The first road trip that I can remember I was seven years old. The family was going to visit our family in South Carolina, then to my aunt Lena‘s in Florida. We would also be going to Disney World for the first time. I was so excited--my parents, grandparents, aunts, and cousins, were all packed up in two vehicles and headed down I-95 from New York City. Sandwiches and snacks were packed, along with sketch pads, coloring books, pencils, crayons, and games like Old Maid cards to keep us busy. I recall using the remaining pages in my composition notebook, to write down all the license plate numbers of all the different cars on the road. The most popular cars were station wagons.



When it started to get dark, we would check into a Holiday Inn hotel. We took these trips regularly and became my favorite memories.

“Traveling is a powerful remedy for improving and maintaining your mental health.”

When I need a mental break, taking a road trip is my first choice. Researchers have found thattraveling to destinations known and unknown can help improve brain health.* For an impromptu trip, usually within 200 miles, I’ll pick a destination with a spa, make a reservation, and pack my weekender and goodies bag. I plug the address into my GPS, select my CDs/music for the road, and wake up early to beat the rush hour.

I love the springtime when I can drop the top on my convertible. The wind blowing through my hair, and taking deep breaths while enjoying the scenery, puts me in a relaxing state. Traveling is a powerful remedy for improving and maintaining your mental health.*

If you haven’t taken a road trip lately, and are feeling stressed, I recommend

taking a quick trip. If my schedule doesn't allow for an overnight trip, I will get in the car, order my favorite frappuccino and take a 2-hour ride somewhere scenic.

I usually schedule my trips either early morning before rush hour and sunrise or mid-day because most people are at work by nine so after 9:30 a.m., you have some good time to driving time from 10 o'clock to 2 o’clock depending on where you are going and the traffic patterns.

I just love exploring different places and checking out the scenery. This is the freedom I seek.

Having a plan is important. Even for my impromptu trips, I make sure I have a destination in mind. One time, I randomly took an exit and went down a road that started to feel very eerie. Everything in my mind and body told me, I needed to get back to the main road. I made a turn into the nearest parking lot to turn around. Some places you may not want to explore, so make sure you have a destination in mind.

I love Google Maps. It gives a lot of detail, like miles and time and alternate routes. Depending on the time of day, it will also show you if there is traffic. You can send the mapped-out plan to your mobile device to save time from reentering the info, email it, or print it out.

Depending on the distance/destination, I may rent a vehicle. Rental car agencies frequently maintain their vehicles but if I use my own, I always make sure to get it serviced. Here are a few things I do before getting on the road. Oh, don't forget your charger!

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