Whether you are thinking about embarking on an epic road trip across the U.S with your partner, or you have already decided to go but need a bit of help with the planning side of the vacation, you have come to the right place.
Choosing an American road trip for your next romantic vacation is an excellent choice, with the opportunity to visit and explore a wide variety of destinations, spend some quality time together and even sleep under the stars if you want to. However, it does take a fair amount of planning, although, of course, you can factor in a bit of spontaneity as well. Variety is the spice of life as they say!
From preparing your vehicle for the many miles ahead to deciding which LGBTQ-friendly states you should visit, to deciding where to sleep, there are many elements of your road trip that should be thought about before you set off.
Keep reading to find out exactly what you need to do before embarking on your road trip with your partner to ensure that your trip is the ultimate one!
Before you decide where and when to go, you should sit down together and discuss what each of you wants to get from the trip. This could be relating to specific attractions or destinations you want to visit, or it could be about what you want the trip to offer in terms of your relationship. Maybe you want to spend more time really talking to each other, or perhaps you want to try and be a bit more adventurous as a couple? Whatever it is that your partner wants from the trip, make sure that you actively listen to them and take their requests on board.
If there are specific events or festivals that you both want to go to, then obviously you should plan your trip around these (work allowing, of course). For example, nearly every city has its own pride festival, which includes a parade, musical performances, and never-ending dance parties. Some of the most popular gay pride festivals are New York Pride, San Francisco Pride, and Chicago Pride, although these are all held in late June, so you might have a tricky decision on your hands.
Other top pride festivals include:
When choosing how long to go for, this will be dependent on your work schedule, how far you want to travel, and how long you think you can spend as a couple in a car together. That being said, a good suggestion would be between one week to ten days.
If you are planning to cover thousands of miles in a matter of days, then you need to make sure that your vehicle is in the best possible condition. Nothing could be worse than breaking down in the middle of nowhere – that is a sure-fire way to cause an argument, so not what you want on your romantic road trip!
Therefore, it is crucial that you take your car in for a service before you go (unless it has had one really recently). You should also ensure that you:
You will also want to look good as you drive along the open road, so it is a good idea to have your car detailed before you go. It is worth noting that car detailing will not only make your vehicle appear brand new again, but it will also help protect it against damages that you may encounter whilst driving long distances. CARPRO use nanotechnology in their detailing service (exterior and interior) to ensure that your car is thoroughly cleaned and protected, as well as being able to preserve its paintwork for as long as possible.
You can find LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods throughout the U.S, as well as having the opportunity to explore the roots of the modern LGBTQ movement at several famous landmarks.
You can’t go far wrong by traveling to San Francisco, California, which is often referred to as the “gay mecca” due to its diverse and welcoming residents and businesses. In fact, you can expect to see rainbow flags in nearly every establishment in this city. Head to the lesbian-friendly Mission District to see the expressive street art and dine in one of the top-notch taquerias.
New York is another excellent destination to visit as it is home to The Stonewall Inn, which received the first-ever historical LGBTQ landmark designation in 2016.
Other LGBTQ-friendly destinations that you may not have realized existed include:
As previously mentioned, you will probably want some degree of spontaneity on your trip, but having to find somewhere to stay each and every night after a long day’s driving can test even the most solid relationship. Therefore, it is a good idea to look into various types of accommodation before you leave.
Whether you prefer hotels, hostels, motels, or even camping, you will be able to find options for you and your partner that suit all budgets. If you do not have a lot of money to spend on your accommodation, why not camp for the majority of your trip, and then splurge on one night in a hotel in your favorite destination.
You may think that your accommodation, destinations, and means of transportation are the most critical aspects of your road trip, but you would be wrong! Your chosen playlist is what will make or break your vacation; therefore, it is crucial that you make yours together.
The secret to a successful couple’s playlist is compromise. You may have an aversion for your partner’s love of rock music, but let them pick a few of their favorite tunes, then they can’t say no to your catchy pop songs that you know will keep you both upbeat when you grow tired of driving.
