The best road trips require a bit of planning and coordination. Yet, most important is the acknowledgement that the road trip is a “leisure” experience – not to be rushed. Always remember that this is not a road marathon, it is a way to escape, immerse your mind in new stories and communicate with your significant other or companions, something that there has likely been little time to do lately.
Don’t try to cram too much into any trip. You can always return and do the things there was no time to fit in.
Find things you are really interested in. If you have always wanted to visit a certain attraction, make that the highlight of your trip, allow plenty of time to explore it fully and wrap other complementing attractions around that location.
Let yourself have a true leisure experience. Leave time in the morning to really enjoy breakfast, not just grab and go. Savor that extra cup of coffee and time for conversation about how the day will unfold. Plan to arrive at your first attraction or activity around 10AM, the time that most attractions open. Plan to make a lunch stop where it makes sense from a time standpoint and try not to book more than two other stops in the afternoon. The mind can only absorb so much information before it becomes overloaded and the experiences becomes “unleisure.”
Decide on the number of days you can be away comfortably. The last thing you want is the constant thought of “I should be back at work” to ruin a day of leisure. Get as many things behind you as you can before setting out, so you can have a sense of closure, allowing yourself a real leisure break.
If you’re exploring a single destination – plan a “getting there” day, allowing for settling in and light activity, like a walking tour, to ease into your leisure experience. If you’re exploring along a route – make sure you’re not trying to drive too many miles in one day.
Leave time for an evening meal, a time to savor local cuisine without rushing.
Finally – plan to have fun. Enjoy yourself. Anticipate “made to order” moments, take time to laugh and leave time for conversation. Make memories and return home happy to have been away.