Growing up I knew not of the road trip. We didn’t have a station wagon and Dad wasn’t crazy about long drives. I do know that some of the better road trips friends and relatives went on were serendipitous at least as far as the passengers were concerned.

Having spoken with enough people on the subject, parents may have patched together a route and list of possible motels and a few attractions. They didn’t need to consult with the kids. Have atlas, will travel.

Even before the internet, travelers were able to put together itineraries that had more structure. People started traveling with a purpose around themes. Once kids started getting access to the family car or their own wheels, adult supervision wasn’t a prerequisite. Not every spring break road trip resembles a scene from a bad teen movie, however, the ease with which kids could create their own adventures isn’t too far from the movies.

We all have different ideas as to what constitutes a road trip, but for me it requires leaving the state or traveling for a few hours downstate to nowhere. Even before Dad got sick, he began to enjoy road trips-so long as I was doing the driving and he navigated.

As crazy as Sr. would have thought I was for some of my 300-mile a day trips to see a game, I know he would have enjoyed being my co-pilot and why I often choose places he would enjoy.

For various reasons, I didn’t take as many road trips in 2022, but I did enjoy my travels and will recount the highlights in coming days. I know that thousands of baseball fans love to get on the road specifically to see games. It’s more economical and efficient to try and accomplish (see or do) multiple things on a baseball trip. I spend a great deal of time coordinating games with other interests of mine. Sometimes, things work out and other times circumstances like weather dictate a swift “pivot.”

This time of year is exciting for guys like me that like to plan our travels ahead of time. Most minor league teams have started releasing their schedules and upcoming highlights. As always, I’m on the lookout for afternoon games, but hope to pull a few overnight stays as well.

2022 was the first time in over twenty years that I didn’t spend at least one night in a Milwaukee hotel room and visit any of my three favorite restaurants.

Now’s the perfect time, to make sure your car is ready for some great road trips.