Planning a road trip? You might find some of these other guides useful. Here’s everything you might need to plot a cross-country journey, a family vacation, or a solo trek.
Unplug. The brevity of the word belies the intensely complicated nature of actually doing it. You know you need to unplug — now more than ever — but thinking through the details of how (and how much) to temporarily extricate yourself from modern life is just one more thing on an already overloaded list of things to do. Which is why we all talk about leaving it all behind, but none of us actually do it.
Breathe easy. Road trip outfitter Pacific Overlander is here to help.
Consider this San Francisco-based expedition company your escape enabler. For the price of an economy airline ticket, Pacific Overlander tosses you the keys to an overland vehicle packed with top-of-the-line camping gear, outdoor living essentials, and navigation tools. Whether you select the truck-camper or the 4×4, you’ll be riding in style with a vehicle-rooftop tent, 65-liter fridge or Yeti cooler, lanterns and water storage, as well as camp furniture, dining supplies, and linens. (They even include a pour-over cone, bless their hearts.)
You can go wherever your heart guides you on a Pacific Overlander voyage. All rentals include 150 miles per day, but you can easily arrange for additional miles. It’s a good idea to let them know where you’re headed, so they can throw in snow chains or other necessary equipment to keep your trip pleasant and safe. While the company doesn’t provide food or make campsite reservations, they are more than happy to offer advice, directions, and insider secrets as you plan your itinerary.
Most Pacific Overlander adventures are scheduled with a designated return date. But, if your soul journey demands that you keep moving, Pacific Overlander can accommodate select one-way itineraries.
If you’re the type that feels guilty about getting away from it all, you can scratch “use of resources” off your list of reasons not to go. Pacific Overlander passes on a portion of their annual revenues to conservation efforts and environmental protection through partnerships with The Conservation Alliance and 1% For the Planet.
Ready to go? We thought you might be. Here are just a few of the dope adventures that Pacific Overlander offers:
Big Sur and the South Coast: Something about the twisted pines and rugged shoreline of California’s central coast brings the genius out of people who pass through. Join the ranks of Ansel Adams, Jack Kerouac, and Father John Misty with a trip down the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. Your Overlander vehicle makes easy work of the area’s best attractions — the South Coast Ridge Road, McWay Falls, the Tassajarra monastery — and lets you finish the day with ridgetop camping above the clouds.
The Southwest: Soak up the sere beauty of granite canyons, or refresh your senses in the high desert forest. Whatever direction you choose, the Southwest is silly with public lands. Along with stunning natural wonders, this region is rife with backcountry camping options, which Pacific Overlander guides are more than happy to point out for you.
Death Valley: Test your mettle in the harsh extremities of this unearthly landscape. (You’ll want the 4×4 for this one.) Contemplatives can lie still for hours, watching the light move over the dunes. Intrepid types can enlist the services of a Pacific Overlander affiliate guide to explore the desert’s depths. At night, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best stargazing you’ll ever experience.
That tightness in your chest? It’s the feeling of a wild soul that’s been trapped too long behind a screen. Slide behind the wheel of a Pacific Overlander adventure vehicle, and answer the call of the open road.
For rates, itineraries, and other questions, visit Pacific Overlander’s website or contact them directly. If #vanlife is more your thing, check out GoCamp Camper Vans.
Images courtesy of Pacific Overlander.
