Road trips are amazing, and lazy days on the couch are amazing. But then there are those days that sit right in the middle—when it’s way too nice outside to stay indoors, but you don't want to spend the time, energy, or money to plan some elaborate road trip.
The perfect remedy for that middle ground is a nice, easy day trip.
In this video, we head down toward Diamond Valley to look at how to plan a day trip, what makes a day trip awesome, and a few personal tips and tricks you can take or leave when planning your own low-hassle adventure.
4 Simple Rules for the Ultimate Day Trip
1. Pick Your Level of Adventure & Destination
Where you want to go and how adventurous you want to be go hand-in-hand.
Whether it’s heading an hour to the mountains, taking a three-hour jaunt north, or heading south to a small town like Diamond Valley to do some fishing, pick an option that fits your energy. And if your brain is hopelessly indecisive?
Jot down a few ideas, throw them in a hat, pull one out, and just go with whatever you pick.
2. Choose Your Comfort Level (and Your Crew)
You can stick to something familiar—like going to an ice cream shop with 47 options and picking your usual favourite flavour—or finally check off that local thing on your bucket list.
You can go alone, or bring friends—just choose wisely. Nothing ruins a drive faster than being caught in a car with someone who can’t have a good time (and if you look around the vehicle and can't tell who the sour grapes is... well, it might just be you).
3. Focus on the Journey, Not the Destination
Part of the fun of any day trip is what happens along the way.
Curate a great playlist, break out an old CD book, or put on an engaging podcast (shoutout to Last Podcast on the Left).
Play road trip games, ask ridiculous questions like "Would you love me if I was a worm?", and leave room to pull over for local consignment shops, world-famous jerky, or Alberta's best smoked barbecue.
4. Bring an Open-Minded Attitude
Having an open mind lets everyone contribute to the adventure and keeps the energy light.
It allows you to explore spontaneous tourist traps without committing to a rigid schedule—whether that's grabbing a high-cream coffee (even if it upsets your tummy), watching your girlfriend randomly drop gymnastics moves in a park, or finding a last-minute fishing hole.
Practical Essentials to Pack
- Vehicle Check: Check your oil, gas, windshield washer fluid (to smack off those bugs), and make sure you have appropriate tires for the weather.
- Safety First: Wear your seatbelt, check the weather forecast, pack your favorite snacks, bring water, and tell someone who isn't going where you'll be.
- Document the Memories: Journal, take pictures, or shoot video so you don't regret forgetting the trip later—just balance it so you're actually living in the moment instead of annoying everyone with a camera.
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