There’s a difference in traveling on an airplane, a train, a bus, an RV and a car. For those who venture out in a car to get to a far off destination, the car offers the most freedom. A more spacious automobile makes the journey more comfortable. However, you make your own schedule. You choose the route that best suits your needs, whether it be more scenic or the least time consuming. You can stop for sight seeing, toilet trips, food and even rest. On American roads and highways, there is something unique that is not available in other countries.
Europe has scaled down motorway services that feature petroleum, a convenience store and some fast food outlets. Australia has roadhouses in remote areas that offer lodging and camping. Canada has the same major truck & travel chains as does the US but with a smaller population, the market is less consolidated and there are far fewer of them throughout Canada. It is in the US that one can experience the true benefits of the American Travel Center.
With the inception of a vast network of state and federal highways, American trucks have carried freight throughout the country. The truck stop was created for the long haul trucker. It became a necessity to assist the truck driver on long drives. Over time, adventurous and transient seeking Americans who began exploring their country were the next step in the evolution of the truck stop into travel center.
Some of the companies are household names with a chain of facilities across America. Flying J, Pilot( same company now), Loves, TA, and a string of independent companies offering the same type of services. Buccee’s is a whole different level of travel stop that is in Texas and the southeast. So, when you get into the car for that long trip with friends and loved ones, the travel center will be there to lighten your load. How, you may ask? Let me count the ways:
First anxiety to overcome is running out of fuel. Fuel up. Full. Make sure to calculate when the next fuel stop will be. You don’t want the stress of watching your fuel gauge tick closer and closer to the “E”. Check. (Just a side note: Prices for fuel are higher than other stand alone gas stations. You’re paying for all of the other services)
Your bladder is screaming for release. Not a problem. Travel Centers offer multiple bathroom stalls reducing the stress of encountering an extended wait. Check.
You’re hungry. Trust me. You will find something to eat from the mini market to the checkout counter as many facilities have prepared hot items available under the heat lamps…(not sure about that chalupa that’s probably been sun tanning for a few hours there and might taste like leather now), to fast food chains like McDonalds, Subway, Arby’s(Big Fan!), Taco Bell, etc. So….another Check.
Vehicle maintenance. You may need oil, anti-freeze or a car light bulb that is available for purchase inside. And you may want to clean your windshield. Do it. Do it now. Don’t assume that the kamikaze patrol of dead bugs on the glass is going to somehow fly off while you continue to drive. It won’t. It only gets worse. They harden. Like plaster. It is common to dip the squeegee in the foulest of smells bug water but it still does the job.(I do wonder if a flying insects last moment is a blissfully ignorant death). Check.
Stretching. Driving long hours tends to have a negative impact on the neck, shoulders, back, butt, and legs. Take advantage of this time. Step outside of the vehicle and get a good stretch. Stretch! Oh and use this time to flatulate while your other passengers are inside. Doing so in the car with others present is just plain rude. Check
Cigarette break. For those who smoke.( Don’t smoke near the gas pumps please) Check.
Dog park. There may be one or there may just be some place to walk your canine friend so he/she can do their business. (I don’t understand traveling with pets….) Check.
Conjugal visit. Ok this is really for the truck driver as it is not uncommon for some form of prostitution to be around. I have rarely seen it but it does happen. I’m not actively looking for it either. The typical traveler won’t notice this because it is not universal at all truck/travel stops and if it is present, it’s happening where the large semi trucks congregate outside in the back or out to the side of the facility and you’re not likely to see the transactions transpire. Check.
Shower. Yes. These places have showers. They are for a price($6 – $12) and usually truckers who have a fuel/membership card get a discount or even get compensated free showers. If you are traveling with a companion, it’s ok to have two people use the showers. Depending on the time, there may be a considerable wait or there may be availability and no wait at all. It depends. A private room with a toilet, sink and shower. Can’t beat that. Check.
Laundry. This is utilized by and large by the truckers but it is available if you need it. There are coin laundry services available on site. If your pet soils the floor rugs or if one or more of your passengers gets car sick and vomits or if a passenger has incontinence then this service may be perfect for you. (You may have a driver or be the driver who tells the passengers to hold it because too many stops kills time…Guilty….) Check.
Shopping. Travel Centers have merchandise to purchase. Souvenirs, novelty items and the like are available and in certain parts of the country, you will find regional items specific to that area. i.e alligator and crawfish merchandise in, say, Louisiana or mini Statues of Liberty in the New York area. Check.
Rest/Sleep. Don’t drive tired. Travel Centers are a great place to stop and rest, even sleep. It is generally safe as the lots are well lit and there are staff and other travelers nearby. I believe that there are also surveillance cameras. All of this makes for a safer experience and deters criminal behavior. Depending on the vehicle you’re in, it may not be ideal or entirely comfortable sleeping in your car. Plus, if it’s hot and muggy outside, you may have to keep the engine running with the A/C on…Check.
As beneficial as the American Travel Centers are, there are some drawbacks. The roads are open to everyone. This isn’t first class travel so many of your fellow travelers visiting a truck/travel stop are economy customers. They dress and act accordingly. These facilities are primarily used by trucker drivers. Truck drivers don’t wear a suit and tie. They’re known to be gruff and sloppy. Aesthetics aside, people visiting a travel stop are not considered high class. The facilities serve a true representation of great American ethnic diversity. Don’t be surprised if the road traveler pumping gas near you strikes up a conversation. Rarely will you be asked where you are from because the fellow traveler will have spied your license plate. The most common question will be, “Where you going?”…or, “Where you headed?”
Get on the grand American road and see all of its wonders. One of those wonders is the journey itself and a Travel Center is a welcome part of the trip.