There are all sorts of ways to travel, and everyone chooses the style that suits them. For us, one stands above the rest as the ultimate travel experience. Roadtrips!
Let us show you the 14 reasons we love roadtrips and consider them the best idea for travelling.
1. Freedom without the pressure of time
One of the main reasons a roadtrip is irresistible is the freedom it gives you, with no time constraints. Yes, we agree that trains, planes and other forms of public transport have their charm. But who enjoys the endless waiting, the possible departure delays and the time you lose just getting to, say, the railway station? Especially when you want to head home and the next service is in 2 hours, or you want to go somewhere else. When you travel by road, you set your own schedule. The steering wheel in your hands gives you all the freedom you could want.
2. It’s easy to discover the ‘hidden gems’
Another reason we love road trips is that we can very easily discover a region’s hidden beauties. Whether far from a city centre, just outside it, or on the route between two cities, there are always treasures big and small you never expected to find — a picturesque neighbourhood, a lake, a path for a quiet walk and more. And even some well-known spots that may be harder to reach or far from your destination are easier to visit thanks to the flexibility your own vehicle gives you.
3. Affordability
If you think a road trip will blow your budget, you’re wrong. Quite the opposite, in fact. Most of the time a road trip is far more affordable — and by a wide margin. Even if you rent a vehicle, especially if you split the cost with friends, the budget stays low.
4. More destinations in less time
One of the best reasons we choose roadtrips is that you can… fit more travel into your time. And into your budget! For example, if you’ve planned to spend 4 days in Brussels, choosing a roadtrip lets you visit not only Brussels but also Rotterdam, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and a fantastic spot with windmills! ( coming soon roadtrip) Extra bonus? You can do it for the same money, or even less.
5. You listen to the music you love
On a road trip, your favourite music colours every drive. You can play nostalgic tunes, chill-out tracks for calm moments, or loud, rousing songs at full volume! One thing is for sure: what you hear will automatically ‘click’ with what you see, and a song will never be the same again after the trip, because it will bring to mind travelling roads and sweet memories.
6. The journey is the destination
A roadtrip is an adventure in itself — a powerful travel experience. It’s all about the fun, the laughs, the conversations, the landscapes and the places we’ll see. You won’t hear anyone ask ‘Are we there yet?’. Want to know why? Because everyone enjoys the journey and lets the road carry them. A roadtrip is about the moments, the laughter, about me, about you and about everyone who wants to live it!
7. All one crew!
Whether you travel with your partner, your friends, your family or fellow travellers you’ve never met, you’ll build a strong bond with them. Spending lots of time together in a short span, you open up and share stories, get to know your travel companion more deeply and discover new sides of everyone’s personality.
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8. Memories for a lifetime
When the trip ends, the experiences become memories — and road trips create some of the very best ones, moments you’ll carry with you for years.
9. Beautiful rest areas
Some rest and service areas may not be the most appealing and simply serve their purpose. But there are also those stops with the most stunning views and incredible scenery, where you can spend hours, relax and enjoy a little food and drink. And it’s certain that on a roadtrip you’ll get the chance to discover plenty of stops like these.
10. Games in the car
We love games in the car! The fun goes through the roof — energy, high spirits and joy, laughter, suspense, thinking, all depending on the game the group picks. We love them not only for the emotions they give us, but because thanks to them the group becomes one body, one team; we bond so fast that we often can’t wait to get back in the car! Mystery riddles, trivia games, Q&As, personality tests — whichever you choose, you’ll have a great time, and this kind of fun only a road trip can offer.
11. Look at this, look over there!
The road is full of surprises, as you never know what the next bend might bring. So one of the most exciting parts of the trip is when someone spots something and shouts to the rest of the group, ‘Look at this!’ or ‘Look at the deer on the side of the road.’ Or ‘Wow! Look at that bridge,’ and ‘Look what a strange building.’ The road is full of moments like these, which add the most pleasant note to the whole drive.
12. Spontaneity
Στα roadtrips έχεις το προνόμιο να είσαι ο αυθόρμητος εαυτός σου! Είναι πολύ πιο εύκολο όταν έχεις ένα όχημα στη διάθεσή σου να μένεις ανοιχτός σε νέες εμπειρίες που δεν είχες προγραμματίσει να ζήσεις από την αρχή του ταξιδιού. Λόγου χάρη, στην εξερεύνηση μιας καινούριας πόλης που λίγο πριν περάσεις την διασταύρωση, έτυχε να διαβάσεις για κάτι πολύ ενδιαφέρον που παίζει εκεί, εκείνη την ημέρα. Με το van στην πλήρη διάθεσή σου, ανάβεις φλας και πας να ζήσεις κάτι το καινούργιο, κάτι το διαφορετικό, που μέχρι πριν λίγα δευτερόλεπτα, δεν ήταν στο πρόγραμμα. Στην Altervan Roadtrips Experience είναι αυτό που μας χαρακτηρίζει. Παίρνουμε ζωή μέσα από το να είμαστε αυθόρμητοι και να λέμε «ΝΑΙ» στις περιπέτειες!
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13. Better stress management and problem-solving
Something unexpected is very likely to happen on a trip. The same goes for a roadtrip — unforeseen situations will come up. And that’s part of the charm. For example, you might get a flat tyre or face a long wait at the border. All these surprises, however, are a great way to train for whatever comes up in your everyday life too. If you choose to focus on the journey rather than the destination, you build character in calmly handling and solving any situation or new challenge. As a result, the unexpected improves your ability to manage stress and solve problems — something that’s useful in life, too!
14. Crossing a country is a unique experience
It’s a fact that only someone who has crossed a country by car can understand what a unique experience it is. That’s because you don’t just see the country’s big cities, but also its countryside, its little villages, the provinces and the people who make it up. Beyond that, you notice their shops and their houses with yards, and of course the beautiful nature that is your reward on the road, for the hours and the kilometres.
With love for travel, for roadtrips, for adventure.
The Altervan team.
