12 Things That Made Road Trips Better in the ’70s

Like everything else, road trips have evolved from what they were 50 years ago. Back then, the experience was as important as the destination.

Forgive me if I'm a bit nostalgic, but there was nothing quite like the excitement of preparing for a trip in the '70s. The magic of these trips was in the scenery, stops, and strangers we met along the way. While these journeys could be exhausting, that was a small price to pay for the long-lasting memories.

We can't go back and take road trips in the 1970s, but a little trip down memory lane won't hurt. Here's a look at 12 things that made '70s road trips unforgettable and why they're still some of my favorite childhood memories.

Roll-Down Windows

When was the last time you drove in a car with rolled-down windows? Before air conditioning became standard, roll-down windows were the primary cooling system. You needed technique to get the perfect window position: not too open to create a deafening wind tunnel and not too closed to suffocate.

Drivers would hang their arms out, creating the perfect '70s road trip silhouette. Truckers would honk if you did the classic hand signal, asking them to blast their horns. It's difficult to explain how satisfying this interaction was to someone who wasn't there. Sadly, the automatic windows can't replicate that feeling.

No Seatbelt Laws

It's hard to imagine now, but in the 1970s, car safety was more of a suggestion than actual regulation. Kids romped around the backseat, lay across the entire rear area, and even sit on a parent's lap at will.

It's not like parents were negligent; that was just regular travel back then. Today, we understand seatbelts, but in the '70s, there was a certain degree of freedom of movement in cars.

Physical Maps and Road Atlases

Every journey back then started with rigorous planning using road atlases and maps. Dad would lay out massive fold-out maps on the kitchen table, meticulously planning routes while Mom pointed out exciting stops.

You'd trace potential routes with your finger and circle exciting roadside attractions. Getting lost was never a problem; it only added to the fun. Now you can get anywhere with GPS — boring.

Travel Games

Entire families would travel in the '70s while having fun without a single smartphone in sight — not that they even existed. There were more than a handful of games to keep all passengers entertained.

With license plate bingo, time flew by really fast. The alphabet game was another exciting and challenging game for long trips. My personal favorite was “I Spy.” You needed sharp eyes and patience to win. While these games served as distractions, they were also an excellent opportunity for family bonding.

AM Radio

Road trips in the '70s were accompanied by a crackling AM radio with limited stations and lots of static. Drivers often scanned through frequencies, catching snippets of top 40 hits, local news, and occasional live sports broadcasts.

Getting reception was an adventure on its own. You could lose a clear signal around a mountain bend or between tall buildings.

Families would sing along to whatever played, whether rock, country, or disco, creating spontaneous moments you can't get with today's curated playlists.

Station Wagons with Rear-Facing Seats

In the '70s, station wagons were the go-to for family adventures, and kids looked forward to trips in them. I recall being a kid in the way-back seat, facing backward and watching the road disappear behind me.

Parents could monitor their kids through the rearview mirror, and children had a different view while traveling. During summer, the vinyl would stick to your legs while you played games with flexible rules and waved to strangers.

Full-Service Gas Stations

Filling up the car during road trips was an event. Attendants would help pump your gas, clean your windshield, and check your oil, all while having a friendly conversation.

At these full-service gas stations, drivers could get free road maps and local driving tips. They could also get their cars quickly serviced, which allowed the driver to cool off and interact with locals.

Tourist Trap Attractions

No '70s road trip was complete without stops at bizarre roadside attractions. Roadside dinosaur parks, the World's Largest Ball of Twine, and ghost towns weren't just stops; they offered something to look forward to during trips.

Families would pull over, take photos, buy tacky souvenirs, and make memories. These quirky landmarks were a highlight on road trips, providing bragging rights for kids and adults alike.

Scenic Routes

Before GPS, drivers chose routes based on beauty, not speed. Instead of the fastest route, families would often pick one with coastal highways and winding mountain roads.

Routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Pacific Coast Highway were destinations in themselves. Roadside overlooks actually got used, and kids pressed their faces against windows to spot landmarks. These routes usually led to family-owned diners and local attractions that interstate travelers of today would never see.

Books and Comics

Backseat entertainment wasn't always iPads and smartphones. There was a time when comics and books were the ideal ultimate road companions. Kids would stock up on Mad Magazine, Archie Comics, and other beloved paperbacks.

Reading comic books by flashlight or trading dog-eared copies with siblings created lasting memories. The best part? They didn't need charging and gave you something to discuss on the road.

Roadside Picnics

Before you could find fast-food chains on every highway corner, families packed their meals on long trips. Food mainly consisted of metal coolers stacked with sandwiches and homemade cookies.

In certain areas, you could also find picnic tables under shade trees, ideal for a driving break. During these picnics, we'd talk about sightings on the road and enjoy food in the outdoors.

Mom and Pop Motels

These motels were family-run havens littered all over America's highways. Unlike today's cookie-cutter chain hotels, each motel had its own personality and quirky charm.

Owners often lived on-site, welcoming travelers with genuine hospitality and dining tips. The neon signs were an excellent sight for weary travelers. While they weren't fancy, these motels offered clean sheets, a hot shower, and somewhere to rest for the night.