite music to travel to is also a necessity. Pillows and a blanket for the travelers to doze off on, and best of all, road trip food.
Truck stops and fast food offer the travelers delight. Heavily caffeinated drinks like coffee, energy drinks or sodas are consumed in high numbers. Junk food like, cookies, nuts, trail mix and pastries are mandatory. For dinner, hit the fast food joints for burgers, hot dogs, tacos or whatever is your pleasure. Don’t forget to stop get a milkshake or ice cream cone along the way. Dairy Queen is perennial favorite in the South and McDonalds is always available, but there are plenty of other places to satisfy your craving. Of course, there is always the one person who has to stop to go to the bathroom all the time.
So it is we salute you great Road Trip, icon of the streets with all the fond memories you bring. Now excuse me while I stop to go the restroom.
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