A few months ago I went with my boyfriend on a trip to meet his family in San Diego. It was a wonderful 5 hour drive. It consisted of peacefulness, less traffic, great conversation, and nice cool weather. This drive took place at night. We left my house around 8 pm and drove with the sun setting, arriving in his hometown in the early morning hours.
On another adventure, we drove to Santa Monica during the day. While on this drive I remember being restless and anxious. It was like I had cabin fever. There was a lot of traffic and I often found myself bored from staring into the distance. We talked, but it wasn't as nice as the other trip.
So I got to thinking about why the drive down South was more enjoyable during the night drive as opposed to the day drive?
My theory is, during the day you can see everything and your mind is focused on so many things because you can see it. Also, you can see so much into the distance it seems to take longer to get where you're going.
At night, though when you're looking out the window you can't see as much so your attention has to be directed towards other things. You can't see the long distance to your destination so you're not focused on how long it will take. Somewhat like the concept about how a watched pot never boils. I also live in an area where it's hot for 75% of the year. During the day you need AC quite often, but at night (Around 8-9 pm during the summer) is when it's really enjoyable. It also helps having less traffic on the road helps for a peaceful drive.
These are just a few reasons why I feel driving during the night time is more enjoyable than driving during the day.
Does anyone else agree or am I just a night person? Do you have a preference of when you like taking long drives?
Comments (5)
I think you're just a night person =D. I don't like driving at night because I get tired, so it wouldn't be safe for me to drive long distances at night. But I think I wouldn't mind being in the passenger seat =). It would be nice to travel in cooler temps, and some of the nighttime scenery could be very beautiful.
I like traveling at night as well. My only concern would be if something were to go wrong, would there be any way to get help, such as breaking down in a less-populated area or needing gas. Most places, unless they're metropolitan or just right next to the interstate, tend to roll their streets in at about nine o'clock at night.
Night driving makes me nervous only b/c I can't see that great in the dark. If that wasn't an issue I wouldn't mind driving long distances at night. Definitely less traffic and aggravation!
Well, I used to like night driving, because I have the internal clock of a vampire...but then I started having night vision problems (which I refuse to bring up when getting my license renewed...lol). It's not horrible, but I find I feel safer during the day. Plus, I love speeding on an open road, but I can't enjoy myself if I'm constantly worried that shadow in the distance is a bunny rabbit who's strayed to its doom.
I LOVE taking long drives late at night. Of course, I can't do this whenever I want to because 1) I don't have my license and 2) I don't have a car waiting for me outside whenever I need it loll.
My ex however, is three years older than me, and while we were dating, in the summers he would always take me out for late night drives just because he knew I really love them. It was really nice and refreshing too!