Time for a drive, always

Have you ever wondered why you love to drive — that is, if you love to drive? I have been thinking about it over the last week. If, like me, you have been around cars for most of your life, you must have made a list. Here’s mine:

• Complete Independence: You can go anywhere you want, at any time, without waiting for others. For someone who values time well spent, a good, long drive is always top of mind.


• Time Savings: You control your own schedule, skipping the delays and fixed routes of public transit. Of course, having lived in Metro Manila and driven its streets at all hours, there is always a great time to drive — and that is all the time. Early morning, for me, is best.


• Personal space: Your car is a quiet, private area where you can decompress and escape the noise.


• The joy of the journey: Operating a vehicle offers a fun and engaging physical experience.


• Stress relief: Many find the rhythmic focus of the road to be a great way to clear the mind.


• Spontaneous travel: You can pull over, change directions, or take a sudden road trip on a whim.


• Social connection: It is easy to pick up friends, go on adventures, or travel together in comfort.


• Convenient errands: Transporting groceries, shopping bags, or heavy items becomes effortless.


And then there are longer road trips, which can become great bonding sessions. But why do people love road trips so much? Where and when is there a better time to bond with your friends than on the open road?

Sure, the first half of the car journey mostly consists of everyone belting out their favorite songs (except for the driver) or sharing that juicy office story. Whatever gets the car going, I guess. There’s truly no place like a car on a long road trip for bonding with your passengers.

The discovery of hidden gems

Road tripping is a chance to find a hidden gem or two, especially if you take the scenic route. Discover charming rural villages and towns, or get back to nature with the country’s rolling countryside and coastlines. You may know your start and end destinations, but a few things in between might just give you a surprise or two.

The sense of freedom

Nothing offers a sense of freedom quite like hitting the open road. You choose the time to leave, how long it takes you to get there, and where you want to stop. There are no public transport schedules to conform to; you can go at your own leisure.

You’re in control

It doesn’t matter how many people are going on the road trip — though it certainly helps if you all get along. If you’re the one in the driver’s seat, you’re in control. While we don’t advocate hijacking the itinerary, it is empowering to be the one behind the wheel.

Clears your mind

Road trips can be cathartic. They allow you to gather your thoughts and reset. Sometimes, it’s good to escape for a little while, and getting in your car and driving anywhere allows you to do just that.

Bring your pets

You can’t bring your dog as easily on a plane and have them sit right next to you in the passenger seat. Taking a pet on public transport is far from ideal with crowds around. In a car, it’s a different story: put your pup in the seat next to you and go on an adventure together.

The scenery

The Philippine countryside has some truly stunning scenery to soak up on a drive. Just take the time to look around, because as drivers often say: the drive makes the trip, not the destination.

Whether you are heading out for a long vacation or just taking a test drive in a new car, nothing quite beats a good journey. Whenever you aren’t sure if you deserve an escape, come back to this list, grab your keys, rev up the engine, and enjoy the ride.

Until the next detour.