Image by HUNG QUACH from Pixabay
There’s something special about the open road that you just don’t get when you’re soaring 35,000 feet above the ground. Don’t get me wrong—I love flying. There’s a thrill in takeoff, that rush as the plane leaves the runway, and the mesmerizing view of clouds drifting below. But if I had to choose, road trips win every time. Here’s why.
The Journey Becomes Part of the Adventure
When you’re on a road trip, the experience starts the moment you pull out of the driveway. You’re not just getting from Point A to Point B—you’re living the adventure mile by mile. The scenery changes right before your eyes, from bustling cities to quiet backroads, rolling hills, and wide-open fields. Each stop along the way is an opportunity to explore something new—whether it’s a quirky roadside diner, a hidden antique shop, or a breathtaking overlook you would’ve never known existed had you flown over it.
Flexibility and Freedom
One of the best things about road trips is the absolute freedom you have. Want to stop at that cute little bakery you just passed? Go for it. See a sign for the world’s largest pecan and feel like you’ve just gotta check it out? Why not? On a road trip, there’s no rushing to catch a flight, no TSA lines, and definitely no cramped airplane seats for hours on end. It’s just you, the open road, and the freedom to go wherever your heart desires.
Image by Renato Laky from Pixabay
Building Memories Along the Way
Road trips create memories that stick with you. It’s the random sing-alongs, the pit stops at small-town diners with the best pie you’ve ever tasted, and the impromptu photo ops at quirky roadside attractions. These little moments might seem insignificant at the time, but they’re the ones you end up talking about years later.
Packing Without Limits
Let’s be honest—packing for a flight is a hassle. Trying to fit everything into a tiny carry-on or risk paying extra for checked bags can be frustrating. Road trips? Pack whatever you want. You want to bring your favorite pillows, a cooler full of snacks, and even that stack of books you’ve been meaning to read? Go for it. There are no limits when you’re driving your own car.
No Waiting Around
Airports are full of waiting—waiting to check in, waiting to get through security, waiting to board, and then waiting for your luggage. On a road trip, you’re in control. If you’re ready to go, you just go. No lines, no waiting, just pure freedom to start your adventure when you’re ready.
Making the Most of Every Mile
The best part of a road trip is that the vacation starts the moment you hit the road. Instead of zoning out with a movie on a tiny screen, you get to watch the world unfold around you. The journey itself becomes part of the story—one that’s uniquely yours.
So, while I do love the thrill of flying, the convenience, and the views from above, there’s just something about the simplicity and adventure of a good old-fashioned road trip that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Whether it’s the freedom, the memories, or just the pure joy of exploring the world mile by mile, road trips will always have my heart.
Why Road Trips Just Hit Different
At the end of the day, it’s not about the quickest way to get somewhere—it’s about the journey. Flying is efficient, sure. But efficiency isn’t always the goal. Sometimes, it’s about rolling down the windows, turning up your favorite playlist, and watching the scenery change with every mile. It’s about the stories you create along the way, the people you meet, and the freedom to take the scenic route just because you can.
If you ask me, that’s something no flight—no matter how smooth or scenic—can replicate. So yeah, I love flying. But give me the open road any day.
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Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.