I will tolerate a road trip almost any time of year. But in fall, I'm volunteering to drive.

There's something about cooler weather and changing leaves that makes getting in the car feel less like transportation and more like an actual vacation.

And unlike flying, nobody is going to confiscate my full-size shampoo. Already, we're ahead.

The Drive Becomes Part of the Trip

The best fall road trips aren't about getting from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible. Choose the scenic route. Drive through the mountains or take the smaller roads that pass through towns you'd normally never see.

Will it take longer? Probably. That's the point.

Fall is one of the few times when I actively want the navigation app to stop being so efficient.

You Can Change the Plan

This is my favorite thing about traveling by car: You have options.

See a farm stand? Stop.

Drive through a town that looks adorable? Stop.

Spot a sign promising the world's best pie?

Obviously, we need to investigate.

You don't have to plan every interesting thing before you leave home. Sometimes the best part of the trip is whatever you weren't expecting to find.

Pack the Car Like You Mean It

Road trips remove the tyranny of the carry-on. Bring the extra sweater. Bring the boots. Throw a blanket in the back seat and pack whatever snacks prevent you from paying $7 for a sad bag of almonds at a gas station.

I still try not to wildly overpack because eventually all of this has to come back inside the house. But I enjoy knowing nobody is weighing my suitcase.

Don't Drive Too Far

If you've only got a weekend, spending nine hours each way in the car isn't a getaway. It's a commute with prettier scenery.

Pick a destination close enough that you can actually enjoy being there. For a short trip, I'd rather spend four hours driving through beautiful scenery than eight hours racing down the interstate because we have reservations.

Build in One Good Stop

Even if you know where you're ultimately going, find one worthwhile stop along the route.

Maybe it's a scenic overlook or a small town with a restaurant you've wanted to try. That little stop breaks up the drive and gives the trip another memory besides sitting in the car.

Just don't schedule so many stops that you turn a relaxed road trip into a scavenger hunt.

Fall Was Made for This

I love flying somewhere exciting. But there's a freedom to throwing a bag in the car and leaving whenever you're ready. No security line. No boarding group.

Just a destination, a good playlist, and hopefully a road lined with trees putting on an absolutely unnecessary show.

Take the scenic route. We'll get there eventually.