I enjoy taking road trips. My family and I do that often when on vacation and they are mostly short; never over two days. I've always loved them, since we explore different places. No luggage, just a bag with phone chargers and the essentials. The destinations aren't always something extraordinary, but with them it's always nice.
My favourite part though, is passing those little establishments on the side of national roads. I'm sure you know what I mean, those buildings with restaurants, cafés and mini markets inside. They usually have a gas station too.
I love them because they're like little comfort places, waiting to nurse the driver in the middle of their long trip. There's always one or two, depending on which road you've taken, and they are always occupied with travellers, families, schools.
I tend to feel like they have popped out of an adventure book or some series. I like to think that characters like Percy Jackson have stopped in one of those to take a break. The Winchesters have used them to get directions, and Dean always grabs a bite there. Stiles and Scott definitely passed a couple when on the road with the Lacrosse team, and Lydia and Allison did stop at one because their tank emptied.
I don't know why I feel so nice about these places. Maybe it's because they feel homey. Nevertheless, they never cease to amaze me.