We used to have to drive about 9 hours to get to the mountains.

Now it takes less than 2.

And that proximity to our favorite places completely changes traveling. Mikey, Winston, and I made our way south to visit the Oregon coast last month. It was our third time, and it was a whole different experience from the other times. I felt so relaxed when we got home because I felt like I still was there. I am still there. I live there.

With no 12-hour driving days, we got to bounce around, stop wherever we pleased, and even backtrack a little. I think I grinned the whole week.

CaliforniaRedwood National and State Parkstravel