This year I had planned to go to France, but had some unfortunate financial issues, so I’m not going to France and have 8 vacation days to take between now and mid-November. I am planning to take a four-day weekend soon, and don’t know where to go. I’ve researched, and it seems everywhere is either too expensive or is somewhere I went with my ex-husband and will bring back bad memories. I’m thinking of just getting in the car and driving north from Florida, either toward the mountains or the ocean. Am I crazy? I’m a single, middle-aged woman and am used to being alone and wonder whether I will be really lonely or will regret this, although it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.
In my experience those are the best kinds of trips. There is no pressure to check any particular site off your list, just you and the road.
Go for it. You could have a blast. And, if you decide after a while that you’re not enjoying it, you could always to back. It’s nice to have some possible destination in mind, but not really caring if you get there or not, free to change course, take all the detours you want, travel the back roads, etc.
If you have AAA or know someone who does, they have guidebooks that tell all sorts of things about the smaller towns you will pass through. That way, when you find yourself at some county seat you’ll know if they have a factory tour or local museum to spend some time at.
If it’s something you’ve always wanted to do, you absolutely should do it.
Me, I have to have something of a plan. I like to know what’s available in the area, and when it’s open, etc. So my advice, as others suggest, is to pick up some guidebooks at the library and keep them in the car so that you can consult them as to what to do.
I also need something of a plan because I’m likely to talk myself out of doing things – I’ll get caught up in a book or something, or just enjoying the drive, and then never see anything. With a list, I’m more likely to do at least some of the things I’ve read about.
So do it!