Road trips throughout America are known for being incredibly rewarding and life changing experiences. These are the roads that have impressed some of the world’s greatest literature and inspired some of its finest music. North America is a vast and almost impenetrable continent that ranges from Texan hot to Alaskan cold. But whether it’s sun, snow or the great lakes that you’re after, there truly is something for everyone on board a USA road trip.
Plan to save or spend
If you are going to be on the road for a long time, you will need to consider how much money you are prepared to spend. Living the RV lifestyle is substantially cheaper than using hotels and restaurants but the expenses can quickly add up. Flights via America normally have extra luggage allowance, so check what your baggage weight limit is before you depart. You can pack light and stock up on tons of fun mementos on the road, or you can bring just about everything that you need along with you.
If you want to save on rental expenses on longer trips, purchasing an RV for yourself could save you a lot of money. This gives you the option of selling it once you have reached your final destination. Just remember to bring a trailer dolly, take out the appropriate insurance and pack your driving. You may also be liable for taxation. So, check where you stand, as although it will be a memorable experience you don’t want to spend a night in jail.
Map your drive
Planning your route will save you time, money and moments of hungry desperation. Carefully plan your journey and mark out where you want to stop, eat, refuel and sleep. The more popular driving routes will be the most accommodating to your trip, but RVs are a lifestyle choice for many Americans. So don’t be afraid to venture away from the beaten track once you have got your bearings.
Route 66 is one of the top traveller roads, as it has gained a spot in international history for its kitsch and diverse selection of activities. You can hear songs and read books about this 4,000km trip but there’s nothing quite like the real thing. By travelling this road from Illinois to LA, you can find out all that there is to know about the belt of America. You and your friends will truly be spoilt for choice, so plan a schedule and stick to it if you can.
National Parks are a great choice for the daring among you, as America’s selection is uniquely large and diverse. Yellowstone National Park is probably the most famous of the American mega-parks as it is home to the Grand Canyon and more than its fair share of grizzly bears. But, if it’s a paradise-like combination of sizzling BBQs and lunar landscapes that you’re after, the Texan Big Bend is the choice for you. Both have on site tours available as well as a big choice of adventure activities.
Conclusion
Planning an RV trip in the USA with you friends can seem daunting at first. But once you have done all of the necessary planning then there will be no stopping you. Just remember to give yourself more than enough time to check off everything on your list. Road trips are a brilliantly quirky and sociable way to explore the states of America. By taking your own vehicle and bed with you, the limitations of public transport, hotels and roadside restaurants are removed. You can do what you like, see just about anything that you’d like to see, and go anywhere that you’d like to go.
Vicky McNaught-Davis
