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10 Reasons You Should Consider a Road Trip
The allure of the open road—for many individuals, a seemingly endless stretch of pavement sparks a sense of liberty, adventure and discovery. When travelers seek a much-needed getaway, road trips have become the go-to solution. Here are the major incentives to embark on an adventure behind the steering wheel.
1 | No Airports or Early Departures
Dodge the commotion of airports by opting to drive rather than fly. Imagine no early morning alarms for timely airport arrivals and needless anxiety. On a road trip, the adventure commences as soon as you fire up your engine.
2 | Flexible Timelines
Nothing beats the adaptability of a highway adventure. There are no flight departures to worry about or bus timetables to recall, as you'll have your personal vehicle, or one you've rented, for transportation. Furthermore, seeing something intriguing is reason enough to slow down, an option you don’t have while flying. Booking accommodations with cancellation policies allows you to remain flexible in case of changes. If you do decide to rent a vehicle for vacation, AAA Members can save up to 20% on Hertz rentals, add an extra driver for free, enjoy the use of a child safety seat and more, while taking advantage of special AAA Member savings.
3 | Extra Space for Baggage (and Souvenirs!)
Say adios to weight constraints and luggage restrictions. On a road trip, you can load up your vehicle to your heart's content. With a driving vacation, lugging around strollers, toys or other hefty gear is less of a hassle. If renting a vehicle, Hertz's fleet of rentals includes SUVs, trucks and other larger vehicles—all large enough to carry your newfound treasures.
Road trip picnic
4 | Pack Your Meals and Snacks
You can't take a hefty cooler filled with food and beverages on a plane, but it's possible on a road trip! Economize by packing munchies, sandwiches and beverages for the journey. Also, ensure your cooler is within reach for everyone. Who knows? You might discover the fun of picnicking at a park or scenic overlook, giving everyone a break from the normal fast-food options.
5 | Pet-Friendly
For pet guardians, the idea of flying with a pet can be stressful, but road trips are a great alternative. Invite your pets for the journey, and incorporate pet-welcoming lodges, eateries and activities in your travel itinerary. Start your plans by checking out AAA’s list of pet-friendly accommodations.
6 | Discover Small Town USA
Small towns are often overlooked when flying into cities, but road trips allow you to explore as many as you wish. These towns often present more opportunities for local interaction, discovering unique to-dos and dining at family-owned eateries. Check out America's Best Diners!
Peachoid Water Tower, Gaffney, South Carolina
7 | Quirky Roadside Attractions
They're quirky, indeed, but a road trip would be incomplete without them. Here are some peculiar and interesting roadside attractions we propose for your next trip:
Lenny the Chocolate Moose, Scarborough, Maine
Visit Maine
8 | Deepen Your Bonds With Family and Friends
Long scenic routes provide the perfect environment for wholesome conversations. As the miles pass by, you're bound to cover a variety of subjects and create lifelong memories.
9 | Road Trip Play List
Music streaming apps make it easier than ever to find tracks for road trip journeys. As you prepare for your vacation, create a playlist suitable for the drive. Collaborate with your travel companions so everyone's favorite songs are included—and give your playlist a catchy name for future memories.
10 | Establish a Family Tradition
Many travelers recollect the family road trips they took as childhood. Begin establishing your unique family traditions by integrating certain elements into your road trip. Will you always pause at a dessert spot on the return journey? Do you drive to a specific location in the mountains each summer? Games, picnics, makeshift forts in the backseat—all can contribute to memorable vacations.
Convenient AAA TripTiks or AAA TourBook Guides guides are now accessible in a digital format. Discover route-planning tools and step-by-step directions online, or download a AAA Digital TourBook for extensive information on destinations throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Summer is almost here, enjoy these AAA road trip ideas. Happy planning!