Revival of the Great American Road Trip

Despite fuel prices that border on astronomical, it appears that the siren call of the road is still strong enough to lure travelers into their vehicles and onto the blue lined byways. Perhaps the quintessential road trip represents ultimate freedom – from work, from responsibility, from worry, from the aspects of our lives that keep us within the boundaries set by our sensible minds.

To break free and “hit the road” is catharsis at its best. When we journey beyond our neighborhoods, we often journey beyond the limiting beliefs that hold us back in our quest for joy and abundance. There is a strong correlation between the sensory trip to an unknown destination and the unfamiliar potential of our subconscious mind. The freedom of the road or path often leads to the freedom of the subconscious to function at its highest level…if we simply allow the journey to unfold.

The best road trips are those for which excessive planning is abandoned for a bit of serendipity. To travel in this fashion is to toss a dart at the map and let the experience define you. Some of my grandest adventures were the result of the curious turn, the unplanned side trip or the chance meeting. To walz at Dance Hall Rock, walk in the carved wagon ruts of westbound pioneers or observe a kachina dance were not part of the “plan” but each experience left a profound mark.

So, how does one embark on the great American Road Trip? There are several elements to consider.

· First and foremost, bring along your sense of wonder, curiosity and unshakeable joy. Nothing you pack or plan will serve you nearly so well as this.
· Choose your travel partner (or partners) wisely. A shared experience can be exponentially better if your travelling companions are equally as open to a marvelous journey.
· Don’t be overly focused on a plan. Choose a general area or destination; select good maps and guidebooks that appeal to your interests. Plan only as much as you must—during high season, you may need to reserve hotels or activities that sell out regularly (i.e. the Alcatraz tour in San Francisco.) Otherwise, be willing to take small detours or newly discovered paths that come your way. A great way to explore is to leave the interstate highways behind and follow designated scenic byways or roads of historical significance.
· Get out and WALK! You don’t have to be a backpacker to leave the main viewpoints and crowds behind. In Yellowstone National Park, for instance, a walk of half an hour will take you worlds away from traffic and crowds.
· Everyone remembers to take photos but few people think of journaling their trip. Plan a few minutes at the end of each day (or in mid-hike) to write about your experiences.
· Take along relevant books. I am a voracious reader and never travel without something fitting to read along the way. During a camping trip to Glacier National Park, I chose “Night of the Grizzly” and no, I didn’t sleep a wink! Even so, the book provided me with a clear sense of the significant impact people can have on the wilderness (or vice versa.)
· It’s ok to talk to the natives! Locals might just share some great information about their favorite spots.
· Expect the unexpected … and keep your cool when it happens. The greatest stories shared over a glass of wine have been the ones where things did not happen they way I planned. A sudden storm, a wrong turn, a HUGE moose, the northern lights, even a transit strike in New York; each of these made for a fantastic story once I recovered from the initial surprise!
· Enjoy every single moment, no matter what.

Just the act of writing this little road trip guide makes me long to cruise full tilt with the windows down and the radio up. (Ah, yes, add a travelin’ music to the list!) May your journeys lead you to glorious scenic beauty, terrific adventures and the unmistakable sense of being fully and truly alive.