The Art of the Roadtrip

2020 has been the year of the “Roadtrip.”

For me, anyways. And most likely for a lot of people. Why is that you ask? Just look around at the world around us over the past 7 months. Road tripping has been my saving grace; a way back to normalcy, if you will. Covid-19 has changed the travel game immensely. No longer is air travel the most popular way to get around. Now, your old beat up station wagon is (Sorry, mom). According to a survey done back in July by MMGY Travel Intelligence, 67 per cent of responders planned to travel by car during the next six months. And a third of this group are willing to drive 300 or more miles one way to reach their destination. If that’s not dedication, then I don’t know what is!

I’ve taken a BUNCH of road trips this year as well as co-starting a hiking/climbing group with my buddy Rob Young over late Spring/early Summer called “The Rad Climbing & Hiking Coalition.” How many road trips you ask? From mid Spring to now (October) I’d say over 20 daily trips (out & back home same day/night) all over NJ/Pennsylvania/New York and one weekender up to New Hampshire to climb Mt. Washington (very epic.) And throughout all of these trips, I’ve never felt safer in my entire life. The same protocols I’d follow at home, I follow on the road. The essentials-wear a mask, try and keep social distancing, wash your hands, etc. But what makes a road trip one of the greatest experiences of your life? That’s really what I wanted to discover while writing this blog and I think I found what I was looking for…

My friend/homie Rob Young said it best, “But most of all what makes day trips and all road tripping enjoyable is the company you bring. The stories you share, the laughs you have, the time to listen to one another more intently. There’s where the magic happens. Personally, I’m not shy to drive alone and do something I want but if I were to be riding solo all the time id likely put off the larger percent of the trips I took this Summer due to the common experience I think we all have as working class citizens. Sometimes you’re ambivalent and on the edge. But going to meet friends to experience and accomplish the same goal and see the top of some magical place is the extra push that gets me over the hurdle. The fact we can get out outside and not request off work, with time to make it back home to eat and sleep regularly; makes it hard to turn down. Your time in life is shorter than we imagine and when you take these trips, with people you care about and that care about you, makes quality memories in your life that are far better than watching someone else’s on a screen.”

So what exactly is the “Art of the Roadtrip”?

Here are a few of the “rules” I live by..

-Plan to go to a spot that’ll get your blood flowing-mountains, woodlands, national parks, lakes, wherever it is-it’s where you want to be!

-Decide if it’ll be a solo endeavor or with friends. If you’re going with people, be sure to pick ones that won’t piss you off-it’ll be a long drive. If solo, be sure to bring things that’ll occupy your time and mind. Books, music, whatever it may be!

-SNACKS, SNACKS AND MORE SNACKS! You don’t want want to be hungry for 10+ hours so bring food that will last.

-Map or GPS? Personally, I always feel more accomplished getting to a spot on a map (barely ever happens) but its your call! Phone is always super reliable too.

-Portable phone/car charger/Music/books! Whatever gets you through!

-Be sure to stop off when you see some cool stuff! Whether that be an exotic animal thats native to where you’re going, a kick ass road sign, a scenic lookout or just an extra look at the beauty of nature around you. Don’t miss out!

-Lastly, stay in the moment! This is your road trip. Enjoy the company with those around you and be sure to take it all in!

Here’s hoping your next road trip is the best one yet!

——————————————————————————————————————–

Thanks to my travel buddy & great friend Rob Young for contributing to this article. You can follow/shout him out @robyoungphoto on Instagram. His pictures are awesome! You’re in for a treat!