Are we there yet? It’s that time of year again! Road trip season is upon us, and I’m here to share everything I’ve learned about making your travels enjoyable.
I assure you, arguments can be kept to a minimum.
When I was a kid, my sister Mia and I didn’t always see eye to eye during long car rides. Whether it was squabbles over leg space in the backseat or drowning each other out with music, peace was hard to come by. Those memories resurfaced when I was crafting my latest adult romance novel, A Thousand Miles, where the main characters embark on a thousand-mile journey after years apart. Spending extended time in a vehicle with someone, especially a former friend with whom you have unresolved feelings, is no small feat. The car can feel like a pressure cooker of emotions!
Fortunately, I’ve picked up a few tips from my childhood road trip experiences that will help you whether you’re traveling with family or reconnecting with an old flame. While no two road trips are identical, they can all be enjoyable if you follow my three golden rules for long-distance travel.
Delicious Snacks
The journey my characters take in the book mirrors the many trips I made from Illinois to Colorado as a child. One of the few things that kept Mia and me from arguing during those long drives was the right snacks. Food purchased from a gas station along the way held a special charm that made it taste better than anything from home. We loved munching on cheesy snacks, while my characters enjoy Cheez-Its and Twizzlers as they travel.
The trick is to choose something you wouldn’t normally eat. Whenever I see those snacks, I’m reminded of the rare moments Mia and I shared. Honestly, the only real mistake when it comes to road trip snacks is not having any at all!
Engaging Car Games
Whether you’re cruising with a friend, partner, or even a sibling like I did, finding ways to pass the time is essential. I remember a particularly moody teenage phase when I attempted silence for an entire drive. Spoiler alert: it was a disaster!
If I could rewind time, I’d suggest a fun car game instead. There are games suited for every mood. A great starting point is the license plate game, where you try to spot plates from different states. In A Thousand Miles, my characters play “Two Truths and a Lie,” which leads to some surprisingly deep revelations, enhancing their bond.
Unique Stops
Our family trips were typically about reaching our destination as swiftly as possible, but some of my fondest memories come from unexpected detours. For instance, we stumbled upon a town in Nebraska called North Platte, known for its historical sites and large souvenir shops. On one trip, we had a medical emergency, and luck led us to a nearby hospital in North Platte, saving my mom’s life. This serendipitous stop turned into a cherished tradition for our family.
The takeaway? There’s always something interesting at every exit. You just have to be open to the possibility of adventure along the way. And isn’t that true in life too?