The Great American Road Trip: Crossing the vast expanse of American by car is a dream every travel enthusiast wants to live. This kind of road trip not only gives you a diverse geographical and cultural experience, but it also becomes a unique soulful experience. I myself have done cross-country road trips several times and have experienced new experiences and thrills each time. This article will give you a glimpse of such a journey, including the route, the major destinations and some useful tips.
The Dream and Reality of a Road Trip
For me, a true cross-country road trip has always been a dream – traveling across the country on a motorcycle, traversing America’s historic highways like US-50 in their entirety, traveling through the northern routes, and doing a loop of the country on backroads. In the summers of 2020 and 2021, during the pandemic, I made two of these dreams come true.
However, driving entirely on backroads was not possible. Time constraints forced us to take interstate highways in the Midwest. Whether it was a quick trip to Las Vegas or crossing the “flyover states,” decisions often had to be made based on priorities.
Round Trip Road Trip: A Complete Itinerary
Although I have only done a true coast-to-coast trip once, when I was eighteen years old, most of my other trips have started or ended in Pennsylvania. This type of trip, covering at least 2,600 miles of the nearly 3,000-mile stretch of the U.S., definitely falls into the category of “cross-country.” On one occasion, we even covered over 8,000 miles heading west!
This article focuses on understanding the three major routes – northern, central, and southern -, getting to know the major sights, and providing tips on planning the trip.
The three main routes: North, Central and South
The Northern Route runs through states like Minnesota, Montana and Idaho. This route is great for summer, when the region is full of natural beauty.
The Central Route, which I have taken most often, runs through states like Kansas and Colorado. This route is relatively balanced – not too cold, not too hot.
The Southern Route runs through warmer states like Georgia, Texas and Arizona and is ideal for winter travel.
I got a close look at the diversity and lifestyle of the region when I traveled the Southern Route in an antique Porsche in 2019.
How to plan a trip
Planning a trip of 6,000 miles or more is a big responsibility. Time, route, interests and fatigue – all need to be taken into account. I recommend driving no more than 6 hours a day. This will allow you to enjoy the adventures and sights along the way without getting tired.
A cross-country road trip is like an “appetizer adventure” – you get a glimpse of many regions of the US and decide which places you would like to spend more time in in the future.
Prioritize: Where to go, where not to go
When planning a trip, sit down with your fellow travelers and decide which places are a must-see, which you would like to see, and which you can skip. This will help to outline the trip and avoid a lot of confusion.
My itinerary was based on my own limitations and priorities, but I also included places I didn’t get time to visit so you can incorporate them into your trip.
Head West: A Journey Through Central America
Our trip started in Pennsylvania. This state is very rich historically, culturally, and naturally. Let’s take a look at some of its major attractions:
Philadelphia
The first capital of America, where the echoes of the freedom struggle still reverberate. Its historic buildings and museums are a paradise for history lovers.
Pittsburgh
This industrial city has now become a wonderful amalgamation of modernity and cultural diversity. Its bridges, museums and art galleries are fascinating.
Allegheny National Forest
This place is a paradise for nature lovers – surrounded by forests, rivers and mountains, with exciting activities throughout the year.
Laurel Highlands
This area not only takes you closer to nature, but also has homes designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Final Thoughts: Be flexible in your travels
When planning a trip, remember that not everything will go your way. Things like time, weather, traffic and personal energy levels will affect the route. So be flexible in your travels and fully absorb your experiences.
A cross-country road trip is not just a trip, it is a unique journey full of self-discovery, adventure and variety. Whether you take the northern route, the central one or the southern one – this experience will be a lifelong memory.