With 50 states to choose from, why limit yourself to just one on your next American adventure? With each region offering such variety, seeing different parts of the country is a great way to immerse yourself in the American way of life, and discover for yourself what makes this country so unique.
But before jetting off, you’ll need to handle the logistics of navigating your way across this expansive land. Fortunately, there are a few options to explore; research each to decide which might suit your travel preferences best. In this guide, we discuss the three most popular ways to state-hop in America, leaving you to prepare to live out your very own American dream.
Road Trip
Road trips are a quintessentially American way to explore this great country. With such vast open roads framed by breathtaking landscapes, getting behind the wheel allows you to truly immerse yourself in the great American outdoors. Travel experts recommend the West Coast as one of the best road trip regions if it’s scenic views and city living you’re looking for.
Of course, there are some incredibly famous routes, such as Route 66 you could add to your itinerary, but feel free to blaze your own trail if that’s more your thing – there is always something new to discover outside your car window wherever you find yourself. Best of all, hiring a car or van gives you the freedom and flexibility to stop just about anywhere you want and explore more of each place than you otherwise might have.
Ride The Rails
If discovering a new place by train is more your speed, America’s vast rail network will connect you to just about anywhere you want to go. There are so many tried and tested itineraries out there that have transported traversing tourists through the heart of America’s most beautiful cities. If you’re looking to go the whole hog, consider a coast-to-coast journey. This near-3,000-mile trip can be completed in a matter of days, but to make the most of your time here, it’s always best to plan your stop-offs to experience different parts of the country.
If you’re looking to explore as much of the country as possible, it’s always a good idea to research rail pass options. These will permit you to take ten journeys across a 30-day period, and will almost certainly be a more economical way to travel instead of buying single tickets to each destination. It’s also worth remembering that train travel is a great way to limit the carbon footprint of your holiday. If you’re an eco-conscious traveller to whom this is important, taking to the tracks will ensure you can enjoy a guilt-free trip of a lifetime.
Flying
Despite the many warnings, international travellers still often underestimate the sheer size and scale of the United States. In fact, flying from Hawaii to the east coast will take longer than a flight across the Atlantic from London. With that being said, domestic air travel is a popular way (and often the most convenient) to traverse different states.
Especially if you’re planning to visit different parts of the country, organising internal flights will ensure you can get the most out of your time here. It’s always advisable to book your tickets in advance and compare prices from different airlines to find the best deal. If you’re seeking some inspiration, some of the most popular domestic air routes include Los Angeles to Las Vegas and Atlanta to New York.
These are three top options that tourists have used to explore American states for many years. Remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one method of transportation. Often, travelling in different ways will best suit your itinerary, and give you the chance to see America in different ways.
