You, NYC, LA: A Love Triangle Measured in French Fries
Ever stared longingly out the window of your shoebox apartment in NYC, dreaming of basking on a Californian beach, burger in hand? Or maybe you're an Angeleno with a hankering for that sweet, sweet bodega coffee and a slice of dollar pizza (we all have our vices). Whatever the coast, a road trip between New York City and Los Angeles is a bucket list adventure for many. But the burning question remains: exactly how long does this transcontinental odyssey take?
The Short Answer (For the Impatient)
Let's rip the bandaid off. In a perfect world, with favourable winds, a tailwind from a grateful pigeon you saved earlier, and the bladder capacity of a camel, you could streak across the country in about 42 hours. That's right, just two full days of questionable gas station snacks and questionable singalongs. But hold on to your horses (or should we say, fries), because this is where things get interesting.
The Slightly Longer Answer (Because, Reality)
Because, my friends, this ain't a sprint, it's a marathon (with way more In-N-Out). Here's the thing: 42 hours is the driving time only. That doesn't factor in the inevitable need for sleep (unless you're superhuman), bathroom breaks (because, again, bladder capacity), and strategically timed detours for giant roadside cacti selfies (a must for any self-respecting road tripper).
The Truth, The Whole Truth, and What to Pack for Emergencies (Because Road Trip Gods are Fickle)
Be honest, who among us wants to spend 42 hours glued to the steering wheel, existing solely on lukewarm gas station coffee and questionable hot dogs? This is your chance to embrace the open road, folks! Factor in time for detours to quirky roadside attractions, national parks that will blow your mind, and greasy spoon diners with milkshakes that defy the laws of physics. Realistically, you're looking at a trip closer to 7-10 days.
Here's what to pack for those unexpected emergencies (because the Road Trip Gods are like that mischievous gremlin from your childhood cartoons):
- Emergency snacks (because hangry is a real emotion): Beef jerky, trail mix, and those questionable gas station pastries (we're not judging).
- An AUX cord with at least 500GB of singalong classics: From Sinatra to Beyoncé, prepare to belt out your heart across the heartland.
- Comfortable shoes for all those unplanned adventures: You never know when you'll stumble upon the perfect abandoned gas station for an impromptu photoshoot (trust us, it's a thing).
- A healthy dose of wanderlust and a sprinkle of patience: Embrace the journey, the detours, and the questionable roadside diners. That's the beauty of the open road!
So, there you have it. The drive from NYC to LA is an epic journey, not a race. So, crank up the tunes, pack your snacks, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime (or at least until your next epic road trip).
