Summary
Samantha Brown’s Love for Road Trips
Even though television host Samantha Brown has plenty of “Places to Love,” she may cherish the journey as much as the destination.
“I grew up in the 70s,” she shared with iBestTravel. “I love road trips. Even if it was a 13-hour trip [and] your parents loaded up the station wagon.”
Brown, whose PBS show just wrapped its fifth season, recalls her earliest travel memories of her and her siblings cooped up in the backseat of her family’s car, enjoying packed bologna sandwiches and stopping at motor lodges along the way.
“If they had a kidney-shaped pool, we were happy,” Brown joked. “Road trips are great because they make us all feel like kids. It’s what makes them such an endearing — and enduring — form of travel.”
The Comeback of Road Trips
As the world shifts towards a new normal, road trips, once regarded as nostalgic and simple getaways, have made a significant comeback. Brown explains that these trips are now viewed as a safer method of travel.
“If you are taking a road trip with your own car and departing from your own house, you are eliminating two major uncertainties right now: the airport experience and renting a car,” Brown added.
Tips for Successful Road Trips
Brown emphasizes the importance of preparation for a successful time on the road, offering tips and highlighting perfect places to stop along the way.
- Map Your Route: Consider planning backwards from your final destination, particularly for spring road trips with limited time. Aim for somewhere appealing yet not overly familiar.
- Consider Scenic Change: Ideal road trip destinations should offer a noticeable change of scenery without requiring extensive travel.
Ideal Road Trip Destinations
For her, the ideal spring road trip destination presents both urban culture and easy access to nature. Cape May, NJ, is a shining example, known for its Victorian architecture. “You physically feel like you’re in a different time, not just a different place,” Brown explains.
Additionally, the town boasts stunning beaches, fresh produce, and rich history, including the new Harriet Tubman museum. She also recommends visiting Phoenicia, NY (just a three-hour drive from Manhattan) and Lafayette, LA (about two hours from New Orleans).
Snacks and Breaks on the Road
As for time spent driving, Brown highlights the importance of being prepared with snacks (she particularly enjoys sliced cucumbers and pizza-flavored pretzel Combos) and a well-curated playlist of music or podcasts that everyone will enjoy.
Moreover, when it’s time for a break, choose local spots without overthinking it. According to Brown, “Cultural experiences need not be elaborate or fancy by any means.” She mentions her family’s enjoyment of stopping at popular regional gas stations like Sheetz in Pennsylvania and Wawa in New Jersey, which offer a chance to sample local food.
Rest stops without food can also be great when traveling with restless kids. Brown recommends bringing along a Frisbee for older kids or inflating balloons for younger children to enjoy in recreation areas.
However, perhaps the most crucial aspect of a road trip is what we dreaded in the pre-cellphone days: spending hours gazing out the window at the shifting scenery. “Just staring out the window is perfectly fine,” Brown asserts.
