There’s something special about cramming into a car with your favorite humans, a half-baked plan, and a cooler of snacks that, to be honest, won’t survive the first hour. It’s sweaty, chaotic, and someone always forgets the charger, but it’s also pure magic for the soul.
Those long drives, chasing cotton-candy sunrises to beat traffic and soaking in golden sunsets over mountain ranges or endless plains, make the world feel boundless and your heart feel full. The hum of tires on asphalt, the flicker of passing landscapes, and the inevitable debate over who gets the last pretzel. It’s these moments that weave themselves into the fabric of your memories, stitching you closer to the people you love and the country you call home.
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Why road trips are America’s most underrated family tradition
In a world obsessed with curated experiences, the American road trip remains gloriously raw. Long car rides offer something rare today: unstructured time in close quarters. No screens, no strict schedules—just your people and the open road. It’s messy, unpredictable, and wonderfully real. Families bicker, laugh, share gas-station snacks, and bond over aux-cord battles and corny jokes. Somewhere between scenic overlooks and roadside diners, you reconnect. Kids roll their eyes but eventually laugh along.
This is the heart of Americana: not just freedom of the highway, but freedom to be fully present. Born from a culture that celebrates the journey as much as the destination, road trips invite us to slow down and rediscover each other—and the vast beauty of the country. From Route 66 neon to Blue Ridge views, every mile tells a story. It’s not about where you’re going, but who you’re with—and the joy of taking the long way.
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How to prep Like a pro
Pack snacks like it’s the apocalypse.
You’ll still stop for questionable beef jerky at a gas station, as tradition mandates. But good food keeps everyone sane when you’re stuck in the car for hours. Balance the candy with fruit, nuts, and sandwiches to keep your body happy and your vibe high. Think trail mix for energy, apples for crunch, and pre-made wraps that won’t turn your car into a crumb warzone.
Pro tip: pack a small cooler with ice packs to keep drinks cold and spirits high. And don’t skimp on the water! Dehydration is the fastest way to turn a fun drive into a cranky one.
Curate a killer playlist.
Set music rules before you hit the road. Is it a free-for-all, or does the driver get veto power? Are there sacred must-plays or hard no-nos? Expect debates, they’re part of the charm. Throw in podcasts for variety, maybe a true-crime series for the adults or a kid-friendly storytelling show for the little ones. But don’t overplan. Silence has its place too, letting you soak in the hum of the road and the chatter of your crew. A good playlist is like a road trip’s heartbeat or pretend this vacation is a movie and you are picking the soundtrack. Keep it eclectic, with room for sing-alongs, nostalgia, and at least one guilty-pleasure pop hit everyone secretly loves.
Embrace the boredom.
Boredom isn’t the enemy; it’s the spark for deep talks, silly impressions, or discovering your sister’s hidden talent for reciting Shrek lines. Plan some games, such as license plate bingo or 20 questions. But also leave room for napping, quiet hours, and staring out the window. Let the views sink in and keep the driver awake with soft chatter. Those quiet moments, when the kids are dozing and the landscape stretches endlessly before you, are where the road trip’s magic often lives. They’re a reminder that not every second needs to be filled, just being together is enough.
Bring a real map.
GPS will betray you at the worst possible moment, like during a sketchy detour with zero cell service or when your phone battery can’t keep up. A physical map is iconic, practical, and a nostalgic win. Tracing routes with your finger feels like an adventure. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when technology fails, and it doubles as a keepsake, capturing the journey’s spills, thrills, and coffee stains.
Pro-tip: If you’re feeling extra sentimental, mark your stops with a pen to create a tangible memory of your adventure.
Assign roles to avoid chaos.
Democracy is wonderful, but it doesn’t work in the backseat. Name a snack officer to ration treats and manage trash, a vibe-check DJ to keep the tunes flowing, and a navigator to double-check directions. Clear roles cut down on chip-theft meltdowns and keep the car semi-organized. Choose strong-willed souls for these jobs. Someone who won’t cave when the kids beg for extra Skittles or when the playlist veers into questionable territory. A well-organized crew means less stress and more time to enjoy the journey, from the first mile to the last.
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The most iconic Americana routes
The options for good routes are almost endless, given how vast and beautiful America is, but here are five options to get you started with your planning.
1. Route 66: Chicago to Santa Monica (2 weeks)
The Mother Road, also nicknamed The Main Street of America by John Steinbeck, is the ultimate cross-country quest, weaving through eight states packed with retro diners, ghost towns, and neon-lit nostalgia. Every quirky stop feels ripped from Cars, because it was. It’s a pilgrimage for dreamers and diner-milkshake enthusiasts alike.
You can stop to explore the Rocky Mountains, Arches National Park, and many other iconic American natural beauties, like the Grand Canyon or the painted deserts of Arizona. From Chicago’s bustling urban start to Santa Monica’s sunny pier, Route 66 is a love letter to Americana, complete with vintage motels and roadside oddities like the World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle. Plan for at least two weeks to savor the journey.
2. Pacific Coast Highway (CA Highway 1): San Francisco to San Diego (3 to 7 days)
Cliffside curves, ocean vistas, and coastal towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur that feel straight out of a rom-com. The air smells of salt and eucalyptus, and every sunset makes you forget your phone exists. It’s a drive that feels like falling in love with the road, the ocean, and the people you’re sharing it with. Stop in Monterey for fresh seafood, hike in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, or simply pull over to watch waves crash against the cliffs. This route is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace with plenty of stops to breathe in the salty air.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway: Virginia to North Carolina (3 - 5 days)
Misty mountains, rolling hills, and slow drives with the windows down. No billboards, just nature’s quiet beauty. Pack a picnic, pull over at scenic overlooks, and play some Appalachian folk tunes. This route is America’s soulful love song to herself, offering serene views and a chance to reconnect with nature. Stops like Shenandoah National Park or the folk art centers near Asheville add depth to the journey, blending history with breathtaking landscapes. It’s perfect for families seeking a slower, more reflective trip, where the beauty lies in the quiet moments and the gentle curves of the road.
4. The Great River Road: Minnesota to Louisiana (6 - 10 days)
Trace the Mississippi through ten states, each with its own flavor; literally, cheese curds in Wisconsin, beignets in New Orleans. It’s a masterclass in geography, history, and patience, with river views and small-town charm that make every mile worth it. Visit Mark Twain’s hometown in Hannibal, Missouri, or explore the vibrant music scene in Memphis. This route is a cultural odyssey, blending the Midwest’s heartland charm with the South’s soulful hospitality. Plan for detours to small towns and riverfront festivals to fully embrace the road’s diverse spirit.
5. The Loneliest Road (US-50): Nevada section (3 - 5 days)
Nicknamed “The Loneliest Road in America,” this stretch offers vast silence, open skies, and raw beauty. It’s the route for real conversations and soul-searching. If you crave space to think and breathe, this is your road. Crossing deserts, mountains, and plains, it’s a journey through America’s untamed heart. Stops like Great Basin National Park in Nevada or the historic Pony Express stations add intrigue to the solitude. This route is for those who want to feel the weight of the landscape and the freedom of an empty horizon.
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Hit the road
In a country as sprawling and diverse as ours, the road trip is the most humane way to travel. It’s slow, messy, and gloriously inefficient – and that’s why it matters. It lets you see not just the land, but the people you’re with, in all their unfiltered beauty. From the neon glow of Route 66 to the misty peaks of the Blue Ridge Parkway, every route offers a chance to rediscover America’s soul and your own.
Somewhere between the cornfields, canyon stops, and gas-station coffee, something timeless unfolds. Families grow tighter. Memories etch themselves into your heart like the chorus of a song you’ll never forget.
This summer, don’t just go somewhere, drive there. Take the scenic route. Pack your people. Ditch the itinerary. And rediscover what makes America, and the people in your backseat, worth every single mile. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or just surviving on snacks and bad puns, the road trip is where you’ll find the heart of summer and maybe a little bit of yourself, too.
