National Road Trip Day

Imagine the wind in your hair, your favorite music playing, and a full gas tank. That is what a great road trip is all about. Whether you’re going away for the weekend or driving across the country, road trips are all about freedom and fun. That is why we celebrate National Road Trip Day. It officially starts the summer vacation season. It’s the perfect time to get out there, explore new places, and make unforgettable memories.

Key Takeaways:

• National Road Trip Day is celebrated on the Friday before Memorial Day to kick off the summer travel season.
• It encourages Americans to embrace the freedom of the open road and explore new places, near or far.
• The holiday was started in 2019 by Pilot Flying J to inspire fun, family-friendly summer travel.
• You can celebrate with a mini road trip to nearby spots like lakes, small towns, or parks.

What Is National Road Trip Day?

National Road Trip Day is all about enjoying the fun of hitting the road. It encourages people to take a break from their daily routine and go on a road trip. Whether you head to the beach, the mountains, or a quiet little town, it’s the journey that matters most. It's a good day to discover new places, pack snacks on the way, and enjoy the open road's freedom. 

On this day, many families and friends go on summer road trips. Some check out national parks nearby, while others visit historic spots. The trip can be short or long, whatever you want. This day is a great reminder that you don’t have to travel far to have a good time.

Brief History

National Road Trip Day was first celebrated in 2019. It was created by Pilot Flying J, one of the biggest travel center companies in the U.S. Their goal was to help families kick off summer travel in a fun and positive way. They picked the Friday before Memorial Day because that’s when many people start their summer road trips.

The timing is perfect for planning long weekends, camping, or visiting national parks. The tradition of road trips goes back to the early 1900s when cars became more common. Over the years, driving across the country became part of American culture. From Route 66 to coastal highways, road trips became the way to explore the nation. National Road Trip Day celebrates this history and still keeps the spirit of travel alive for everyone.

When Is National Road Trip Day?

National Road Trip Day is celebrated annually on the Friday before Memorial Day. It's the start of the summer season and one of the best days to plan a summer road trip.

Future National Road Trip Day Dates

How To Celebrate National Road Trip Day?

There are lots of fun ways to celebrate this holiday. You can take a big trip or just stay nearby. What really matters is getting out, exploring, and making great memories.

Here are a few simple ways to make the most of the day.

1. Take a Mini Road Trip

Even a short trip can be exciting. Pick a spot close to you, it could be a lake, a charming little town, or a park. Pack snacks, drinks, and your favorite tunes. Take your phone charger and a paper map, just in case. Planning a quick road trip gives you something to look forward to. 

Whether it's a solo or family trip, use road trip day to unwind and enjoy the ride. Many people use this day to start their summer road trip holiday, with Memorial Day weekend on the horizon. So, take the day off and enjoy the freedom of the open road.

2. Visit a National Park

There are so many beautiful national parks around the country. They're perfect places to go on National Road Trip Day. Whether you like mountains, forests, rivers, or canyons, there’s a park for you.  Pick one nearby and hit the road! You can hike, take photos, or just relax in the fresh air. Most parks typically have picnic sites, hiking trails, and campsites. It's a great way to connect with nature. 

3. Stop at a Travel Center or Roadside Attraction 

A travel center is more than just a gas station. Most have food, restrooms, souvenirs, and space to stretch your legs. On road trip day, try to stop at one or two along the route. You can stop for a meal, purchase snacks, or take a break.

Also, keep an eye out for roadside attractions. Giant statues, unique museums, or odd signs are all excellent locations for a photo. These attractions have the potential to make a basic road trip a fun adventure. So, use a guidebook or travel app ahead of time to find cool stops along your route.

4. Make a Fun Playlist for the Trip

Music makes every road trip better. Before you hit the road, take a little time to make a playlist. Choose songs that make you happy, calm, or pumped up. Choose a mix of oldies but goodies and new tunes. If you're going with other people, invite them to add some of their favorite music as well. This makes the journey personal and enjoyable. 

You can also listen to podcasts or audiobooks. They make the time go by and can be enjoyable for everybody. On National Road Trip Day, the right music sets the tone for your adventure. Heading to a national park? Add some peaceful nature sounds, too. A good playlist can make even a long drive feel special. So roll down the windows, turn up the volume, and enjoy the ride!

5. Share Your Trip on Social Media 

Make your road trip day even more special by sharing it with the whole world. Capture photos during your journey and post them on social media. Utilize hashtags like #NationalRoadTripDay to join in the celebration. Snap a picture of a sunset, a cool roadside stop, or your favorite road trip snack. These little moments show the joy of the journey. Sharing your trip might inspire others to go on a road trip of their own. 

Plus, it’s a great way to look back and remember the fun. You can even put your photos into a digital photo book or write a blog post about your adventure. If you stop by any national parks, tag them to help support and promote nature travel!

Conclusion

National Road Trip Day is more than just a holiday, it’s a celebration of freedom, adventure, and the beauty of travel. It invites you to take a break, find new places, and bask in the simple joys of the open road. Whether you visit a national park, stop at a weird travel center, or embark on an extended summer road trip, the day gives you a chance to refresh and renew. You need not go far or spend much time enjoying it.

FAQ 1: Is It Better To Rent A Car Or Use My Own?

If your car is in great shape, use it! But if you’re worried about wear and tear or reliability, renting can be a safer option, especially for long-distance travel.

FAQ 2: What Are Some Must-have Apps For Road Trips?

Consider apps like Google Maps, Waze (for traffic), Spotify or Audible, GasBuddy (for gas prices), and iExit (to see what’s at the next highway exit).

FAQ 3: How Do I Keep Kids Entertained On A Road Trip?

Bring books, games, tablets, snacks, and play road trip games like “I Spy” or license plate bingo. Frequent stops and surprises help, too!