A good steak can give us a reason to return to a restaurant, even when the overall experience has a few rough edges. That sums up our recent visit to Saltgrass Steak House. The restaurant was clean, the steak was delicious, and the ribs were okay. The service experience, however, included an unexpected server change and more attention to a loyalty program than we wanted. Exterior of a Salt Grass Steak House Location - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net Our server changed during the visit, which felt odd. It left us wondering what happened and made the service feel a little disjointed. It wasn’t enough to ruin dinner, but it was a noticeable interruption. Both servers we had during our visit were friendly, and we appreciated the welcoming attitude from each of them. Their friendliness was a positive part of the meal and deserves recognition. More annoying was being pitched the Landry’s Select Club loyalty program twice. We understand that restaurants want to promote their programs, but hearing the sales pitch once was enough. Bringing it up again became an unwelcome distraction. We came to enjoy a meal, and repeated attempts to sell a membership took away from that experience. The ribs were acceptable, though a little overcooked. The barbecue sauce was decent, but it didn’t particularly stand out. For our tastes, Famous Dave’s barbecue sauce is better by far. These ribs weren’t a complete disappointment, but they also weren’t the highlight of the table. Salt Grass Steak House Ribs - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net That distinction belonged to the steak. It was cooked perfectly, moist, and delicious—the strongest part of the meal and the best reason to give Saltgrass another visit. When a steakhouse gets its namesake dish right, that carries weight. Salt Grass Steak House Steak Dinner with Fries - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net We also appreciated that the restaurant was clean. Despite a few frustrations, our experience left us willing to return at some point. Next time, we would welcome the same quality steak with a smoother service experience and fewer loyalty program pitches.

Having visited numerous Hawaiian Bros Island Grill locations from Texas to Indiana, we have usually enjoyed a good meal. That history made our recent visit to an Indianapolis-area location (Noblesville) particularly disappointing. While the Honolulu Chicken delivered on flavor, the overall plate fell short of the quality we have come to expect from the chain. Exterior of an Illinois Hawaiian Bros. Location - Photo: © RoadTour.Net The Honolulu Chicken was the highlight, but its presentation and preparation left something to be desired. Rather than sitting on a bed of rice with a reasonable amount of sauce, the chicken was surrounded by so much liquid that the dish resembled a soup. We enjoyed the chicken itself, but the excess liquid overwhelmed that part of the plate. There is a difference between adding sauce for flavor and serving a meal that appears to be swimming in it. The macaroni salad was another letdown. A familiar part of a Hawaiian plate lunch, it should complement the chicken and rice. On this visit, neither the flavor nor the consistency was right. You should not see noodle not covered in the dressing. It was bland. It simply did not taste good to us, and the look of it made it difficult to enjoy. Between the excessive liquid around the chicken and the disappointing macaroni salad, this was far from the satisfying meal we anticipated. See the accompanying photos for a look at the plate we received. Honolulu Chicken Referenced in Article - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net Our criticism comes with some perspective: this is not how our meals at Hawaiian Bros usually turn out. We have returned to the chain across multiple states because our experiences have generally been positive. However, previous good meals do not excuse a disappointing one. Customers should be able to expect consistent preparation, whether they are visiting a familiar location or trying the brand for the first time. Macaroni Salad Referenced in Article - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net With Indianapolis serving as a newer market for Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, getting those details right matters. A business entering a new market needs to give customers a reason to return. Someone unfamiliar with the chain would not have our history of better meals to put this experience into perspective. For that customer, this plate could define their entire impression of Hawaiian Bros. If the company cannot deliver consistent quality as it expands, it risks losing customers before it has earned their loyalty. Because of this visit, Hawaiian Bros Island Grill dropped in the Road Tour 10 rankings (10/26/26). Our rankings usually reflect the experiences we actually have, including when a familiar favorite misses the mark. We know Hawaiian Bros can serve a better meal because we have enjoyed better meals at its other locations. This Indianapolis-area visit did not meet that standard, and we expect better. Hopefully things will improve. Check out the Road Tour 10 Rankings here.

The first freezing morning is a poor time to discover that your battery is weak, your tires are worn or your windshield washer fluid has frozen. Winter preparation should begin while you still have time to schedule repairs, replace supplies and deal with problems on your own terms. Whether your plans involve a cross-country road trip or a daily commute, giving your vehicle some attention before temperatures fall can help prevent an inconvenient and potentially dangerous breakdown. Dangerous Winter Driving Conditions on a Highway - Photo: © RoadTour.Net Give Your Tires a Thorough Inspection Start by looking closely at all four tires. Check for shallow tread, uneven wear, cracks and damage along the sidewalls. A tire that has been losing air or causing a vibration needs attention before winter adds slippery pavement to the equation. Have a tire professional evaluate anything questionable rather than assuming it will last until spring. Choose tires suited to the conditions you regularly encounter. Drivers who spend much of the winter traveling through snow and persistent cold should consider whether dedicated winter tires make sense for their vehicle. If you make that investment, use a matching set of four. All-wheel drive can help a vehicle get moving, but braking and cornering still depend heavily on the traction available at the tires. Check tire pressure regularly using the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure, usually found on a label inside the driver’s door opening. Falling temperatures can lower pressure, so a check performed during warm weather does not carry you through the entire season. If your vehicle has a spare, inspect its condition and pressure as well. Confirm that the jack, lug wrench or factory tire-repair equipment is present and usable. Check the Cooling System Despite its name, the cooling system has an important job during winter. The proper coolant protects the engine against freezing while helping control operating temperature. Before cold weather arrives, check the maintenance schedule and determine whether the coolant is due for replacement. If you are unsure about its condition or freeze protection, have it tested. Check the coolant reservoir only when the engine is cold, and never remove a pressurized cooling-system cap while the engine is hot. Use the coolant type and mixture specified for your vehicle. Color alone is not a reliable way to choose a compatible product, and adding extra antifreeze does not automatically improve protection. Follow the product instructions carefully, especially when distinguishing between concentrate and premixed coolant. A reservoir that repeatedly drops below its proper level needs investigation. Look for signs of leakage and have damaged hoses, loose connections or other cooling-system problems repaired. Continually adding coolant without finding out where it is going can allow a manageable issue to become a major repair. Have the Battery and Charging System Tested A vehicle that hesitates to start on a mild morning is already giving you a reason to investigate. Arrange a battery and charging-system test before colder weather makes starting more demanding. Have the battery connections inspected for corrosion, damage and looseness, and make sure the battery is securely mounted. If you carry a portable jump starter, check its charge and learn how to use it before you need it. Follow both the device instructions and your vehicle’s jump-start procedure. Store the unit within its recommended temperature limits and check it periodically throughout the season. Catch Up on Routine Maintenance Review your service records and address overdue work. Use the engine oil grade specified by the manufacturer rather than choosing a different viscosity simply because winter is approaching. Have unusual noises, fluid leaks, warning lights and braking problems investigated before setting out on a long trip. Ask a technician to inspect belts, hoses and other components that may be showing their age. Winter preparation does not require replacing every part under the hood, but it does require taking known problems seriously. A repair you can schedule now is usually easier to manage than a breakdown that decides your schedule for you. Make Visibility a Priority Test the heater, front defroster and rear-window defogger before the first frosty morning. Replace wiper blades that streak, chatter or leave sections of glass uncleared. Fill the washer reservoir with fluid rated for the temperatures you expect to encounter, including colder conditions along your travel route. Inspect the headlights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights. Keep the lenses clean, and have lighting problems corrected promptly. Snow, road spray and early darkness already make visibility difficult without adding a failed bulb or smeared windshield. Carry a sturdy snow brush and ice scraper, and allow enough time to clear the entire vehicle. Remove snow from the roof, hood, lights and windows so it cannot slide into your view or blow toward another driver. Avoid using hot water to clear frozen glass, and free wiper blades from ice before switching them on. Winter Driving Conditions on a Highway - Photo: © RoadTour.Net Pack for an Unexpected Wait Your winter emergency kit should prepare you to wait for help comfortably and safely. Include warm blankets, gloves, hats, dry socks and extra layers for the people who regularly ride with you. Add drinking water, food that requires no preparation, a first-aid kit, a flashlight and spare batteries. Useful roadside supplies include a compact shovel, traction material, a tire-pressure gauge, a suitable tire inflator and reflective warning equipment. Keep a phone-charging cable in the vehicle and consider a charged power bank. Store supplies securely, with essential items accessible from the passenger compartment. Adjust the kit to your passengers and your route. Traveling with children or pets requires additional supplies, while remote trips may justify more food, water and warm clothing. Handle temperature-sensitive medications according to their storage instructions rather than leaving them in the vehicle all winter. Leave Yourself a Fuel or Charging Reserve Avoid beginning a winter trip with barely enough fuel to reach your destination. Detours, road closures and extended delays can change your plans. Refuel before your options become limited, especially when traveling through rural areas or ahead of a storm. Electric vehicle drivers should allow for the effects of cold weather and cabin heating on driving range. Plan charging stops with a reserve, check for alternatives and follow the manufacturer’s guidance on battery preconditioning and cold-weather charging. Know When to Change Your Plans A prepared vehicle still needs a driver willing to adjust to conditions. Check the forecast and road reports along the full route, allow extra time and postpone unnecessary travel when conditions deteriorate. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive. If you become stranded, contact assistance and provide your location as accurately as possible. During a winter storm, remaining with the vehicle is generally safer than walking into unfamiliar surroundings, unless the vehicle’s location presents an immediate danger. If you run the engine for warmth, make sure the exhaust outlet remains clear of snow and run it intermittently. Never idle in a garage or other enclosed space. Preparing for winter means giving yourself more options when something goes wrong. Sound tires, properly maintained fluids, a dependable battery and useful emergency supplies all contribute to that goal. Take care of those details before the weather turns, then keep checking them throughout the season.

We don't normally chime in on local transportation issues like this, but Road Tour travels through Tennessee extensively. We drive its interstates, visit its cities and businesses, and experience firsthand the congestion facing Middle Tennessee. This is an important issue, and it's one that deserves far more attention from Tennessee residents. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is moving forward with its I-24 Southeast “Choice Lanes” project between Nashville and I-840. TDOT says the approximately 26-mile project will add two new optional managed lanes in each direction while preserving the existing general-purpose lanes. Drivers choosing the new lanes will pay a variable user fee in exchange for what TDOT describes as a faster and more reliable trip. This is one bad idea in the long history of bad ideas given by DOT's in America. I-65 Toll Rates Sign at the Indiana/Kentucky Border, Ohio River - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net Let's start with the terminology. TDOT calls them “Choice Lanes.” That's a disguise. We call them what motorists will understand them to be and will call them: toll lanes. TDOT itself says motorists will have to pay a “user fee” to drive in these lanes. The department distinguishes Choice Lanes from a traditional toll road because motorists can continue using the existing general-purpose lanes without paying. Fine. Technically, the entire interstate isn't becoming a toll road. But a highway lane that requires ordinary motorists to pay money to use it is, in practical terms, a toll lane. Calling the charge a “user fee” and branding the lanes as “Choice Lanes” doesn't change what happens when a driver enters one: you pay. TDOT needs to quit the word games and call these lanes what they are. Middle Tennessee has a congestion problem. Nobody who regularly drives I-24 between Nashville and Murfreesboro needs a government study to tell them that. Our disagreement is with the proposed solution. TDOT says no existing general-purpose lanes will be taken away and that the project will add two new Choice Lanes in each direction. Our question is simple: Why shouldn't that new capacity be available to everybody? Because a tolled-capacity is borderline useless, it's a half measure to resolving traffic issues. Better yet, it's a quarter measure. If Tennessee is undertaking a massive interstate expansion, Road Tour believes the priority should be adding general-purpose capacity that every motorist can use without asking whether the trip is worth another charge. Tennessee motorists already pay fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees and numerous other taxes and fees. Interstate capacity shouldn't increasingly become a premium product where motorists stuck in congestion can buy their way into a faster lane. To us, that sends a terrible message to motorists: the traffic is miserable, but if you're willing to pay more, here's a better highway. That's unacceptable. This isn't necessarily going to be a simple flat toll, either. TDOT has said the user fee will vary according to congestion. In other words, when demand for the roadway is highest, precisely when commuters most desperately need relief, the price can rise to manage demand. That may make sense on somebody's traffic-management spreadsheet, but we don't believe it makes sense as the direction Tennessee should take its interstate highway system. And that's another fundamental problem with toll lanes: they primarily benefit the motorists willing and able to pay for them. Road Tour expects many motorists will simply refuse to pay an additional charge to drive to and from work, leaving them in the same congested general-purpose lanes while paying customers receive access to the new premium capacity. Charlotte's I-77 Express Lanes provide a real-world example of this two-tier approach: the photo below accompanying this article shows traffic using the regular lanes (general purpose lanes) while comparatively fewer vehicles occupy the tolled express lanes. A photograph by itself doesn't establish overall usage rates, but it does illustrate the basic problem we're talking about, access to the faster lanes will only be for the few. We can use SR 167 "Valley Freeway" toll lanes in the Seattle area and I-495 in Northern Virginia as an example too, among many others. Why is this foolery even being proposed? It's all about the money, not about citizens. It's a ruse. I-77 Charlotte Area Toll Lanes (Left), General Purpose Lanes (Right) - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net Tolls get super expensive. Even a seemingly modest toll, when paid repeatedly on the way to and from work, can amount to hundreds of dollars per year for a single vehicle. A hypothetical $2 toll used twice per workday for 250 working days would cost $1,000 annually. At $5 each way, the same commuting pattern would reach $2,500. Actual costs will depend on TDOT's eventual pricing and how frequently a motorist chooses to use the lanes, but that's precisely the point: regular access to newly constructed highway capacity could become another recurring transportation expense for Tennessee families. Tennessee should also pay close attention to what has happened around Charlotte, North Carolina. The I-77 Express Lanes stretch approximately 26 miles from Uptown Charlotte north toward Mooresville. Drivers can pay to use express lanes while the existing general-purpose lanes remain free. The project opened in 2019 and is operated and maintained by a private developer. North Carolina subsequently pursued another major express-lane project on I-77 south of Uptown Charlotte toward the South Carolina state line. The proposal calls for adding toll lanes along approximately 11 miles of I-77. Charlotte officials initially withdrew their support in May 2026, helping bring planning work on the controversial project to a halt. But the story didn't end there. The North Carolina legislature subsequently passed a law that could require Charlotte and other local governments opposing the project to repay tens of millions of dollars that NCDOT says it had already spent. Facing the possibility of a massive repayment bill, Charlotte City Council reversed course in September 2026, voting 7–4 to restore its support for the I-77 South toll lanes. That history should be required reading in Tennessee because one of our biggest concerns is simple: Where does this stop? I-24 today. What highway tomorrow? Once Tennessee establishes the infrastructure, bureaucracy, private partnerships and political precedent necessary for dynamically priced interstate lanes, expanding the concept becomes considerably easier. TDOT already describes Choice Lanes as a program, not merely a single I-24 construction project. Tennessee's Transportation Modernization Act gave TDOT authority to use public-private partnerships and enabled development of the Choice Lanes program. That's exactly why Tennesseans should pay attention now. Residents shouldn't wake up 20 years from now and discover that navigating Nashville means repeatedly deciding between sitting in congested general-purpose lanes or paying additional fees for premium highway capacity. A lot of Californians and residents of other high-cost states have moved to Tennessee in recent years. Tennessee should be careful that, as it grows, it doesn't begin importing the same policies and ideas that many people wanted to leave behind. We don't want Tennessee turning into the nonsense of California, where paying additional money to escape congestion has become increasingly normalized. Tennessee doesn't need to copy California, Chicago, Houston, Orlando or any other place that has embraced extensive tolling. One reason people and businesses are attracted to Tennessee is because the state has historically offered something different. Keep it different. If I-24 needs additional capacity, build additional general-purpose capacity. If interchanges need reconstruction, reconstruct them. If bottlenecks need eliminating, eliminate them. If Nashville and Murfreesboro need substantially better transportation infrastructure to accommodate their explosive growth, build it. But don't normalize the idea that the best new interstate lanes should be reserved for motorists willing or able to pay an additional fee. TDOT presents Choice Lanes as an optional solution. Nobody has to pay, existing general-purpose lanes remain free, and motorists who value a more reliable trip gain another option. That's the TDOT's argument, and motorists should understand it before forming their own view. Road Tour strongly disagrees with that approach. We believe Tennessee should concentrate on expanding transportation capacity that benefits the broadest possible number of motorists without creating a two-tier interstate system — one experience for people who pay extra and another for everybody else. Tennesseans who share that concern need to make their voices heard now, not after miles of toll lanes have already been constructed. Contact TDOT. Contact state lawmakers. Contact local representatives. Ask why billions of dollars in new interstate infrastructure shouldn't be available to everyone who uses the highway. Because this debate is bigger than one 26-mile stretch of I-24. It's about what Tennessee's interstate system will look like decades from now. Once toll lanes become accepted as the solution to congestion on one major interstate, don't be surprised when somebody proposes them for another. “Choice Lane.” “Managed Lane.” “User Fee.” Call it whatever you want. If motorists have to pay money to drive in the lane, it's a toll lane. This is a knuckleheaded idea. Plain and simple. There will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions and speak their mind. TDOT says it plans to hold open-house meetings in November 2026 to discuss DriveTN's technical proposal for the I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project. As of early October, TDOT has not announced the specific dates and locations, saying additional details will be released in the coming weeks. These meetings matter. Tennesseans who have concerns about tolling, variable pricing, the cost to daily commuters, future expansion of Choice Lanes and why new general-purpose lanes aren't being prioritized should use these opportunities to ask questions and make their concerns known. This project could influence how Tennessee approaches highway expansion for decades, and the public deserves to be heard before toll lanes become a normal part of the state's interstate system. Check out our article in traffic solutions for the Nashville area here.

There is something uniquely American about getting behind the wheel, heading out onto the open highway, and exploring the country at your own pace. Road trips offer a sense of freedom that air travel simply cannot match. There are no airport security checkpoints, no baggage claim delays, and no rigid flight schedules dictating when and where you can go. From the towering mountains of Colorado to the bustling streets of Chicago, the scenic highways of California, and the small towns scattered throughout the Midwest, America's roadways provide countless opportunities for adventure. But while the American road trip remains one of the most rewarding ways to travel, it can also become considerably more expensive than travelers initially anticipate. Driving on I-94, Chicago - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net Most people planning a road trip calculate the obvious expenses: gasoline, lodging, and food. Unfortunately, those three categories only scratch the surface of what it actually costs to travel across the United States. Vehicle depreciation, maintenance, toll roads, parking fees, unexpected repairs, and even seemingly insignificant purchases at convenience stores can quietly inflate the overall cost of a journey. For travelers covering thousands of miles, these expenses can accumulate into hundreds or even thousands of dollars beyond the original budget. At Road Tour, we believe the American road trip is one of the greatest travel experiences available. However, we also believe travelers deserve to understand the full financial picture before setting out on their next adventure. Ohio Wawa Location - Photo: RoadTour.Net Gasoline Is Only the Beginning Fuel is typically the first expense people consider when planning a road trip, and understandably so. Whether driving a compact sedan, pickup truck, SUV, or recreational vehicle, the cost of filling the tank can represent a substantial portion of the travel budget. Larger vehicles and those with lower fuel efficiency naturally consume more gasoline, particularly when traveling through mountainous terrain, dealing with heavy traffic, or operating at sustained highway speeds. However, gasoline expenses are not always as predictable as travelers might expect. Fuel prices can vary considerably between states, metropolitan areas, and even neighboring exits along the same interstate. Stations located directly adjacent to major highways may charge more than competitors a few miles away. Travelers who fail to plan their fuel stops can end up paying a premium simply because they need gasoline immediately. A vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon will consume approximately 80 gallons of fuel during a 2,000-mile road trip. At an illustrative price of $3.50 per gallon, that represents $280 in gasoline alone. Increase the distance, reduce the fuel economy, or encounter higher prices, and the expense rises quickly. But the cost of operating a vehicle goes well beyond what appears on the gasoline pump. Fuel consumption also increases when drivers encounter prolonged traffic congestion, frequent stops, excessive idling, or challenging terrain. For travelers making extended journeys across multiple states, even modest differences in fuel efficiency can translate into meaningful additional expenses. Vehicle Wear and Tear: The Expense Nobody Sees One of the most overlooked expenses associated with road travel is the wear and tear placed on a vehicle. Every mile driven contributes to the eventual replacement of tires, brakes, suspension components, fluids, and other mechanical parts. Even when a vehicle performs flawlessly throughout a journey, those miles still contribute to its long-term maintenance requirements. Consider a traveler who drives 3,000 miles during a vacation. Depending on the vehicle's maintenance schedule, that trip may consume a substantial portion of the mileage between oil changes. Tires gradually wear down, brake components experience additional use, and suspension systems absorb the punishment of potholes, uneven pavement, and deteriorating highways. While these expenses might not immediately appear on a credit card statement, they are nevertheless part of the true cost of traveling by automobile. Then there is depreciation, another expense that rarely receives much attention when people calculate their vacation budgets. Most vehicles lose value as they accumulate mileage and age, although the effect varies considerably by model, condition, and market demand. A road trip might not produce an immediate repair bill, but the additional mileage can contribute to a lower resale or trade-in value. These expenses are easy to ignore because they are not necessarily paid during the trip itself. Nevertheless, they are real costs of vehicle ownership and operation. Travelers who calculate only gasoline expenses are not accounting for the full financial impact of their journey, particularly when making multiple long-distance trips throughout the year. Wisconsin Hotel Room - Photo: © RoadTour.Net Hotels: The Advertised Rate Is Not Always the Final Price Lodging can quickly become one of the largest expenses of an extended road trip, particularly for travelers who prefer hotels over camping or staying with friends and relatives. A room advertised at $109 per night might appear affordable until taxes, parking charges, pet fees, and other applicable expenses are added. Some hotels impose destination or resort fees, even when guests have little interest in using the amenities those charges supposedly cover. Others charge separately for parking, breakfast, or services that travelers might reasonably expect to be included in the nightly rate. The result is that the amount paid at checkout can be substantially higher than the room price that initially attracted the traveler, particularly when optional extras and separately disclosed charges are involved. Location also plays a significant role in hotel pricing. Properties near major tourist attractions, downtown districts, and popular vacation destinations frequently command higher prices than comparable accommodations outside those areas. Travelers arriving without reservations may discover that the most affordable rooms are already booked, leaving more expensive alternatives. And paying more does not necessarily guarantee a better experience. A costly hotel room can still come with cleanliness problems, uncomfortable beds, inadequate maintenance, or disappointing customer service. For a seven-night stay, even an additional $25 per night in unexpected or overlooked charges adds $175 to the travel budget. That money could otherwise be spent on fuel, meals, attractions, or extending the journey. Road Tour encourages travelers to examine the total cost of accommodations before booking and to remember that value should be measured by the entire guest experience, not simply the advertised room rate. Restaurant Expenses Can Get Out of Control Eating on the road is part of the American travel experience. Discovering a regional restaurant, visiting a famous roadside diner, or stopping at a popular travel center can become a memorable part of the journey. Unfortunately, dining expenses are also among the easiest costs to underestimate. A quick breakfast, casual lunch, and sit-down dinner can easily add up to a significant daily expense, especially for families. Beverages, taxes, gratuities, and occasional snacks push the total higher. Even fast-food restaurants, traditionally considered an inexpensive option for travelers, can consume a surprising portion of a travel budget. Travelers who routinely purchase breakfast, lunch, and dinner away from home may discover that their food expenses rival or even exceed their lodging costs, depending on their dining choices. For illustration, consider a traveler spending $12 on breakfast, $18 on lunch, and $30 on dinner, including applicable taxes and tips. That amounts to $60 per day, or $420 over a seven-day trip. For two people spending at the same rate, the total reaches $840. Those figures do not include bottled water, coffee, convenience-store purchases, or the occasional dessert. Travelers should not have to sacrifice every enjoyable dining experience to save money, but choosing restaurants carefully, carrying snacks, and taking advantage of reasonably priced meals can make a meaningful difference over the course of a trip. It is also worth remembering that expensive meals do not always translate into better food or service, something Road Tour has repeatedly emphasized in its consumer reviews. Toll Roads: Paying More to Use the Highway Toll roads have become an increasingly important consideration when calculating road-trip expenses. Throughout parts of the United States, travelers encounter toll highways, bridges, tunnels, and express lanes that require additional payment beyond the taxes and fees already associated with vehicle ownership and fuel purchases. Depending on the route, toll charges may be relatively minor or substantial. Some toll facilities charge different rates based on vehicle classification, payment method, time of day, or traffic conditions. Drivers unfamiliar with an area may accidentally enter a tolled express lane or discover that their preferred route includes multiple toll facilities. For travelers who believe America's highways should remain accessible without additional user charges, these costs can be especially frustrating. Electronic tolling has also changed the payment process. Some roads no longer accept cash, instead relying on transponders or license-plate billing. Drivers without a compatible account may face higher pay-by-plate rates or additional administrative charges. For a traveler crossing several states, tolls can quietly become a meaningful expense, particularly when driving through regions with extensive toll-road networks. And while toll roads sometimes provide faster travel times, that advantage is not guaranteed. Before beginning a long-distance trip, travelers should review their routes and determine whether toll-free alternatives are practical. In some situations, avoiding tolls may save money with little additional travel time. In others, the extra distance and fuel consumption may offset the savings. The important point is that travelers should understand what they are paying and what they are receiving in return. Parking: The Expense That Often Comes as a Surprise Parking is another frequently overlooked road-trip expense, especially when visiting major cities and tourist destinations. While suburban shopping centers and smaller communities often provide complimentary parking, downtown districts, entertainment venues, hotels, and popular attractions may charge substantial fees. A traveler visiting several metropolitan areas during a single road trip could encounter parking charges at hotels, restaurants, museums, beaches, and sightseeing destinations. Even a short stop can become expensive when minimum parking fees apply, and some facilities charge considerably more during special events or periods of high demand. In some cities, street parking regulations are complicated, and violations can result in costly citations or towing expenses. Travelers unfamiliar with local rules may unintentionally park in restricted areas or fail to recognize time limitations. Parking should therefore be treated as a planned expense rather than an unexpected inconvenience. Researching garages, hotel parking policies, public transportation options, and attraction parking arrangements before arriving can help prevent unnecessary costs. For travelers spending several days exploring a large metropolitan area, parking expenses can become a surprisingly significant portion of the overall vacation budget. Car Mechanic - Stock Photo Unexpected Repairs Can Destroy a Travel Budget Few experiences disrupt a road trip faster than mechanical trouble. A flat tire, failed alternator, overheating engine, or transmission problem can transform an enjoyable vacation into an expensive and stressful ordeal. Vehicle repairs are particularly troublesome when they occur hundreds or thousands of miles from home. Travelers may have limited knowledge of local repair shops, face delays obtaining replacement parts, or have little choice but to accept available services to continue their journey. The repair bill itself may only represent part of the financial damage. Additional hotel nights, rental vehicles, towing charges, transportation expenses, and lost reservations can substantially increase the total cost of a breakdown. Even a relatively minor mechanical issue can become expensive when it occurs in an unfamiliar location. Before departing, travelers should inspect their vehicles and address known maintenance concerns. Tire condition, fluid levels, brakes, battery health, and cooling-system performance deserve particular attention. Carrying an emergency kit and maintaining access to roadside assistance can also reduce the inconvenience and financial consequences of unexpected problems. A road trip should never begin with the assumption that a vehicle will perform flawlessly simply because it has not experienced problems recently. Preventive maintenance may require spending money before departure, but it can be considerably less expensive than dealing with a major breakdown far from home. The Small Purchases That Quietly Drain Your Wallet Not every hidden road-trip expense involves a large purchase. In fact, some of the most persistent budget problems come from relatively small transactions repeated throughout the journey. A bottled beverage at a gas station, a bag of snacks, an extra coffee, a souvenir, or a quick stop at a convenience store may seem insignificant individually. However, these purchases accumulate. Spending an additional $15 per day on miscellaneous items results in $105 over a week. Increase that amount to $25 daily, and the total reaches $175. For families traveling with children, frequent snack stops and impulse purchases can push those totals even higher. Travel centers and convenience stores are designed to make purchasing easy. Their product selections, food counters, promotional displays, and convenient highway locations encourage travelers to spend money beyond the cost of fuel. There is nothing wrong with enjoying these conveniences, and stopping at a well-operated travel center can be an enjoyable part of the road-trip experience. The problem arises when travelers repeatedly make purchases without considering how they affect the overall budget. A little planning, including bringing beverages and snacks from home or purchasing supplies at grocery stores, can help keep these expenses under control. Lake Michigan Beach in Michigan - Photo: RoadTour.Net Tourist Attractions and Entertainment Add Another Layer of Expense One of the greatest advantages of road travel is the freedom to discover attractions along the way. National parks, museums, observation decks, amusement parks, historic sites, and roadside landmarks can transform an ordinary drive into an unforgettable adventure. However, admission charges, parking, guided tours, equipment rentals, and other expenses can quickly add up. Families may face particularly substantial costs when visiting attractions that charge admission per person. A single major attraction can consume a significant portion of the day's budget before food, parking, or souvenirs are considered. Fortunately, America also offers countless opportunities for inexpensive or free exploration. Scenic overlooks, historic downtowns, public parks, architectural landmarks, and many roadside attractions provide memorable experiences without requiring substantial spending. Some of the most rewarding discoveries happen when travelers leave the interstate, explore an unfamiliar community, and experience places that rarely appear in conventional travel brochures. Road trips do not have to revolve around expensive theme parks or major tourist attractions. Sometimes the most memorable experiences are found along an ordinary stretch of highway or in a small town that was never part of the original itinerary. The Cost of Time Should Not Be Ignored Money is not the only resource consumed during a road trip. Time also has value, particularly for travelers working within limited vacation schedules. Traffic congestion, construction delays, poor route planning, and unnecessary detours can consume hours that might otherwise be spent enjoying destinations. A traveler who spends an additional day reaching a destination may incur another night of lodging, additional meals, and other expenses. Long driving days can also create fatigue, making it necessary to stop earlier than planned or extend a trip unexpectedly. The fastest route is not always the most enjoyable, but travelers should recognize the financial tradeoffs involved in their decisions. Scenic detours can be worthwhile experiences, while avoidable delays and inefficient planning rarely provide the same benefit. A successful road trip balances the desire to explore with realistic expectations about time, distance, and expenses. Travelers who build flexibility into their itineraries are often better prepared to handle construction, traffic, weather, and other circumstances that can disrupt even the most carefully planned journey. What Does a Road Trip Really Cost? Consider a hypothetical seven-day, 2,000-mile road trip for two adults traveling in a vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon. At an illustrative gasoline price of $3.50 per gallon, fuel expenses would total approximately $280. Six nights of hotel accommodations averaging $140 per night, including taxes and fees, would add $840. If the travelers spend a combined $100 per day on meals, another $700 would be added to the budget. Allowing $100 for tolls and parking, $150 for attractions and entertainment, and $100 for snacks and miscellaneous purchases brings the running total to $2,170. Add an illustrative $300 allowance for vehicle wear, maintenance, and depreciation, and the estimated overall cost of the trip reaches $2,470. These figures are examples rather than national averages, and actual expenses will vary considerably based on destination, vehicle, lodging choices, and personal preferences. The vehicle allowance represents a planning estimate rather than an immediate cash payment, and it should not be interpreted as a universal per-mile operating cost. The calculation also excludes major unexpected repairs, lost income, and other unusual expenses. Nevertheless, the example demonstrates how a vacation that initially appears relatively affordable can become a much larger financial commitment once the full cost of travel is considered. For families with children, travelers using larger vehicles, or those visiting expensive destinations, the total could be substantially higher. How to Keep Road-Trip Expenses Under Control The solution is not to abandon the American road trip. Quite the opposite. Travelers who understand the potential expenses can make better decisions and enjoy their journeys without constantly worrying about money. Planning fuel stops, comparing hotel rates, reviewing toll routes, and researching parking options can prevent many unnecessary expenses. Maintaining a vehicle before departure reduces the risk of avoidable breakdowns, while setting a realistic daily food budget can keep restaurant spending under control. Choosing accommodations that provide genuine value, rather than simply selecting the lowest advertised price, can also help travelers avoid unpleasant surprises. Travelers should establish an emergency reserve separate from their normal vacation budget. Unexpected circumstances can arise regardless of how carefully a trip is planned, and having additional funds available can prevent a manageable inconvenience from becoming a financial crisis. Perhaps most importantly, travelers should avoid confusing expensive experiences with memorable ones. Some of America's most impressive scenery, fascinating communities, and unforgettable roadside discoveries cost little or nothing to enjoy. With thoughtful planning, it is entirely possible to experience the country without allowing unnecessary expenses to overshadow the adventure. Beach Camping - Stock Photo The American Road Trip Is Still Worth It Despite the expenses, we remain enthusiastic supporters of the American road trip. Few experiences offer the same combination of independence, discovery, flexibility, and adventure. Traveling by automobile allows people to experience the country in ways that flying from one major city to another simply cannot replicate. The open road reveals America beyond its airports and tourist districts. It takes travelers through communities that might otherwise go unnoticed, introduces them to regional cultures, and creates opportunities for spontaneous discoveries that cannot be scheduled in advance. Whether traveling across the country or exploring destinations closer to home, the road trip remains an important part of the American experience. But enthusiasm for road travel should never prevent an honest discussion about its costs. The price of gasoline is only one piece of a much larger financial picture. Hotels, restaurants, vehicle maintenance, toll roads, parking, attractions, and everyday purchases all contribute to the true expense of a journey. Understanding these costs does not diminish the appeal of the open road. Instead, it allows travelers to make informed decisions, establish realistic budgets, and avoid unnecessary financial surprises. America is still worth exploring. Just make sure you understand what the journey is really going to cost before you turn the key.

There was a time when taking a road trip across America meant enjoying the open highway, exploring unfamiliar places, and experiencing the freedom that comes with traveling by automobile. While those experiences certainly still exist, there is an increasingly troubling problem confronting motorists across the country: the behavior of other drivers. Aggressive driving, excessive speeding, dangerous lane changes, tailgating, distracted driving, and outright hostility have become all too familiar on America's highways. For many motorists, a routine trip to work or a long-distance vacation can quickly turn into a stressful experience because of the reckless decisions of someone else. We have spent more than 29 years traveling America's roadways, driving millions of miles through 46 states. Our extensive time behind the wheel has provided us with a unique perspective on the American driving experience. And one thing has become increasingly apparent from our observations: Far too many motorists appear to have forgotten that driving is a responsibility, not a competition. Whether navigating congested metropolitan interstates, traveling through construction zones, or enjoying relatively quiet stretches of rural highway, we regularly encounter motorists whose impatience, poor judgment, and apparent disregard for others create unnecessary dangers. The question is no longer whether aggressive driving is a problem in America. The question is what can be done to reverse this bad driving culture?! Damaged Vehicle on an Interstate - Photo: © RoadTour.Net Research suggests that our concerns are hardly isolated. A September 2025 study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that approximately 96% of surveyed drivers admitted engaging in at least one aggressive driving behavior during the previous year. These behaviors included speeding, tailgating, honking aggressively, running red lights, and cutting off other motorists. The study also found that aggressive behavior can be contagious. Drivers exposed to hostility and dangerous behavior on the road may become more likely to respond aggressively themselves, creating a cycle of frustration and retaliation. The AAA Foundation's 2025 Traffic Safety Culture Index, published in June 2026, revealed that 91% of surveyed drivers perceived frequent speeding on freeways in their neighborhoods, while 81% reported observing aggressive behaviors such as weaving through traffic and passing too closely. These are troubling statistics for a country that depends so heavily on automobile transportation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 36,640 people died in traffic crashes during 2025. Although that represented a welcome 6.7% decline from 2024, the number of lives lost remains staggering. Not all of those deaths involved aggressive driving, but the figures demonstrate the enormous stakes of roadway safety. Behind those numbers are families who lost loved ones, individuals who suffered life-changing injuries, and countless motorists whose lives were affected by preventable crashes. Driving behavior has consequences, sometimes devastating ones. One of the most frustrating and potentially dangerous behaviors we encounter is the reckless manner in which some motorists change lanes. On busy interstates, it is not uncommon to witness vehicles weaving between lanes at excessive speeds, crossing multiple lanes of traffic, or squeezing into spaces that provide little room for error. Some drivers appear to believe that simply activating a turn signal gives them an automatic right to enter another lane. Others do not bother signaling at all. Neither approach is acceptable. A turn signal communicates an intention to change lanes. It does not grant permission to force another motorist to brake suddenly or take evasive action. We have also observed situations in which motorists traveling significantly faster than surrounding traffic suddenly approach from behind and attempt to occupy the same lane another vehicle is entering. These situations can become especially dangerous when multiple vehicles are changing lanes simultaneously, particularly when one driver fails to properly assess surrounding traffic or is traveling at an unreasonable speed. Responsible drivers should check their mirrors, assess blind spots, signal their intentions, and ensure sufficient space exists before completing a maneuver. Other motorists should not be expected to accommodate reckless decisions made at the last possible moment. The rules of the road exist for a reason. They are not optional suggestions that motorists can disregard whenever they become impatient. Few driving behaviors demonstrate a lack of respect for other motorists more clearly than tailgating. Traveling just a few feet behind another vehicle at interstate speeds is reckless, intimidating, and entirely unnecessary. Yet it is a behavior we routinely encounter on America's highways. Some drivers appear to believe that following another vehicle excessively closely will somehow encourage the motorist ahead to increase speed or move aside. Others simply fail to understand the distance necessary to stop safely in an emergency. Whatever the motivation, tailgating significantly reduces reaction time and creates an avoidable risk of a rear-end collision. At 70 or 80 miles per hour, even a brief delay in responding to sudden braking can have serious consequences. There is absolutely no legitimate reason to endanger another person's safety simply because they are not traveling at a speed that satisfies the driver behind them. Drivers in passing lanes should follow applicable keep-right and passing laws, and motorists should not deliberately obstruct traffic. But that does not excuse someone else from maintaining a safe following distance. Being impatient does not give anyone the right to intimidate another motorist. Speeding is hardly a new problem in America, but the willingness of some motorists to travel at extreme speeds on heavily traveled highways deserves greater scrutiny. Anyone who regularly travels interstate highways has likely witnessed vehicles moving considerably faster than surrounding traffic, often accompanied by abrupt lane changes and aggressive passing maneuvers. These drivers may believe they are saving significant amounts of time. In reality, the benefits of excessive speeding are often much smaller than people assume, especially over shorter distances or in congested metropolitan areas. Meanwhile, the risks increase substantially. According to NHTSA, speeding reduces the time drivers have to react to dangerous situations, increases stopping distances, and can contribute to more severe injuries when crashes occur. What makes excessive speeding particularly frustrating is that the consequences are not limited to the speeding driver. A motorist traveling at an unreasonable speed can put entire families at risk, including people who are operating their vehicles responsibly and following traffic laws. The highway is not a racetrack. If someone wants to test the performance capabilities of their vehicle, a controlled racing facility is the appropriate environment, not a public interstate filled with families, commuters, and commercial vehicles. Aggressive driving is only part of the problem. Distracted driving continues to create serious hazards throughout the country. Smartphones, vehicle infotainment systems, social media, navigation applications, and other distractions compete for drivers' attention at precisely the time when their focus should remain on the roadway. The AAA Foundation's 2025 Traffic Safety Culture Index found that 28% of surveyed drivers admitted sending a text or email while driving during the previous 30 days, while 38% reported reading one. These admissions occurred despite overwhelming recognition among respondents that such activities are dangerous. That disconnect between what motorists know and how they behave is particularly troubling. People understand that distracted driving is dangerous, yet many continue engaging in it. Car Accident on an Interstate - Photo: © RoadTour.Net We have observed vehicles wandering within their lanes, motorists failing to maintain consistent speeds, and drivers appearing completely unaware of changing traffic conditions. While it is not always possible to determine the exact reason for another motorist's behavior, distraction is an established roadway safety concern. A driver looking away from the road for even a few seconds can miss a braking vehicle, an approaching curve, road debris, or a pedestrian. Combine distraction with excessive speed or aggressive lane changes, and the potential consequences become even more severe. No text message, social media notification, or entertainment feature is worth someone's life. Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of modern driving culture is the apparent deterioration of basic courtesy. Too many motorists appear unwilling to extend even the simplest consideration to others. Allowing another vehicle to merge safely, maintaining a reasonable following distance, acknowledging a mistake, and exercising patience in heavy traffic should be ordinary elements of responsible driving. Instead, some motorists behave as though every other vehicle is an obstacle that must be defeated. We see drivers accelerating to prevent someone from merging, refusing to leave space for vehicles entering an interstate, and aggressively reacting when another motorist makes a minor mistake. Construction zones are another source of concern. Even when reduced speed limits, lane closures, and warning signs are clearly visible, some drivers continue traveling too fast or attempt last-second maneuvers to gain a few vehicle lengths. This type of behavior creates unnecessary danger for motorists and the workers responsible for maintaining our highways. We can't even drive a day on an Interstate without seeing something dangerous happening. Frankly, there needs to be more law enforcement on the Interstates in our opinion because things are so bad. Driving requires cooperation. Without it, a busy interstate becomes an environment where everyone is forced to anticipate the poor decisions of others. The AAA Foundation's research also suggests that courtesy matters. Its September 2025 study found that motorists who placed greater importance on good driving manners were less likely to report high levels of aggressive driving. Respect for other motorists should not be viewed as an outdated concept. It is a fundamental component of roadway safety. There is also a difference between becoming frustrated with another motorist and intentionally threatening or endangering them. Unfortunately, that distinction is lost on some drivers. Aggressive gestures, repeated horn use intended to intimidate, deliberate obstruction, threatening behavior, and attempts to confront other motorists can escalate relatively minor traffic disagreements into dangerous encounters. A minor driving mistake should never become an excuse for retaliation. Nobody benefits when one driver's frustration provokes another driver's anger, creating a dangerous confrontation that could have been avoided. Motorists who encounter aggressive individuals should prioritize their safety, avoid engaging in confrontations, create distance when possible, and report immediate threats to law enforcement. Attempting to teach another driver a lesson is not worth risking your life. One of the questions we believe deserves more attention is whether enough is being done to hold dangerous motorists accountable. Traffic enforcement is an essential part of maintaining roadway safety. Speed limits, lane restrictions, following-distance laws, and distracted-driving regulations are only as effective as the willingness and ability of authorities to enforce them. Motorists who repeatedly endanger others should face meaningful consequences. However, enforcement should focus on genuinely dangerous behavior rather than simply generating traffic citations. Reckless lane changes, aggressive tailgating, extreme speeding, and dangerous driving through construction zones deserve particular attention. States should also consider whether existing roadway designs contribute to dangerous driving. Confusing interchanges, poorly marked lanes, short merging distances, and inadequate signage can create situations where motorists must make difficult decisions in limited time. Improving driver behavior requires a combination of reasonable enforcement, better road design, public education, and individual responsibility. Ultimately, no amount of enforcement can replace common sense and courtesy behind the wheel. A driver's license is a privilege that comes with obligations to everyone sharing the road. Damaged Vehicle - Stock Photography We strongly believe in the American road trip. Few experiences compare with traveling across the country, discovering new communities, exploring scenic highways, and experiencing the remarkable geographic diversity of the United States. Our mission has always included celebrating America's roads and the destinations they connect. But enjoying those journeys becomes more difficult when motorists are constantly forced to contend with dangerous driving behavior. Families should be able to embark on a vacation without worrying about aggressive motorists cutting them off at interstate speeds. Commuters should not have to tolerate drivers riding inches from their rear bumpers. Commercial drivers should not be forced to navigate around people treating busy highways like personal racetracks. America's roads belong to everyone, not simply those who are willing to drive the fastest or behave the most aggressively. And while national traffic fatalities have declined in recent years, that progress should not become an excuse for complacency. The reduction in roadway deaths is encouraging. The continued prevalence of aggressive and distracted driving is not. Both realities deserve attention. So, are American drivers becoming more aggressive? Our experiences on the road certainly suggest that aggressive and discourteous behavior remains a persistent and increasingly frustrating part of traveling America's highways. Research confirms that aggressive driving is widespread, although the available evidence does not establish that every form of aggression has increased nationwide in recent years. Regardless of whether these behaviors are becoming more common or simply more visible, the underlying problem is unacceptable. Too many drivers are impatient, distracted, discourteous, or seemingly indifferent to the consequences of their actions. There is nothing impressive about weaving through traffic at excessive speeds. Tailgating another motorist does not demonstrate driving skill. Cutting someone off to gain a few seconds does not make anyone a better driver. And responding to a minor traffic inconvenience with anger or intimidation serves absolutely no constructive purpose. Responsible driving should be measured by judgment, awareness, patience, and respect for others — not by how quickly someone can reach their destination. It's time for American drivers to put down their phones, slow down, stop tailgating, use their turn signals, and start showing some respect. The American road trip should be about the adventure ahead, not surviving the dangerous behavior of the driver next to you.

Our visit to Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham was anything but impressive. From the moment we arrived, the experience got off to a disappointing start. The reception employee who greeted us was noticeably grouchy and hardly welcoming. Hospitality is supposed to be the foundation of the hotel industry, yet this particular encounter left us feeling as though our business was more of an inconvenience than something appreciated. A friendly greeting and a professional attitude cost absolutely nothing, and guests should not have to settle for anything less. Microtel Inn Sign - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net Unfortunately, the customer service experience was only the beginning of our dissatisfaction. Once inside the room, we discovered multiple hairs in the bathtub, along with hair on one of the bath towels. These are basic housekeeping failures that should never make it past a proper room inspection. Finding someone else's hair in areas meant for personal hygiene is not only unpleasant but raises legitimate concerns about how thoroughly the room was cleaned before our arrival. Hair on Hand Towel at Microtel Inn - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net As if the lackluster customer service and questionable housekeeping weren't enough, the complimentary breakfast was yet another disappointment. The selection was about as uninspiring as it gets, consisting of cold cereal and prepackaged muffins. That's hardly what we would consider a worthwhile hotel breakfast. We understand that budget hotels aren't expected to serve elaborate breakfast buffets, but offering guests such a bare-bones selection feels like another example of cutting costs at the expense of the guest experience. There was absolutely nothing appealing about it, and we ultimately decided to skip breakfast altogether. Just because breakfast is free doesn't mean it should be an afterthought. When a hotel advertises complimentary breakfast as an amenity, guests should reasonably expect something more substantial than what amounts to a few packaged convenience-store items and cook your own pancakes or whatever. Lackluster Breakfast Bar - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net We understand that Microtel is positioned as a budget-friendly hotel brand, appealing to travelers looking to save money on accommodations. There is certainly a market for affordable lodging, especially for those spending considerable time on the road. However, affordable should never be confused with acceptable shortcuts in cleanliness or customer service. A lower room rate does not excuse dirty bathrooms, questionable housekeeping practices, or an unwelcoming front desk experience. We spend a great deal of time traveling and staying in hotels across America. We do not expect luxury accommodations from an economy hotel, but we absolutely expect a clean room, fresh towels, and employees who demonstrate at least a basic level of hospitality. These are not premium amenities. They are fundamental expectations that every paying guest deserves, regardless of the price of the room. What makes this experience particularly frustrating is how avoidable these problems are. A more welcoming attitude at reception and a thorough housekeeping inspection would have gone a long way toward making our stay more pleasant. Instead, these shortcomings left us with little enthusiasm for the property and raised doubts about its overall attention to guest satisfaction. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham may appeal to budget-conscious travelers who simply need somewhere inexpensive to spend the night. But based on our experience, those savings may come at the expense of cleanliness and satisfactory customer service. And

Sometimes you just don’t feel like cooking. That was us when we stopped at Kroger and decided to give their hot deli food a try. We figured fried chicken, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and a dinner roll would make for a quick and easy dinner. Unfortunately, we should have gone somewhere else. The fried chicken was absolutely terrible. It was dry, extremely chewy, and tasted like it had been sitting around far too long. Take a look at the photo. The chicken certainly didn’t look fresh, but we gave Kroger the benefit of the doubt and hoped it would taste better than it looked. It did not. There is no good reason for a major grocery chain like Kroger to be selling fried chicken in this condition. If prepared food has been sitting under a heat lamp long enough to become dry, tough, and unpleasant to eat, throw it away and make another batch. Don’t expect a paying customer to become the disposal system for food that should have been removed from sale. The mashed potatoes were okay, and the macaroni and cheese was okay. Nothing spectacular, but at least they were edible. Incredibly, the best thing on the entire plate was the dinner roll. When the highlight of a fried chicken dinner is a basic roll, something has gone seriously wrong. Kroger Hot Meal with Fried Chicken - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net Then there is Kroger’s response...or rather, the lack of one. We called attention to the unacceptable chicken on social media, and Kroger didn’t even bother responding to us. There was no apology, no explanation, and not even a basic acknowledgment of our complaint. That only made an already disappointing experience worse. Companies love social media when they’re advertising sales, promoting products, and telling customers how wonderful they are. But social media also gives customers a public place to hold companies accountable when the products they receive don’t live up to reasonable expectations. Ignoring criticism doesn’t make the criticism disappear, and ignoring a customer who brings a legitimate quality concern to your attention certainly doesn’t demonstrate great customer service. Where was the quality control here? Someone should be checking the hot deli throughout the day and deciding when chicken has been sitting too long to continue selling. Employees should be empowered to throw old food away instead of continuing to offer it to unsuspecting customers. If they are empowered, then they need to follow-up with their employees. Freshness and quality should be basic expectations when a grocery store chooses to operate a hot food department. If you cannot offer fresh food, close it down. This isn’t some tiny operation struggling to manage a deli counter. This is Kroger, one of the largest grocery retailers in America. A company of that size should have standards and procedures designed to prevent food of this quality from ending up on a customer’s dinner table. At Road Tour, we spend our money at businesses across America, and when something is good, we’ll say it’s good. When something is terrible, we’ll say that too. This meal was terrible (the fried chicken ruined it), and Kroger’s failure to even acknowledge our complaint certainly didn’t help its case. Based on this experience, Road Tour does not recommend Kroger for a hot deli meal. Save your money and find somewhere that takes greater pride in the prepared food it serves. Kroger can and should do much better, because customers paying for a hot meal deserve something better than dry, chewy chicken and silence when they complain.

Road Tour spends a lot of time on the road, which means tires are not something we can take lightly. Over the years, we have spent thousands of dollars at Discount Tire, purchasing tires and using its locations in different parts of the country. Unfortunately, after repeated disappointing experiences, we have reached the point where we can no longer recommend Discount Tire. Our concerns are not based on one isolated visit or one particular store. Most recently, during 2025 and 2026, we spent hundreds of dollars at Discount Tire locations in the Memphis, Tennessee area, the Charlotte, North Carolina area, and the Indianapolis, Indiana area. Despite visiting stores in different markets, one problem has seemed remarkably consistent: the experience is often very slow. Inside a Discount Tire Location - Photo: © 2025 RoadTour.Net On multiple visits, we have encountered customers standing in line inside Discount Tire's relatively small lobby, waiting just to be helped. Tire service obviously takes time, and busy shops will occasionally have waits. We understand that. But when long waits and lines become a recurring part of the experience across different locations, it begins to feel less like an unusually busy day and more like an operational problem. For a company specializing in tires, efficiency matters. Customers are often visiting because they have a tire problem that needs immediate attention. They may be traveling, trying to get to work, or dealing with an unexpected flat or damaged tire. Spending excessive amounts of time waiting to speak with someone before the service even begins only adds frustration to an already inconvenient situation. However, our biggest concern goes beyond waiting. On more than one occasion after receiving tire service, we have encountered a recessed valve stem that made it difficult or impossible for us to properly attach an air hose and add air to the tire. A valve stem is a small component, but its accessibility is important. Drivers need to be able to routinely check and adjust tire pressure without struggling to reach the valve. Having this happen once would be frustrating. Experiencing the same type of problem more than once is unacceptable to us. When we pay a professional tire company to work on our vehicle, we expect to leave with the basic components of the wheel and tire properly positioned and accessible. That expectation becomes even more important for Road Tour because our vehicles travel thousands of miles. Maintaining proper tire pressure is an essential part of routine vehicle maintenance, and we need to be able to add air when necessary. We should not discover after tire service that something as basic as accessing the valve stem has become a problem. We also believe our history with Discount Tire matters. We are not customers who visited one location, had one bad experience, and immediately wrote off the entire company. We have spent thousands of dollars with Discount Tire over the years and continued giving the company our business. Our conclusion comes after repeated experiences across multiple locations and markets. Recessed Valve Stem Caused by Discount Tire - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net Every business can have an occasional bad day. Employees get overwhelmed, stores become unexpectedly busy, and mistakes happen. What changes our opinion is when similar frustrations occur repeatedly. At that point, we have to judge the company based on the experience we are actually receiving rather than the experience we expect from a major national tire retailer. For Road Tour, the combination of consistently slow experiences and repeated valve-stem accessibility problems has eroded our confidence in Discount Tire. Could another customer walk into a Discount Tire tomorrow and have an excellent experience? Absolutely. Our experiences do not necessarily represent every Discount Tire location or every customer. But our recommendations are based on what we personally encounter on the road, and after spending thousands of dollars with the company over the years, we believe we have given Discount Tire more than a fair opportunity to earn our continued business. At this point, Road Tour does not recommend Discount Tire. When customers trust a tire shop with one of the most important components of their vehicle, the basics need to be done right—and they need to be done right consistently.

There is something uniquely American about hitting the road in autumn. The summer heat begins to disappear, the air turns crisp, roadside farm stands fill with pumpkins and apples, and forests that were solid green just weeks earlier transform into brilliant landscapes of red, orange, yellow, gold, and even purple. While New England may receive much of the attention when fall foliage season arrives, spectacular autumn scenery can be found across a surprisingly large portion of the United States. Fall colors in Minneapolis - Photo: © RoadTour.Net From the hardwood forests of Maine to the mountains of North Carolina, the Great Lakes shoreline, Colorado's golden aspens, and the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, every region offers its own version of fall. The National Park Service highlights destinations across the country for autumn color, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Shenandoah National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Yosemite National Park. The key is timing. Fall color generally begins earlier in northern areas and at higher elevations before gradually moving south and downhill. Weather also matters. Temperature, rainfall, sunlight, elevation, and even individual tree species can affect when leaves change and how vivid they become. That means there is no single guaranteed "peak fall color weekend" that works every year. For travelers willing to follow autumn across America, however, the season can last for months. NEW ENGLAND Vermont If there is one place most closely associated with classic American fall foliage, Vermont deserves to be near the top of the conversation. The state's combination of mountains, forests, farms, covered bridges, winding two-lane highways, and historic villages creates almost the perfect autumn road-trip environment. Sugar maples produce brilliant shades of orange and red while birch, beech, and other hardwood species add yellow and gold. One of the great things about Vermont is that you don't necessarily need a specific destination. Simply driving the state's secondary highways can become the attraction. The Green Mountains provide a particularly beautiful backdrop. The area surrounding Stowe is among Vermont's most famous fall destinations, while routes through towns such as Woodstock, Manchester, Waitsfield, and Waterbury provide countless opportunities for scenic drives. Travelers who prefer exploring by car should consider Vermont Route 100. Running north-south through much of the state, Route 100 connects mountain communities, forests, rivers, farms, and small towns and is an excellent backbone for a multi-day Vermont foliage trip. Fall colors in Vermont New Hampshire and the White Mountains New Hampshire delivers a more mountainous version of the classic New England fall experience. The White Mountains become covered in reds, oranges, and yellows while exposed rock faces and evergreen trees create contrast throughout the landscape. Recreation.gov specifically identifies White Mountain National Forest as an outstanding fall-color destination. The legendary drive here is the Kancamagus Highway. The route crosses the White Mountains and provides overlooks, trailheads, river access, and mountain scenery without requiring travelers to venture far from their vehicles. That makes it particularly appealing for a driving-focused fall road trip. North Conway is another excellent base for exploring the region, especially for travelers who want restaurants, lodging, shops, and other attractions between scenic drives. Maine and Acadia National Park Maine combines two things that aren't always found together: spectacular fall foliage and dramatic Atlantic coastline. That combination makes Acadia National Park one of America's most distinctive autumn destinations. Bright hardwood forests surround granite mountains, lakes, rocky shoreline, and ocean views. Cadillac Mountain, Jordan Pond, Eagle Lake, and the park's carriage roads provide very different ways to experience the season. Farther inland, Maine becomes increasingly wild. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is another noteworthy destination; the National Park Service recommends September through mid-October as the general foliage season there, while emphasizing that weather can affect conditions. For travelers interested in experiencing a less-developed side of New England, northern and western Maine can provide enormous expanses of autumn forest with considerably fewer urban distractions. Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island Don't assume the fall show ends when you leave northern New England. Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island generally offer a somewhat later opportunity to experience autumn colors, particularly in southern and coastal areas. Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires are especially attractive. Rolling hills, historic towns, farms, lakes, and hardwood forests make this one of the Northeast's most enjoyable fall-driving regions. Connecticut's Litchfield Hills offer a similar combination of countryside and small-town New England scenery. Rhode Island may be America's smallest state, but tree-lined roads and historic communities provide plenty of fall atmosphere. Southern New England can also be useful for travelers who miss the earlier color farther north. Fall colors in Massachusetts - Photo: Mohan Nannapaneni MID-ATLANTIC New York's Adirondack Mountains New York is much more than New York City, and autumn makes that particularly obvious. The Adirondacks cover an enormous portion of northern New York and contain mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and small communities spread across a huge landscape. Lake Placid makes an excellent base for exploring the region. The combination of mountain scenery and fall foliage surrounding the lakes can be spectacular. Travelers can also explore the Lake George area or simply follow the region's winding highways through the mountains. Because elevations vary considerably, foliage doesn't necessarily peak everywhere simultaneously. That can work in favor of road-trippers who are willing to explore. The Catskills and Hudson Valley Closer to New York City, the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley offer another outstanding autumn escape. Here the scenery changes from rugged mountain forests to rolling countryside, historic estates, farms, river overlooks, and charming communities. The Hudson River becomes an important part of the landscape, especially when surrounding hillsides begin changing color. This region is particularly convenient for travelers looking for spectacular foliage without traveling deep into northern New England. Fall colors in Long Pond, Pennsylvania - Photo: Craig Adderley Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains Pennsylvania sometimes gets overlooked in national discussions about fall foliage, but much of the state is heavily forested. The Pocono Mountains are among the state's best-known autumn destinations. Lakes, rolling mountains, waterfalls, and dense forests create an impressive seasonal landscape. Pennsylvania's fall scenery extends well beyond the Poconos, however. The state's northern and central regions contain huge stretches of forest, including portions of the Allegheny Plateau. A Pennsylvania autumn road trip can also be combined with historic towns, state parks, scenic railroads, and rural highways. THE APPALACHIANS AND MID-SOUTH Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Few roads showcase eastern fall scenery as effectively as Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park. Running along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the road provides overlook after overlook across the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains. The National Park Service describes Shenandoah's fall season as generally extending through late September, October, and November, although conditions can vary dramatically across the park because of elevation and weather. The park also warns that fall weekends can become extremely busy. For road travelers, Shenandoah has another major advantage: Skyline Drive eventually connects the traveler with another legendary American scenic route. The Blue Ridge Parkway. Fall colors in the Appalachian Mountains - Photo: Allie Wilfong The Blue Ridge Parkway — Virginia and North Carolina For a dedicated fall road trip, it is difficult to beat the Blue Ridge Parkway. The nearly 470-mile route crosses an enormous range of elevations. That variation helps create a moving wave of autumn color rather than one brief peak. According to the National Park Service, scattered color can sometimes begin at the highest elevations in late September, with most trees changing throughout October as the progression moves from high peaks toward lower mountainsides and valleys. The parkway also contains roughly 100 native tree species, creating tremendous diversity in its autumn display. That makes the Blue Ridge Parkway almost tailor-made for leaf chasing. If the color isn't spectacular at one elevation, driving farther north, south, uphill, or downhill may produce completely different conditions. The Asheville area makes an excellent base for exploring the southern portion of the parkway, while Boone and Blowing Rock provide access to another beautiful section farther north. Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Tennessee and North Carolina The Great Smoky Mountains offer one of America's longest and most diverse fall-color experiences. The reason is elevation. The park ranges from relatively low valleys to peaks exceeding 6,000 feet. Higher elevations can begin changing as early as September, followed by a gradual progression down the mountains. The National Park Service says colors above roughly 4,000 feet typically develop from early to mid-October, while some of the strongest color at lower and middle elevations commonly occurs between mid-October and early November. More than 100 species of trees contribute to the display. Cades Cove is an obvious destination, combining fall foliage with historic buildings, open valleys, mountains, and wildlife. The Foothills Parkway is another excellent driving option, particularly for panoramic mountain views. The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas provide extensive lodging and attractions, while Townsend offers access from the quieter western side of the park. Be prepared for traffic. October is the busiest month of the year in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the National Park Service warns that congestion can significantly increase travel times. Fall colors in Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Photo: Bhargava Marripati THE MIDWEST AND GREAT LAKES Michigan's Upper Peninsula If New England is America's most famous fall-color region, Michigan's Upper Peninsula may be one of its strongest competitors. The U.P. combines enormous forests with Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, waterfalls, cliffs, rivers, and relatively small communities. The result is a fall road-trip landscape on a massive scale. The Porcupine Mountains are a standout destination, particularly the Lake of the Clouds area. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore provides an entirely different experience, where colorful forests meet sandstone cliffs and the deep blue water of Lake Superior. The Keweenaw Peninsula is another excellent choice. Roads wind north through forests toward Copper Harbor, with Lake Superior appearing repeatedly along the journey. For travelers who enjoy long drives and relatively remote scenery, the Upper Peninsula belongs on the fall road-trip list. Northern Lower Michigan You don't have to cross the Mackinac Bridge to find great Michigan fall scenery. Northern Lower Michigan offers forests, rolling terrain, inland lakes, Lake Michigan shoreline, orchards, and resort towns. The Tunnel of Trees along M-119 is one of Michigan's classic fall drives. The road passes beneath a canopy of trees with occasional glimpses toward Lake Michigan. Traverse City and the surrounding region are also excellent during autumn, especially when combined with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Leelanau Peninsula. Wisconsin Wisconsin's fall landscape is particularly impressive in the northern half of the state and along its major waterways. Door County combines foliage with small communities and Lake Michigan shoreline. Northern Wisconsin offers a much more forested experience. The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway along Wisconsin and Minnesota is specifically highlighted by the National Park Service as a fall-color destination. The Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin offers something different again. Rather than dense northern forests, travelers encounter rolling hills, valleys, farmland, river scenery, and winding highways. Minnesota's North Shore The North Shore of Lake Superior is one of the Midwest's premier fall road trips. Minnesota Highway 61 travels northeast from Duluth toward the Canadian border, with Lake Superior on one side and forested hills on the other. Numerous state parks, waterfalls, overlooks, and hiking areas line the route. The contrast can be remarkable: blue Lake Superior, dark evergreen forests, exposed rock, and brilliant yellow, orange, and red hardwoods. Travelers can use Duluth as the starting point before heading toward Two Harbors, Grand Marais, and eventually Grand Portage. Fall colors along I-35 in Minnesota - Photo: © RoadTour.Net Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley and Hocking Hills Ohio deserves more recognition as a fall destination. Cuyahoga Valley National Park between Cleveland and Akron contains forested hills, waterfalls, trails, historic structures, and the Cuyahoga River. Its location also makes it one of America's more accessible national parks for travelers living in major Midwestern cities. Farther south, Hocking Hills provides an entirely different landscape of cliffs, gorges, waterfalls, caves, and thick forests. When the hardwoods change color, the rock formations and deep valleys create an especially photogenic autumn environment. Indiana Indiana isn't usually the first state mentioned when discussing national fall destinations, but southern Indiana can be beautiful in October. Brown County State Park is the centerpiece. The rolling, heavily wooded hills surrounding Nashville, Indiana, can produce broad landscapes filled with reds, oranges, yellows, and lingering green. The surrounding highways make the area well suited for a day-long scenic drive. Travelers can also explore Hoosier National Forest and the Bloomington area, creating a larger southern Indiana fall road trip. THE SOUTH Northern Georgia Fall arrives later in Georgia than in many northern states, making the southern Appalachians useful for travelers hoping to extend foliage season. Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, Helen, Blairsville, Tallulah Falls, and the surrounding mountains offer a combination of hardwood forests, waterfalls, mountain roads, small towns, and seasonal attractions. Elevation makes a major difference here. Mountain areas can develop strong autumn color while lower parts of the state remain comparatively green. Georgia's mountain foliage can extend from October into early November depending on elevation and weather conditions. Arkansas and the Ozarks The Ozark Mountains provide some of the South-Central United States' best fall scenery. Northern Arkansas is filled with forests, cliffs, rivers, winding highways, and mountain overlooks. The Buffalo National River region is particularly attractive. Travelers can combine foliage viewing with overlooks, hiking, historic communities, and scenic drives. Arkansas Highway 7 is another road worth considering for a fall driving trip. The Ozarks don't have the extreme elevations of the Rockies or Appalachians, but the endless rolling hills create broad panoramas of autumn color. Eastern Tennessee Tennessee's portion of the Smokies receives most of the attention, but autumn scenery continues across much of eastern Tennessee. The Cherokee National Forest, Cumberland Plateau, and communities surrounding the Appalachian Mountains provide numerous alternatives to the busiest areas around Gatlinburg. Travelers willing to explore secondary highways may discover outstanding fall landscapes with substantially less traffic. THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN WEST Colorado Fall looks completely different in Colorado. Instead of the dense mixture of red, orange, and yellow hardwoods associated with New England, Colorado's autumn signature is gold. Huge stands of aspen trees turn bright yellow against dark evergreen forests, rocky mountain slopes, and snow-dusted peaks. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most recognizable destinations. The National Park Service specifically highlights the park's aspens and notes that autumn color progresses downward from higher elevations. But Colorado's fall experience extends far beyond one national park. The mountains surrounding Aspen are an obvious destination, particularly the Maroon Bells area. Telluride provides another dramatic setting, where golden aspens surround towering mountain scenery. Other excellent areas include Crested Butte, the San Juan Mountains, Vail, Breckenridge, and sections of the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Colorado's fall season can arrive surprisingly early compared with eastern destinations. Elevation matters enormously, so travelers should closely monitor conditions before making a long-distance trip. Utah Utah may be famous for red-rock deserts, but its mountains can produce spectacular fall color. Cedar Breaks National Monument is one of the most visually unusual autumn destinations in the country because colorful foliage sits alongside dramatic red and orange geological formations. The National Park Service includes Cedar Breaks among its recommended national fall-color destinations. The Wasatch Mountains near Salt Lake City also provide easy access to autumn scenery. Park City, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, and the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway can provide excellent combinations of mountain terrain and fall foliage. Montana Montana's fall season can be short, but the scenery can be spectacular. Glacier National Park takes on an entirely different personality after summer. Autumn colors appear beneath some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Lower 48. The National Park Service notes that foliage can begin changing around mid-September in Glacier because of its colder climate. Travelers should remember that mountain weather can change rapidly this time of year and seasonal road or facility closures can affect a trip. THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST Washington's Cascade Mountains Washington is dominated by evergreens, but that doesn't mean the state lacks fall color. The Cascades provide brilliant pockets of yellow, orange, and red mixed among dark green conifers. Mountain ash, vine maple, larch, and other vegetation can produce an autumn landscape unlike anything found in the eastern United States. Mount Rainier National Park can be especially impressive. Fall colors spread across meadows and mountain slopes beneath the massive snow-and-ice-covered volcano. The North Cascades offer an even wilder experience. One particularly unusual attraction is the western larch. Unlike most conifers, larches change color and drop their needles. Entire mountainsides can briefly glow gold before winter. Fall colors in Washington State - Photo: Frank Cone Oregon Oregon offers tremendous variety. The Columbia River Gorge combines waterfalls, cliffs, forests, and the Columbia River. Autumn color adds another layer to an already dramatic landscape. The Mount Hood area can also provide beautiful combinations of foliage, evergreen forest, and snow-covered mountain scenery. Central Oregon provides yet another type of autumn experience, with high-desert vegetation and mountain forests creating a much different palette than the lush western side of the Cascades. CALIFORNIA AND THE SIERRA NEVADA California isn't normally associated with fall foliage, but portions of the state offer surprisingly impressive autumn scenery. The Eastern Sierra is the standout. Aspen groves turn yellow and gold beneath enormous granite peaks, creating scenes that can look more like Colorado than California. Areas around Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and the mountain passes of the Eastern Sierra are worth exploring. Yosemite National Park also offers autumn color. While Yosemite isn't covered in deciduous forests like the Smokies or Vermont, pockets of oak, dogwood, maple, and aspen add color to the valley and higher elevations. The National Park Service specifically recommends areas near the old road between Badger Pass and Bridalveil Creek Campground for viewing glowing aspen groves. THE SOUTHWEST AND TEXAS New Mexico New Mexico's mountains can produce beautiful golden aspen displays. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains surrounding Santa Fe and Taos are particularly impressive. Here, autumn foliage combines with high-desert landscapes and mountain scenery. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway near Taos is an excellent option for road travelers. The combination of golden aspens, evergreens, rocky peaks, desert terrain, and brilliant blue skies creates an autumn experience completely different from the eastern United States. Guadalupe Mountains, Texas Yes, you can even go leaf peeping in Texas. Guadalupe Mountains National Park contains one of the Southwest's more unusual fall displays. The National Park Service notes that leaves there generally begin changing from mid-October through mid-November, making it one of the later destinations on an American fall-color road trip. McKittrick Canyon is particularly famous for its fall foliage. Against the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert, colorful deciduous trees create an unexpected autumn landscape that demonstrates just how geographically diverse America's fall season can be. Perhaps the best way to experience fall foliage isn't to choose a single destination at all. Autumn generally begins revealing itself first across northern latitudes and high mountain elevations. As September progresses into October, color spreads through New England, the Great Lakes, the Rocky Mountains

Panera Bread has a price problem, and at some point the company needs to ask whether it is becoming increasingly out of touch with the customers it is trying to attract. Panera has long positioned itself as an alternative to traditional fast food, a place where customers can grab a sandwich, soup, salad or bakery item without going to a full-service restaurant. But when a basic lunch starts approaching the price of a meal at a sit-down restaurant, the value proposition becomes much harder to understand. Outside a Panera Bread in North Carolina - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net On a recent visit, one cold sandwich, a small bag of processed potato chips and a large soda came to $17.58. Let that sink in. There was no appetizer, no side of fries, no dessert and no table service. It was a cold sandwich, a small bag of chips and a fountain drink for nearly $18. That is absurd. Of course, the immediate response from some people will be, “You don't have to eat at Panera.” That's absolutely true, and that is exactly the problem Panera should be worried about. Customers don't have to eat there. They have countless alternatives, and when people begin feeling that a restaurant simply isn't worth the money anymore, they can take their business somewhere else. The bigger question is why Panera would want to narrow its potential customer base by allowing its prices to reach a point where more consumers may think twice before walking through the door. There is a difference between charging a premium for a better product and reaching a price point where customers start questioning the entire value of the experience. Nearly $18 for a sandwich, chips and soda puts Panera dangerously close to that territory. Receipt from Panera Bread (includes $1 tip, $18.58) - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net Panera needs to seriously examine its cost structure, including how it procures ingredients, manages its supply chain and operates its restaurants. If ingredients can be sourced more efficiently without sacrificing quality, those savings should help bring menu prices back down to earth. Restaurants obviously have expenses beyond the ingredients on the plate: labor, rent, utilities, transportation, equipment and countless other operating costs, but customers ultimately judge value based on what they receive for the money they hand over. And that is where Panera has a problem. There is nothing inherently wrong with being more expensive than traditional fast food. Panera doesn't have to compete dollar-for-dollar with every burger chain in America. But there still needs to be a reasonable relationship between the product, the experience and the final price. When a customer looks down at a cold sandwich and a little bag of chips after spending almost $18, Panera should not be surprised when that customer starts wondering whether there was a better place to spend the money. The restaurant industry is intensely competitive. Consumers have fast-food restaurants, fast-casual chains, grocery-store prepared foods, convenience stores, local restaurants and full-service dining options competing for the same lunch and dinner dollars. Panera cannot assume customers will simply accept higher and higher prices because they like the brand. At some point, price becomes part of the brand. If enough consumers begin associating Panera with “too expensive,” that perception could become difficult to reverse. A restaurant can have good food, attractive cafés and a recognizable name, but none of that completely eliminates the importance of value. Customers want to leave feeling satisfied with both the meal and what they paid for it. Panera should take a serious look at its pricing before more customers decide that the easiest way to save money at Panera is simply not to go. We don't believe these prices are sustainable over the long term. Panera needs to find ways to lower its costs, improve the value customers receive and make the brand accessible to a wider range of consumers again. You heard it here first: Panera Bread has a price problem.

Clean restrooms are not a luxury at a gas station or travel center. They are a fundamental part of the customer experience. More importantly, restroom cleanliness is a sanitation and public health concern that deserves far more attention than it receives. That brings us to RaceTrac. Road Tour has repeatedly raised cleanliness concerns with RaceTrac — particularly involving a location in Indianapolis, Indiana — and we have reached the point where enough is enough. This isn't about one dirty restroom on one bad day. Businesses have bad days. Employees get busy. A restroom can become dirty quickly. This is about a pattern. It is also about what happens when a customer repeatedly brings that pattern to a company's attention and seemingly little changes. RaceTrac was ranked number nine in the Road Tour 10 Rankings for Best Gas Stations in America for 2025–2026. We now believe that was a mistake. We regret putting RaceTrac on that list. RaceTrac is currently delisted from the active 2026–2027 Road Tour 10 Rankings for Best Gas Stations in America. Our rankings are supposed to help road travelers decide where to stop. If our experiences no longer support a recommendation, we have a responsibility to say so. And we can no longer confidently recommend RaceTrac based on what we have experienced. Outside a RaceTrac Location - Photo: © RoadTour.Net We spend a tremendous amount of time on America's highways. Gas stations and travel centers are an important part of that experience, and the Indianapolis RaceTrac in question happens to be conveniently located for us when we're hitting the road. Unfortunately, convenience doesn't outweigh cleanliness. Consider the history of concerns we have communicated to RaceTrac - Corporate, not the location: August 5, 2025 — Indiana: We reported dirty restroom floors and a dirty cashier counter. August 15, 2025 — Indiana: We again raised concerns about filthy floors and provided RaceTrac with a photograph. We also noted that the employees were friendly. September 1, 2025 — Indiana: We reported dirty restrooms, dirty floors and problems with the condition of the outside grounds. September 26, 2025 Indiana: We reported restrooms dirty again, used the term "gross". February 17, 2026: We essentially suggested RaceTrac take some cleanliness lessons from Sheetz. February 23, 2026: We reminded RaceTrac that restrooms need to be routinely checked. February 24, 2026 — Florida: We reported a dirty gas-pump area during another RaceTrac stop. March 1, 2026 — Indiana: We reported dirty restrooms, including what appeared to be urine puddles on the floor and dirty sinks. June 8, 2026: We told RaceTrac that its restroom cleanliness problems were pushing us toward increasing our visits to Wawa. June 15, 2026 — Indiana: We again reported persistent cleaning issues. RaceTrac responded that the matter would be escalated to an "Operations Supervisor." September 4, 2026 — Indiana: We once again encountered restroom cleanliness problems. We brought the matter to the attention of a cashier and, in our view, received a lackluster response. At that point, we told RaceTrac we intended to stop patronizing the company. This goes back more than a year. How many notifications does RaceTrac need? And that raises an obvious question: Why is it that Buc-ee’s, with restrooms that are often significantly larger and serve enormous volumes of travelers, can generally maintain a high level of cleanliness, while we continue to encounter cleanliness problems in RaceTrac restrooms that are a fraction of the size? We understand that no gas station restroom will be spotless every minute of every day. But if a much larger, heavily trafficked restroom can be routinely monitored and maintained, what is preventing RaceTrac from doing the same? To us, this isn't a question of restroom size. It's a question of operational priorities, routine inspections, employee accountability and management. There is a major difference between encountering a dirty restroom and encountering repeated cleanliness problems after repeatedly notifying the company. That distinction matters. If a company doesn't know there is a problem, you give it an opportunity to correct it. RaceTrac has been given opportunities. Again. And again. And again. We have reported dirty floors. We have reported dirty sinks. We have reported restroom problems. We have reported dirty exterior areas. We have provided photographic evidence. We have directly discussed the importance of routinely checking restrooms. We were even told the concerns would be escalated. Yet here we are. At some point, Road Tour has to judge RaceTrac based not on what the company says, but on what we repeatedly experience. From our perspective, RaceTrac's response to these concerns has been unacceptable. Gas stations aren't simply places to buy gasoline anymore. They are roadside service centers. Families stop there. Professional drivers stop there. Tourists stop there. Children stop there. Elderly travelers stop there. People driving hundreds of miles may choose a gas station specifically because they need a clean, safe place to use the restroom. Maintaining those facilities should therefore be one of the most basic operational responsibilities of a gas station chain. Customers should not have to repeatedly ask a major company to keep its restrooms clean. And customers certainly shouldn't have to repeatedly notify the same company about similar problems for more than a year. It is disrespectful to customers who spend their money at these businesses. Interior RaceTrac Floors - Photo: © RoadTour.Net RaceTrac has expanded its footprint into new markets, including Indiana. Expansion is great — if a company can properly operate the locations it already has. Opening stores is the easy part. Maintaining them is what builds a reputation. If RaceTrac wants to compete for road travelers in this part of the country, it is competing against companies that have built strong reputations around the customer experience. That means RaceTrac needs to take cleanliness seriously. If a company cannot consistently maintain basic cleanliness standards, perhaps expansion should not be the priority. Operations should be. After this many complaints, our patience is gone. RaceTrac should be embarrassed that a customer has felt compelled to raise variations of the same cleanliness concern repeatedly for more than a year. We don't enjoy writing that. But we aren't going to sugarcoat what we have experienced either. We have given RaceTrac numerous opportunities to address our concerns. Based on our subsequent visits, we do not believe those concerns have been adequately addressed. From where we sit, the repeated problems and ineffective follow-through communicate something very troubling: our concerns do not appear to be receiving the seriousness they deserve. That is unacceptable. Outside a RaceTrac Next to a Pump - Photo: © RoadTour.Net Road Tour is an advocate for the road-trip consumer experience. That's one of the reasons the Road Tour 10 Rankings exist. They aren't supposed to be participation trophies for corporations. They are intended to help travelers decide where they should spend their money while on the road. When a company does well, we'll say so. When a company disappoints us, we'll say so. And when we believe we got a ranking wrong, we'll admit it. We got RaceTrac wrong. RaceTrac's ninth placement in our 2025–2026 Best Gas Stations in America ranking is one we now regret. For 2026–2027, RaceTrac is delisted. We are awaiting an apology from RaceTrac. More importantly, we want to see meaningful action: stronger restroom inspection procedures, better accountability, better follow-through when customers report problems, and evidence that cleanliness is being treated as an operational priority. RaceTrac doesn't need another notification from us telling them that clean restrooms matter. They've already received plenty. The question now is whether anyone at RaceTrac is finally going to listen or continue to mismanage the matter or play games, whatever they are doing. Interestingly, RaceTrac is planning a significantly larger gas station concept in the Atlanta area. Although we've made the decision to stop regularly patronizing RaceTrac, this location will be an exception. Once it opens, we intend to visit and see firsthand what the company has created. Road Tour is, after all, about the road-trip experience, and this project appears to be far more ambitious than a typical RaceTrac. If this is intended to be a flagship or showcase for what the company can offer travelers, we're interested in seeing whether the customer experience matches that ambition. And given everything we've documented over the past year, you can absolutely count on us checking the restrooms. RaceTrac, you must do better. Your customers deserve clean facilities, consistent standards and concerns that are actually taken seriously. We’ve said it repeatedly. Now it’s time for action. We hope RaceTrac CEO Natalie Morhous reads this article because we have reached that point.