Welcome to the Road Less Traveled
A re-introduction of sorts
Friends! There are a lot of you who are new here, thanks to last week’s missive on doomed girl trips. Welcome! Let’s only travel together virtually, okay?
I’m Robin, and I started 6 Days on the Road last summer. A year ago this week I was laid off from my corporate copywriting job. When I’d used the last of my severance package I decided to start a travelogue. I love travel, writing is why I’m on this planet, and your girl needed some scratch (and still does). So here I am.
The name and spirit of 6 Days on the Road were inspired by my grandfather, who passed the day after my 50th birthday in 2022. I was in New Orleans at the time, knowing he would approve. Grandpa Chuck was an over-the-road trucker who won awards for the crazy amount of miles he drove without accidents. What did he do when he retied? He traveled, along with Granny Viv, who also rode in the big rig with him.
Growing up with this man on the road put the travel bug in my system early. I got to travel a lot as a kid, mostly in a pop-up camper, sometimes in the bed of a pickup truck. When I was 21 I took my first road trip and fell in love with being on the road, independent, and free.
I have a 22-year-old kid in art school. They take after their dad and don’t like to travel, but sometimes I’ve been able to get them on the road with me. They’re queer and we have an upcoming spa trip to Kansas. I’ll no doubt have a lot to say about that.
What I do here: I write about what I experience when I travel. This isn’t a travel guide, per se. While I love dropping the names of awesome restaurants, hotels, and fun things to do, it’s not the primary purpose. My goals are far more Bourdainian: I want to experience the people and places scattered beyond my blessedly sleepy life in Belleville, Illinois.
Most (okay, all) of my travel is in the United States. I’d love to go international but … unemployed. But also, if ever there was a time to experience the United States, it’s now. I want to get out of my comfort zone and live as much of this country right now while it’s in a terrifying flux. I want to keep building my empathy toward strangers and places. There’s no better way to do this than hitting the road and going into the fray.
I never paywall my writing or comments because I want them to be as accessible and interactive as possible. For people who are able and have chosen to support me with paid subscriptions, I thank you from the bottom of my unhireable heart. I keep my subscription rates below Substack’s suggested price. If you purchase a monthly or annual subscription, you’ll get access to a weekly(ish, usually on Tuesday) video from me, usually in my pajamas with unkempt hair, yammering about travel stuff. I think my mom might be the only viewer. Thanks, Mama! I’ve been remiss in this regard lately, but I also try to post a travel playlist monthly. I put one together today that I’m test-driving and will post the Apple Music link here later in the week. I love music, and it inspires the majority of my travels and destination choices. Founding members (thanks Natalie!) get a bunch of souvenirs from one of my upcoming trips. If you like cheesy souvenirs with your travel writing, consider it!
I have a big spring ahead of me, beginning this Sunday when I light out for New Orleans for the better part of a week. New Orleans is one of my two favorite places, so you’ll find me there a couple of times a year as finances allow.
You can often find my writing at Another Jane Pratt Thin, Woody Guthrie Poets, and an assortment of literary journals, zines, and websites. My love of travel and music led me to going hobo in 2012—During another spell of unemployment I traveled around the U.S. to events for Woody Guthrie’s centennial. In fits and starts since then, I’ve been turning that experience into a book. I recently started the process of shopping for a literary agent.
And! One last thing! Are you a traveler, too? Want to be? I can help, because I’m officially a travel advisor! I’m slowly learning the trade through my wee little company, 6 Days Travels. Everything from traditional travel services like booking cruises, to helping you create your own dream road trip. Paid subscribers get extra goodies, of course.
Ready to hit the road? I hope so because this spring I’ll be in deep breath New Orleans, Jackson, Memphis, Woodstock, Boston, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Joshua Tree whew. If you’re in any of those places and want to grab a coffee or cocktail, holler at me! I love making friends on the road.
Welcome aboard! Let’s go!
Or you can buy me a coffee for the road. Thanks!
Robin, you always make me smile!!! Great post. I just wish I was going to New Orleans with you. Have a wonderful trip.