A Road Trip to Showcase the Best of America: From the Pacific Coast to the Grand Canyon
Going on a road trip with a friend who has just flown in from overseas can be an unforgettable experience. It’s a chance to show them the best of your country and create lasting memories together. When planning such a trip, the Pacific Coast Highway offers a spectacular vista and the chance to savor local produce as you travel. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan a memorable journey:
Choosing the Route
When planning a road trip across the United States, it’s important to consider the intentions and preferences of your friend. Ask them where they would like to go and what they want to experience. For instance, while Washington D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York are popular destinations, some travelers might prefer to explore Denver and smaller towns in the USA.
Top Destinations to Include
Start your road trip from the Pacific Coast Highway, which offers breathtaking views and the opportunity to support local farmers and vendors. The next stop should be the Grand Canyon, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and take in the stunning vistas. Following this, you can head to Vegas, Yellowstone Park, and Mount Rushmore. For the final leg of the trip, consider visiting Pittsburgh for a Steelers game and then returning to New York for the final destination.
Alternatively: A Journey through the United Kingdom
While the United States is a vast and diverse country, it can be challenging to cover everything in a single trip. An alternative route for your friend, if they are from a different continent, could be to explore the United Kingdom. A suggested itinerary might include:
A journey through Cornwall A visit to the Lake District A drive through Scotland, including the Highlands A trip through Edinburgh, Newcastle, and the Yorkshire Dales A final leg through the Peak DistrictPlanning an Extended Visit
For a more comprehensive experience, consider an extended visit to multiple regions of the United States. My friend from Kyrgyzstan initially planned to spend 6 months traveling through the lower 48 states, focusing particularly on my area of Pennsylvania and Maryland. This was followed by stops in Florida, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, California, Washington, and Oregon, before returning via the northern states. Unfortunately, this plan was complicated by visa issues, as the U.S. State Department denied a tourist visa to visitors from certain countries.
Despite these challenges, we managed to cover many of the key destinations through multiple visits, with flights in between to ensure a more comprehensive exploration of the country. This extended itinerary provided a more detailed and varied experience, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the U.S. landscape and culture.
When planning a road trip, it’s important to consider the best ways to see the country, prioritizing the most interesting and spectacular destinations. The United States is a vast nation, and with limited time and resources, it’s essential to focus on the highlights.
Whether you are exploring the West Coast or making a broader journey through the United States, a road trip offers the perfect opportunity to fall in love with new places and create lasting memories with friends from around the world.