He fondly remembers the era of slow, experiential travel – where trips unfolded on the open road and were guided solely by paper, instinct and whimsy. “Back in the old days, you’d get out your map and your dad was, like, ‘Hold on, I gotta figure this out’,” said Key. “The excitement started to build when you’d undo [the map] on the bed and everyone [decided where to go next]. You can change your mind on a road trip.”
Once the dominant form of leisure travel in the United States, whose massive highway system sprawls through endless prairies, deserts and national parks, road trips have played a crucial part in shaping national identity. Here are Key’s thoughts on why this iconic American pastime will never go out of style.
Why should people take a road trip in 2026?
I think we’re craving a certain type of connection that we’ve been losing in the past couple of decades. [And] we’ve got a bunch of things happening this year; 100 years of Route 66, the 250th anniversary of the country. Also, the World Cup is happening this year all over North America, which would be a really great road trip.
AlamyThe US’ endless sweeping spaces and extensive highway system have made it an iconic road trip destination (Credit: Alamy)
