I have found that traveling is something that I genuinely love. Although I’ve gone on awesome trips abroad, I am trying my best to explore the beautiful cities and states that surround me. One of the greatest things about college is that a large majority of your friends are from some other city, state, or even country (shout-out to all of the brave and awesome international students!). Often, you will meet wonderful people who will extend an invitation to their home—and you should definitely take them up on it!

Last week, a friend and I drove to Rhode Island to visit a mutual friend. We headed to R.I. on a Friday and headed back home on Monday. It was the perfect amount of time to enjoy ourselves. It was truly a vacation, enjoying coffee and breakfast on a porch, reading books on rocks in private coves, and enjoying the beautiful city of Boston, along with Providence’s nightlife.

Here are 5 reasons in support of little weekend excursions:

1. Filling up a gas tank is relatively inexpensive

Notice that I said relatively. It obviously depends but if you’re traveling with a friend, splitting the gas tab can make a trip incredibly cheap. Also, a full tank can allow some cars to go seven or eight hours without filling it up again. Just go!!

2. You can reach many places in 6 hours or less

I personally have an awful perception of distance and time. I had never driven solo on such a long trip before going to Rhode Island. The drive was just about six hours and in that time, we went through New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and part of Rhode Island! That’s four states in six hours. The possibilities are endless when you consider the unique places that are a short drive away.

3. You can enjoy yourself without having to spend hundreds of dollars on a flight

You don’t need to go to Europe of the Caribbean in order to enjoy yourself. Find what you enjoy and find a place nearby. I like reading, swimming, hiking, and the outdoors in general. Luckily, Rhode Island had all of that but so does my own city.

4. The road gives you lots of time to think

Traveling with my friend, we were given a plethora of time to talk about our lives, our goals, worries, and random things. There’s no better place to talk about life than in a car that is on the road for multiple hours. Additionally, when my friend and I were enjoying the silence and the scenery, we were able to think our own thoughts and clear our heads. I was thinking about all of the things that I wanted to do and not do on that weekend. Thinking about those things ahead of time made my weekend fantastic.

5. You have no excuses but to do something that you find relaxing and wonderful.

This is separate you time. Enjoy it…especially if you never have time to yourself. Like I said, you don’t have to go far to do or enjoy something that you love. Read that book, knit, or paint. Whatever it is, just do it!

I’d say that the absolute best part of these trips is that you don’t have a solid game plan. Sometimes it’s best to not plan too much—just decide that you want to go somewhere and follow through. Treat yo self!