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National Road Trip Day

Hit the road, Jack! Road trips are the ultimate adventure filled with endless possibilities, unforgettable memories, and a load of snacks.

Hobbies & Activities Life & Living Transport Travel62

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Capitalize on the Memorial Day weekend travel surge by positioning products and services as essential road-trip companions—from fuel efficiency and vehicle maintenance to snacks, entertainment, and travel gear.

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Pack like a pro: gear and snack guides for the perfect road trip
Fuel up smart: tips for maximizing mileage and comfort on long drives
Retro road trip nostalgia: family games and unplugged entertainment ideas
Road trip playlist and movie recommendations to make the journey unforgettable

History

Road trips have been around since the time that vehicles were able to be driven for distances.

Though they have been made easier by convenient gas stations and smoothly paved interstate highways, road trips have been an enjoyment for over a century.

In fact, the first record of a road trip happened in 1903 when Horatio Nelson Jackson took a road trip from San Francisco to New York. Of course, his traveling companions for the 63 day road trip were his mechanic and his dog!

When Route 66 opened up in the United States in the 1930s, and as the automobile industry grew over the next decades, road trips became more prevalent.

With memories like packing a picnic, singing songs, playing the license plate game and riding backwards in the ‘way-back’ seat of the station wagon, road trips bring with them a certain type of nostalgia for many Americans.

National Road Trip Day started a bit more recently, though. The brain child of Pilot Flying J travel centers, this event was first celebrated in 2019.

How to celebrate

Take a Nostalgic Road Trip

Pack those snacks and get ready for some family fun! While today’s world offers all sorts of comfort and convenience, perhaps this road trip can be a special one with a blast from the past. Go retro by turning off smart phones, getting rid of headphones, and engaging in some fun activities with the group. Enjoy some road trip games, sing some silly songs, and even roll down the windows and stick your feet out for a few minutes! Unfortunately, it’s impossible to roll back time enough to pay only $.60 per gallon to fill up the gas tank! But cars are certainly more fuel efficient than they used to be, so that should help balance things out a little.

Watch a Road Trip Movie

Those who don’t have the ability to head out on a road trip in honor of National Road Trip Day might want to observe the day by accessing road-trip-style entertainment. Check out some of these movies that pay honor to the mighty American road trip: Vacation (1983). Chevy Chase heads up an all star cast in this classic road trip movie from National Lampoon. We’re the Millers (2013). What can go wrong when a drug dealer recruits a fake family to make an illegal road trip to Mexico?Little Miss Sunshine (2006). This drama comedy follows a family’s adventure across the country to enter their daughter into a beauty pageant.

FAQ

How can travelers make a long road trip safer and less tiring?

Safety experts recommend sharing driving duties where possible, taking a break about every two hours, and avoiding driving late at night when drowsiness is more likely. Planning the route in advance, checking real-time traffic and weather, and keeping a greater following distance at highway speeds can all reduce crash risk. Simple steps like wearing seat belts at all times, staying within speed limits, and keeping a charged phone and emergency kit in the vehicle also make a noticeable difference on long journeys.

What basic vehicle checks should be done before starting a road trip?

Mechanics generally suggest checking tire pressure and tread, engine oil level, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and the condition of wiper blades before heading out. Testing all lights, including brake and turn signals, helps ensure that the car is visible and that intentions are clear to other drivers. For longer trips, it is often wise to inspect the spare tire and jack, review the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual, and consider having a professional look at the brakes and battery if they have not been serviced recently.

How does a road trip’s environmental impact compare with flying?

The environmental impact depends on distance, vehicle type, occupancy, and the flight being replaced. Per passenger, a small, fuel-efficient or hybrid car that carries several people usually emits less carbon dioxide than each person taking a short-haul flight. In contrast, driving long distances alone in a large, inefficient vehicle can produce emissions similar to or higher than flying. Using public transportation for parts of the journey, keeping speeds moderate, and packing light can all reduce the footprint of a road-based vacation.

What are some common budgeting mistakes people make when planning a road trip?

Travel planners often warn that people underestimate fuel costs, tolls, and food eaten on the road, while overestimating how far they can comfortably drive in a day. Last‑minute hotel bookings in popular areas can also drive up expenses. A more accurate budget usually includes a realistic fuel estimate based on distance and miles per gallon, a daily limit for meals and snacks, a cushion for activities and entrance fees, and an emergency fund for unexpected repairs or medical needs.

How can families keep children comfortable and safe during long drives?

Pediatric and safety organizations stress that children should ride in age‑ and size‑appropriate car seats or booster seats that are correctly installed and used on every trip, no matter the distance. Regular stops for bathroom breaks, stretching, and meals help prevent restlessness and motion sickness. Keeping small toys, books, or quiet games within reach and maintaining a comfortable temperature in the back seat can make the journey easier, while adults should avoid passing loose items to children that could become projectiles in a sudden stop.

What special considerations are important when taking a pet on a road trip?

Veterinary groups advise that pets should be safely restrained using a secured crate, carrier, or harness attached to the vehicle, and should never ride on a driver’s lap or loose in the front seat. Pets need regular breaks for water, bathroom needs, and a chance to move around in a safe area. It is also important to never leave an animal alone in a parked car, since interior temperatures can rise or fall quickly and become dangerous. Before traveling across borders or state lines, owners should check vaccination and health certificate requirements.

Do road trips offer any mental health or social benefits beyond simple entertainment?

Psychologists and travel researchers note that unstructured travel time can give people a break from daily routines and digital distractions, which may support reduced stress and improved mood. Shared experiences on the road, such as navigating challenges together or discovering new places, can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories. When approached with realistic expectations and adequate rest, road journeys often combine novelty, autonomy, and social connection in ways that many people find particularly rewarding.