Road trips are slowly becoming a thing of the past. As the population grows older, they tend not to get out as much. And with the spread of technology, people don’t actually go anywhere; they stay home and look at high-def images on their smartphones.
Instead of thinking how amazing those places in those photographs are, get out there and see them for yourself! You are not too old to take a trip along some of the most amazing roadways in the country. You are not required to stay on your cell phone every spare minute you have – get off of it and do some sightseeing.
As you travel the lengths of America’s great highways, bring some friends with you, along with a camera. Road trips are better when you have others around to enjoy them. The camera, of course, is to take pictures of the awesome site you visit on these stretches of roadway.
Route 66
Up until the mid 1980s you could travel along this single stretch of highway from its beginnings in Chicago to the end of the road in California. Not much of it remains as it was in its heyday, but what does still exist is marked with special signs identifying it as “Historical Route 66.” Driving along this 2,500 mile length of road allowed you to see the beauty of America as you passed through multiple states still in its pristine, natural condition.
Although the route has changed, you can still drive along what remains and what has taken its place, mostly Interstates. There are plenty of small towns to visit along the route, some alive and some abandoned. A road trip along the remnants of Route 66 is more about the journey instead of an actual destination.
Alaska Highway
For a great nature trip, consider traveling along this highway. With almost 1,500 miles of roadway, there is plenty of Alaskan wilderness to be in awe of. Although it starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and the majority of the highway cuts through two Canadian provinces, it was World War II-American dollars that constructed the road, hence its inclusion in this list.
The highway officially stops in Delta Junction in Alaska, but it is possible to continue on to the major city of Fairbanks, and even all the way to Anchorage. Along the way you will get to gaze upon some of the most spectacular natural beauty you will ever see. Forests and valleys constantly surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lighting will be different if you are not used to being that far north. During the summers, the sun never truly sets, and in the winter you will be in constant twilight.
Route 1
US Route 1 is a great road to travel if you are interested in seeing the American East Coast. Along this nearly 2,400-mile stretch of asphalt, you will drive along the coast, passing through New England fishing towns as well as big cities such as Boston and the capital, Washington D.C. Some parts take you a little more inland but the majority keeps the Atlantic Ocean just beyond your driver’s side window.
You will notice the weather getting warmer as you continue south towards the end of the road. You can take US Route 1 all the way down through Miami, Florida and reach the end in the Keys. A road trip of this length will take you several days, if not a week or more accounting for all of the coastal America exploring you will want to do.
Canada to Mexico
Obviously, this route covers three countries, two of which are not America. It does travel from the northern border in Montana, crosses into Idaho, then moves through Nevada and Arizona before entering into our hispanic neighbors to the south.
This is route doesn’t actually have a name. It is more of a series of interconnected highways that takes you through some of the most breathtaking parts of the country. Indian reserves and rural towns are aplenty, as are a number of national parks. Mountains against a gorgeous blue sky and endless plains leading into the horizon are some of the landscapes you will see.
On your road trip, you will have ample opportunity to stop and hike through the trails of the West, kayak or fish along the rivers and lakes, or experience the quaintness of the local townships. There’s plenty of big city adventures along the way as Las Vegas sits in your path. Stop off for a night of (responsible) gaming fun and night shows before heading back out onto the road.
Not far from Vegas, you will get to see and tour one of the greatest achievements of Great Depression-era American ingenuity, resolve, and engineering. This 726 foot tall dam controls the release of water from the Colorado River, generating electricity for millions of people in the surrounding cities. It is a marvel to stand upon and see its enormity first hand.
When you get back – or even while you are on your trip, if technology permits – you can share the excitement of your trip with other friends, as well as people throughout the world. You can start up your own website and blog about the towns you visited or the magnificent scenery you drove by.
Include some of the photos that you took. If there was something you missed, just use some free stock images to complement the tale you are telling about the site. Any imagery will help enhance your travels along America’s great stretches of highway.
Allow the friends you took with you to contribute to the blog. Let them write up their own posts and tell others why they too should get out and take a drive, see their country and gain a new appreciation for it.
When you are done with this trip, don’t wait to take another. If you put it off, it may be years before you get back on the road. Set a date and stick to it, then go and see more of this beautiful land.
