The 3 Ps Of A Perfect 80s-Themed Road Trip

Going on a road trip is one of the trendiest ways to travel as studies show that 80% of Americans who still have vacation plans aim to do so by hitting the road. Not only are road trips a cheaper alternative to plane rides, but they also provide you with the opportunity to bond with the people traveling with you while you visit less-explored scenic spots along the way.

Contrary to what many would think, road trips are not only about exploring nature, but you can also have a themed road trip to make it more memorable. For example, with NostalgiaCon coming in September, now would be a perfect time to plan a road trip around 80s culture and its influences. Let’s take a look at how you can pull that off.

The Plan

As with any other travel plans, going on a road trip requires meticulous preparation. By carefully planning your trip, not only will you be able to maximize your time while hitting all the major stops you want to visit, but you are more likely to save money, too. Survey shows that on average, those who plan their trips at least four months before departure spend only an average of $370 for travel and accommodation. Meanwhile, those who plan in less than a month spend around $446.

As such, planning is such an essential part of a themed road trip. Have a relatively safe working budget, and book your accommodations early, ideally choosing hotels in places where significant events in the 80s took place. As well, you can also fully immerse yourself in the nostalgic vibe of the 80s if you have an older car with you, but if it’s been sitting in your garage for a long period of time, you might want to have it checked to ensure that it is in good working condition and that its fuel is still useable. Keep in mind that gas has a shelf life, so if the fuel has been in the tank for months, you may need to drain it and replace with fresh gas. This will ensure that you remain safe while on the road, and that you do not waste time on sudden pitstops for repairs.

The Places

There are a variety of places that you can visit when you’re planning an '80s-inspired road trip. The sheer number of significant landmarks, however, might make it impractical for you to visit all of them, so it is important that you carefully plan your route. This way, you don’t end up getting stressed out by trying to go to more places than you can manage.

One of the major cities that you can visit for a quick trip down memory lane is New York, which has no shortage for nostalgic spots. Not only did it serve as the backdrop for major movie hits of the '80s, including Wall Street and Ghostbusters, but it was also where major shifts in the music industry, such as the creation of hip-hop, happened. Meanwhile, you can also visit Cleveland, Ohio, home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and spend your time going through artifacts of the greatest musical acts from the '80s.

The Playlist

Music is an essential part of travel, especially if you’ll be on the road for long periods of time. It helps in boosting your mood, and it is scientifically proven to lower your stress levels while driving. However, it is important to have a well-curated playlist that contains various genres because studies also show that while slow-tempo music can temporarily boost a driver’s attention, it can also cause fatigue and reduce focus if listened to for long periods of time. Meanwhile, fast tempo music can be energizing, but it can also be distracting after an extended period.

Fortunately, the 80s is a great time for a wide variety of music, so you can create a playlist that is ideal for driving. Listen to lively tracks like “Boys of Summer” by Don Henley and “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. Alternate these with slower tracks like “I Remember You” by Skidrow and “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison. There are other musical hits that you can explore, and they’re sure to make your road trip more enjoyable.

Going on a themed road trip is not only a sure way to enjoy your vacation, but it also makes your trip more purposeful. It doesn’t have to be difficult to pull this off, too. As long as you carefully plan your trip, pick the best places for your route, and have your playlist ready, you’re sure to have a wonderful trip down memory lane while hitting the road.