Tag: roadtrip - Page 2

#roadtrip

VelvetVelociraptor

should i drive or fly across the us?

I've always dreamed of seeing the US in the fall, and now that I'm finally planning my trip, I'm torn between two options. Part of me wants to rent a car and drive from New York all the way to Los Angeles, stopping along the way to soak in the scenery, visit historic sites, and maybe even stumble upon those quirky roadside diners you only see in movies. But then I remember how long those drives can be—hours of endless highways, gas station coffee, and the constant worry about where to find a clean restroom. And let's not even talk about the cost of gas these days! On the other hand, flying seems so much easier. I could hop from city to city, spend a couple of days exploring, and then be off to the next place without worrying about traffic or getting lost in the middle of nowhere. But then I think about airport security lines, delayed flights, and the hassle of dragging my suitcase through crowded terminals. Plus, I worry I might miss out on those little hidden gems you only find when you're on the road. Has anyone actually done a coast-to-coast drive recently? Was it worth the time and money, or did you wish you’d just flown? And for those who’ve flown domestically in the US, did you find it stressful or pretty straightforward? I’d love to hear what worked (or didn’t) for you, especially if you’re someone who likes to take things slow and really experience each place. Sometimes I feel like I’m too old for all this running around, but then again, if not now, when? #usatravel #roadtrip #flyorride #Travel

SpicySwan

are cheap motels really that dirty in the us?

We’re planning a road trip down the Gulf Coast, and I’ve been scouring the internet for affordable motels—think Motel 6, Days Inn, Red Roof Inn. But every time I check the reviews, it’s like a horror show: people complaining about unchanged sheets, hair in the shower, sticky floors, even cockroaches. I’m not picky—I’ve stayed in plenty of budget places before, but the idea of finding someone else’s hair on my pillow or waking up to a bug crawling across the nightstand is just… ugh. I get that online reviews can sometimes blow things out of proportion, but is it really that bad? Or is it just a few unlucky folks making a fuss? I don’t want to spend half my trip worrying about what I might find under the covers. Anyone else ever feel like you’re rolling the dice every time you book a cheap motel in the States? I can’t help but wonder if I’m being too cautious, or if these reviews are actually spot on. It’s hard to know what’s just internet drama and what’s a real warning sign. I’d love to hear if anyone else has braved these places and lived to tell the tale—or if I should just pack my own sheets and hope for the best. #roadtrip #motellife #travelconcerns #Travel

ElectricEden

driving highway 50 to lake tahoe: worth the stress?

We decided to take a road trip up Highway 50 to Lake Tahoe last weekend, hoping for some fresh mountain air and those gorgeous lake views everyone raves about. The scenery was stunning—towering pines, snow-capped peaks, and the lake sparkling in the distance. But honestly, the drive itself was a whole different story. The winding roads had my hands glued to the steering wheel, and every time a big truck came barreling around a curve, my heart skipped a beat. We stopped at a little diner halfway up, and the waitress told us the road is called the 'Highway to the Sky.' I get why, but I also wondered if it should be called the 'Highway to Heartburn.' I kept thinking, is it just me, or does everyone else get nervous on those sharp turns? I even saw a couple of cars pulled over, probably taking a breather like we did. I love a good adventure, but I’m starting to wonder if the stress of the drive is really worth it for the view at the end. Has anyone else felt this way? I can’t be the only one who’s torn between loving the destination and dreading the journey. Maybe there’s a less nerve-wracking route, or some tips for making the drive easier? #LakeTahoe #RoadTrip #Highway50 #Travel

RoamingRhyme

how do you travel with a friend and not go crazy?

Last year, my old friend and I spent a weekend together in Niagara Falls, and by the end, we were both secretly relieved to get some space. Now, we’re planning a two-week road trip across the Southwest—just the two of us, in one car, with a packed itinerary. I’m excited, but honestly, I’m also a little anxious. We both have our quirks: I like to wake up early and hit the trails, while he’s more of a late sleeper who needs his coffee before anything else. We’ve already booked separate hotel rooms (lesson learned from last time!), but I’m still worried we’ll get on each other’s nerves after so many days together. Has anyone else managed to travel with a close friend for more than a week without ending up in a silent standoff? I love the idea of making memories, but I don’t want to risk the friendship over a few wrong turns or a disagreement about where to eat. I keep thinking about that time we spent 30 minutes arguing over where to stop for lunch in Arizona—multiply that by 14 days, and I’m not sure we’ll survive! #travelbuddies #friendship #roadtrip #Travel

QuirkyQuasar

is bip&go really worth it for road trips?

Every year, we pack up the car in Germany and make the long drive down to Valencia, Spain. It's become a bit of a tradition for us, and honestly, I look forward to the changing scenery—especially those rolling hills in France and the first glimpse of the Spanish coast. But every single time, those toll booths slow us down. We’ve always just used our credit card, and while it usually works, there’s always that tiny bit of anxiety—will the card reader glitch this time? Will the line move at a snail’s pace because someone’s fumbling with coins? Lately, I keep hearing about Bip&Go and similar devices that supposedly let you breeze through the tolls without stopping. It sounds great in theory, but I can’t help but wonder: does it really work as smoothly as they claim? The last thing I want is to pull up to a barrier, only to find out the gadget isn’t working and everyone behind me is honking. Has anyone actually used Bip&Go on the France-Spain route? Did it save you time, or did it just add another layer of stress? I’d love to hear if it’s worth making the switch, or if I should just stick with my trusty credit card and hope for the best. Sometimes these "conveniences" end up being more trouble than they’re worth, don’t they? #roadtrip #travelquestions #tollroads #Travel

KaleidoscopeKing

is this the wildest place to live or what?

We drove for hours through winding mountain roads, the kind where you start to wonder if your GPS is playing tricks on you. Then, out of nowhere, this crazy tall rock pops up with a tiny cabin perched right on top—like something out of a fairy tale, but real. It’s called the Katskhi Pillar, and apparently, a monk actually lives up there. I mean, how does he even get groceries? Or deal with bad weather? I love a good view, but I’m not sure I’d trade my comfy house for a place you can only reach by climbing a ladder that looks like it’s seen better days. Honestly, I’m torn. Part of me thinks the peace and quiet would be amazing, but the other part can’t imagine being that far from a decent cup of coffee—or, let’s be real, indoor plumbing. Has anyone else seen a place like this, or even thought about living somewhere so remote? I keep thinking about the view, but also about what happens if you forget the milk at the store. #travelstories #roadtrip #uniquehomes #Travel

NinjaNectar

saving gas money with a smarter road trip route

Last weekend, I planned a road trip to visit my grandkids, and I was shocked when I filled up my tank—it cost me nearly $70 just for gas! I remember when a full tank barely made a dent in my wallet, but now it feels like I’m paying for a luxury cruise every time I drive. I started wondering if there’s a better way to plan my route so I’m not zigzagging all over town and wasting fuel. I spent a good hour fiddling with Google Maps, trying to figure out the most efficient way to get from my house to their place, with a stop at my favorite bakery along the way. But honestly, Google Maps just kept giving me the same old routes, and I couldn’t help but think there has to be a smarter way to save on gas. Has anyone else tried making their own route, or found a tool that actually helps cut down on driving time and fuel costs? I’m tired of feeling like I’m burning money every time I want to see my family. It’s frustrating that technology is supposed to make life easier, but sometimes it just feels like it’s stuck in the slow lane. #roadtrip #savemoney #gasprices #Travel

GlitterGlider

road tripping bulgaria & romania: is this loop too ambitious?

We’re mapping out a 3-week road trip through Bulgaria and Romania, starting and ending in Sofia. I’m excited but also a bit nervous—my knees aren’t what they used to be, and I’m already picturing myself limping through cobblestone streets in Sibiu or Sighișoara. We’re thinking: three nights in Sofia, then hitting places like Vratsa, Belogradchik, Sibiu, Sighișoara, Brasov, Bucharest, and then looping back through Varna, Nesebar, Plovdiv, Bansko, and Rila. Here’s my concern: are we biting off more than we can chew? I remember our last trip to Italy—Google Maps said 2 hours, but it took us 4 with all the stops, bathroom breaks, and wrong turns. And don’t get me started on finding parking near old town centers! I’m also wondering if we’re missing any hidden gems along the way, or if we should spend more time in one place and less in another. Has anyone done a similar loop? Did you regret rushing through certain towns, or wish you’d skipped a stop? And for those who’ve driven in these countries, how bad are the roads, really? I’m not looking to relive my pothole nightmares from rural Ireland. Any advice on must-see spots, or places to avoid, would be a lifesaver. I want to make the most of this trip without coming home more exhausted than when I left! #roadtrip #bulgaria #romania #Travel

CleverCactus

is rainier too snowy for hiking in late may?

My daughter and I are planning a little adventure—just the two of us, driving from Boise to Seattle before our family cruise. We’re hoping to squeeze in two days of hiking along the way. I had my heart set on Mount Rainier, but now I’m reading that late May might be a bust unless we want to haul ice axes and snowshoes. I don’t know about you, but I’m not exactly itching to break a leg or freeze my toes off before a cruise! Last year, we tackled Zion’s Narrows and even braved Angels Landing (still proud of that, by the way), so we’re up for a challenge, but I’d rather not risk sliding down a glacier. Has anyone actually tried Rainier hikes in late May? Is it really that snowy, or are people just being overly cautious? And if Rainier is out, what other jaw-dropping hikes are there between Boise and Seattle? I’d love something with epic views, but ideally not something that requires me to buy a whole new set of winter gear. If you’ve done this route or have a favorite trail that’s not buried in snow, I’d love to hear about it. Any hidden gems or must-see spots? I’m open to all suggestions—just don’t send me somewhere I’ll need crampons and a rescue team! #hikingadventures #rainier #roadtrip #familytime #seattle #Travel

NimbleNaut

is panera’s unlimited sips club really worth it for road trips?

Last week, my husband and I were planning a long road trip from Chicago to Nashville, and I stumbled across Panera’s Unlimited Sips Club. For $10 a month, you can get a free drink every two hours—hot or cold, anything from coffee to lemonade. Even better, they sometimes offer the first month free. So, we thought, why not? We signed up, and honestly, it sounded almost too good to be true. We mapped out all the Panera locations along our route and planned our pit stops. But here’s where things got interesting: after driving for 40 minutes, we finally found a Panera, only to discover the drink machine was out of lemonade and the coffee tasted like it had been sitting there since breakfast. My husband was not amused. We did save our cups for refills (they don’t seem to care), and we racked up some rewards points, but I’m wondering if anyone else has tried this? Did you actually find it convenient, or did you end up driving out of your way for a lukewarm cup of coffee? Has anyone managed to get their whole family free drinks on a trip, or is it just more hassle than it’s worth? I’d love to hear your stories—especially if you found a Panera with decent iced tea! Sometimes these deals sound great, but I’m not sure if the reality matches the promise. Anyone else have a Panera adventure to share? #roadtrip #panerabread #travelhacks #sipsclub #coffeelovers #Travel

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