One characteristic is the sense of freedom. The characters are often on a journey to break free from something, like routine or a troubled past. For example, in 'On the Road', the protagonists are seeking a new way of life and experiences.
We were on a road trip and my teen was constantly snacking. At one point, he opened a bag of chips and the whole thing exploded all over the car. There were chips everywhere, even in his hair. He just looked at me and started laughing. It was a mess but also really funny.
One of the best road trip stories I've heard was about a group of friends who drove from coast to coast. They randomly stopped at a small diner in the middle of nowhere. The food was amazing and the locals were so friendly. They shared stories about the town's history. It was a simple yet memorable experience.
On a road trip, we had a flat tire. While waiting for help, we noticed a family of squirrels playing nearby. They were chasing each other around a tree and seemed to be having their own little adventure. We ended up naming them and making up stories about their squirrel lives. By the time the mechanic came, we were so entertained by the squirrels that we almost didn't want to leave.
One time, my mom and I went on a road trip to the mountains. We stopped at a small diner along the way. The food was so delicious. We also saw a beautiful waterfall and took pictures together. It was a really simple but wonderful time.
Another well - known one is 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck. This novel follows the Joad family on their journey from Oklahoma to California during the Dust Bowl era. It shows not only the physical journey but also the hardships and hopes of the people during that difficult time.
One common road trip ghost story is about the vanishing hitchhiker. People claim to pick up a hitchhiker on a lonely road, and then suddenly, the hitchhiker disappears from the backseat without a trace. Another is the haunted highway, where drivers report seeing strange apparitions or feeling an otherworldly presence while driving at night.