“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow”
– Anita desai
“Travel far enough, you meet yourself”
~ Cloud Atlas Mitchell
These two quotes are inspiration to me this month. The first quote tells me that my experiences in travel will always be a part of me. The second tells me that I find myself in those very experiences.
I have been on roughly 10 cross-country road trips since I was 19-years-old and headed to college (I’m 28 if you’re wondering). And, I can honestly tell you there is true self-discovery and long-lasting internal change with travel….Meaningful travel.
Now you ask, but Chantre’ “How am I supposed to travel when I cannot bear to get on a crowded plane?”……I GOT YOU!!!
ROAD TRIP IT OUT!!!
ROAD TRIP PLANNER ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
STEP 1: Where are you going?
- I literally start with googling a map of the US and deciding where I haven’t been OR where I want to visit.
STEP 2: How long is it going to take?
- Map out your route with your most trusted GPS source.
- NOTE: This is NOT the time to use the quick fix app that you know usually tells you to make that right turn when there is only a left in front of you 🙂
STEP 2: Give yourself time!
- If the GPS says it takes 6 hours…write down that it takes 8 hours to give yourself time just in case you hit traffic
- If you are like me and somehow immediately lose focus when you unexpectedly see a shopping outlet, you need that extra time! …OH YOU BETTER BELIEVE I HAVE TO STOP AND GET 1 THING TO COMMEMORATE THIS TRIP! lol
STEP 3: How Often Do I Want and Need to Stop?
- Now that you have your route down pack….where will you stop?
- If you travel with pets or kids, then you will stop briefly for breaks…unexpected breaks…that’s OK, because you listened to my STEP 2 and already planned ahead so you are NOT STRESSED 🙂
- The other stops come down to the decision of when and where to stop…SAFELY!
- You may get tired during the day or night…That is OK…. just know your low-energy times and don’t drive during them.
- DO NOT push yourself so much that you drive when you’re sleepy.
- Know where the state Rest Stops are located along the route so that you know when and where you can use the restroom.
REST STOPS
These are conveniently located on every major interstate but they are not frequent.
If you see one coming up and you are a bit tired…STOP…get out and walk around if you can.
Always park and stay in well-lighted areas.
Lock your doors and always carry your cell phone with you.
~ Chantre’
ROAD TRIP PLANNER ESSENTIAL TIPS
TIP 1: Be realistic in how far you can go.
- You know where you want to go, but you only have a week that you can be off work.
- Decide the MAJOR cities/attractions you want to see based on the time you have available to do so.
- Be sure to use the map of how long it will take for you to travel.
TIP 2: Be flexible…you got time!
- Revise some of the cities and narrow down your trip if needed
- For example, on a recent trip,I wanted to spend time in Dallas because of the major shopping plaza and food possibilities. I chose to forego traveling up to Denver, which was on my original wish list, in order to save time.
- REMEMBER: That 14 day trip that you desire, can be broken up into 2 two-week trips during different times of the year so you can enjoy certain places more.
TIP 3: Give yourself MORE time!
- If you only have 7 days until you need to be back home…plan your trip with at least 1-2 days for you to arrive back home and rest
- Road trips are fun and a blast, but reality will hit you towards the end when you get home and have to get ready for work the next day!
- Give yourself 1-2 days at home to relax and reflect on your adventure before having to take on the responsibilities of going back to work…you’ll thank me for this tip
RELATED: Do You Need Road Trip Insurance?
ROAD TRIP PLANNER FUN & SAFETY TIPS
Tip 1: Plan your fun stops!
- The planned stops are the BEST!!!
- Find boutique hotels or your favorite hotel chain
- I prefer my select few that give me rewards every time…I just like free stuff though 🙂
- If nature is your thing, find a nice cabin in the mountains close to a nature park.
- If luxury is more your style, book that fancy hotel that is close to SHOPPING and RESTAURANTS!!
- Find activities that you can do in those places that you will stay in overnight…go on an adventure with your dog or your travel buddy!
RELATED: Kiawah Island Fun!
LAST, BUT NOT LEAST: HAVE FUN AND STAY SAFE!
- Always make sure you bring disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer & use after you leave ANY public restroom or gas station etc.
- Because I’m writing this just as the U.S. is starting to open-up after the Covid-19 Pandemic, I advise trying to avoid places that are so crowded that you are not able to social distance safely. But honestly, this is good advice at any time.
- If the restaurants you want to try are not open yet, It is OK to order takeout from that nice restaurant…a good hotel room or a parked car with a scenic view is still an AMAZING dinner
A Few More Words of Advice
Allways…always…always…ENJOY the time you have. Have that great playlist ready for the long roads or that list of 100 questions LOL…
By using my Road Trip Planner you will find that road trips are one of the most mentally centering experiences. I make sure to go on one every year. You meet so many different people in those little cities where you stopped for gas or for a quick bite to eat.
I truly believe that the version of yourself you find when you travel via a road trip is one that is authentic and true; It is the version of yourself that gives you ultimate peace. And those memories of that peace will stay with you forever!
If you need any help planning or tips you can always reach out to me and I will gladly help, just send me a message on Facebook @tres_travelexperiences
Travel well my friends!
-Tre’
My name is Chantre’ (Tre’ for short). I am a military brat and soon to be a military wife. I have two fur babies; a Rottweiler named Duke and a German Shepperd named Aurora. I am a travel agent that specializes in EVERYTHING!…mostly fun quick trips or international trip for me personally, but I love researching for every client as if I am traveling with them.
Traveling is where my passion lies. Being in school my whole life, I am at the point where I am now settled and ready to begin my journey to explore the WORLD as much as possible. I have a yearning to see new things and cities, and experience other beliefs and cultures. As a young woman, it can be difficult to find other women that are in the same mindset as I am, and who are ready to take this journey with me in this season of my life…this is why I started my @tres_travelexperiences business and blog. I want to be able to share my experiences with others who share my passion for travel, but are being held back. Experience traveling through my journey.
I am passionate about being able to connect with other women no matter age or background, that are seeking travel experiences as I am, and just need someone to travel with like me. Prior to meeting my love, I was fully prepared and had literally booked a 15 days trip to Europe…SOLO. The amount of courage it took, I cannot even describe but I am thankful to God that He settled my mind, heart, and soul to take the leap. I know every woman may not want to do the same, so I am more than happy to plan a trip for others, whether big or small, solo or group.
If you have an urge to travel, but no one to travel with …come join me on one of my upcoming trips! On my Facebook page, you will find events where you can register for upcoming trips that I have planned which are open for you to join us. You will also find travel deals that I have created, but can be customized for your specific needs. Some of my trips will be very kid-friendly due to my current auntie role, so please reach out and connect with me in the links below. Feel free to contact me for a chat about what your specific needs are and I will be more than happy to have a chat with you!
Links
