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Road Trips
Road Trips
There is nothing more American than getting in a car and going on a cross-country road trip. There is something about the freedom of the open road that you can't experience when traveling any other way. America is uniquely suited for cross-country road trips. There a comprehensive network of highways, ample road side services and plenty to see and do.
In the early days of the automobile, cross-country road trips were difficult. Roads were poor and there were few services available along the way. In 1926 the government started numbering highways and routes. These were usually two lane roads that connected cities and towns in a somewhat haphazard pattern. It made cross-country road trips easier and contributed to the development of America's car culture. The most famous of these was Route 66 from Los Angeles to Chicago. It became popular because of the television series of the same name. In 1956 construction began on the American Interstate Highway System. Within a decade there were interstate highways criss crossing the United States. Services and entire towns developed around the Interstate Highway System. This made long road trips faster and more convenient, but devastated many towns that lined the old route system. Even famous roads like Route 66 fell into disrepair only to be traveled by those seeking nostalgia.
Several features of a cross-country road trip must be considered before departure. The vehicle is the primary concern. It must be capable of traveling long distances. Be sure your vehicle is in good condition before you leave. Change the oil, check the wiper blades and inflate the tires. Gas mileage is a major concern. On a cross-country road trip you can save hundreds of dollars in gas by driving a vehicle that is more fuel efficient. You will also need places to stay and eat. There are many chain gas stations, motels and restaurants along American roadways. Many offer customer loyalty programs. On a cross-country road trip these programs can save you money.
The Interstate Highway System covers nearly 50 thousand miles. America is vast and there is plenty to see. It is important to allow adequate time to cover the distance and enjoy the drive. Calculating travel time involves many variables other than distance. Speed limits vary from state to state and highway to highway. Traffic is a significant concern in cities especially during rush hours. Road construction is a constant frustration and should be expected.
Geography is an important consideration on a cross-country road trip. Diving over tall mountains takes much longer than covering the same distance on flat land. Your vehicle works harder, burns more gas and is often stuck behind slow moving trucks. Weather is also a significant factor. Heavy rain or snow can lead to flooding and closed roads. In sparsely populated areas drivers may have a hard time finding gas stations, food and lodging. It is important to plan for this.
A cross-country road trip can be the adventure of a lifetime. There is something incredibly satisfying about highlighting your path on a map. When you drive cross-country you feel the distance traveled. You appreciate the miles between where you came from and where you are going. When you are behind the wheel of a vehicle you have the freedom to go wherever you want and stay as long as you like. If you feel like changing your plan or making a detour you can do it without delay. You can visit "out of the way" places you never knew existed, meet interesting people and experience vivid subcultures hiding between major cities. It is impossible to comprehend what it is like to watch America's scenery change before your eyes unless you take a cross-country road trip yourself.
There are several risks cross-country travelers should consider. Driver fatigue leads to accidents and fatalities. Stop and rest when you are tired. Be aware of the condition of their vehicle. You don't want to break down in an area where there are no services. Gas is also a major expense. Calculate what you will spend on gas before you depart so there will be no surprises. Keep in mind that gas prices vary from state to state. Try to fill up in states with cheap gas. Use common sense on a cross-country road trip. Avoid getting lost, becoming a victim of crime and speeding. Cross-country road trips are supposed to be fun. Slow down and enjoy yourself.
There is nothing more American than getting in a car and going on a cross-country road trip. There is something about the freedom of the open road that you can't experience when traveling any other way. America is uniquely suited for cross-country road trips. There a comprehensive network of highways, ample road side services and plenty to see and do.
In the early days of the automobile, cross-country road trips were difficult. Roads were poor and there were few services available along the way. In 1926 the government started numbering highways and routes. These were usually two lane roads that connected cities and towns in a somewhat haphazard pattern. It made cross-country road trips easier and contributed to the development of America's car culture. The most famous of these was Route 66 from Los Angeles to Chicago. It became popular because of the television series of the same name. In 1956 construction began on the American Interstate Highway System. Within a decade there were interstate highways criss crossing the United States. Services and entire towns developed around the Interstate Highway System. This made long road trips faster and more convenient, but devastated many towns that lined the old route system. Even famous roads like Route 66 fell into disrepair only to be traveled by those seeking nostalgia.
Several features of a cross-country road trip must be considered before departure. The vehicle is the primary concern. It must be capable of traveling long distances. Be sure your vehicle is in good condition before you leave. Change the oil, check the wiper blades and inflate the tires. Gas mileage is a major concern. On a cross-country road trip you can save hundreds of dollars in gas by driving a vehicle that is more fuel efficient. You will also need places to stay and eat. There are many chain gas stations, motels and restaurants along American roadways. Many offer customer loyalty programs. On a cross-country road trip these programs can save you money.
The Interstate Highway System covers nearly 50 thousand miles. America is vast and there is plenty to see. It is important to allow adequate time to cover the distance and enjoy the drive. Calculating travel time involves many variables other than distance. Speed limits vary from state to state and highway to highway. Traffic is a significant concern in cities especially during rush hours. Road construction is a constant frustration and should be expected.
Geography is an important consideration on a cross-country road trip. Diving over tall mountains takes much longer than covering the same distance on flat land. Your vehicle works harder, burns more gas and is often stuck behind slow moving trucks. Weather is also a significant factor. Heavy rain or snow can lead to flooding and closed roads. In sparsely populated areas drivers may have a hard time finding gas stations, food and lodging. It is important to plan for this.
A cross-country road trip can be the adventure of a lifetime. There is something incredibly satisfying about highlighting your path on a map. When you drive cross-country you feel the distance traveled. You appreciate the miles between where you came from and where you are going. When you are behind the wheel of a vehicle you have the freedom to go wherever you want and stay as long as you like. If you feel like changing your plan or making a detour you can do it without delay. You can visit "out of the way" places you never knew existed, meet interesting people and experience vivid subcultures hiding between major cities. It is impossible to comprehend what it is like to watch America's scenery change before your eyes unless you take a cross-country road trip yourself.
There are several risks cross-country travelers should consider. Driver fatigue leads to accidents and fatalities. Stop and rest when you are tired. Be aware of the condition of their vehicle. You don't want to break down in an area where there are no services. Gas is also a major expense. Calculate what you will spend on gas before you depart so there will be no surprises. Keep in mind that gas prices vary from state to state. Try to fill up in states with cheap gas. Use common sense on a cross-country road trip. Avoid getting lost, becoming a victim of crime and speeding. Cross-country road trips are supposed to be fun. Slow down and enjoy yourself.
Road Trip Video
Shooting video on a long road trip is wonderful way to keep a travel log. It condenses the experience into a visual summary that can be shared with others and revive your memories years later. Watching video tape of a long road trip takes the viewer along for the ride. With a little planning and effort, you can create a video road trip masterpiece.
Start at the beginning. This sounds basic but many people fail to do it. Get the video camera out before you leave on your long road trip. Show the preparations, the packing and the itinerary. Talk to the camera and reflect on how excited you are about your journey. Have the camera rolling as you drive away waving to weeping relatives.
Keep the video camera handy. Many precious moments are lost because people don't want to dig out the video camera. Keep it in a place where you can grab it every time you get out of the car. Get in the habit of keeping the video camera with you. A few seconds of video at each place is all it takes to immortalize the experience on tape. Video on a long road trip is about the passage of distance and time. If you shoot a lot in one place and nothing in another, your video will give a warped perception of how long you spent in each. Shoot a little every day and you will feel the passage of time.
Shoot chapters. Any long road trip can be broken up into sections. It usually involves long stretches of road punctuated by stops at memorable landmarks. At these landmarks make a point of saying that you are entering a new phase of your road trip. Breaking the video into chapters makes it easier to digest. Consider a reoccurring theme to divide chapters. This could be a skyline, signpost or a title written on a piece of paper.
Always remember that it is all about the journey. Don't forget to video tape time on the road. Some of the most memorable moments are out in the middle of nowhere. Shoot video of funky rest stops, interesting people and bizarre meals you eat. Shoot yourself driving, listening to the radio and reading a map. Most of all, shoot the scenery as you drive by. All these things give your video a feel for the miles you drove.
Edit in the camera. Shooting everything from the same perspective and focal length gets boring fast. Every scene requires wide shots, medium shots and close ups. Mix these up while shooting. For example, start with a wide shot of a scene to establish where you are. Follow with a close up of something unusual. Next shoot a medium shot showing the unusual thing in context with its surroundings. Mix it up and repeat. Avoid zooming, panning and tilting the camera. It is usually shaky and makes people dizzy. Use a tripod whenever possible, especially when you are shooting yourself or something far away. Steady shots are much more compelling and take the focus off your camera work.
Pay attention to seemingly mundane details. A funny sign, unusual accent or ridiculous price can be just the detail that makes your video memorable. If you find something unusual, take some video of it. You can laugh about it later.
Reflect on your experiences. When you do or see something memorable, be sure to tell the camera how it made you feel. Emotions are fleeting. It is difficult to remember them accurately even a short time later. Reflecting to the camera preserves your emotions for all time. Years later you may be surprised how your memory and the tape differ.
Nothing is worse than running out of videotape or batteries at an important moment. Always keep extra tapes with you and recharge your camera every night.
Shooting video on a long road trip is wonderful way to keep a travel log. It condenses the experience into a visual summary that can be shared with others and revive your memories years later. Watching video tape of a long road trip takes the viewer along for the ride. With a little planning and effort, you can create a video road trip masterpiece.
Start at the beginning. This sounds basic but many people fail to do it. Get the video camera out before you leave on your long road trip. Show the preparations, the packing and the itinerary. Talk to the camera and reflect on how excited you are about your journey. Have the camera rolling as you drive away waving to weeping relatives.
Keep the video camera handy. Many precious moments are lost because people don't want to dig out the video camera. Keep it in a place where you can grab it every time you get out of the car. Get in the habit of keeping the video camera with you. A few seconds of video at each place is all it takes to immortalize the experience on tape. Video on a long road trip is about the passage of distance and time. If you shoot a lot in one place and nothing in another, your video will give a warped perception of how long you spent in each. Shoot a little every day and you will feel the passage of time.
Shoot chapters. Any long road trip can be broken up into sections. It usually involves long stretches of road punctuated by stops at memorable landmarks. At these landmarks make a point of saying that you are entering a new phase of your road trip. Breaking the video into chapters makes it easier to digest. Consider a reoccurring theme to divide chapters. This could be a skyline, signpost or a title written on a piece of paper.
Always remember that it is all about the journey. Don't forget to video tape time on the road. Some of the most memorable moments are out in the middle of nowhere. Shoot video of funky rest stops, interesting people and bizarre meals you eat. Shoot yourself driving, listening to the radio and reading a map. Most of all, shoot the scenery as you drive by. All these things give your video a feel for the miles you drove.
Edit in the camera. Shooting everything from the same perspective and focal length gets boring fast. Every scene requires wide shots, medium shots and close ups. Mix these up while shooting. For example, start with a wide shot of a scene to establish where you are. Follow with a close up of something unusual. Next shoot a medium shot showing the unusual thing in context with its surroundings. Mix it up and repeat. Avoid zooming, panning and tilting the camera. It is usually shaky and makes people dizzy. Use a tripod whenever possible, especially when you are shooting yourself or something far away. Steady shots are much more compelling and take the focus off your camera work.
Pay attention to seemingly mundane details. A funny sign, unusual accent or ridiculous price can be just the detail that makes your video memorable. If you find something unusual, take some video of it. You can laugh about it later.
Reflect on your experiences. When you do or see something memorable, be sure to tell the camera how it made you feel. Emotions are fleeting. It is difficult to remember them accurately even a short time later. Reflecting to the camera preserves your emotions for all time. Years later you may be surprised how your memory and the tape differ.
Nothing is worse than running out of videotape or batteries at an important moment. Always keep extra tapes with you and recharge your camera every night.
International Driver License
Many travelers obtain an international driver license before going to a foreign country even if they do not plan to drive. An international driver license translates your personal information into ten languages. This makes it understood in just about every place on Earth. If you ever need to deal with local authorities, an international driver license can help you communicate. Also, travelers often rent vehicles unexpectedly. Motorcycles, mopeds, and dune buggies are commonly used in resort areas.
More than 150 countries recognize the validity of an international driver license. A list of these countries is on the international driver license application. A link to the application is provided below in the Resources section.
An international driver license entitles the bearer to operate a motor vehicle in any country that recognizes it. The types of vehicles the bearer can operate are exactly the same as the types listed on their American driver license.
You must have a valid driver license issued by a U.S. state or territory in order to obtain an international driver license. You should take both with you when you travel abroad. You must also be at least 18 years old. License holders younger than that are ineligible for an international driver license.
The U.S. Department of State has authorized two agencies to issue international drive licenses. They are the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance.
Download the application and fill it out. Take two passport photos and sign the back of each. Write a check or obtain a money order for the $15 fee. Take all of it to a AAA office or mail it to the address on the application form. You must also show your valid U.S. driver license. If you are mailing your application, include copies of both sides of your license.
An international driver license is valid for one year. The user can declare when they want that one year to begin, but it can not be more than 6 months from when the international driver license is issued. There are no renewals. When your international driver license expires you must apply all over again.
Many travelers obtain an international driver license before going to a foreign country even if they do not plan to drive. An international driver license translates your personal information into ten languages. This makes it understood in just about every place on Earth. If you ever need to deal with local authorities, an international driver license can help you communicate. Also, travelers often rent vehicles unexpectedly. Motorcycles, mopeds, and dune buggies are commonly used in resort areas.
More than 150 countries recognize the validity of an international driver license. A list of these countries is on the international driver license application. A link to the application is provided below in the Resources section.
An international driver license entitles the bearer to operate a motor vehicle in any country that recognizes it. The types of vehicles the bearer can operate are exactly the same as the types listed on their American driver license.
You must have a valid driver license issued by a U.S. state or territory in order to obtain an international driver license. You should take both with you when you travel abroad. You must also be at least 18 years old. License holders younger than that are ineligible for an international driver license.
The U.S. Department of State has authorized two agencies to issue international drive licenses. They are the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance.
Download the application and fill it out. Take two passport photos and sign the back of each. Write a check or obtain a money order for the $15 fee. Take all of it to a AAA office or mail it to the address on the application form. You must also show your valid U.S. driver license. If you are mailing your application, include copies of both sides of your license.
An international driver license is valid for one year. The user can declare when they want that one year to begin, but it can not be more than 6 months from when the international driver license is issued. There are no renewals. When your international driver license expires you must apply all over again.
