Road Trip Ideas

A road trip is something everyone longs for as a means of escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and irksome obligations. Stuck in the monotony of work, home, and bill payments, don't we all just long to get away from the bright city lights, albeit for a little while? Getting itchy feet, or being bitten by the traveler's bug is not an uncommon occurrence and many people succumb to the temptation on a daily basis. Taking a road trip is probably the best way to ease your mind of a lot of problems and worries. Spontaneity is a great virtue, but if you have some ideas planned in advance, it would most certainly serve you well.

Whether you're a freshman, graduate, single working individual, or a happily married person, road trips will appeal to you in one form or another. It's true that what is one man's nectar is another man's poison, so don't believe anyone trying to sell you a completely preplanned road trip schedule. Instead come up with your own road trip ideas based on what you like doing, and the places that you would like to see. Of course, this can vary if you are a family man and planning a road trip for kids. Things take a completely different perspective if you're taking your kids along.

Ideas for Road Trips
Now, there are a number of different factors that decide where your road trip is going to take you, and how you're going to get there. These parameters should be kept in mind before you plan your trip and logistics, and you must approach the planning process with a firm pragmatism. Do not get too carried away by the whole idea of reckless abandon, as it will only result in many unforeseen complications and problems. Here are the factors that will play a telling part in the planning of a road trip.

Number of People
You obviously have to take into consideration the number of people that are going to be heading out on this road trip. Ensure that everyone conforms to the plan, and everyone is happy with the destination. As I mentioned earlier, if there are kids accompanying you, this factor will be extremely important. If you are planning road trips for college students then things take a very different turn. These are trips that serve not just as mere getaways, but as memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Number of Days
The essence of the road trip will be decided by the amount of time that you will spend on the road and at the destination. Having more time will give you more room to accommodate other activities, but you must know well in advance how much time is being granted to the entire trip. Keep a day or two as buffer, in case something unexpected comes up. The number of days you have, will also help determine how much distance you can cover and how far you can go.

Budget
Let the road trip idea decide the budget, and not the other way round. But if there are restrictions, then make sure that you do not over shoot your budget. Plan your trip in such a way that it remains well within your allotted budget.

Mode of Transport
If you're going to be on the road, make sure that your vehicle is prepared for the long haul. Get it fixed before you leave, and sort out any minor trouble that it may have been giving. It is these minor niggles that turn into major headaches if they are neglected.

Destination
This is possibly the most important part of road trips. Have at least a brief idea about where you are going, and make sure that you've picked the destination wisely. The weather will help determine the nature of the destination as well. You could head to a beach, to the mountains, to a national park, or you could be adventurous and just wander around aimlessly from town to town.

Keep all these points in mind, and you will be ready to head out on the road trip of your dreams, and have a great time while you're at it. Remember the slogan of scouts at all times and it will serve you well, "Be prepared".

Ideas for Road Trips - East Coast

• Kentucky Bluegrass Country, Kentucky
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Yoder's Amish Home, Ohio
• Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, South Carolina
• Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, Virginia
• Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee
• Coopers Rock State Forest, Virginia
• Plymouth

All in all, there are plenty of ideas that you can come up with on your own. Just pull out a map, and see where the road takes you. Reaching a particular destination is simply an option, as it is the journey that you will enjoy more. Seeing the scenic countryside, stopping over at small towns and motels, and meeting a whole new bunch of people are just some of the things you will experience along the way. Keep in mind that All who wander are not lost.