Drivers and passengers share what makes an ideal road trip, from food en route to on-the-go style. More than 80 percent of respondents sharing that they truly love their cars, with about two-thirds saying they'd rather drive across the country than fly.
HOUSTON – The summer travel season is officially under way, and Jiffy Lube – an industry leader in vehicle preventive maintenance – has confirmed Americans’ love for the open road. According to a recent survey fielded by Jiffy Lube International, four in five Americans (78 percent) agree that road trips make the best vacations.
“Consumers love the freedom that the open road brings to their travels. Whether on a mission to find the best roadside diner in America or check a few national parks off their bucket list, road trips offer a little something for everyone,” said Steven C. Ledbetter, president of Jiffy Lube International. “Jiffy Lube is here to help drivers get to their final destinations worry-free while encouraging new adventures on the road ahead.”
Not surprisingly, this love for getting behind the wheel resulted in more than 80 percent of respondents sharing that they truly love their cars, with about two-thirds saying they’d rather drive across the country than fly. When it comes to road trip personalities, there is a clear divide between the “Planners” and the “Pilots.” Forty-four percent of women put themselves in the “Planner” category, noting that they prefer to ride shotgun, control the radio and take charge of the maps. Forty-three percent of men put themselves in the driver’s seat, literally, classifying themselves as the “Pilots,” choosing to drive and make the decisions on when and where to stop.
Culinary journey
Whether driving along coastal New England on a quest for the best clam chowder or going on a barbecue tour of the south, food is a big part of the trip for many. Half of those surveyed parked at a restaurant along the way versus eating while on the road. Even those who prefer to pack meals and snacks try to stop and enjoy surroundings, with 30 percent of Americans saying they like to pack picnic fixings for a stop at a roadside park or other scenic spot.
Road trip style
You don’t always know where the road will take you or what you’ll need when you get there, which can pose a problem for those looking to pack lightly. Without a strict itinerary, two in three Americans (64 percent) find packing for road trips tricky, even sharing that 67 percent always over pack since they don’t have to worry about airline baggage fees, weight limitations or security restrictions.
Regardless of how much or how little one packs, however, sweats reign supreme as the road trip uniform, with forty percent opting for sweat pants and t-shirts before piling into the car. That being said, more than 50 percent of both men and women always pack one must-have fashion favorite for once they reach their destination.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
