The Return of Road Trips and Why You Should Plan One
In recent years, British tourists have sought to optimise their travel itineraries – in some cases, to the extent that we often feel stressed out by the pressure to see and do everything available to us. It’s perhaps unsurprising, then, that we’ve seen a push-back in the form of so-called ‘slow’ travel, which emphasises flexibility, freedom, and the ability to dictate the pace of your own experience.
The traditional road trip makes an excellent case in point. But what is it about this specific form of travel that’s making it so compelling?
Freedom to go at your own pace
During a road trip, you’ll be able to choose the direction you’re travelling in and the speed at which you’re doing so. This will give you the freedom to stay a little bit longer in a given spot, or move on when you get bored, or even take a detour in search of extra stops. Whenever the feeling grabs you, you’ll be able to change your plans – and that sense of freedom can be rewarding, even when you’re not actually exercising it.
Comfort meets adventure
You might suppose that life on the road might be less comfortable than life in a hotel room or a luxury train cabin. But the truth is that many modern vehicles offer just as much comfort as any other form of travel. For the ultimate in luxury, of course, you’ll want to seek out a modern motorhome. Be sure that the vehicle is adequately prepared before you set out, however. Practical essentials like motorhome insurance should be sorted well before you’re due to set out.
Reconnecting with nature and local life
Often, the most rewarding road trips are the ones that acquaint you with unfamiliar cultures, customs, and landscapes. This applies, to an extent, even if you’re not travelling beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. Make a point of stopping at smaller, local diners, talking to people, and picking out the most awe-inspiring scenic routes. There are also a number of excellent national parks available, many of which can be explored thoroughly from a good campsite. Seek out the best ones, and plan your trip around them.
The rise of flexible, sustainable travel
Traditional tourism has another downside that can be mitigated with the help of a good road trip: it isn’t sustainable. When you travel entirely by road, you’re cutting out the emissions associated with air travel. This alone can make getting around much more rewarding.
Of course, there are other ways to minimise the environmental impact of your trip. Make sure that your vehicle has been recently serviced, and that you’re taking all of your litter with you when you leave.
This is a collaborative post.
