take a road trip.
No overweight baggage fees and no security check line-ups, but more picture-worthy spots and bomb playlists to belt out loud.
As someone who doesn’t or can’t drive, I love a good road trip. Having been raised in Japan and the UK I’ve always had elaborately smart public transport to get me to-and-fro, and flights that cost as little as ‘a nice dinner out’ meant that the world was always at my fingertips. But ever since I moved to Canada, where trains or buses are few and far between, I can’t help but feel stuck and removed from so many adventures. It’s like with every kilometre that Google Maps tells me how far away the next closest town or city is, the greater my urge to get that driving license and hit the open road in a car I’ll name Monica. Thankfully I’m surrounded by so many people who equally love exploring no matter the postal code (and have a car) who are willing to let me tag along and be in charge of the music.
Oftentimes road trips have been second or third choice in someone’s travel plans - we want to fly away to an island with an oceanfront view, or to a secluded locale for a full spa and relaxation experience and we want it Right Now. The thought of having to sit in a car for hours on end to reach somewhere that didn’t require a passport and doesn’t have a foreign delicacy as a local feature on its menu doesn’t seem worth it. But with various restrictions that have limited my travel abilities (whether that be finances, breakups, indecision, global pandemics), the more I’ve come to appreciate the local visits.
Packing.
When in doubt, just pack it. I would even go as far to say overpack if you need. You don’t need to worry about luggage restrictions and praying that you have a “nice” check-in attendant who will overlook the extra kilo or two you’ve sneaked onto their scales. Whatever month you’re travelling, be sure to bring a swimming cozzie because you never know what riversides and lakes you’ll be coming across, or you might just feel like treating yourself to a sauna somewhere. If you’re not sure as to whether you need to bring an extra layer, I guarantee that you probably will. Same goes for the rain jacket. If you don’t use it, no worries because it will just live in the back of the car, but you’ll be extremely thankful to have it if the weather takes a turn for the dreary.
The items that are often forgotten on (my) trips are: chargers, AUX chords, reusable water bottle, so here’s me reminding you now if you’re the same. I always have a towel and small pillow shoved in the back of the car; just in case you stop on the side of the road to paddle in a river, or if you need a nap en route and you’re the passenger.
Where to stay.
Just book the first night or two of your trip and wing the rest of it. That might sound terrifying for some of you -not knowing where you’ll be staying the whole time, not having a schedule- but trust me in that it is exciting and liberating. I mean , how often do most of us get to live the nomadic life! Have fun picking where you want to stay while you’re on the road, choosing from a quirky Airbnb, a neon motel or a hotel room on the 25th floor. With the flexibility of booking at the last minute you can hang about your spot for as long or as little as you want. Is the city so captivating that you want to add an extra couple nights, or did you exhaust all that it has to offer already and you’re glad you only booked two nights?
One road trip I slept on a mattress in the back of a van, waking to the sounds of raindrops hitting the car roof and the beautiful view from our “bedroom” window.
Another trip we were focussed on easy access to the outdoors and stayed in Airbnbs on the outskirts of towns, getting to know the surrounding areas or chatting with the host about the weather these days.
A trip we took to treat ourselves meant that we were looking to stay somewhere a little more luxurious, opting for a downtown boutique hotel with fantastic service and convenient location for ease of exploring.
What to eat.
Road trip equals car snacks, so having right kind of crisps and sweets and the rest is key - and enough of it. The obvious choices are crisps (multiple packs), my personal favourite, popcorn, and some chocolate covered almonds/peanuts/pretzels to balance it out. I can’t seem to go two days without my peanut or almond butter and rice cakes so if you ever bump into me in on the road, you’ll always see them sitting in the door of the car. It’s always a good idea to bring some fruits and veg for a healthier option, and ones that can decompose wherever you are will be the best. Think apples, bananas, stone fruits.
For your daily coffee and tea kicks I love trying out the cafes in the places I’m staying, and I never leave a town without having bought myself a latte for the road. And I bring my own keep cup, of course. And don’t forget your reusable water bottle!
As for the real meals, one of the exciting things about spontaneously moving about town to town is that you can’t really plan where you’ll eat. Oftentimes on holidays I’ve researched and planned exactly where I want to eat and drink and be caffeinated, all according to my standards of price point, hype, food ratings, menu, and aesthetics. All this planning and control over where I eat sometimes stresses me out and I end up just screaming “Just get me a pizza and let’s be over with it”. Not knowing when you’ll be in what city all the time, and so not being able to make reservations will mean that you might end up eating at your second or third or even fourth choice of restaurant. And that is just fiiine. Or if you do want to put more planning in your trip then that’s totally okay and make all the reservations and food tours your heart desires! This trip is yours and it’s your freedom to eat whenever and wherever you please - out of a picnic hamper on the side of a road with a great view, at a local pub recommended by the man at the gas station, or a takeaway pizza in your hotel room.
This year (or whenever, really), if you’re planning on taking a trip somewhere then I highly recommend the classic road trip. Make it and curate it however you please - no matter what your intentions are or what activities you want to do, it is in your hands. No need to follow the itinerary of a travel agency, or stay in a city that’s a tad under par simply because your hotel reservation is for a whole week. And remember, if you’re not sure as to what to pack, then just bring it all :)
