Surprise is equal parts terrifying and delightful, and it plays a huge part in travel (but that’s no surprise, right?). Example: on my first cross-country road trip across the United States, I was surprised by a) my total ineptitude at navigation using a paper map, and b) the empty, beautiful expanses that fill the spaces between America’s cities.

In this issue of ROVA, many of our writers reflect on being surprised, either by experiences or by themselves. George Wood discovers some unlikely culinary goodness at gas stations and laundromats; Madalyn Meyers finds that time spent in a small space with her husband has improved their ability to park their RV; John Sidney Owens discovers that a baby doesn’t necessarily bend to its parents’ will while traveling; and Allison Barrett Carter lets go of grand road-trip plans, only to find that plenty of wonder exists not far from home.

Erin McGrady and Caroline Whatley take a trip to unearth the character of oddly named towns like Luck and Trust; Becky Garrison finds that, despite being nowhere near Scotland, the PNW has some impressive single malt whiskeys; and Ella Boyd realizes that the brashness of Las Vegas stands in stark contrast to the calm of nearby Red Rock Canyon.

Also in this issue, we look at some of the most interesting, awarded and picturesque wineries in the United States; we find beer, sunshine and scenery on five epic summer road trips; and we take a look at the beauty and convenience of small travel trailers.

While it can be difficult to adjust when you’re thrown a curve ball, it’s also thrilling to know that, regardless of your plans, your itinerary or your experience, something is going to happen that’ll make you think, “Wow. That was unexpected!” And whether the “Wow” is good or not so good, hopefully it’s something that makes a great story.