Op-Ed: Here’s what I wish I’d known before road-tripping across America for my first trip to New York City
I’ve recently returned home after a month-long road trip across America in my own vehicle, a little less-traveled version of the blog tour I’ve dubbed “TowDude: Adventures in the Road” over the past year-and-a-half.
For anyone who is thinking about joining me on the road or just plain curious to know what I did, or do, I have an answer: Don’t.
Instead of telling you how I traveled the country during my visit (and what I did and did not do while driving), I thought I’d share with you a few ideas that I wish I would have known before going. I’ll also be giving you a few new suggestions for road trips to consider.
First, I think it’s always best to have good directions to your destination. I have a few favorite books at my library in Florida that you could look up on the internet before you travel. They give a lot of good tips on how to find things and how to avoid getting lost. You’ll do yourself a favor and be much more comfortable in the car. And by the time you actually get there, you’ll be so familiar you’ll never be worried for the first time.
I also think it’s very smart to have back-up directions at home. It’s true: When you go to the airport, it will be so intimidating you will have a tough time figuring out how to get to your gate. You’ll probably try to get to the gate by asking everyone at security or at the ticket counter. I got to my gate, to my car, and I was lost. Then I realized that I had my phone charger and my work e-mail in my checked luggage, and I started going from the bag to the seat and to the dashboard and finally to the car and found my way.
Next, I would say to stay in touch with your family. Even if your spouse lives in the city you’re visiting and you have family or friends in the area you’ll be visiting, be sure to do your best to let them know you’re there and to make