Summer is here, and it’s time to hit the road! For many Americans, summer vacation is synonymous with a good old-fashioned road trip. Nothing like seeing the country out your car window as you cruise to your destination with friends or family. Before you pack that cooler or build your road trip playlist, here are some tips to help you have the summer road trip of a lifetime!
Plan for spontaneity– It’s important to make a plan that will get you to your final stop when you need to get there, but make sure to build in some extra time for whimsy. After all, what’s the point of being on a road trip at all if you can’t make a last-minute decision to check out the world’s tallest thermometer in Baker, CA or the two-headed calf in Covington, Kentucky?
Bring an empty suitcase– Make sure to pack light and include something to haul back all the souvenirs you’re about to collect. A road trip practically guarantees that you and your fellow travelers are going to find all kinds of unique treasures along the way, and it’s good to have some space to store them on the road.
Keep the home front updated– Check in with a friend or relative every day, letting them know your current whereabouts, what city you will be staying in that night, and any hotel info you might have. In the event of an emergency, your contact buddy will be able to alert the authorities to where you are.
Skip the chains– Test out some of the local flavors of each town you pass through by opting for local eateries. Instead of having the same cheeseburger you could have in your hometown, you can seize the rare opportunity to try one of the hole-in-the-wall diners or old-timey cafes you’ll find on your journey.
Take lots of pictures- Everyone has a camera on their phone these days- put it to good use by appointing yourself the Trip Historian! It doesn’t matter if you post the album to social media or if anyone else ever even sees your travel pics- someday you and your travel companions will look back and laugh at the pictures, and all the memories of your road trip will come rushing back!
Before you leave Birmingham for a road trip this summer, stop by Sherrill Paint & Body for all your auto body needs. We wish you a safe and memorable summer road trip!