There’s something timeless about road trips—the open road, the random stops, the car snacks, and the spontaneous playlist wars. But let’s be honest, the way we do road trips today looks a lot different than it did a few decades ago.
Whether you remember piling into the back of a station wagon with your siblings in the ‘90s or you’ve only ever road-tripped with Google Maps and Spotify, it’s clear the road trip has evolved. Some things have gotten easier, some things more high-tech, and a few nostalgic touches have faded into memory.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see how road trips have changed over the years.
Paper Maps vs. Navigation Apps
Remember unfolding those massive paper maps that never folded back the right way? Planning a road trip used to mean highlighting routes with a pen, arguing over whether to take the coastal road or the highway, and sometimes pulling over at a servo just to figure out where you were.
Now? We punch the destination into our phones, pick a route with the least traffic, and get real-time updates about road closures, speed traps, and where the nearest petrol station is. GPS has taken a lot of the guesswork (and stress) out of navigating, especially in unfamiliar areas.
But hey, there was something kind of exciting about not knowing exactly where you were—until someone realised you were two hours off course.
Mixtapes and CDs vs. Streaming and Podcasts
Music has always been a huge part of any road trip, but how we listen has come a long way.
In the past, you’d make a mixtape or burn a custom CD for the journey, which usually involved carefully picking songs, timing the playlist, and making sure you didn’t accidentally tape over your sister’s Backstreet Boys album.
Today, we’ve got Spotify, Apple Music, and endless podcasts at our fingertips. Road trip playlists are shared instantly, and if the mood changes, you can switch from 80s rock to true crime podcasts without even taking your eyes off the road (thanks to voice commands).
Car Comfort and Tech
Older road trip cars were usually basic—no air con in the back, crank windows, maybe a cassette player if you were lucky. Seats weren’t always comfy, and long drives meant sore backs and hot tempers.
Modern cars are on a different level. Dual-zone climate control, USB ports for every passenger, Bluetooth connectivity, built-in screens for the kids, cruise control, and even driver-assist tech like lane-keeping and adaptive cruise—all of it makes driving smoother and safer.
If you’ve ever road-tripped in a car with seat warmers and a built-in GPS, you know how spoiled we’ve become (and how we wouldn’t go back if we had the choice).
Snack Stops and Dining
There was a time when a road trip meal meant whatever the closest roadhouse or bakery had—often pies, sausage rolls, or whatever was hot under the heat lamp. Don’t get us wrong, there’s still something legendary about a servo sausage roll on a long drive.
But now, people are packing protein bars, oat milk iced coffees, and stopping at hipster cafes along the highway. Even the average petrol station has upped its game with gourmet sandwiches, decent coffee, and healthier options.
Road trips have gone a little bit foodie, and we’re not mad about it.
Photos and Memories
Back then, if you wanted photos from your road trip, you’d bring a disposable camera or your parents’ point-and-shoot. You’d take 24 shots, hope a few turned out, and wait a week to develop the film at the chemist.
Now we’ve got smartphones that take better photos than most old-school cameras, plus instant editing, sharing, and even video blogging. The road trip selfie game has never been stronger.
Of course, the downside? Sometimes we forget to just enjoy the view without taking 20 photos of it.
Booking Accommodation
In the past, accommodation meant ringing up motels ahead of time—or worse, showing up and hoping they had a vacancy sign lit up. Road trips had a real “wing it” energy.
These days, it’s all apps and websites. You can book your next stay while still driving (or preferably while your passenger is), filter by reviews, price, location, and even pet-friendliness. It takes some of the adventure out, but it adds a whole lot of convenience.
The Cars Themselves
Let’s not forget how much cars have changed. The rise of SUVs, hybrids, electric vehicles, and even camper vans with solar panels means we’re road-tripping smarter and greener. Modern cars are more reliable, safer, and built for comfort on long drives.
Even things like dash cams have become common—giving people peace of mind and helping record some of those “did that just happen?” moments on the road.
And when cars reach the end of their road trip life? That’s where services like ours come in—cash for cars, even the old road trip warriors that have done their job and need to retire.
So, What’s Stayed the Same?
Even with all the changes, the heart of the road trip is still the same. It’s about the freedom, the detours, the inside jokes, the playlists, the late-night servo stops, and the random roadside attractions you didn’t expect.
It’s about going somewhere—but enjoying everything in between.
Worth the Journey, Every Time
Road trips have changed, no doubt about it. But whether you’re in a modern SUV with Apple CarPlay or an old hatchback held together by zip ties and good vibes, it’s still one of the best ways to travel.
And when your old car has done enough trips and it’s time to say goodbye? Give us a call—we’ll take it off your hands and give you instant cash for your car, no matter its condition.
Because just like road trips, letting go of an old car is also part of the journey.
If you are in Seddon, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Melbourne City Cash For Cars
201-207 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000