You know what we find fascinating? The whole phenomenon of “peak” and “off-peak” travel times.
We can understand that due to the work week that morning and evening commutes around the Garden State are more congested. The combination of natural daylight, a densely-populated area, and the fact that we sill have “business hours” for the most part.
Additionally, the various retail out there is particularly packed during peak times – because many people combine their commute with errands. Picking things up on the way to or fro.
Now that Captain Obvious got that out of the way…
Travel bliss along Route 22 in NJ – almost like meditation.
Improve your life: Strive for off-peak travel!
Let’s face it. “Going out in the wild” when everyone else is out – is not pleasant. Too many people. Travel is much slower and annoying. Minor mayhem.
But it seems this happens all year long, despite the displeasure. Why?
Why aren’t more people trying to find the best times to navigate our crowded world?
Perhaps it’s limited time? Family or professional life often requires that things have to get done, regardless of when.
Part of us also believes people also prioritize the wrong things. Like what they spend a bulk of their time at home doing. The boob tube comes to mind along with binge-watching. Cut those things out and you’ll have a ton of extra time!
Open roads are the best roads.
Tips for easy travel
Below are a few things we do to minimize the frustration with shopping and other trips.
- Identify the slow times. Good times for supermarket shopping, for instance, are mid-week – and near the end of business hours. Strive for the last hour the store is open. The opposite if you’re a morning person. Off-peak during bad weather is even slower!
- 24-hour stores. If you can muscle it and have the luxury of an always-open store – do it. Shop after midnight for the best results.
- Late lunches. If you like getting things done during your lunch hour, take a late lunch! After 2pm works, but keep in mind the school buses!
- Your own holidays. Same is true for major holidays. Smart folks enjoy “staycations” when everyone travels, and plan their trips during non-busy times. Nothing worse than driving across the country around the Thanksgiving holiday, right?
In the end, I’m sure most people can offer a plausible justification as to why they’d volunteer for the torture of crowded travel. However, with a little effort and re-prioritizing – some of you can find a way to make your life more smooth!
