A couple of months ago I was invited to join TWIN: Toyota Women’s Influencer Network. It is such an honor and privilege to have joined a community supporting a brand that I so passionately believe in. Over the upcoming months you will see more posts regarding my relationship with TWIN, however, in my fifth post of the series I thought I would reflect upon a road trip I took my then Toyota 4 Runner on. You can read my other posts of the series here, here, here, and here.
Is there anything more adventurous than an epic road trip? Before I moved to New York City from San Diego and sold my car, I decided to take a 2 week drive along Highway 1; starting from San Diego all the way up to the Oregon border and back down again (with a little side-trip to Mexico included).
The only rules of the trip: there would be no set agenda and I could stop whenever and wherever my heart so desired!
While I was sad to leave San Diego, I was also excited to begin my new life in New York City. However, before I left I wanted to see more of California, as I had no idea when I would ever be back on the West Coast.
Prior to beginning my journey on Highway 1, I went to Barnes & Noble and bought 2 essentials: Lonely Planet’s Coastal California guide and Jack Kerouac’s On the Road (via CD’s). Both contributed to this trip in countless ways.
I have to admit that growing up I ignorantly imagined that all of the beautiful and important things to see in life existed in foreign lands. After seeing the majestic landscapes of California, I quickly realized that America also contains some of the world’s treasures.
What was your favorite road trip and/or which one is your heart set on one day embarking upon?
Disclosure: I was selected for participation in the TWIN community through a program with Clever Girls Collective. I did not receive any compensation for writing this post, or payment in exchange for participating. The opinions expressed herein are mine, and do not reflect the views of the Toyota.
My favorite was a solo road trip I took when I was in my twenties (same road just starting north and heading south)… I grew up in a small PA town, so when I got the chance to go to San Francisco I jumped at it. I spent a few days in the city and then took the coastal Route 1 to Laguna Beach. It was an amazing journey and it also reminded me of how many things there are to see right here in the US.. Although I wouldn’t turn down a trip to Italy, lol:)
I love that you took a similar trip to me and it touched you as well!!! Cheers to female solo road trips in Cali! 🙂
I love my California coastline! So glad you got to take that roadtrip.
It’s oh so gorgeous…I definitely want to do the drive again one day!
My boyfriend and I drove from Las Vegas all the way through most of Arizona, Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Phoenix, Tuscon! It wasn’t the longest trip, but as an East Coast girl I had always dreamed of driving that open road through the plains and plateaus, it was beautiful! The feeling of accomplishing something you have always wanted to do is incredible! : )
I stopped at these places too, just gorgeous!!! Especially Sedona and the Grand Canyon wow! So glad that you did this romantic road trip with your bf. 🙂
California is such an awesome state. If I weren’t in love with Sweden/Europe I’d probably be missing it a ton more but feel really luck that it is one of my “homes”. I drove my little brother from my parents’ house in Orange County all the way up to Crescent City and the Redwoods for his Spring Break a couple of years ago. SO.MUCH.DRIVING. It was exhausting but also incredibly worth it not only for the quality bonding time we got but also for all the gorgeous nature we saw.
Yes, suuuuch a long drive but oh so worth it! I was in Cali last week and I had forgotten how awesome of a state it is.
“I have to admit that growing up I ignorantly imagined that all of the beautiful and important things to see in life existed in foreign lands. After seeing the majestic landscapes of California, I quickly realized that America also contains some of the world’s treasures.” <— THAT. I came to that exact realization on my road trip as well. I took my Chevy Tracker 5,500 miles from Omaha, NE to Seattle, down the coast to L.A. and back through Phoenix and Denver.
While I still want to see the world, the U.S. is a very, very beautiful place. 🙂
Ooooh what an awesome road trip!!! I so want to take my hubby over to the part of our country now. 🙂
What awesome pics!
Thank you!
Toyota is a great company!
Couldn’t agree more!!!
Awesome website you have! 🙂
Thanks Will!
What an awesome road trip! I flew from San Fran to New York (how funny we both lived in Cali before NYC!!!) and now I feel like I’ve cheated.
You so cheated yourself, you gotta go back!
i love road trips with ‘no’ itinerary like this! personally i have loved every road trip ive been on in norway…i must stop 40 times to take photos it is just THAT beautiful!
If I lived in Europe I’d be either on a road trip or a train every weekend somewhere new!
I would have to say Highway 1 is my absolute favorite too! I grew up in the Utah Desert and the West Coast has a special place in my heart that can never be replaced!
What an incredible place to grow up!!!
Road trips really are the best! One of my best ones was driving from Houston, TX to Estes Park, CO with my mom. We stopped overnight in Oklahoma. I was in either late high school or early college–can’t remember. But it was such a great bonding experience and fun to see other parts of the country!
I took a road trip with my Mom too and it really bonded us as well!!! XO
There is no greater joy in life than road trips!
The best ones I have ever been on were right here at home, driving through the mountains (The Laurentians, north of Montreal) and in Switzerland (Zurich-Lucerne-Interlaken).
Being on the open road, in great company but most importantly with a great & safe vehicle makes it all even more special.
We are too busy in our daily lives but road trips allow us to stop and admire nature’s wonderful creations right?
I couldn’t agree more!!! I have taken a couple of really special road trips that I felt changed my life. How amazing that you took a road trip in Switzerland. I’m dying to do one in South America!
Andi I just love your life!
What a sweet thing to say Amy!
Your pics are GORGEOUS!
Thanks Di!
It may be cliche but I want to do Route 66. Also hubby and I want to drive to the North Pole from San Francisco, my friend at work just did and it sounds AMAZING!
Oh wow, now I have something to add to my Bucket List!!!!! Route 66 is SO much fun!
I have a Toyota and loooove it!
Which model?
love that highway I would say the road trip we just did was pretty cool
Where did you go???
this goes to my bookmark list. fantastic post!
Thanks Lisa!!!
Next time take me with you mama… our road trip would ROCK! 🙂
Heck yeah it would! I’ve never ever met someone who makes me laugh as much as you!!!
i always say, you have the most amazing blog!
Thank you sooo much Barbara!
As always an excellent posting. The way you write is awesome!!!
Thanks for your sweet words Alma!
looking forward to another great article about toyota, love them!
Coming up soon I promise!
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Loved this post!
Yay!!!
You look so beautiful with that flower!
Awww thank you!
I loved this post!!!
Thanks Ken!
its great stuff. thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it Celi!
I’m dying to go to Quebec City and then drive from there over to the eastern Coast of Canada – Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland.
Oh wow what a road trip that would be!!!
I would love to explore Cali some more!
It’s an incredible state!
Awesome post, you are so inspiring!
Thank you so much Diva!
I want to see a pic of you in the car!
Wish I had one!!!
Great post!
Thanks Al!
very nice and meaningful post 🙂
Thanks Ally!
hi nice post, i have to comment to say your website is awesome, i’m glad i found your blog!
Thanks Al, glad you found me!
Toyotas are awesome cars!
Couldn’t agree more!
this blog is definitely an inspiration!
So happy to hear that Augusta!
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