Embrace the Joys of the Road Trip Adventure

There's something magical about long drives, especially with a stunning sunrise. With every mile, my mind feels clearer. Nothing beats the joy of a lengthy road trip.

Road trips evoke nostalgia. Everyone has that one memorable journey that brings a smile or a laugh. What's yours?

Bell's Beach, the iconic surf spot near Melbourne, was a highlight on my memorable drive along the Great Ocean Road in Southern Australia in 2009.

For me, the Great Ocean Road is breathtaking, akin to the Pacific Coast Highway in Australia. I journeyed with two friends from Buffalo, NY, where we camped by the beach, feasted on peanut butter sandwiches, enjoyed beers, and sneaked into RV parks for showers. It was simply unforgettable.

I've crossed the U.S. about four times. Driving beats flying every time. Last summer was all about road trips. In May, I explored Chaco Canyon and Antelope Canyon in New Mexico and Arizona. In August, I completed a circuit around Iceland before returning to Boston to explore Cape Cod.

This summer, I'm kicking off with a road trip from Austin to South Carolina to see family. It's a great way to visit friends in Birmingham and Atlanta on a budget. Plus, being stuck in my hometown without a car drives me crazy.

After that, I'm flying to Vermont and NYC, then taking a train to Washington DC. Excitingly, I'll also be leading photo trips for National Geographic Student Expeditions in Yellowstone this summer, with more adventures on the horizon!

California Redwoods

What if time is tight for a cross-country drive? Consider mini-road trips within larger trips. While visiting my friend Miles in San Francisco, we rented a car and camped out to explore the Redwoods. My best friend James and I often took trips to Vermont, Maine, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island while he lived in Boston. I love discovering charming small towns in Texas like Marfa and Boerne.

A few months ago, I flew into Miami, met up with three friends, and enjoyed a four-day road trip through the Florida Keys, hitting all the dive bars that my travel idol Jimmy Buffett sings about. (Stay tuned for the blog post!)

I enjoy keeping busy with NPR, practicing Spanish audio lessons, and chatting with friends over the phone—all hands-free, of course!

Let's face it: the best part of road trips is belting out songs at the top of your lungs. Admit it, we all love that guilty pleasure. Most of my trips are solo, so I can sing and dance without anyone judging, except the occasional truck driver.

Here's my go-to road trip playlist: