ROVA Fifty-Three: February/March 2026

I don't want to get too philosophical here, but you know me: I love to parallel life on the road with life in general. I've been lucky enough to make this magazine for almost 10 years now, and one of the main themes that I see in the stories of the folks that embrace life on the road is one of growth and transformation. And it's not surprising that discovery and adventure might deliver a newfound sense of self and perhaps a changed view of what life can be. A change of scenery, learning about different cultures and landscapes, encounters with new people—it's all there, waiting to transform us. In this issue, we debut a new regular column, Side Roads, by longtime ROVA contributor Erin McGrady, in which she'll share…

Thunder Down Under These New South Whales (TNSW) is one of Australia's best-kept secrets. The post-punk quartet's fourth LP, GODSPEED, is a loud, unapologetic ode to being yourself—with lyrics touching on personal themes like listening to your own instincts, and the euphoria of self-agency. Listen to title track “GODSPEED” if you want to feel like you're in the opening credits of a quirky British sitcom from the noughties, or “R.I.P. ME” for drives down the coast. If you're feeling pensive and reflective, “NOBODY LISTENS” is a moody accompaniment for some campsite downtime, while “PIG” is a gritty, punchy, perfect-for-the-mosh tune that echoes the band's earlier, more energetic work. It's all about standing up to the authorities who do little to protect the vulnerable people in our societies—a timely issue, and…

Perfection In Your Palm Meet The Palmer by The James Brand—the road-trip hero you don't realize you need until you're faced with tangled ropes, or wrestling with packaging in a campground. This utility knife is compact enough to disappear into your pocket, but mighty enough to tackle everything from box breakdowns to campsite chores, bringing max function in a delightfully fun, non-intimidating package. Its patented mechanism makes blade swaps tool-free and smooth, and the lanyard gives you quick-draw access. At just 1.98 ounces and 4.1 inches long when open, The Palmer is the ideal travel companion: small, tough, versatile. thejamesbrand.com, $39 Soak Up the Sunshine Meet the little solar workhorse that keeps your road trips, trail days, and off-grid detours fully charged. NESTOUT's 2 Panel Solar Charger is an ultralight…

At seventeen, I was the last of my friends to get my driver's license—a whole year later than everyone I knew. My grandmother, Hay, was the one who finally coaxed me into the driver's seat, taught me to take my foot off the brake, and helped me ease the car out of park. We practiced together for several weeks before I took the driving exam, and I passed on the first try. My fear of handling a hunk of metal at fast speeds quickly turned to overconfidence with my new permit, though, and after taking one hand off the wheel to turn the radio up, I promptly blew both tires out on the passenger side, having run my car off the road. Initial embarrassing and expensive mishap aside (it's funny,…

Fifth wheel RVs are unexpectedly practical, quietly luxurious, and very good at convincing you to stay places longer than you'd planned. With their distinctive over-the-truck hitch and apartment-style layouts, fifth wheels are made for travelers who prefer space, stability, and a slower pace of adventure. Here's why they've earned such a loyal following: 1. They Feel Less Like Camping and More Like Living Let's be honest: some RVs feel like you're one swinging elbow away from chaos. Fifth wheels, on the other hand, lean hard into breathing room. High ceilings, multiple slide-outs, and separate living zones mean you can cook, lounge, work, and nap without playing human Tetris. 2. Kitchens You'll Actually Want to Use Fifth wheel kitchens often come with kitchen islands, generous counter space, and full-size appliances—yes, including…

Australia has the Great Ocean Road, Iceland has the Hringvegur (that's Ring Road or Highway 1 to you and me), and America has Route 66. 2026 is a historic and significant year for road-trip enthusiasts, as it marks the 100th birthday of Route 66, a 2,448-mile route dubbed “The Mother Road” in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. In addition to classic books, Route 66 has appeared in movies such as Easy Rider and the animated film Cars. It is one of the most iconic and revered road trips in the United States, and the centennial celebration planning has long been underway as local businesses, towns, and the Route 66 Centennial Commission ramp up their event organization. Locales dotted along the route are also restoring old neon signs and…