Getting onto the great open road presents so many opportunities – and benefits. Partaking on a cross country road trip gives everyone, no matter how young or old, the opportunity to experience the world that is right outside their window.
We decided to take an indefinite road trip for several reasons. As the main reason, we needed a break from the everyday “normal” and wanted the chance to refresh our minds, take time for ourselves, and visit territories we never got the chance to explore. If you’re feeling any of those things, let me tell you some of the top reasons you should consider taking a short or long-term road trip, either with your friends, family, significant other, or alone.
You Get to Plan Your Entire Trip & Route
Driving allows you to visit anywhere you could imagine in the world. Instead of just booking a flight and getting to experience just one location, road-tripping allows you to see an assortment of amazing destinations that you’d never come across otherwise. To experience different sceneries and locations, you’ll have to create some kind of schedule. For example, ask yourself: How long do you want to travel? Where in the world do you most want to go? Do you plan on crossing any international borders? Is there a hobby you’d love to do on the road?
Once you have a more “set-in-stone” plan, the rest is easy! We use Google Maps to mark off destinations that we want to visit along our route. This is also an excellent way to figure out what kind of hotels or other travel accommodations are close by.
Look Forward to Strengthening Your Problem-Solving Skills
Traveling brings wanderlust and a passion to experience all of God’s beautiful creations. However, traveling on the road also leads to multiple challenges.
Regardless of the timeline, you have to expect the unexpected when on the road. Even if you plan the entire trip down to what you’re snacking on during the day, it’d be foolish not to expect a little disruption before, during, or after your trip. While we’ve been on the road for over 6 months now, we’ve experienced a ton of issues that included getting our car stuck, having no cell phone signal for days, flat tires, having to call a tow truck for our bus, and having our plumbing pipes freeze and burst.
Despite these many challenges, we’ve only felt stronger once on the other side. It boosted both of our confidence levels to resolve any issues that come our way despite the extent of the problem or expense. Additionally, it taught us the value of remaining “cool, calm and collected”.
Cross Country Road Trips Help to Find Yourself
Okay, okay…how cliche is this right?! But, really…there is potential for growth whether you’re on the road solo, with friends, or with your significant other.
With that being said, having someone with you on the road can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The time has been invaluable for us as we’ve had the opportunity to work on positively managing our relationship in such close quarters. I am a firm believer that if you can cross country road trip with a significant other or friend for short or long periods, there is NOTHING you can’t accomplish in that relationship.
Furthermore, cross country road trips are a fantastic chance to let your guard down, enjoy nature, and breathe in some fresh air for once. If you choose to, road trips are a great way to disconnect from the “normal” and just experience life other than what’s at work, your social media page, or your phone history.
The Chance for Deeper Connections
We have met some of the most incredible and inspirational people on the road. Doesn’t matter how old someone is, most people are so fascinated by the nomadic lifestyle. Road lifers are remarkably friendly and willing to get to know you, which makes road life a lot less lonely.
David and I have certainly built friendships on the road that’ll last us a lifetime. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, the road life community doesn’t judge but warmly embraces you with welcoming arms. There may even be people that you find yourself hanging out with for over a month. You just never know the connections you’ll make!
If you are interested in building some of those relationships right off the bat, we’d recommend subscribing to Boondockers Welcome. Boondockers Welcome is a great program that allows you to meet fellow roadlifers and park for FREE. Right now, the price is just $50/year for life (or $25 for hosts), which is less than 1 night in a campground!
Wanna hear some amazing stories about the people we’ve met on the road? Here are some articles I think you might like!
Having a Wine Night with a 70-Year Couple in Thunder Bay, ON
ATVing with Retired Farmers in Blue Earth, MN
1st Couple we Met on the Road: Shelburne, ON
Our Overall Experience on Our Cross Country Road Trip
As I’ve previously mentioned, we’ve had our handful of challenges. Bus life and being on a 24/7 road trip was not something we easily adapted too, especially with each other. But, even after 6 months, neither of us could picture ourselves going back to the normal. We’ve made so many meaningful connections and have grown so much personally…I can’t recommend enough taking a cross country road trip at least once in your life if you have the time.
