There’s a scene in the 1991 movie Thelma & Louise showing Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon’s characters driving their 1966 Ford Thunderbird convertible off a cliff. Now that’s giving boss girl energy, minus the part where they die.

OK, let’s forget where they put their foot to the metal while evading the law. The essence of the movie was two women living life on their terms, all while driving across northern Arizona in a drop-top. That’s what freedom feels like, and many of us have yet to experience it.

Nissan famously used the tagline, “Life is a journey, enjoy the ride,” during the 1996 Super Bowl. Fun fact: The line is an iteration of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote, “Life is a journey, not a destination.”

Decades later, people are only just taking the literal meaning to heart. Travel is changing. Quick flights and overnight hotel stays used to define a weekend getaway. Now, more people want more. They want time.

Naturally, travel experts have noticed the slow puncture in the proverbial tire. According to Condé Nast Traveler, there’s a growing desire to slow down, to make the journey a highlight, not the destination.

And honestly, how many airport terminals have a view that beats a coastal highway at sunset?

When you pick the right car for a road trip, you’re choosing the tone of the entire weekend.

A powerful engine. A precise gearbox. A seat that feels like it was molded for you. It’s that sweet spot where preparation meets passion.

Prep Your Ride

A luxury road trip deserves a luxury-ready car. That takes more than a clean interior and a full tank.

If you’re driving something exotic or high-performance, a car service is essential. Think of it as tuning your instrument before a concert.

Tempus Magazine’s guide on preparing a supercar for a road trip includes fluid checks, tire pressure, and mechanical inspection. Those steps might feel basic, but they make a big difference once you’re miles from the nearest town.

Your Car, Your Companion

Details are not to be discounted on a weekend escape. That’s where trusted specialists come in.

Routine checks before departure save you headaches down the line. A quick look at brake pads. A once-over on suspension. The reality is that exotic machines deserve expert care.

Many enthusiasts turn to reliable auto repair businesses. Go with a team that knows how precision maintenance keeps high-end vehicles happy on the road, advises Bergman’s Auto.

A weekend should be about joy, not worry. A well-prepared car gives you that peace of mind.

Once your ride is ready, think about essentials.

The journey itself should feel smooth. Comfort and practicality matter too. Outside Online explains that there are a few items you simply should not leave without on a road trip. These include:

• Comfortable footwear for stops

• Quality hydration

• A curated playlist

• Portable snacks

• Navigation tools

• Emergency gear

Even luxury road trippers need layers and backups. Roads can surprise you, and the best trips are the ones where you’re ready for anything.

Where are you going? This is the fun part.

Luxury travel editors have been spotlighting bespoke road trip experiences that take you beyond postcards and into soulful places. AFAR explores how more companies are creating custom luxury road trips designed for richer experiences.

Think scenic byways, gourmet stops, boutique inns; routes shaped around pleasure, not pace. And if you’re looking for inspiration, some travel companies curate luxury road journeys in North America with planned stops, fine dining, and beautiful views.

These are not back-seat-boredom trips. These are stories you’ll tell for years.

Here’s how to build a weekend that feels meaningful, not rushed.

Start With a Theme

Choose what kind of trip you want:

• Coastal escapes

• Mountain panoramas

• Wine country sojourn

• Desert sunsets

A theme gives purpose to your stops.

Pick Scenic Drives

Aim for roads that reward the drive itself. Curves that tease and views that hold your gaze.

Choose Boutique Stays

Big hotels have their place. Small inns or luxury retreats make the weekend feel personal. Veranda highlights routes in the U.S. that pair with special places to stay, creating an elevated road experience.

Plan Meals Along the Way

Part of slow travel is savoring food that reflects the region. Lunch with a view. Dinner with local wine. A picnic in the shade of an oak grove. This is where exploration burrows into your memory.

The best thing about a road trip is that it’s unscripted.

You might find a roadside café that becomes your favorite meal of the year. You might turn a corner and discover a hidden vista. You might slow down because you want to, not because your flight was delayed.

That’s the art of it. Road trips resist hurry and reward curiosity.