For most American families, vacations – those once-a-year, major road trips – take place in late June through the middle of August. Other than being able to bake to a red crisp on a sandy beach along the coast, I can’t think of a worse time to take a road trip.
Traffic is awful, gas prices mysteriously go up, the rates for cottages and motels are at their peak, the lines to restaurants are long, tourists are everywhere and – in really hot weather – the fish don’t bite.
I have discovered the two best times of all for a road trip and a vacation – the week after Memorial Day and the week after Labor Day. During those two weeks, wherever you go, it’s like a ghost town. You can have Nags Head to yourself the week after Memorial Day and you can choose any motel room you desire at Virginia Beach. Plus, these two weeks usually offer good fishing, golfing and other outdoor opportunities, and without the ultra-hot weather.
The only problem with these dates has to do with the pitter-patter of little feet. Rugrats. Kids. Unfortunately there is this thing called school that interferes with convenient, affordable road trips as well as activities such as summer soccer, lacrosse, baseball, track, swim meets, horse competitions, gymnastic classes and who knows what else.
But cheer up all you young parents out there. They will grow up – faster than you’d like – and then, hopefully, they will move out.
Then it’s your turn to schedule a great road trip at the perfect time.