The quintessential road trip has been a staple of families ever since the advent of the automobile. In fact, it’s something that over 84 million Americans, 26.7 percent of the U.S. population, have done, , along with live entertainment and fun seasonal events.
Photo by Larry Johnson via Wikimedia Commons
Cañon City – Less than an hour’s drive from Colorado City, Cañon City features amazing attractions such as the Royal Gorge Bridge, the nation’s highest suspension. While driving through the Gorge is amazing in of itself, so is whitewater rafting down the Arkansas River.
Photo by Hustvedt via Wikimedia Commons
Telluride – Nestled within the San Juan Mountains, Telluride makes for a grand in-state road trip thanks to the amazing scenery and fun things to do along the way. When you get there, be prepared to indulge in a day of world-class skiing and snowboarding courtesy of the Telluride Ski Resort. During the summer, the town becomes a mecca for music and film lovers thanks to a wide variety of festivals, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Telluride Film Festival.
Photo of Bridal Veil Falls by Terry Foote via Wikimedia Commons
Things to Remember
- Having a reliable vehicle should be on the top of your road trip list. With many of the above destinations in easy reach, renting a car isn’t necessary in most cases. There are a variety of options for financing a vehicle even if your credit is far from pristine.
- Having a roadside emergency kit is also a must. As Consumer Reports notes, any basic kit should include a first-aid kit, cell phone, fire extinguisher, jumper cables and warning lights, for starters.
- Planning ahead isn’t just for cross-country trips – it’s important for any road trip, regardless of how short it is. Good planning will help you avoid detours, road closures and bad traffic while scheduling pit stops and sightseeing moments along the way.
