Road Trip Bucket List

As an American, I consider a road trip to be anywhere I can drive to. There are plenty of place I have yet to make it t, both foreign and domestic.

Here are those that are at the top of my must visit list that I feel qualify as road trips.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Located on Navajo land east of Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon includes two slot sections of sandstone that were formed from years of erosion and flash flooding in the area. The result is a spectacular series of passageways and corridors through curving rock that has a flowing shape. The canyon is popular among photographers, especially in summer months when shafts of light shine down from the top of the canyon.

Big Sur and the Pacific Coast Highway

Drive the windy roads of the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) that lines the coast of California and stop at Big Sur, a rocky stretch of the Central California coast. The most photographed part of Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the cliffs diving into the rolling waves. While you’re there, make some time to visit the famous Monterrey Bay Aquarium.

Niagara Falls, NY

One of the top East Coast destinations, Niagara Falls, is nestled between New York and Ontario, Canada, and offers some impressive views. Comprised of three waterfalls cascading into the Niagara River, the falls are a natural wonder that range as high as 167 feet. Most tourists don the iconic plastic raincoats and explore the falls up close with a voyage on the Maid of the Mist. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also take a jet boat tour of the river.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia                

The 469 mile stretch of road connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina is America’s longest linear park. Since 1946, the parkway has been the most visited part of the National Park System except for three years. From the rugged mountains of North Carolina to the gentler vistas of Virginia, there are plenty of exciting things to do such as visiting wineries, camping, hiking, or embarking on a whitewater rafting expedition.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

While Jackson Hole might be better known as a world class ski resort destination, a visit to Jackson Hole at any time of the year will offer a beautiful and relaxing trip. You can take a scenic trip up the mountains on the tram, hike among the mountains, or enjoy the entertainment offered in town. The town also has a Grand Adventure Park, where the adventurous can try the ropes course, bungee jump, rock climb, and more.

Which one of these should I pencil in for 2018?

Must Have Road Trip Gear

Getting ready for a road trip can be exhilarating, but also stressful. From packing and planning, to anticipating what you will do at your destination, you don’t have much time to think about what you will need during your actual journey. Here are a few must-haves that you should remember to pack:

• iPad Headrest Mount – Depending on how long your road trip will take and who you are driving, you might want to invest in an iPad headrest mount. The contraption hooks onto the headrest and holds an iPad for your backseat passengers so that they can watch a movie or play a game. As most parents know, iPads are an easy way to entertain children if they are traveling with you.
• Electric Cooler – Instead of filling your cooler with food, drinks, and ice that will inevitably melt, invest in an electric car cooler. Electric coolers can be plugged into a car’s outlet and use electricity generated from a car’s battery, keeping food and drinks cold for your entire road trip. If you are staying at hotels mid-trip, you can bring the cooler into your room to use as an instant mini-fridge.
• Coffee Tumbler -No road trip is complete without the coffee that keeps you awake. Invest in a leak proof insulated tumbler that will keep your coffee hot for hours. There’s nothing worse than spilling coffee on yourself while driving, so make sure that the tumbler you buy has a latch or leak proof function that will keep your hot drink safe.
• Binoculars – Bring a pair of binoculars in case you plan on doing any detour sightseeing or if you happen across a really spectacular view. If you are doing a road trip in a scenic area, especially in the mountains, you’ll be happy you brought your binoculars along.
• Travel Game – Whether you make up your own game or buy something, a travel game will pass the time on a long road trip. If you have kids, it will also keep them from asking “Are we there yet?” every few minutes. Try the classics like I Spy or Never Have I Ever. For your backseat passengers, you can also buy some magnetic board games that are sure to survive the twists and turns in a car.
• Jumper Cables -Last but certainly not least, don’t forget the jumper cables. You never know if your car might have trouble, but if it does, you won’t want to be stranded somewhere mid-trip. Make sure you change your oil and have a mechanic look at your car before you depart, but just in case, bring the jumper cables.

I’m sure there’s more useful stuff too, but these are what I feel are absolute must haves.