The Worst Parts About Taking a Road Trip Through Idaho

School is out and many families will look to take vacations in the coming weeks and months. Some will fly to their destinations, some will decide to stay close to home, and others will pack up the car and take an old-fashioned road trip. Taking a road trip is something many families look forward to every summer, and it is a great way to see things you can't see from an airplane. Something is to be said for stopping at tourist traps, playing car games, napping in the back seat, and seeing the great United States. While it is always fun to plan the trip and anticipate it, it typically never goes the way many hope. When driving through Idaho specifically, there are parts about getting through the Gem State that are terrible. Here are the worst parts about road-tripping through Idaho.

Nothing to See in Idaho

Many have said it, and Idahoans get upset by it, but it is typically stated that there is nothing to see in Idaho. While that isn't entirely true, when it comes to road-tripping through the Gem State, there are long sections where there isn't as much to see as one desires. There are some beautiful parts to the state, but there are also parts where there isn't much to enjoy, and it makes looking out the car a little dull. 

Nothing to Do in Idaho

Speaking of boring, another phrase often stated is that there is nothing to do in Idaho. One of the best parts about road-tripping is seeing billboards and wanting to stop and spend some time and money on tourist traps to see if they are worth the hype or not. Similar to nothing to see, there are long stretches throughout the state where there are not even billboards, let alone a place to stop and experience the state or a tourist destination. 

Too Much Construction in Idaho

The locals complain about it, the tourists complain about it, and everyone has noticed that there is far too much construction happening around Idaho. It slows down traffic and makes a road trip less enjoyable. The worst part is sitting for far too long, to find out that the road isn't being worked on, and that valuable time was lost getting down the road. 

Where to Go to the Bathroom in Idaho

As stated above, there are long stretches in the state without much to see and do, and that can lead to another issue, especially when traveling with little ones that often don't have big bladders. It can be a while from one bathroom to the next bathroom at times, and there are places where there are no trees or bushes to hide behind either. This puts families in a dilemma and forces them to hide behind the car, use a bottle, or hold it and hope they find a restroom soon. 

Are We There Yet?

Idaho is a big state and depending on where you are going and coming from, it can take a while to get to your destination. If you are someone from back east, states are much smaller and don't take nearly as long to get through, but going through Idaho takes a good amount of time. Take in the different landscapes, enjoy the natural beauty, and get comfortable cause it will be a while until you enter another state. 

Dangerous Roads in Idaho

Summer marks the hundred deadliest days on the road, and if the early part of the year is any indication, the roads are not going to be safe this summer. There have been far too many accidents and fatalities on the road. It can slow down traffic, so expect delays, but it can also make driving stressful and dangerous. Be cautious and keep your eyes on the road at all times if traveling through Idaho this summer. 

Where to Stop in Idaho

One of the biggest negatives about having towns spread out so much in the Gem State is once it is determined to call it a night and find a place to stay, it isn't as simple as pulling off the road and checking into a hotel five minutes later. Often, it can be another half hour or longer until a place to stay is in sight. This makes for having tired drivers on the road, and is a contribution to the paragraph above, about the roads being dangerous. Don't get too tired and decide to stop before it is too late. 

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While these are the negatives of driving through Idaho, do not let it discourage you from enjoying a road trip through the Gem State. Every state has its pros and cons and it is part of seeing this great country. Each state has bad parts, but finding the hidden gems makes the state worth exploring. It is up to those on the road trip to see if they can turn these negatives into positives, or you can avoid driving through Idaho altogether.