Coast To Coast: The Great American Roadtrip

Coast To Coast-The Great American Roadtrip-Chispa MagazineFancy the idea of driving across the country from coast to coast? It’s something I have always wanted to do, and one day, I would love to make it happen. I’m sure everyone knows someone who has done one of the major routes, at least. And, for many people, it’s a rite of passage.

But, you do need to prepare yourself beforehand. I’ve been looking into the ins and outs of the experience recently, and here’s what I have found. Who knows, maybe this time in a couple of years I will have made the great American road trip myself, with family at tow, of course.

Choose your route. East coast to west, north down to the south, there is a host of different routes you can take for the classic American road trip. There are plenty of options and suggested routes out there; head over to Visit The USA website for a closer look at what you can expect.

Make a plan. The best way to approach this, is to come up with a list of things you want to see and do. Start from whichever coast you are planning on kicking off your journey, and work your way across or down. There are so many attractions and things to do, and I have heard it can be a little bewildering if you don’t have a plan. Plus, you might start losing track of days or time. In an ideal world, of course, you could take as long as you like. But, with work commitments and slim time frames, a plan will keep you focused and on the right track.

Buy up-to-date maps. I know a lot of us rely on our smartphones or in-car GPS systems to get around these days. But, when you are on the road for long periods, you can’t do any better than a traditional map. For a start, they never lose signal and they don’t need batteries or power. Plus, of course, should a thief decide to break into your vehicle while you’re asleep, they aren’t going to run away with your map. It’s a big country out there so make sure you don’t get lost.

A suitable vehicle. Next, you will need to choose an appropriate mode of transport. I know people that have traveled in a motor home, a car with a trailer, and even a motorbike and a tent. I have to say, the tent idea is a romantic idea. Traveling all day in a new RV, and sleeping under the stars at night – weather permitting, of course. Bear in mind, though, that however you travel, make sure it’s as comfortable as possible. You will be going through all kinds of terrain, weather conditions, and landscapes, so it might be wise to bring spare tires, too.

Bits and bobs. Given you will be on the road for long periods; often without any services for hundreds of miles, make sure you stock up on plenty of water. Not only will it stop you dehydrating, but you can use it to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Think you have what it takes to do the coast to coast run?

Photo by Georg Nietsch

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Mavian Arocha-Rowe

Mavian Arocha-Rowe

Editor-in-Chief at Chispa Magazine
Mavian Arocha-Rowe is known as an asset to the business and communications industry and is motivating and advocating “your authenticity should be your strategy,” for all women, regardless of their season and roles. For the past 20 years she has directed magazines, plus multiple art and marketing departments as creative director and brand manager. What supersedes all of her great career moves is her role as wife and mother living in Atlanta. Challenging herself to discover and bravely pursue the calling for her life, Arocha-Rowe helps other women discover and pursue their life’s assignment. She is a passionate, and loud-laughing speaker on the topic of purposefully redeemed, and mentors young women so they can exercise a mind that is doctrinally pure, along with a heart that beats toward sanctification. She will almost never turn down Marlow’s Tavern double-tavern cheeseburger, a cooking-demonstration from Leaning Ladder, or any opportunity to head to Miami to spend time with family.
Mavian Arocha-Rowe

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Mavian Arocha-Rowe

Mavian Arocha-Rowe is known as an asset to the business and communications industry and is motivating and advocating “your authenticity should be your strategy,” for all women, regardless of their season and roles. For the past 20 years she has directed magazines, plus multiple art and marketing departments as creative director and brand manager. What supersedes all of her great career moves is her role as wife and mother living in Atlanta. Challenging herself to discover and bravely pursue the calling for her life, Arocha-Rowe helps other women discover and pursue their life’s assignment. She is a passionate, and loud-laughing speaker on the topic of purposefully redeemed, and mentors young women so they can exercise a mind that is doctrinally pure, along with a heart that beats toward sanctification. She will almost never turn down Marlow’s Tavern double-tavern cheeseburger, a cooking-demonstration from Leaning Ladder, or any opportunity to head to Miami to spend time with family.