Description

National Road Trip Day – May 23 is more than just a fun reason to take a long drive — it's a celebration of freedom, adventure, and good ol’ American wanderlust. It was created to kick off the summer travel season, giving you the perfect excuse to pack up and roll out.

History

Long before road trip playlists and drive-thru coffee, the spirit of the open road was already alive and well. The very first coast-to-coast road trip in the U.S. happened way back in 1903 when Horatio Nelson Jackson, a doctor from Vermont, bet he could drive across the country. He didn’t just win the bet — he made history, driving from San Francisco to New York City in a Winton touring car… with no road signs, no GPS, and barely any gas stations.

A few decades later, in 1926, Route 66 was born. This famous highway stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles and became the symbol of American travel and freedom. It carried dreamers, families, and adventurers across eight states and thousands of miles.

Road trips grew even more popular after World War II. As cars became more affordable and highways expanded, families began piling into station wagons for long summer drives, picnic baskets and all. The post-war era turned road-tripping into a national tradition.

Fast forward to today, and road trips are still thriving — only now we have apps, Bluetooth, air conditioning, and a lot more snacks. National Road Trip Day, established in recent years, keeps that century-old spirit alive, encouraging people to explore more and stress less.

How To Celebrate

1. Plan a Spontaneous Getaway

Hop in the car, pick a direction, and just go. Sometimes the best trips are the unplanned ones.

2. Take a Local Day Road Trip

Even places within an hour of your home can offer new scenery, food, and experiences. A day road trip is a great way to explore without the commitment of an overnight stay.

3. Create the Ultimate Road Trip Playlist

Road trips are basically soundtracked adventures. Curate your favorite songs and make a playlist that brings the vibes.

4. Pack the Perfect Snack Kit

Fuel your body while fueling your car. Think chips, trail mix, granola bars, and of course, road sodas (non-alcoholic, obviously!).

5. Decorate Your Car

Add a little flair — road trip banners, decals, or window chalk messages like “Adventure Time!” or “National Road Trip Day – Let’s Roll!”

6. Document Your Journey

Snap photos, shoot videos, and maybe even go live. You’ll be glad to have memories to look back on — and maybe inspire someone else.

Amazing Facts

1. The First U.S. Road Trip Was in 1903

A man named Horatio Nelson Jackson took the first documented cross-country road trip in 1903 — in a two-cylinder car without GPS, paved roads, or even gas stations. It took 63 days. Today, you can do the same trip in under a week with snacks and podcasts!

2. America Has Over 4 Million Miles of Roads

That’s a whole lot of pavement. It means nearly endless opportunities for day road trips, spontaneous detours, and scenic routes you’ve never driven before.

3. Route 66 Is the Most Famous Road Trip Route

Nicknamed the “Mother Road,” Route 66 has been featured in books, movies, songs, and countless road trips with friends. It stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica — and it's full of retro diners, quirky landmarks, and nostalgia.

4. The World’s Longest Road Trip Took Over 26 Years

Yes, really. One couple drove around the world for more than two decades. Talk about long-haul travel goals! While we’re big fans of the road trip day idea, there’s something epic about living life on the road that long.

5. 90% of Americans Prefer Road Trips Over Flying

Whether it’s the comfort of your own car or the ability to stop wherever you like, most travelers say road tripping beats dealing with airports. And let’s be honest — the snacks are better, too.

6. Some People Plan Their Whole Vacation Around Roadside Attractions

From the world’s largest ball of twine to dinosaur parks and UFO museums, road trippers love a weird stop. Half the fun of road trip with cars is pulling over for a photo with a giant lobster statue.

7. The Longest Straight Road Is in Saudi Arabia

It’s called Highway 85 and runs straight for nearly 160 miles. Perfect if you love cruise control — or really hate steering. In the U.S., the longest straight stretch is in North Dakota.

8. Road Trips Improve Mental Health

Multiple studies show that taking a break, seeing new places, and getting out of your daily routine boosts mood, reduces stress, and sparks creativity. Even a short day road trip can work wonders for your mindset.

Why We Love

1. Ultimate Freedom

You’re in control. There’s no boarding gate, no luggage limits, and definitely no schedule stress. Just your wheels and wherever they take you. A day road trip gives you that sweet taste of freedom without needing time off work.

2. Create Your Own Adventure

Want to pull over for a giant roadside donut? Go for it. Want to skip the tourist traps and find a hidden waterfall instead? Done. Road trips let you discover the world your way.

3. The Bonding Is Real

Ask anyone who’s gone on road trips with friends — there’s no better way to connect than hours spent singing off-key, sharing stories, and arguing over which gas station snacks are superior (it’s sour candy, obviously).

4. Budget-Friendly Vacations

Airfare can drain your wallet fast. But a full tank of gas and a cooler full of sandwiches? Now that’s smart travel. Even a road trip with cars loaded up with buddies becomes super affordable when you split the costs.

5. Scenery That Changes Every Hour

Mountains in the morning, beaches by noon, and desert sunsets by dinner? That’s the beauty of a road trip day — the view is always changing, and it's all right outside your window.

Importance

1. Mental Refresh and Emotional Reset

Life gets overwhelming, right? A quick road trip for a day can do wonders for your stress levels. Hitting the road gives your mind space to breathe. There’s something incredibly calming about long drives, open skies, and the hum of tires on the highway.

2. Strengthening Relationships

Road trips with friends, family, or even your partner create shared experiences that deepen your bond. You talk more, laugh harder, and remember moments you wouldn’t get during a typical day at home. From roadside diners to car karaoke battles, these are the memories that stick.

3. Encourages Exploration and Discovery

A road trip pushes you to step out of routine and explore the world around you. You’ll find small towns you never knew existed, roadside attractions you didn’t expect, and nature spots that don’t show up in brochures.

5. Budget-Friendly Travel With Big Rewards

Not everyone can afford plane tickets and hotels. But with a full tank of gas, a packed cooler, and a good attitude, you’ve got a full-day vacation at your fingertips.

6. Boosts Creativity and Inspiration

Seeing new landscapes, meeting new people, and breaking the usual routine can give your creativity a serious boost. Writers, musicians, and artists often hit the road just to get inspired. And even if you’re not an artist, you'll feel the mental shift — a fresh idea might hit you while driving past a sunflower field.

National Road Trip Day – May 23