Content warning: This story contains a mention of suicide.
21.08.2023 - 16:25 / lonelyplanet.com
While a plane may get you there faster, road-tripping across the US is one of the most iconically American things you can do.
Get up close and personal with the country’s most striking landscapes – dense eastern forests, windswept plains, red rock canyons, dramatic Pacific coastlines – and make pit stops at some of its most famous cities all in one go.
Crisscrossed with an extensive network of pretty well-maintained highway systems, the US is remarkably easy to traverse by car. Some distances may be long, but gas, food and accommodations are largely easy to come by (except in some of the most rural locales), and a set of wheels gives you the freedom to do extra side quests along the way.
Here’s a list of our favorite routes across America’s wide open spaces, along with some tips on how to make the most of your journey.
Best road trip for Pacific views
San Diego–Seattle; 1600mi; 8-12 days
The Pacific Coast Highway delivers one of the US’ most iconic road trip experiences, linking together the West Coast’s most notable metropolises, quirky California beach towns, ancient redwood forests, and the dramatic capes and pools of the Pacific Northwest. The route includes Hwy 1, Hwy 101 and I-5, starting in San Diego; it winds up the coast through LA, Big Sur, San Francisco and Redwood National & State Parks, eventually terminating in Seattle.
Planning tip: Always check for road closures, particularly in the Big Sur area, where rockslides are common along the sea cliffs.
Best Appalachian road trip
Cherokee, NC–Waynesboro, VA; 469mi; 2-5 days
This spectacular route takes you through the heart of the US’ oldest mountain range, delivering view after view of rolling green mountains chock full of enchanting hiking trails, thundering waterfalls, ancient rock formations and prolific wildlife. The Parkway – part of the NPS system – begins adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and passes through the spectacular Pisgah National Forest, a number of state parks and recreation areas, and Roanoke, VA, before ending at the southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park.
Detour: In addition to state and national parks, many one-off hikes originate along the parkway. Consult trail maps to avoid missing some of Appalachia’s hidden gems.
Best road trip for American kitsch
Chicago–Los Angeles; 2250mi; 1-2 weeks
Nicknamed the Mother Road, Route 66 has permanently ingrained itself in the international psyche as the original US road trip. Starting in Chicago, it crosses eight different states and connects travelers to national parks, weird-but-wonderful roadside attractions and tons of vintage Americana. The route can be driven in pieces or all at once, but we suggest allotting plenty of time to explore – distances are long,
Content warning: This story contains a mention of suicide.
The FBI and Massachusetts State Police are investigating a "potential criminal act" onboard an American Airlines flight from Charlotte, North Carolina to Boston on Saturday, the police announced.
The season for pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, and fall foliage is almost here. Ontario is beautiful in all seasons but leaf peeping in autumn is particularly special as nature puts on a vibrant colorful show with leaves of bright fiery reds, golden hues of orange, and shining yellow ambers. As temperatures start to dip it’s the perfect time to hit the open road and head to a destination to appreciate the great outdoors and fall in Ontario. Canada’s second largest province is home to rugged beauty, forests, and natural landscapes making it a great road trip journey whether you live in Canada or are coming from the United States. Here are three Ontario destinations where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn.
Looking for an offbeat Euro road trip this fall that doesn’t involve hordes of other travelers, outrageous prices, and had-it-up-to-here-with-tourism locals?
Once associated with cheap package deals and a hedonistic party scene, recent steps have pivoted Mallorca into a luxury destination with an emphasis on cultural and sustainable travel. Late nights in Magaluf are slipping out of fashion in favor of catching the sunrise over UNESCO-listed mountains. Horseback wine tours, vintage train journeys, and sea kayaking excursions offer a far more memorable experience than the booze cruises that once orbited the island’s coastline. Venturing beyond the high-rise resorts, rural and oceanside Airbnbs in Mallorca, Spain, bring tourists even closer to the raw beauty of the Mediterranean island.
Summer may be coming to a close, but there's good news that comes with school being back in session: College campuses everywhere are springing back to life in full force. The Midwest is home to several of the best, with world-class museums, acclaimed restaurants, and notable festivals, boasting their own unique draws. And while autumn is always an exciting time to visit (think football and foliage), there’s enough happening in each of these destinations to warrant a getaway any time of year. From a bustling big-city suburb to a UNESCO City of Literature, here are the Midwest’s best college towns to visit now.
In the northern reaches of Lake Michigan, the Emerald Isle ferry—departing from Charlevoix at the northern tip of the Lower Peninsula—takes about two hours to reach the lake’s largest island. As it approaches, homes, a lighthouse, and a red-roofed research center pop into focus amid dense forest. Docked boats herald the ferry with honks, and dogs bark from ship to shore. Upon arrival on Beaver Island, a lively community center and welcoming crowd beckon family and visitors ashore. On the island it’s customary to wave, or at least lift a finger, for each passing vehicle—every single one.
From sprawling panoramic mountain views to breathtaking blue oceans, there’s a reason why Los Angeles holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. But things get even better when venturing out of the urban landscape and into the surrounding area, a treasure trove filled with endless opportunities.
Flight prices have been all over the place this past year.
As any jaded traveler will tell you, there are some stays that are luxurious and a great experience, and there are others— albeit few and far between- that leave you blown away.
Head to any of the biggest and busiest airports throughout the United States these days and it will seem like a distant memory (or perhaps a bad dream) that not more than a few years ago, the pandemic had turned many of these bustling hubs into ghost towns. As travel returns with a vengeance, U.S. airports are once again buzzing with passengers. Consequently, airports are racing to keep up with ambitious renovation and expansion projects, a parade of new clubs and lounges for premium travelers looking to escape the masses, and a whole slew of new restaurants and services to better accommodate the flying public.
The best thing about visiting the US can be summed up in one word: variety. This expansive country contains an incredible number of travel experiences that would take a lifetime to complete – (figuratively) lose yourself among the redwoods, take deep breaths of sea air on glimmering beaches, or discover underground arts scenes in some of the world’s most famous cities.