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Tripping on road trips

November 26th, 2025 at 07:31 pm

I have a few separate friends that want me to join them in a road trip of some kind.  I find it interesting that, even though these three people are all unrelated from each other, they have all caught some kind of wanderlust somehow.  Is it the season, the weather, or just pure coincidence?

Regardless, I'm not entirely opposed to the idea.  Even though I'm mostly a home-body, road trips aren't terribly expensive, and it is probably a good idea to get out there once in a while?

Actually, one of them has an even grander vision of eventually traveling all over the US in a full-sized truck towing a dreamy camper.  The cost of bringing such a vision to life would be, at bare minimum, at least $50k, but realistically much more.  This particular friend has a negative net worth, is in debt for around $30k that I am aware of, and is also currently unemployed.

I am always curious how people go about bringing their dreams to life, much less funding just their every day life?  Or do dreams remain just that in their minds: Dreams?  Sadly, these financial profiles are also very typical of most people I see around me.  Of all the people I know in real life, I only know one that actually has any means of realizing their dreams, but I digress.

Anyway, nothing is set in stone yet, as far as these road trip ideas go.  I guess only time will tell if I will end up on the road or not.

10 Responses to “Tripping on road trips”

  1. Lots of ideas Says:
    1764193884

    I am not a fan of car rides, so road trips aren’t for me but lots of people love them and it is the easiest way - sometimes the only way - to see national parks and historic sites.

    Camper vans to me are a little of effort and money. You can stay in a lot of motels for $50,000 plus whatever maintenance and increased gas costs you’d incur. And if you want water and electric hookups, you pay campground fees.

    I like to eat in restaurants and I’d resent the time spent to acquire and prepare food in a tiny kitchen.

    But we’re all different and that’s what makes the world go round…

  2. MonkeyMama Says:
    1764260069

    I am currently reading On the Road, Jack Kerouac. You might enjoy it, as you ponder road travels. & the Listers documentary (a more modern but very frugal road trip) was really good. Both my kids are currently inspired by both of these, and want to do a big road trip.

    I personally dislike travel, for the most part, but I enjoy a good road trip. A more slow and meandering, take my time, not too far from home road trip. (It's clear that other people have very different ideas of road trips. Driving more hours per day and longer distances, specifically.)

  3. Tabs Says:
    1764408693

    LOI, MM: Yeah, I'm of a similar mindset, and prefer a much more casual and I think affordable approach to just little road trips here and there.

    That is, of course, assuming any of my buddies get back to me with actual firm dates or plan details... which they have yet to do so.

    Anyway, I'll check out this On the Road book you speak of. Thank you!

  4. Orbit Nest Trail Says:
    1764568966

    Road trip tips are excellent and very helpful for planning safe and enjoyable journeys.

  5. LivingAlmostLarge Says:
    1764653383

    I love road trips. We are not about the long distances but meandering along the way

  6. disneysteve Says:
    1764725206

    I love road trips. The journey can be as much of an experience as the destination. For many years we've driven from NJ to FL once or twice a year, for example. One of my bucket list trips is to hop on Route 1 nearby in Philadelphia and drive it all the way to the end in Key West.

    I will say that as I've gotten older, I find that I can't put in as many hours behind the wheel in a day as I used to. I try to cap it at 8 hours. So a trip we might have previously done over one night might now be two nights on the road, but that's just fine since our schedule is now open.

    We haven't done any long trips since I retired for various reasons but I hope we can sometime while we're still up for the adventure.

  7. rob62521 Says:
    1764866861

    I think you'd enjoy a road trip, but not one if you have to worry about everyone's finances. But getting out for a short trip is often good and helps you keep connected with the world around you. Plus, there's the ultimate joy of coming back to your home and your own bed!

  8. LivingAlmostLarge Says:
    1764892753

    i love road trips. I am with steve the journey is part of the experience. The enjoyment comes from the randomness of what you are seeing. The stopping and just exploring.

  9. True Bloom Echo Says:
    1764914325

    This article made me smile. You captured the fun spirit of road trips and added helpful reminders that many readers will appreciate.

  10. Single Guuy Says:
    1765419032

    Oh man, this hit a note with me. Campers... OMG, those are crazy to buy. In fact I need to go write a blog post on this one...

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