1. Keeping a Folded Road Atlas in the Glove Box
In the 1950s, no road trip began without a big, colorful road atlas tucked in the glove box. Families would trace their routes with their fingers, planning stops along the way. It was both a tool and a little adventure in itself.
Kids often flipped through it like a picture book, dreaming about faraway cities and landmarks. The atlas taught everyone how to read maps, a skill that feels rare today. It made navigating the open road part of the fun.
2. Stopping at Gas Stations for Free Maps
Gas stations weren’t just for filling up—they were mini travel hubs. Many offered free road maps, handed out by friendly attendants in crisp uniforms. Travelers often collected stacks of them along the way.
These maps were marked with suggested routes, attractions, and sometimes even diners or motels. Attendants were quick to offer advice about the best highways. It made every fill-up part of the journey.
3. Packing a Thermos of Coffee
Every road trip driver in the ’50s seemed to have a sturdy metal thermos of coffee by their side. Gas station coffee wasn’t as common, and diners weren’t always nearby. A home-brewed thermos meant you could keep going without long stops.
The smell of strong coffee filled the car as miles ticked by. Parents relied on it to stay alert while kids napped in the backseat. That little green or plaid thermos was a road trip essential.
4. Using Motel Directories
Without booking apps, families relied on thick motel directories. They listed chains like Holiday Inn and Howard Johnson’s, complete with addresses and amenities. Flipping through the directory became part of the evening ritual.
Kids often looked for the ones with swimming pools or ice cream shops attached. Parents focused on price and vacancy signs. These directories kept the trip organized and the family comfortable.
5. Bringing Along a Cooler
A big metal cooler filled with ice, sandwiches, and sodas was a must-have in the trunk. It saved families money and kept everyone from going hungry between towns. Stopping at a shady picnic table was as much a part of the trip as the driving.
Coolers were heavy, but worth it for the independence they offered. Kids loved reaching in for a cold glass soda bottle on hot days. It kept spirits high and stomachs full.
6. Rotating Drivers When Possible
Families who could traveled with at least two licensed drivers. Taking turns at the wheel kept the trip moving longer without fatigue. It was especially helpful on long hauls across rural stretches of America.
Switching drivers meant fewer overnight stops and more time at the destination. It also kept everyone safer on the road. Sharing the work made the journey manageable.
7. Stashing Change for Toll Booths
Toll roads were spreading fast in the ’50s, so having a stash of nickels and dimes was critical. Parents kept a coin holder handy on the dashboard or in the glove box. Kids sometimes got the job of handing coins to the toll booth operator.
It was a small ritual repeated dozens of times on a long trip. The clink of coins became part of the soundtrack of the highway. Today’s electronic passes have erased that little moment of connection.
8. Asking Locals for Directions
Before digital maps, asking a local for the best route was a time-honored tradition. Gas station attendants, store clerks, or even folks on front porches were quick to help. Directions were often given with landmarks like “turn left at the red barn.”
Sometimes those directions were better than anything on a map. It also created a sense of connection with the places you passed through. Talking to strangers was part of the adventure.
9. Planning Around Tourist Courts
Tourist courts—rows of small roadside cabins—were a popular lodging choice in the ’50s. Families planned stops near them, often marked on road maps with little icons. They were affordable, cozy, and easy to find along the highway.
Kids loved the novelty of having their “own cabin” for the night. Parents appreciated the privacy compared to crowded hotels. They were a key piece of the road trip landscape.
10. Writing Down Emergency Numbers
Before cell phones, families kept a small notebook of emergency contacts in the glove box. Numbers for roadside assistance, family back home, and the local AAA office were written out. It gave peace of mind on long, unfamiliar routes.
Breaking down far from home was no small matter. Having those numbers handy was as essential as a spare tire. It was part of every careful traveler’s planning.
11. Playing Car Games to Pass the Time
Kids didn’t have screens to distract them, so car games were essential travel tools. “I Spy,” license plate spotting, and alphabet challenges kept boredom at bay. They made the miles feel shorter.
Parents encouraged the games because they kept arguments down in the backseat. The laughter and chatter became part of the trip’s soundtrack. Those games taught patience in ways a phone never could.
12. Keeping a Log of Mileage and Gas Stops
Many parents kept small notebooks to record mileage, gas stops, and expenses. It helped track costs and plan for the next leg of the trip. Kids sometimes got to help with the writing, turning it into a mini math lesson.
The logs became souvenirs of the journey, filled with numbers and notes about places visited. Some families even kept them year after year. It was discipline and memory-making rolled into one simple habit.