Sherman's Travel

Oh, the difference a month makes. Even at the tail-end of March, most of the contiguous United States were still far too frosty for anyone to utter “spring” without sarcasm in their voice. But now, temperatures are rapidly rising, mountainous towns are finally thawing out, and roadways that have been closed for the winter are opening back up. Here are three of my favorite springtime road trips – they’re certainly worth a spin before summer swoops in, and if you’re looking to avoid the crowds. Read more

Planning a trip can be daunting. In fact, many would-be travelers are so put off by the notion of actually planning a trip, that they simply never get around to doing it. Figuring out where to start is consistently an issue for those who haven’t dabbled in trip planning and logistics before, but the new realm of technology is making it a lot easier. Below, I’ll share with you three pieces of (free!) software that make planning a journey a cinch. Read more

Last year, I drove 10 hours from New Jersey to Charlotte, North Carolina to visit a friend, and will be making the same trek this April. With spring around the corner and gas prices expected to drop over the next year, road trip season is upon us. But cross-country adventures are not just about rolling down the windows and belting the Backstreet Boys (guilty). Boredom or fatigue can set in, expenses can pile up, and if you have to listen to one more pop song from the 90’s you’re going to drive off a cliff. Unless you want to abandon your travel companion in a roadside ditch, there are a few essentials needed for every road trip.

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Memorial Day marks the start of summer in most of our minds (if not officially on our calendars). For many of us, it means the first trip to the beach, a road trip adventure, or a weekend in the country. For others, however, it’s just a long weekend away from the office with no getaway plans. That doesn’t mean that that those folks don’t have travel on their minds, however. Now, I’m not advocating calling something a “staycation;” I’m just suggesting that you use Memorial Day weekend to plot, scheme, and organize a trip that you can take sometime this summer. Use the holiday as your launchpad and start your own countdown to the trip that you deserve.

There’s no right or wrong way to travel. Love your RV? Plan an epic drive through to a national park. Prefer more luxury on your trips? Find a deal on a hotel that will cater to your every need. Summer is perfect for adventure and Memorial Day weekend is the right time to get yourself ready. Read more

We’ve been thinking a lot about road trips (from destinations to carsickness). One issue we’ve yet to address is bathroom breaks. Nothing kills the momentum of a road trip faster than someone complaining that nature’s calling. Now, however, a new product is trying to keep you on the road while also allowing you to do your business. The GoPilot is an honest-to-goodness portable urinal.

The GoPilot comes with an accordion-style tube that connects to a plastic container. At the opening of the tube is a small funnel that allegedly keeps from missing your target. Just urinate into the tube and you never need to stop the car. Once you’ve emptied your bladder, you simply cap the bottle and store it in your vehicle until you have a chance to empty it out.

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To really get a proper taste of Languedoc, France, we recommend taking the scenic route (outlined below) which will let you explore several corners of the lesser-known wine region in the South of France. Rent a car, get a good map, and enjoy the ride through gorgeous countryside, hilltop villages abutting the Pyrenees Mountains, and seaside hamlets. (Just be sure to schedule your wine tastings before an overnight at one of the choice hotels mentioned below!) Before you go, check out this round-up of fabulous Languedoc wines available in the U.S. Read more

Exploring the Italian countryside by train is certainly no snore, but imagine cruising Italy’s hilltop villages, cliff-hugging highways, and rolling vineyards in your own convertible 1974 Alfa Romeo Spider or 1964 Lancia Flaminia GT. Italy by Vintage Car makes it doable with perk-packed auto excursions that include stays at prime hotels, such as Borgo la Bagnaia in Siena or Villa Spalletti Trivelli in Rome. The price covers hotels, meals, fuel, full insurance, and a “valet-mechanic” who washes, gasses, and parks the car each night. The company offers six itineraries, including Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and Rome to Milan. From $4,890/person for two nights, based on two people sharing a room and car.

Deals and Destination Advice: See our Italy Travel Guide