Road trips are a method of travel that will never go out of style. The freedom, affordability, and sights travelers take in every time they put their foot on the gas can't be seen any other way, and this is what makes them one of the most unique vacation options. Not to mention the level of freedom the driver has, since the decision to add another landmark to the itinerary or pull off for some tasty eats can be made in a matter of seconds.
So now that all of this wanderlust and adventure is just sitting in wait, how can one decide which route will be the most life-changing? There's no need for pre-road-trip panic - No matter which part of the US you're from, there's bound to be a road trip itinerary that will speak to your heart and emblazon your soul.
An Autumn Tour Through New England, Ending At Acadia National Park In Maine
There's no denying New England's incredible beauty. Set against a stunning mountain backdrop and rolling hills on one side and a seaside coast on the other, there's no wrong way to do a road trip in this region. Once you commit, choose one of several ways through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and even Vermont, before finally ending at the peak in Acadia National Park, Maine.
Along the way, take in the sights of the Green Mountains of Vermont or White Mountains of New Hampshire, and stop in Boston for some city excitement. For food, you can't go wrong with a good 'ol lobster roll or some farm-to-table grub.
The Ultimate Tour Of Lake Superior, Starting And Ending In Michigan
Michigan is a beautiful state and often underestimated. Its beauty stems from its lakeside setting, a place where summer park-goers often take up water sports or spend lazy days on the coast. For those looking to see all of Lake Superior's landscape, a road trip can be taken around the entire thing, beginning and ending in Cooper Harbor. Accommodations can be found around the route, but to turn things up a notch and get a real lakeside experience, consider an Airbnb or vacation house rental.
Traveling Skyline Drive Through Virginia's Shenandoah Mountains
The truly adventurous will love Skyline Drive's thrilling scenic route through the Blue Mountains, and it undoubtedly provides the best view for next to no cost. Drivers should exercise caution, as this route will be closed during inclement weather and might be a risky drive during unpredictable weather months.
In the summer and fall, the greenery and changing leaves resemble a Bob Ross painting and can't be missed. Try staying at one of the local B&Bs in the area; travelers might make some new friends and will definitely get a hearty helping of down-home cooking.
From One National Park To Another: Grand Teton To Yellowstone
For hikers, campers, and all-around outdoorsy adventurers, Teton and Yellowstone National Parks should definitely be on the list. This drive is roughly 100 miles, so it's on the shorter side, but can obviously be padded with overnight camping or staying in one of the towns between these two major parks. A long weekend will provide enough days to venture through each park, and a week will give you the chance to explore them thoroughly while also getting a feel for what Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana life are truly like.
West Coast Style: Start In Seattle And Make Your Way To Newport, Oregon
This is a great way to start in a city setting and end in a more rural, hipster destination. Seattle is an up and coming city and very walkable, not to mention packed with fun things to explore and not far from Vancouver, if you're looking to extend the trip.
Ending in Oregon is a nice, calm way to end this road trip, and Newport is a pretty cool seaside town with just the perfect amount of funk to be truly interesting.