The United States is one of the largest countries in the world. It’s considered the 4th largest country in the world and has a size of about 3.8 million square miles. This means there’s still a lot to discover in this beautiful country. So it’s no wonder why road trips are so common in the country.
About 208 million Americans plan to go on a road trip this summer alone. If you’re planning to join them, here are some great locations you should have on your road trip.
Grand Canyon
if you want a stable option, you should visit the Grand Canyon. It was discovered in 1540 and is one of the seven wonders of the world. It’s located in Arizona and is 277 miles long.
There are a lot of things to do in the Grand Canyon. One of the things you should try out is hiking. You can go on different trails that will provide you with varying views of the canyon. Mule rides are also available that will take you down to the bottom of the canyon.
Another option is going on a hot air balloon ride. This is a great way to see the canyon from a different perspective. You can also go on a helicopter tour if you want to.
There are also a lot of different lodges and hotels available in the area if you want to stay for a night or two.
The route you need to take to get to the Grand Canyon is the US-93 S. You will then take the I-40 E and the AZ-64 E.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. It’s located between the border of Ontario, Canada, and New York. The waterfall is about 167 feet high and is considered one of the best places to visit in the United States.
There are a lot of different things you can do in Niagara Falls. One of the most popular things is to go on a Maid of the Mist boat ride. This will take you up to the falls to see them up close.
You can also go on different hiking trails that will take you to different vantage points. Helicopter and airplane tours are also available if you want to see the falls from above.
You can try the zip line over the Falls if you’re looking for something more adventurous. There are also a lot of different hotels and restaurants available in the area.
The route you need to take to Niagara Falls is the I-90 E. You will then take the I-290 E and the NY-104 E.
The Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains are located between Tennessee and North Carolina. The mountains are home to a lot of different wildlife.
There are a lot of different things you can do in the Great Smoky Mountains. One of the most popular things is hiking. There are over 800 miles of trails that you can explore. You can also go camping, fishing, and picnicking in the area.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can try white-water rafting in the Nantahala River Gorge. You can also go on a scenic drive or take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.
The route you need to take to get to the Great Smoky Mountains is the I-40 W. You will then take the US-441 S/TN-71 S to get there.
Preparing For Your Trip
Preparing for your long road trips, especially to these locations, require a couple of necessities. Here are some things you should do before you plan your road trip.
Learn Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is crucial for very long road trips. This is because you will meet all sorts of road drivers. Additionally, you also have to learn new routes and new terrain. There are various ways to learn defensive driving. However, nothing is more effective than taking a local defensive driving course in your area. The course covers the necessities and essential interstate driving laws. The best part is that it only takes a few hours to accomplish!
Plan Your Route
You must plan your route before you start driving. This ensures you’re taking the most efficient route to your destination. You can use GPS or online maps to help you plan your route. You can also follow the routes indicated above. Once you plan your route, take note of the landmarks and rest stops along the way. This will be helpful in case you need to take a break or if you get lost.
Pack Essentials
Make sure to pack all the essentials for your road trip. This includes food, water, a first-aid kit, a map, and a spare tire. You should also pack clothes and a blanket if you need to spend the night on the side of the road. It’s better to be prepared than to be caught off-guard.
Road trips can be enjoyable if you have the right places to visit and are prepared for them. By following the tips above, you can be sure you’ll have a great time on your road trip. Just don’t forget to enjoy the journey!
