The Fading Art of Navigation
Keegan-Michael Key laments the potential loss of the traditional road trip experience, noting the diminished skill of folding a map perfectly and the reliance
on digital navigation. He reminisces about an era where planning involved unfolding maps on the bed, sparking shared excitement and the freedom to change course spontaneously. This contrasts with the more rigid nature of current travel planning, highlighting how the journey itself, with its inherent flexibility, was once a central part of the adventure. Key's sentiment reflects a longing for the tangible, interactive planning process that characterized older travel styles, where the map was a tool for collective decision-making and imagination.
A Call for Connection
In the current year, which marks significant milestones like the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and the nation's 250th anniversary, Key emphasizes that people are actively seeking deeper connections, a sentiment that road trips inherently provide. He points to upcoming events like the World Cup across North America as ideal opportunities for embarking on such journeys. The essence of a road trip, he suggests, is its ability to pull people together, forcing shared problem-solving and creating a unique bond. This communal aspect is increasingly valuable in a world that can feel isolating, making road trips a timely and essential form of travel for fostering relationships and shared experiences.
Childhood Adventures Westward
Key's most cherished road trip memories are rooted in his childhood journeys from Michigan to Salt Lake City with his family. These trips often involved exploring national parks like the Grand Canyon, Tetons, Yellowstone, and Yosemite in a pop-up camper. He vividly recalls the visual transition from the flat Midwest to the rolling hills, and the awe-inspiring sight of the distant Rockies appearing on the horizon. This visual cue of approaching the destination offered a unique kind of excitement. He contrasts this with today's frequent air travel, which, while efficient, lacks the profound sense of connection forged by the shared challenges and experiences of a road trip.
Moments Only the Road Offers
Road trips provide a unique canvas for unforgettable moments that simply don't occur in other travel scenarios. Key highlights the simple joy of singing together in the car, the playful engagement of road games like spotting specific signs, and the profound experience of witnessing a sunrise at 5 AM. In our fast-paced lives, where sunsets are commonplace, the rare opportunity to greet the dawn from the open road holds a special significance. These are shared, intimate experiences that forge bonds and create lasting memories, distinguishing road trips as more than just a means of transportation but as a unique environment for personal and interpersonal discovery.
The Active Journey
Key differentiates road trips from air travel by emphasizing the active role the traveler plays. While flying delegates the task of movement to others, driving requires personal engagement in navigation and problem-solving. Both modes can be communal, but road trips offer a more intimate and customizable experience. On a plane, shared experiences are often reactive and collective, arising from unforeseen events. In contrast, a road trip, typically involving a smaller group, fosters a more individual yet deeply connected shared journey, where every participant contributes to shaping the unfolding adventure and the collective memory created.
Brotherhood on the Highway
Reflecting on his days performing with Jordan Peele on the college comedy circuit, Key recounts a profound moment of silent connection during a drive from St. Louis to Columbia, Missouri. This experience, devoid of conversation, fostered a strong sense of brotherhood and companionship. Key, initially a more talkative individual, learned to appreciate the value of shared silence and presence. This anecdote illustrates how the extended, shared time on the road, even in quietude, can cultivate deep bonds and offer epiphanies about relationships, demonstrating that meaningful connection doesn't always require words but can arise from shared existence.
Dream Road Trip Companions
For his ultimate road trip fantasy crew, Key envisions a blend of seasoned actors and a wildcard. He would invite luminaries like Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jane Fonda, and Christopher Walken to share their historical anecdotes and travel narratives, appreciating their life experiences. To inject an element of unpredictable fun, he would also include Jim Carrey. This eclectic group represents Key's desire for conversations rich with history and personal stories, balanced with the potential for spontaneous humor and lightheartedness, making for a truly memorable and engaging journey.
Essential Travel Provisions
Key's travel essentials include a physical book, underscoring his preference for tangible media and the simple pleasure of turning pages. He also prioritizes snacks, often bringing his own tea bags or custom chocolate mixes for personalized beverages. Furthermore, he carries supplements, such as reishi mushrooms, to support mental focus during his travels. These items reflect a deliberate approach to comfort, personal well-being, and preparedness, ensuring he has familiar comforts and aids for maintaining his equilibrium while on the move, even if the books remain unread.
Encounters with Unique Characters
Key's journeys have led him to encounter a diverse array of fascinating individuals, enriching his travel experiences. He recalls a particularly memorable encounter with a New Orleans ghost tour guide whose distinctive Van Dyke beard and pirate-esque attire were part of his consistent, elegant persona. Witnessing this individual dressed similarly during the daytime as he was at night revealed a lifestyle dedicated to his unique profession. These encounters highlight how road trips often facilitate interactions with memorable characters who embody their passions, adding layers of intrigue and personality to the travel narrative.
The Cinematic Road Journey
The film 'Midnight Run,' starring Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin, stands out as a favorite road trip movie for Key. He admires the film's blend of caper elements with its authentic portrayal of a cross-country journey. A specific scene where the protagonists, posing as FBI agents, interact with locals in a saloon exemplifies the movie's charm and comedic brilliance. The casting of actual locals alongside professional actors in that scene contributes to its sublime, authentic feel. Key views 'Midnight Run' not just as an entertaining crime thriller but as an exemplary road movie that captures the spirit of adventure and unexpected encounters.
