The open road...
There's just something about getting behind the wheel, opening the sun roof and hitting the open road.
I've been on my fair share of road trips throughout the years. Growing up in a big family of 6, airfare was never in the budget. We always drove to my grandparent's house in North Carolina when we visited during the summer.
After I grew up and began visiting them on my own with my husband and daughter, we continued that tradition of driving out each year. We pack a cooler full of snacks, create playlists to keep us entertained on the drive and throw a bunch of pillows and blankets in the back of the SUV to keep comfy while on the road.
We take frequent road trips; whether it be to visit my grandparents in North Carolina, or to pile in the car with friends for a quick weekend trip down to Key West, or even when it's just me and the kids driving to Orlando for a fun vacation.
I love the freedom a road trip affords us - we go wherever we want, whenever we want. I love the freedom of moving at your own pace. Stopping for bathroom breaks whenever you want, wandering around roadside souvenir stands, stopping along the side of the road in central Florida to buy fresh strawberries, or boiled peanuts on the side of the highway in Georgia...when I was in Colorado this past summer, my friends and I were driving around in the mountains and saw a museum sign. We just pulled over and went to the museum!
Of everywhere we've driven, I have to say that road tripping to Key West is my all time favorite.
The sun roof open with all that warm Florida sunshine on our faces - what could be better? We stop along the way for key lime pie on a stick and we always stop for lunch in different islands each time. When my husband is driving, I might have a mojito or pina colada with lunch!
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I will be heading out on my next road trip in two weeks. Chris and I are driving up to Savannah, Georgia for one day, where we will be doing a haunted walking tour and dining at a haunted restaurant! I've always wanted to visit Savannah, and this is going to be a fun little part of our larger road trip to Tennessee!
The next morning, we will drive up to Tennessee, where I will attend a small blogging retreat while Chris rides his motorcycle in Deal's Gap, North Carolina.
On the way home, I think we might stop in St Augustine, Florida. Or maybe Jacksonville...
That's half the fun of a road trip - you can make up your plans as you go along!
Over the next few months, I will be sharing stories about my own road trips, as well as more information about Kia Motors! For instance, I will be test driving a Kia Rio SX next week!
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Are you a fan of road trips? If so, where is your favorite place to go?
I wrote this post as a member of the Kia Motors Social Club, while participating in the #kiaroadtrip program, but all opinions are my own!
Brett
i like road trips too! i haven't ventured on many with the kids lately, but you are inspiring me to do so
i can't get over what sweet rides the new kias are...
Stefani
I love road trips as long as they aren't too far! I have been hearing about the cool panoramic windows and would love to drive on these cars to see them for myself.
Dawn
Oh my gosh, the two sun roofs are awesome!
Dawn
http://www.cheapisthenewclassy.com
Sharon Greenthal (
I like road trips, and the best part is that I never have to drive - my husband does it all!
Mariah
I am just now learning the love of road trips! Traveling with a toddler is much easier on the road than in the airport!
Amber Edwards
I LOVE road trips as long as I don't have to drive and the kids are well behaved. Sure would love a nice care like that kia though!
Michelle
Love road trips but haven't been on one in far too long. That looks like a great ride to take one in though!
Nichol
We drive everywhere however I must say Florida driving is the absolute most boring road trip ever. Living there for 6 years and traveling all around I have to say it is my least favorite there. I need hills and mountains:)
Melissa
How fun! We love road trips! We also love haunted walking tours, we may have to join you, haha!
Emily
Love a fun road trip and a comfy car makes all the difference!
Kristina Vanni
Road trips are the best, and with a view like that! What a great drive!
Mellisa
I LOVE road trips! My husband is not such a big fan of them so unfortunately I don't get to do many these days. Maybe if I had a Kia this nice to drive he might change his mind.
Beeb Ashcroft
I love road trips too! We usually take small 2 hour ones to Portland (Quite frequently, since we're on the OR coast and have to travel to PDX a lot to shop or what have you), but the longest we ever took was from Seaside, OR to Phoenix, Arizona. That was an unforgettable experience in many ways, LOL!
Andrea
I love road trips too! As a family we take all of our trips to visit friends and family over the road. I'd love to have a Kia to travel in!
Tesa
I love road trips too. It's fun when you get get off the beaten track or just venture out like you mentioned. Key West sounds amazing and like the perfect place to road trip. I've never been but would love to visit sometime, I've heard so many good things.
Have fun on your road trip! I look forward to following along!
Liz
I didn't realize you were making that such a big road trip. That is awesome! I'm going to have to fit Savannah in very soon too!
Joscelyn
Love roadtrips! We will be following your adventure! Sounds like a lot of fun with Kia. 🙂
Shell Fruscione
Sounds like you're going to have a great trip! We drove a Kia {the Optima Hybrid} for our last road trip & it was the perfect road trip car!
Samantha
Big fan of road trips. Love going on day trips or long days on Route 66!
Cassie
We leave in 2 days for a road trip to Orlando! I can't wait.
Notorious Spinks
I love a good road trip too! My favorite place is driving to ATL.