How does one rate the value of traveling? Is the most valuable travel to you the type that gets you there and back safely so you can talk about and do it, again? Or, would you say the most valuable travel occur when you spend the least amount of money for the most amount of fun? The most valuable trip would definitely not include getting any traffic tickets that could be dismissed by taking a defensive driving course. Here are some road travel ideas which include them all!
Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon
The Columbia River Highway is a 74-mile site to see, just outside of Portland, Oregon. The experienced traveler will enjoy stunning waterfalls, rivers, bridges and mountains as they tour along the Columbia River, Gorge. This entertaining historic route includes U.S. Route 30 and Oregon Route 35. The new portion of this hike now runs concurrent with I-84 between Portland and The Dalles. You can complete the 48-mile adventure from Portland to the Hood River in one day, or make it an overnighter by staying at a lodge or campsite. It is one way to make the most of having taking advantage of having a driver license. You deserve the best for (probably) passing your test on the first try, and not one who committed one of the top 3 driving test fails.
ROUTE 66
“Get your kicks on Route 66.” This is the road to take for American history buffs. It’s a classic American road trip. You can expect to see many relics reminding you of adventures on the historic Route 66; if only in your imaginations. The nearly 2,500-mile trek snakes its way from Chicago, Illinois through Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona and ends in Los Angeles, California.
Cars
You can see many markers lining this historic passage. The “Route 66” emblems line the current roads and highways guiding the way for many a road traveler. The Disney movie, Cars was inspired by Route 66. Although the Disney animators and story developers may have created the fictional town “Radiator Springs,” the real towns of Baxter Springs and Peach Springs really are located off Route 66.
Some of the characters and locations are based on real people and places. The character, Sally the Porsche, for example, portrayed in the film by Bonnie Hunt, is based primarily on Dawn Welch, owner of the historic Rock Cafe in Stroud, Oklahoma. The Rock Cafe may be just one of many restaurants on Route 66, but it is one of the road’s most acclaimed landmarks. Please note, it is best to visit the Rock Cafe for a meal during off-peak hours. Large crowds gather there during the lunch and dinner rush on weekends. You can wait up to an hour to be seated.
The Cars author Michael Wallis also served as a Route 66 consultant for the film. Wallis has written 14 books, including the bestselling Route 66: The Mother Road, which catapulted him to national prominence in 1990.
TIPS ON FOOD
Stopping to eat during a road trip can be expensive, very time consuming and maybe not as healthy as the dishes you can prepare at home. Here are some snack ideas that do not require a large bank account or iron stomach:
Popcorn
This treat lasts a long time in many environments. It is a great choice for a road trip.
Trail Mix
This healthy ensemble is another great choice. You can prepare you own design of trail mix adding cashews, walnuts, dried cranberries, dark chocolate covered raisins and more. That would be a real “hand-crafted” snack.
Drinks
Be sure to take plenty of water and other types of healthy beverages. It’s best to keep them in non-plastic containers.
You can bring red wine and other alcoholic beverages, but make sure you keep them unopened and in the trunk! Yes, an 8-oz. glass of red wine each day can be good for you…just not on the road during a road trip. That is not good for you or your license or your car.