Everyone loves a good vacation! However, in the midst of college assignments and activities, it is less than ideal to jet off to your dream travel destination. That is why road trips are perfect for busy college students, like you and I. They are great opportunities to get some good R&R without spending too much time or money.
Like all vacations, going on a road trip allows you to have fun and at the same time, learn some lessons. Since fall is finally here, many of you may be planning a road trip to see the beautiful fall foliage. I thought I would share some lessons I learned on my recent road trip to Bruce Peninsula National Park.
1. Take a break
College can be overwhelming with deadlines after deadlines, after deadlines. But it is always important to remind yourself to take a good break from time to time so you wouldn’t be burnt out by the end of the semester. One way to unwind and relax is to go on a road trip, because what’s more perfect than seeing beautiful sights with your friends?
There’s something about being close to nature that soothes your soul and refreshes your mind. I remembered feeling overwhelmed by the piles of readings I had to do and my road trip really gave me the chance to wind down and chill, allowing me to recharge for the coming week.
2. Put your phone away
On my recent road trip, I found myself digging into my pockets for my phone frequently to take multiple photos. And I’ll admit that I got slightly engrossed in taking a ‘perfect’ shot with the right angles so that it will be “Insta-worthy.” Though I left the park with a ton of nice photographs, a part of me wished that I had spent more time taking in the scenery.
In the age of social media and selfie addiction, it is tempting to whip out your phone the very moment you see a beautiful scene, just so that you can take that picture or selfie, and upload it on to your Facebook/Instagram/Twitter feed or blog. But sometimes, it can feel good to just put your phone aside after a few mandatory shots so that you can truly enjoy the moment.
3. Embrace differences
Nothing forces you to be closer to your friends than sharing a small space in a car with them for hours. When you are stuck in the car with your friends, this is the time to get to know them better: their music tastes (no matter how good or bad it is), their food preferences, anything. While you may have different personalities, learn to embrace those differences and you may even be able to find out something new about your travel companions!
4. Be adventurous
My friend and I were hiking when we were caught in an unexpected downpour. We were tempted to give up, but somehow our adventurous and fearless side took over us and we decided to continue. Luckily we did, because we managed to catch a view of the gorgeous sunset at the end of our hike. As cliché as it sounds, it was then that I realized that life is always more fun when you take a little gamble and do the unexpected.So when you go for your next road trip, be fearless and go off the beaten track!
Image sources:
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