Years ago, I saw a pamphlet for driving tours in a display case amongst a ton of other brochures. Out of curiosity, I took one and born from that was my newest addiction! I seek them out now during my planning process when researching potential destinations. If I am lucky enough to find one, it certainly becomes part of my itinerary.
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What are driving tours?
An alternative way of taking a tour without actually taking a tour! Let me explain.
Traditional tours have tour guides that lead you and your tour group through a series of significant stops following a preset itinerary. At each stop, the guide will explain interesting facts about the stop and answer any questions the tour group may have. You’ll end up back at the original starting point whenever the tour is over. There are so many different types of tours you can choose from, all varying in price.
When you go on driving tours, you are your own tour guide which allows for a ton of flexibility. You drive yourself in your vehicle following a preset itinerary. The itinerary for your driving tour gives a set of precise directions to each stop so you don’t get lost. Additionally, the itinerary provides interesting information about each stop. This alternative method of touring is also budget friendly! In fact, most of the driving tours I go on are free or extremely cheap. I will go into more detail on that later in this post.
Benefits of driving tours
There are many benefits to driving tours. For instance, you can choose your own travel companions. Awesome, right?! Or you can go solo. It’s totally up to you. Also, there’s no strict time schedules. In fact, you can travel at your own pace. Want to spend extra time at a specific stop? Do it! Need a snack? Stop and have one. Want to take a pause during your driving tour for a two-hour hike? Go for it! Tired? Want to stop part way through your driving tour and resume it the next day? Why not?!
Furthermore, driving tours are budget friendly (as previously mentioned) and can fit in to almost any vacation. If you happen to have extra time you would like to fill, driving tours are an excellent option.
They are also beneficial for those living with handicaps and disabilities. You can see so many incredible things without strenuous physical activity and all from within your climate controlled vehicle!
Lastly, most driving tours have lifetime validity which means no expiration dates! Go when you want and as many times as you want.
Disadvantages
Depending on your personality type, you may find the lack of social interaction to be a huge disadvantage. There’s a rather low chance of meeting new people. Socialization will be limited to those traveling in your vehicle with you, so choose carefully. You can still go on driving tours, just make sure your other vacation activities encourage social interaction.
Sketchy cell service is a possibility, especially if your tour takes you through rural areas with spotty service and dead zones. Plan accordingly and this shouldn’t be an issue.
Mechanical issues are always possible when traveling by motor vehicle. I highly advise you carry a good roadside emergency kit in your vehicle, just in case. It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
Driving tour itineraries aren’t exactly made with your bladder in mind. In fact, it’s hit or miss whether stops along tours will even have public restrooms. Do a little research before you head out so you know the location of restrooms along the way. In rural areas, you may just have to find a tree so toss a roll of toilet paper in your vehicle.
Expenses
Most driving tours are free with the exception of the fuel it takes to operate your motor vehicle. Some you can print off right from your electronic device. Others you can pick up when looking through brochures at visitor centers so grab them when you get a chance.
Occasionally, you may have to pay entrance fees to attractions or parking fees if your stops require it. You may also have to pay tolls if there are toll roads on your route. In my experience, this is quite rare!
If you don’t like reading itineraries and following directions, you can buy audio driving tours. Your tour guide is an app with audio narration which you can start and stop when you need to. These vary in price depending on which company you book your tours through as well as which tours you choose.
The Battle of Pilot Knob Driving Tour
This is a free, 16-stop driving tour rich in history. You start at the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site then follow the directions from there. The directions are spot on and lead you through history in a unique, exciting way. You can see our two favorite stops below!
Stop 6 ~ the Iron County Courthouse
Stop 12 ~ the Railroad Depot
NOTE: On a side note, driving tours like this make excellent field trips for homeschooled children!
Need directions?
Click directions on the map below. It will open another window where you can enter your starting point. Use the minus sign to zoom out.
Interstate 55 ~ Driving Tour
If you happen to be driving up to Springfield, Illinois from St. Louis, Missouri consider doing the Interstate 55 Self-Guided Driving Tour. You’ll learn the history of the area through an audio guide which is sure to make your trip a lot more fun! Furthermore, you can go at your own pace so this tour can easily fit your schedule. This tour isn’t free, but it is super thrifty! You can book the Interstate 55 Self-Guided Driving Tour here on Viator.
Need wheels for driving tours?
Want to go on a driving tour but don’t have a vehicle? Consider renting one?! Discovercars.com will do all the hard work for you. They’ll help you find the right car for your trip!
Want to take snacks on your driving tour? Check out my Thrifty Road Trip Snacks!
I hope this helps you optimize your travels by giving you something new, exciting, and thrifty to add to your itinerary! Wishing you many blessings and as always, Safe Travels!
