Have you ever dreamt about driving along the cliffs that overlook the ocean? Or wanted to travel the historic region in a car instead of a computer screen? The United States, stretching for thousands of miles, has it all. Traveling the US, you can discover the freedom of the open road and when you choose the driver’s seat, there is no better way to experience extraordinary vistas, lovely small towns, and hidden gems. If you want to explore the incredible cross-country road trip routes across the US, we’ve got you covered!

US road trip map

Driving across the entire United States is a great challenge. At the same time, driving across the country may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget. The main advantage of driving across the US is that you can map your own route and stop anywhere you want. In general, if you decide to take only minimal stops, it takes between 35 and 45 hours of driving time to travel across the US. What will you gain when you decide to hit the road?

• You will experience freedom and flexibility. You can explore the world. You can take the time you need to feel what it is like to be free.

• You can travel off the beaten track – wherever you want, with no limits.

• You save money. You can decide your own budget, especially if you camp outdoors, cook your own food and hike incredible landscapes.

• You create memories to last a lifetime.
  

Road trip across the US – our top choices

We’ve prepared some amazing routes for you to enjoy traveling the real American way!

1. Route 66 – cross-country USA road trip

It’s nothing but the quintessential American road trip. The trip starts in Chicago and ends in Santa Monica. The trip passes through nine states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California. During your trip, you will have a unique chance to spend some time in historic American motels ( and restaurants. During your trip, you should visit the Twin Arrows and Catoosa Whale, as well as the Grand Canyon. Visiting all key spots will take approximately two weeks.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway, southern road trip

Perfect for those who want to explore the western parts of North Carolina or Virginia. It’s one of the most often chosen road trips between the two states. Blue Ridge Parkway connects two of the US’s most popular national parks – Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains. The road trip is around 469 miles in length so you need some time to explore it all. During your trip, you will have a chance to see Humpback Rocks, Mabry Mill, and the Blue Ridge Center.

3. New York State Road Trip

Ready to explore the east coast of the USA? The New York State Road Trip is waiting for you! It goes from Buffalo, NY to New York City. The trip is full of attractions and small towns to explore. The very best place to start your trip is in Niagara Falls. After visiting it, you should continue to Letchworth State Park and the Grand Canyon of the East if you want to spend some time enjoying nature. During the trip, you will also see Saratoga Springs and the amazing Catskill Region with plenty of scenic views. You will finish up in New York City.

4. Texas Hill Country

Feel like an oasis of beauty? The best way to enjoy pure nature is to visit Texas Hill Country. You will see breathtaking rivers, charming small towns, and beautiful waterfalls, and you will have a chance to try incredible hiking. Oh, and there is an opportunity to try an excellent Texas barbecue. Don’t miss out on visiting the legendary Hamilton Pool and Jacob’s Well – the best swimming holes in Austin! During your trip, there are also unforgettable lakes such as Canyon Lake or Lake Travis.

5. Southwest Colorado Road Trip

If you dream about a memorable summer road trip, Southwest Colorado Road Trip is just for you. It is sand-sled through Great Sand Dunes National Park, so you have a chance to drive jaw-dropping mountain passes and swim in hot springs. This trip highlights the diversity between Pagosa Springs, Durango, Great Sand Dunes, Ouray, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. You should allow at least nine to ten days for this amazing trip.

Tips for planning your amazing trip across the US

Before you hit the road, you need some preparation. Below you will find some handy tips that will make your trip an unforgettable experience:

• The mode of transportation is crucial. Make sure you choose yours wisely. There are many ways you can explore the US on a road trip – one is by car and the other is by an RV. Neither one is better than another, they simply provide you with completely different experiences.

• The destination is less important than your company. Spend your trip with someone you have already spent much time with. Being stuck with someone you don’t like may be a nightmare.

• Plan your route ahead of time. There are two important things to keep in mind when making your route decision – how much time you have and what you would like to see.

• Make sure you know where you are going to sleep, no matter if you are traveling by car or an RV. Knowing your sleeping point will provide you with a stress-free experience along the way.

• Set up your budget. Sure, it is usually impossible to stick with the budget, we all know it well, but for sure you want at least to have something set up so that you don’t end up coming home tired, stressed, and full of regrets about how much money you spent.

• Pack as much as you can. Okay, it is unlikely that you would be able to take a road trip without stopping anywhere. Therefore, it is a good idea to be prepared and pack so you can limit your stops.

Summary

As you can see, venturing on an amazing American road trip may be something you will cherish for the rest of your life. There are so many places to visit and so many roads to drive if you seek adventure. Organizing a perfect road trip in the US will take some planning, that’s for sure, but that planning isn’t meant to overwhelm you. So, are you ready to prepare for an experience that will be truly unforgettable?