This is how I road trip

While I’ve had a chance recently to get back to the home office in Nashville, the past year has been mostly about being at home. 

Which is fine. I like my home. And being close to the beach means a “mini-vacation” with toes in the sand is just a 10-minute drive away. 

But if I’m being honest, Karen and I are getting a little stir crazy. A change of scenery would do us some good. 

So we’ve decided that this coming weekend, we’re heading out on a good old-fashioned “road trip.” 

With no real idea where we’re going to end up. And only a few planned stops along the way. 

We’ll just go where the road takes us and see what looks interesting. And I have to tell you, I’m really looking forward to it. 

But even though we’re making a point not to plan too much, I always have a plan up my sleeve. 

Not about where we’re going. But what to take with us. 

First, I always like to pack up some healthy snacks. I don’t know what it is, but as soon as I set off on a car ride, I get hungry. And most of what I might get at a gas station or rest stop is just garbage. 

So my cooler will be filled with apples, string cheese, some jerky, maybe some veggies (and some hummus to dip them in) and ok, probably a sweet treat (or two). 

I’m mostly an optimist by nature. But I also tend to plan for the worst when it comes to getting ready for a trip.

So I’ll also pack a first aid kit, blanket, a few tools, and my HaloXT. Truth be told, I always have one of them in my car anyway. 

I’ve read too many stories about people driving into one of those canals down here in Florida and not getting out in time. It’s terrifying. 

Probably won’t happen, but with the glass-breaking hammer and seatbelt cutter, I’d be ready if it ever did. 

I’ll pack a charger for my phone of course. And maybe most important of all, I’ll load up a few playlists for the drive. 

There’s nothing like a road trip to make you want to turn up the music, sing offkey, and just enjoy a little freedom on some backroads. 

Where we’re going isn’t important. But I find that even the anticipation of getting away is making this week feel lighter than it might. 

That’s another health benefit of a vacation, even if it’s just for the day. 

When’s the last time you took a road trip? Maybe it’s time you gassed up and got out too. 

It could do you some good.