Happy October, friends. We’ve finally reached the season for pumpkins, apple picking, taking hikes in the woods, and going on long drives in hopes of discovering something new. Though COVID has certainly effected our vacation plans this year, it doesn’t mean we can’t still escape our day to day lives. Even, if we’re only gone for a few hours.
As I shared last week, for Tony and I, taking day trips have been huge in growing our marriage. Traveling has given us a shared perspective of our world and our lives. And in this social distancing time, you can be sure we’re traveling by car now more than ever.
That is why, to close out our travel series, I want to share some of our favorite things to bring on a road trip. Whether on a day trip to go hiking, or heading to the next closest state to stay a few nights, these are things that are affordable, social distance friendly, and make our trips that much more enjoyable.
If you’re planning to get away for a day or more, consider bringing some of these things along. Then, share with me below, what you like to bring on your road trips!
Pack a hot lunch.
A few years ago, Tony’s brother and our sister-in-law, pulled out a bunch of thermoses at a family picnic. While the rest of us ate sandwiches—they ate a stew that smelled SO good. Soon after, we got our own thermoses and it was a game changer for all our packed lunches. Now that it is fall, the weather is cooler. And there is nothing like sitting outside, in the crisp weather eating your favorite curry or soup. Not only that, packed lunches are a very affordable and socially distanced meal option.
Get a good pair of walking/hiking shoes.
The best part of a good day or road trip is where it takes you. For us, a good walk through a new town or hike through the woods, helps us feel like we have truly gone away. But an important part of making a long hike or walk enjoyable, is having good shoes. You can’t go far if your feet hurt or your shoes aren’t sturdy enough for the journey. I invested in a pair of hiking shoes with Gore-tex (I tend to find puddles) five years ago. I’ve worn them hiking trails nearby, exploring gorges in upstate New York, and climbing mountains in Maine. Figure out what kind of adventuring you want to do, and get a good pair of shoes that will fit your journey.
Plan something good to listen to.
Driving in silence can be relaxing. But, if the road trip is long enough, even introverts like Tony and I love listening to a great playlist or podcast. With very little planning, you can listen to a great audio book, hear fun or serious conversations by interesting people, or create a playlist of your favorite tunes. Recently, we’ve been listening to the Office Ladies Podcast (anyone else a fan of The Office?), and this Social Distancing Playlist Tony made for us on Spotify.
Bring a blanket.
Whether chasing fall sunrises, packing picnic lunches, or taking a nap in the car when you’re “off” driving duty, having a blanket in your car is a great way to be prepared for wherever your road trip takes you.
Bake/buy and bring fall snacks.
Nothing says fall like pumpkin bread or molasses cookies. And nothing is nicer than having snacks you love, right at your fingertips on a trip. Two weeks ago, for our trip to the Finger Lakes, I made these molasses cookies, and this paleo pumpkin bread. What are your favorite fall baked goods? Make or buy them and bring them along. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the season.
When was the last time you went on a day or road trip? Where did you go?
What are your “must-haves” for a trip in the car?
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Photo by Igor Oliyarnik on Unsplash
