Traveling in the summertime can be… hectic.
At least if you are planning on traveling by air anywhere this upcoming season, especially in America.
Experts agree that this year will bring a massive demand for spring and summer travel, as well as staffing shortages in literally every sector of the aviator industry.
These two factors combined are very likely to create issues with U.S. air travel this year, far surpassing the aviation meltdowns that travelers faced in 2022.
One surefire way to avoid headaches brought on by air travel is avoiding the sky altogether and doing your traveling while sticking to the ground.
Luckily, those who are looking to explore America are spoiled for choice with many noteworthy road trips.
Studies have shown an increase in Americans who are considering road trips this year as opposed to last, with half of them planning to travel by car or RV this summer.
From coastal drives to mountain passes and desert stretches of solitude, there is no end of options for those who are looking for some peace and quiet while exploring the vast open spaces across the United States, all while in the comfort of their space (not to mention their own music choices).
Here Are Some Top Choices For American Road Trips This Year:
Route 66
Let’s start this list with the classic Route 66 trip.
Running from Los Angeles to Chicago and crossing some highlights such as Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, this route offers never-ending places to stop and snap some pics with the iconic signs and statues along your way.
While there are many highlights of this epic trip, don’t forget to stop and stay a night or two in some of the small towns that you will pass and enjoy the local hospitality and authentic food.
Highway 101, Oregon
This approximately 400-mile road weaves you down Oregon’s jagged coast, with sweeping views into the Pacific on one side and farmlands and forests on the other.
While highway 101 runs all the way down to San Diego, what sets the Oregon segment apart is the fact that (unlike the other states) the entire shoreline is state-owned, meaning that the public can park and set off to explore where they like.
If you are in the area, keep in mind that there are many epic drives to be had in the Pacific Northwest, all offering something different and stunning.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Here’s a road tip that you can easily do in a day, although adding on to it in both directions would definitely be worth it.
Spanning only about 50 miles, Going-to-the-Sun winds drivers past Glacier National Park and through America’s Continental Divide.
Keep in mind this is not a year-round drive, and the winter weather makes this impassable and therefore closed.
It’s important to check all the official information if you are interested in making this trip, as the conditions can be unpredictable at times.
U.S. Route 50, Nevada
There’s a reason Life magazine named this stretch of road “the lowest road in America”, and anyone who travels it can see why.
While the actual Route 50 runs California to Maryland and is a major highway connecting the country, it’s the Nevada stretch where drivers find themselves surrounded by nothing but open sky, mountains, and never-ending sand.
This path might feel lonely, but travelers here are following the well-trodden path of those who relied on this route before them.
American Indians, Gold Miners, and the Pony Express all helped to leave their mark here, and while driving, look out for the many signs with historical information.
Great River Road, Minnesota to Mississippi
As one of America’s longest and most important scenic byways, the Great River Road will lead the driver along the Mississippi River, through 10 states, and across nearly 3,000 miles.
This road trip can be a long one if you are stopping and enjoying the famed places along the way. Many make the trip somewhere between 4 – 10 days.
This route is well marked with many signs easily identifying the way. Just look for the white sign with the green pilot’s wheel.
Some highlights include the Mississippi River Gorge in Minneapolis and The Buffalo Bill Museum in Iowa, although there are almost too many great places to see to list.
