You and the Windy City: A Road Trip Odyssey (Just How Long Will It Really Take?)
So, you've got that itch in your feet, a yearning for deep dish pizza and the shores of Lake Michigan. You've set your sights on Chicago, the city of broad shoulders and even wider smiles (supposedly, under those face masks). But here's the thing – New Jersey ain't exactly next door. The question that's probably looming larger than a Chicago skyscraper is: just how long will this road trip take?
Fear not, intrepid adventurer! Buckle up, because we're about to navigate the highways and byways of this New Jersey-to-Chicago odyssey.
Google Maps Says... Maybe Take a Nap First
According to the almighty Google Maps, a smooth run with favourable winds and a following jet stream could get you from the Garden State to the Windy City in around 12 to 14 hours. But that, my friend, is the driving equivalent of a unicorn. Traffic jams, spontaneous diner detours for a questionable yet strangely compelling deep-fried Twinkie, and the allure of roadside oddities like a giant fiberglass cow – these will all conspire to extend your journey.
Plan for the unexpected. Pack enough snacks to feed a small army (because hangovers and hanger are a real possibility), and embrace the fact that this road trip is less about the destination and more about the questionable decisions you'll make along the way.
The Art of the Rest Stop: A Meditation on Travel and Questionable Restroom Hygiene
Let's face it, road trips and rest stops go together like peanut butter and jelly (though hopefully the rest stop experience isn't quite as sticky). These punctuations in your journey offer a chance to refuel (both car and body), and maybe even score a travel souvenir that screams "I went on a road trip and all I got was this lousy t-shirt."
Pro tip: Be sure to pack some travel-sized hand sanitizer because, well, let's just say some rest stops hold a special charm that isn't exactly on the cleanliness scale.
Embrace the Journey: You Might Just End Up in a Springsteen Song
The beauty of a road trip is the open road itself. Sure, you've got a destination in mind, but there's a certain liberation in letting the highway unfurl before you. Roll down the windows, crank up the tunes (whether it's Bon Jovi or a questionable polka playlist is entirely up to you), and belt out your best off-key rendition of your favorite road trip anthems. You might just end up feeling like you're starring in your own Bruce Springsteen music video (minus the ripped jeans and the motorcycle, maybe).
So, how long will your New Jersey to Chicago drive take? That, my friend, is a beautiful mystery waiting to be unraveled. Just remember, it's not about the finish line, it's about the questionable snacks, the singalongs, and the memories you make along the way. Happy trails!
