No one reads billboards anymore, except maybe the drivers. That’s because every one else in the car is watching a DVD, on a hand-held game, or on the computer, or text messaging the friends at home. Travelers have the Internet to give them information about hotels and roadside attractions.
After some pondering, I determined that in-car diversions are a good thing. I passed a billboard that screamed “Fireworks Superstore Outlet!” Every parent on the road needs a child’s incessant whining to stop for that.
Item #3. Fast food. There’s too much of it.
Item #4. Cops. There are too many of them.
Item #5. Traffic. There really isn’t much. I was especially amazed by the small amount of massive RVs on the road, but there really wasn’t much for car traffic either. There are varying trains of thought regarding the lonesome highway.
A. Gas is expensive. Who can afford a road trip these days?Item #6. We drove 12 hours straight without seeing one car from the home state. See Item #5, point A.
B. Some kids are back to school already. Summer is over.
Item #7. Every hotel offers free WiFi and breakfast these days, even the economy joints. Perhaps hotels should sweeten the pot by offering complex shower heads, Tempurpedic mattresses, in-room espresso makers, fresh flowers, Godiva chocolate, and European soaps and shampoos. Or at least a masseuse to knead the kinks out of one’s fanny after driving 1,200 miles nonstop in a Ford Focus.
When one is on the road, one has time to dream.
Article comments