Sick of staring at the same four walls day in and day out? Sounds like a road trip is just what the doctor ordered. And, no, I’m not just talking about taking a weekend ride down to Alabama to visit your Great Aunt Bertha or browse Birmingham homes for sales. I’m talking about a full-blown multi-state, multi-time zone, week-or-longer expedition into parts unknown.
I fully believe that everyone should take a road trip across the US at least once. Why?
I’m so glad you asked…
You Are Your Own Boss
To quote Mel Gibson in Braveheart: FREEEEDOOOOOM!!! Seriously, one of the best things about living in the good ol’ US of A is just how big and diverse a country it really is. That means, whoever you are, wherever you’re from, whatever direction you start going in, the possibilities for any road trip are virtually endless. Want to journey from coast to coast exploring small back roads and hidden gems along the way? Go for it. Want to visit the big cities in America in alphabetical order? Knock yourself out. You’re not beholden to the whims of any tour guide or travel agent, so go ahead and follow your bliss.
Bold New Experiences Await
The world is so much bigger than the little fish bowls most of us spend our entire lives inside. Let’s face it: none of us are getting any younger. Do you really want to shuffle loose from this mortal coil without experiencing as many new and interesting things as possible? Road tripping across the country is a great way to see sights you never knew existed, taste local dishes completely different from what you’re used to, and explore fascinating regional cultures.
You’ll Meet Interesting People
If you’re a social butterfly—or a wallflower secretly aspiring to extroversion—one of the best things about taking a cross-country road trip is the ample opportunities it provides to meet new people. Lots and lots of new people. Witty, funny, interesting, or just plain weird people. And not just the local inhabitants of the areas you pass through, but also fellow travelers from both near and far. You might be surprised by who you run into, or by the strength of the friendships you forge along the way.
Home is Where the Heart is
This might seem like an odd thing to say in the context of talking about road tripping across the US, but it’s true. The thing about home is that, after you spend enough time there, familiarity can breed boredom. We all need to get away every now and then, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love where we come from. Quite the opposite, in fact. Going on a long journey is a great remedy for breaking through the monotony of your day-to-day routine, while also reminding you what it is that’s so special about the place you call home.
