Road trips are one of the greatest ways to experience travel in a way that flying or trains can’t provide. After all, on a road trip you’re the captain of your journey and you get to decide where to stop and for how long, instead of your tour driver. So, embrace the freedom and enjoy the ride!

Road trip by usadifranci (Flickr)

  1. Flexibility

When you book with a tour company or fly to your destination, you have precious little to no say over how you do it. Taking a road trip puts you in control. You decide where to stop and you aren’t restricted by tour or flight-imposed time frames. Plus, there is no risk of your lift leaving without you – that is, unless you have some mean friends!

Pit stops by Lauren Morling

  1. Spontaneity

One of the best parts of road tripping is that you get to plot your journey as you go along. As you may come across a quirky restaurant or attraction that you hadn’t anticipated, always allow extra time for unplanned activities.

Roadtrip pics by kyletaylor (Flickr)

  1. Bonding

Travelling together for hours on the road allows for quality time with friends or family. You’ll get to chat to friends you may not be able to see often, reignite the spark with your partner, or share special moments with your kids as they experience travel for the first time. Stop often to take silly photographs or plunge into a roadside lake! Life is for the living.

CDs in car by grgbrwn (Flickr)

  1. Music

A road trip isn’t a road trip without some sing-along music! Stock up your cubby hole with old school CDs or create a new playlist on your iPod. Whatever you do, include some road trip favourites like “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson, “500 Miles” by The Proclaimers, “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts, and “Country Roads (Take Me Home)” by John Denver.

The journey by Lauren Morling

  1. Journey vs destination

Sometimes the most memorable part of a trip is the memories, joy, and stories shared along the way. So take pit stops, explore new towns, meet new people, and make the journey as much a part of the fun as the destination! Check out our guide to road tripping Route 62 and the Midlands Meander.

Where are you planning your next road trip? Let us know your road trip advice in the comments below!