Massachusetts: Among Worst States For Summer Road Trips
It’s road trip season! Summer road trips are all about embracing freedom, having fun, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Each mile can be a new chapter in your summer road trip saga.
Planning a road trip may seem simple, but selecting a destination and managing the costs of your desired itinerary can be challenging. You have to consider the cost of gas, which has remained persistently high throughout the year. Gas currently averages over $3.50 per gallon nationwide, according to the AAA. Let us not forget accommodations, activities, and dining expenses are all feeling the pinch of high inflation too.
WalletHub took on the mission of assisting fellow travelers in planning an exciting and cost-effective road trip. They evaluated all 50 U.S. states, analyzing 32 key metrics ranging from attractions abundance to road conditions and overall expenses.
The Best & The Worst For Summer Road Trips
According to the study, Texas, New York, and North Carolina emerged as the top states for summer road trips. On the other hand, Montana, Hawaii, and Connecticut are ranked as the least favorable states for embarking on a summer road trip.
Let’s Talk Massachusetts
Massachusetts was among the lower-ranked states for summer road trips, claiming the 44th spot. According to the study, the state has a higher rate of car thefts per capita. That’s definitely a buzzkill for any road trip, as you don’t want to find yourself stranded without a car.
Other Study Findings
Regarding scenic byways, California takes the crown with 66 routes. This number is 22 times higher than the states with the fewest scenic byways, Connecticut and Delaware, each having only three. Mississippi is the place to be if you’re looking for affordable camping. With a daily price of $36.86, it’s a steal compared to California, where camping costs a hefty $129.19 per day, making it 3.5 times higher. The study also found that with three-star hotel rooms, Oklahoma offers the best bang for your buck. At just $62, it’s 2.8 times lower than Hawaii, the state with the highest price of $173. If car theft is a concern, Vermont is the safest bet. With only 0.42 car thefts per 1,000 residents, it’s 12.5 times lower than Colorado, the state with the highest rate of 5.24 car thefts.
Take a look at the complete study here.
11 Essentials for Your Summer Road Trip
1) Roadside Safety Kit
Before you head out on a road trip, you want to give the ole jalopy a tune up and make sure you have kit to solve even the problems you didn’t know you could have. Then, buckle up and rest assured that if/when something goes astray you don’t have to wait hours for roadside assistance.
2) Air Freshener
No one thinks they smell bad, but when you’re cooped up in the car for an extended period of time with food and drink, there are bound to be smells and not every one of them will be pleasant. These Febreze air fresheners are the solution you’re looking for.
3) Seat Organizer
Whether your backseat passenger is 2, 22, or 92, this seat organizer is what every road tripper needs. Perfect for storing snacks, drinks, reading materials, and even a tablet at eye level to binge your favorite shows.
4) Baby Wipes
This one is a game-changer. Behold the magic of baby wipes. They’re perfect for a quick wash when you’re not feeling so fresh (which is apt to occur on a road trip). They clean up spills and sticky messes. They get marks off clothing and other fabrics. And, of course, you can use them if you stop for a pitstop and there is no toilet paper.
5) Cooler
One of the best things about going on a road trip is the snacks! This cooler is great to buckle into the middle seat (perfect between two toddlers, teens, or twenty-somethings) and pack with drinks, fruit, and other munchies to keep the trip rolling.
6) Infinity Pillow
Some people have no trouble falling asleep in the car, but if you’re like me it takes more than a seatbelt to hold my body in a position of comfort. This infinity pillow can be shaped in a way to make it work for you!
7) Road Atlas
I know you have Waze and Google Maps, but what happens when the satellite is on the fritz or when you don’t have service? You’ve got to pull out the good ole trusty map!
8) 4 Port Portable USB 2.0 Hub
If you have a car full of passengers, everyone needs to be charged. This hub will keep your devices running, making everyone happier.
9) Portable Utensils
There’s nothing worse than pulling away from the drive-thru window, merging back into traffic, and then realizing you don’t have any utensils. This set is a must have for every car, whether you’re road-tripping or commuting to and from work.
10) Quick Drying, Lightweight Mat
This handy-dandy mat folds up small enough to keep in your glove box but unfolds large enough to host a family picnic at a rest stop along your journey. And can double as a blanket if you’re arguing over the a/c.
11) Snacks!
More than two-thirds of Americans think snacks can make or break a road trip. This assortment is sure to please everyone in the car.
Please note that items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time we published this list. Have an idea for a fun theme for a gift idea list you’d like us to create? Drop us a line at [email protected].
