1. Packing the Station Wagon
The station wagon was the ultimate road trip vehicle, with its long bench seats and cavernous trunk. Families packed coolers, suitcases, pillows, and maybe even the family dog into every available inch. Luggage racks on top made the car look like it was ready for an expedition.
For kids, sprawling across the backseat—or even the cargo area—felt like freedom. Seatbelts weren’t a concern, so napping in a pile of blankets was part of the trip. The car itself felt like a moving home.
2. Unfolding the Road Map
Before GPS, road trips were navigated with giant paper maps that always seemed impossible to fold back properly. Dad often handled the driving while Mom spread the map across her lap, tracing routes with her finger. Kids leaned in from the backseat to spot towns along the way.
Stopping at a gas station for a free map was part of the ritual. Sometimes entire routes were highlighted in yellow marker to plan the journey. The map itself became a souvenir of the trip.
3. Singing Along to the Car Radio
Every family had favorite songs that turned into road trip soundtracks. Whether it was The Beatles, The Supremes, or Roy Orbison, the car radio set the mood. Static-filled signals gave way to new stations as you crossed state lines.
When a favorite song came on, the whole car joined in. Kids sang at the top of their lungs while parents smiled—or sometimes begged for quiet. Music stitched the miles together like nothing else.
4. Playing License Plate and “I Spy” Games
With hours to fill, kids invented games to pass the time. Spotting license plates from different states became a running competition. “I Spy with My Little Eye” was another go-to, often starting arguments when answers were too vague.
These simple games kept boredom at bay. They also gave everyone in the car a way to connect during the long stretches of highway. For many, those games are still the most vivid memory of the drive.
5. Gas Station Pit Stops
Stopping at a gas station was more than just fueling up—it was a chance to stretch legs and grab a treat. Kids raced to the candy aisle, and parents stocked up on cold sodas in glass bottles. Bathrooms were often a roll of the dice in terms of cleanliness.
These pit stops broke up the monotony of the road. Souvenirs like postcards or state keychains often came home from the gift rack. Even now, the smell of a gas station snack counter can bring back those memories.
6. Thermos Coffee and Packed Lunches
Before fast-food chains lined the highways, families often brought their own food. A plaid Thermos of coffee for Dad, sandwiches wrapped in wax paper, and maybe some deviled eggs filled the cooler. Meals were eaten at picnic tables along the roadside.
The smell of fried chicken or bologna sandwiches drifted through the car. Food never tasted better than when eaten halfway to somewhere new. It was all part of the road trip ritual.
7. Roadside Motels with Neon Signs
At the end of a long day’s drive, families pulled into roadside motels with flashing neon signs promising “Vacancy.” Some had pools, which immediately made them more exciting to kids. Others were bare-bones, but they always felt like an adventure.
Parents checked in while kids jumped on the beds. Ice machines and vending machines were little luxuries that added to the fun. The motel room became part of the vacation memory.
8. Souvenir Stands and Roadside Attractions
Highways were dotted with quirky attractions—giant dinosaurs, mystery houses, or “world’s largest” curiosities. Souvenir stands sold snow globes, tom-toms, and novelty T-shirts. Kids begged to stop at every billboard that promised something outrageous.
While not every parent gave in, the occasional stop made the trip unforgettable. These places were often more memorable than the actual destination. They gave road trips their charm.
9. Windows Down, Air Flowing
Before air conditioning was common in cars, rolling the windows down was the only way to stay cool. Hair whipped around, and kids stuck their arms out to feel the wind. Sometimes siblings argued over who controlled the crank handle.
The sound of rushing air filled the car, making conversations loud and chaotic. But the breeze was refreshing, and the freedom of open windows felt like part of summer itself. It was an experience modern cars can’t quite replicate.
10. The Endless “Are We There Yet?”
Every family road trip had its chorus of “Are we there yet?” from the backseat. Parents gave vague answers—“almost” or “a couple more hours”—no matter how far away the destination really was. Kids tried to measure time by counting mile markers.
It became part of the rhythm of travel. Annoying at the time, it’s now one of the most nostalgic parts of the memory. That simple question summed up the impatience and excitement of childhood travel.
11. State Welcome Signs
Crossing state lines was an event worth celebrating. Families cheered as they passed the big “Welcome To…” signs along the highway. It felt like a major accomplishment after hours on the road.
Some families even pulled over to snap photos by the signs. For kids, it broke the trip into milestones. Each sign meant new adventures were waiting.
12. Polaroid Pictures Along the Way
Polaroid cameras made it possible to capture memories instantly. Families snapped pictures at picnic stops, scenic overlooks, or in front of the car itself. Watching the photo slowly develop in your hand felt like magic.
Stacks of Polaroids ended up tucked into glove compartments or scrapbooks. They became the permanent record of family travels. Each picture told the story of long car rides and happy detours.
13. The Destination Feeling Secondary
As exciting as it was to arrive at the beach, the mountains, or Grandma’s house, sometimes the journey itself was the true vacation. The shared moments in the car, the laughter, and even the squabbles became the real story. The road trip wasn’t just about where you were going—it was about everything that happened along the way.
Looking back, the destinations blur together, but the car rides remain crystal clear. The ’60s road trip was less about comfort and more about togetherness. That’s what made it unforgettable.
