An American Adventure
The great American road trip was born and bred on the long roads and vast expanses of the United States open highways. While the United States is obviously not the only place one can undertake road trips, it is still largely a uniquely American experience.
Unlike most of Europe, we have land, vast amounts of it. Many of our states are bigger than many European countries. In Europe, things aren't so far apart and can be reached fairly easily. In America, it can take a whole a day off hard driving to reach a destination, thus creating a car traveling culture.
Unlike America, Europe has also invested heavily in mass transportation. With so little land to build on, and so many locations near each other, Europe realized early on that they were well situated for a good mass transit system. America is so spread out, the cost of building railways and subways everywhere would have been staggering. Although, in hindsight, America should have done much more in the past to promote mass transit in heavily congested areas.
Out of all its inventions, the automobile stands out as the most America. Sure, the rest of the world has them, but the automobile was created here and has come to represent the freedom and liberty that America stands for. Being free too just take off and explore the world is a principle much of our country was established on. Henry Ford's vision was that every American could have their freedom at an affordable price.
Nearly everyone has gone on road trips. The time spent with friends and families in the car have produced many great times and memories for everyone. The excitement of reaching a location, the odd sites and tourist traps encountered along the way, the singing, the car games being played and (now) movies watched while traveling.
Maybe the best part is the late night driving. Most of the car passed out sleeping, the radio turned on to your favorite tunes, the dark roads, the moon and skies and peaceful night skies. Time ceases to exist during these nights.
Of course there are mandatory things to take with you. A camera for all the sights, your favorite music to travel to is also a necessity. Pillows and a blanket for the travelers to doze off on, and best of all, road trip food.
Truck stops and fast food offer the best of fair for weary travels. Heavily caffeinated drinks like coffee, energy drinks or sodas are consumed in high numbers. Junk food like, cookies, nuts, trail mix and pastries are mandatory. For dinner, hit the fast food joints for burgers, hot dogs, tacos or whatever is your pleasure. Don't forget to stop get a milkshake or ice cream cone along the way. Dairy Queen is perennial favorite in the South and McDonalds is always available, but there are plenty of other places to satisfy your craving. Of course, there is always the one person who has to stop to go to the bathroom all the time.
Yes, road trip, we salute you and all the fond memories you bring. Now it's time to stop and stretch our legs.
Unlike most of Europe, we have land, vast amounts of it. Many of our states are bigger than many European countries. In Europe, things aren't so far apart and can be reached fairly easily. In America, it can take a whole a day off hard driving to reach a destination, thus creating a car traveling culture.
Unlike America, Europe has also invested heavily in mass transportation. With so little land to build on, and so many locations near each other, Europe realized early on that they were well situated for a good mass transit system. America is so spread out, the cost of building railways and subways everywhere would have been staggering. Although, in hindsight, America should have done much more in the past to promote mass transit in heavily congested areas.
Out of all its inventions, the automobile stands out as the most America. Sure, the rest of the world has them, but the automobile was created here and has come to represent the freedom and liberty that America stands for. Being free too just take off and explore the world is a principle much of our country was established on. Henry Ford's vision was that every American could have their freedom at an affordable price.
Nearly everyone has gone on road trips. The time spent with friends and families in the car have produced many great times and memories for everyone. The excitement of reaching a location, the odd sites and tourist traps encountered along the way, the singing, the car games being played and (now) movies watched while traveling.
Maybe the best part is the late night driving. Most of the car passed out sleeping, the radio turned on to your favorite tunes, the dark roads, the moon and skies and peaceful night skies. Time ceases to exist during these nights.
Of course there are mandatory things to take with you. A camera for all the sights, your favorite music to travel to is also a necessity. Pillows and a blanket for the travelers to doze off on, and best of all, road trip food.
Truck stops and fast food offer the best of fair for weary travels. Heavily caffeinated drinks like coffee, energy drinks or sodas are consumed in high numbers. Junk food like, cookies, nuts, trail mix and pastries are mandatory. For dinner, hit the fast food joints for burgers, hot dogs, tacos or whatever is your pleasure. Don't forget to stop get a milkshake or ice cream cone along the way. Dairy Queen is perennial favorite in the South and McDonalds is always available, but there are plenty of other places to satisfy your craving. Of course, there is always the one person who has to stop to go to the bathroom all the time.
Yes, road trip, we salute you and all the fond memories you bring. Now it's time to stop and stretch our legs.