Wow. I was in awe when I looked back at the road trip that my best buddy planned to top off our senior year of college. The detail and planning were absolutely incredible – something that I don't think I fully appreciated until 6 months after the fact. Safe to say, I'd put him in the top 1% of trip planners out there! But, the most important thing was the memories that we were able to form over that 3-week stretch – it's strange to say but I actually DO miss the squeezed minivan that was way overcapacity with 7 of us + bags + food + camping gear, the cold nights in the tent filled with plenty of snoring, methane, and bodies side-by-side, the sandwich lunches that we ate every single day, and the fact that we showered about every 3 days (you get used to the stench, trust me).
Despite the minimalistic conditions, we had sooooo many great memories, laughs, and stories that will never be forgotten nor will we ever get the chance to do it again – well, unless we upend our jobs, relationships, and responsibilities for 3 straight weeks. We might have a short weekend trip or meet up for a fun lake house stint, but our road trip will never be replaced. That makes the experience that much greater, spanning 12 national parks, 8 states, and 5000 miles. Un. Re. Place. Able.
I don't mean to say these things to brag, but rather to encourage people to seize the opportunity to travel, see the world, or visit somewhere you've always wanted to go while you can – I'm looking at you, college students, and young professionals without major responsibilities 👀. I promise you won't regret it, and we live for experiences and good memories with others, so go make some of those!
I also thought it would be a sin to not share the itinerary with y'all, so I attached it here! Hopefully you get some newfound ideas and travel inspiration, heck you could even copy the exact path that we went on if you've got the time.
Just think to yourself, "If I could go anywhere in the world right now for a week, where would I go?"
P.S. Capitol Reef is super underrated - you'll see the sky clearer than you've ever seen it before, guaranteed.