The elements of winter can be a constant reminder as you shovel your driveway and scrape ice off your windshield early in the morning. As the cold sinks in through your gloves, you probably find yourself daydreaming about the days of summer — sunshine, iced coffee, heart-shaped glasses, and setting off on a road trip getaway. Instead of just fantasizing about your next summer trip, start planning!
Getting ahead of your summer plans can help you save up money, pick an exciting route (or several), and give you plenty of time to organize all the activities you want to enjoy on the road. Plus, having any excuse to not think about the cold can be very therapeutic.
If you need help getting started, here are some ideas for planning a summer road trip that’ll have you looking forward to the coming warmer months (if you aren’t already).
First things first: start creating your summer road trip bucket list. Depending on how long you plan to stay on the road, you can put 10 or 50 things on your bucket list. Bucket lists are a great way to outline everything you want to accomplish on your trip — it’ll also help you get outside your comfort zone. Your bucket list can include anything from trying yoga in the woods to running your hands under a waterfall. My road trip bucket list always includes finding the ugliest rock I can and bringing it back home to add to my collection. Trying to check off everything on your bucket list can lead to new traditions or discovering a new hobby!
After composing the perfect bucket list, mapping out a route is the next important step in planning your summer adventure. Where do you want to go? What do you want to see? What really ignites that wanderlust inside you? There are plenty of breathtaking moments just waiting for you: horizons dotted with big, proud pines and rugged, multi-colored cliffs encompassing you along the open road. And of course, all the interesting places in between. Deciding how to get to where you’re going is up to you and anyone else who tags along. It’s important to keep in mind that a road trip is not always about the destination, but also the little gems you find along the way.
If you’re lucky enough to have access to an RV, get one with plenty of sleeping room. Your summer adventures will be even more memorable if you get to share them with close friends or family. You know what they say: the more the merrier! You and your friends can park at night, share a campfire, and have a friendly game of cards or roast a couple of marshmallows. Personally, I love a roasted Starburst. Moreover, if you’re planning ahead you’ll give yourself plenty of time to find and secure an RV and organize a group of friends to join you. Having someone there to help snap a picture of you attempting — I mean nailing — a handstand on the beach is always a plus.
Speaking of snapping pictures, capturing all those stunning or strange moments during your road trip can allow you to relive your adventure over and over again (like during next year’s winter). You don’t need to be a professional photographer to nail those awe-inspiring shots. Before you set off, study up on some useful photography tips and put them to good use as you frame the moments of your travels. You’ll have endless bragging rights when you return with the evidence of a spectacular road trip.
If you’re tired of winter, and everything that accompanies it, steal yourself away from the cold and start planning the summer road trip of your dreams. By the time the warmer months arrive, you’ll be ready to shove off and start making those important, sunshine-filled memories.
Planning a trip? Read this article on my tips for planning a successful and low-stress family vacation.
Wondering how to keep young kids entertained on the journey? Read this article on airplane and road-trip activities for toddlers and preschoolers.
Author Bio:
Avery T. Phillips is a freelance human being with too much to say. She loves nature and examining human interactions with the world. Comment or tweet her @a_taylorian with any questions or suggestions.