Table of Contents
Introduction to U.S. Travel Plan
U.S. Travel Plan: The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) or California’s Highway 1, is one of the most iconic road trips in the States.
Kick off your adventure in San Francisco seeing sights like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, before moving south down to Monterey and Big Sur where cliffs meet the Pacific Ocean in spectacular fashion.
Drive on down the coast to Santa Barbara, the “American Riviera,” for wine tasting and beach bumming. Wrap up then in San Diego with a visit to Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and some of California’s finest beaches.
A Journey of Natural Beauty and Unique Californian Culture Big Sur, Hearst Castle to the vineyards of Santa Barbara and La Jolla Cove in San Diego.
1. A Southwest National Parks Adventure
U.S. Travel Plan: You will explore several of the most famous national parks in the southwestern United States on this trip.
Start in Vegas, then go to Zion National Park for the unique red rock formations and Angels Landing. Keep heading to Bryce Canyon to see hoodoo formations, spire-like rocks that are unlike anything you have ever seen.
Continue your drive into Utah to experience Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, where you can see beautiful arches and colorful landscapes.
Finish your journey in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where you can visit the Sandia Mountains and experience their famous hot air balloon festival if you go in October Angels Landing in Zion, the hoodoos of Bryce, Delicate Arch at Arches, and Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
Read More2. New England Fall Foliage Tour
Autumn has really (really) arrived in New England, which means this sprawling half of the Northeast is known for one thing good ol’ fall foliage road trips.
After starting in Boston, make your way through the small towns and picturesque villages of Massachusetts. Make a pit stop in the White Mountains, where some of the most impressive foliage spectacles welcome you into New Hampshire.
Reward yourself with the final leg into lovely Stowe, Vermont with its historic inns and gorgeous mountains. Check out local farms, cider mills and covered bridges and you can experience what a New England fall is all about.
New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway and Ben & Jerry’s Factory: Stowe Fall Views
3. Cycling Alaska: Tour of Glaciers and Wilderness
U.S. Travel Plan: This trip highlights some of the natural beauty that Alaska has to offer among what is easily some of America’s most pristine wilderness.
Start in Anchorage then travel to Kenai Fjords National Park for a boat tour of glaciers and marine life such as orcas and puffins. Head north to Denali National Park where North Americas tallest peak resides.
A trip through Alaska is a unique adventure for all the outdoor lovers with plenty of wildlife, hiking trails and viewing opportunities of the Northern Lights along the way. Kenai Fjords Boat Tours, Denali Wildlife & Northern Lights
4. A Touch of History in East Coast Cities
A good itinerary if you are a fan of American history and architecture. Spend the first half in Washington, D.C. exploring all national mall memorials, Smithsonian museums and more.
Optional: Head north to catch a glimpse of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, and then continue on to New York City to hear the bells ring from the Statue of Liberty, Time Square, Central Park, etc.
Finally, end off in Beantown, walk the Freedom Trail and explore some of Boston’s historical neighborhoods such as Beacon Hill.
The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, The White House in D.C., Times Square and Boston’s Freedom Trail.
5. Island-Hopping Episode in Hawaii
U.S. Travel Plan: Hawaii is a dream location where each island has its own unique landscape and what you may miss on one island, you will find on another.
Begin in Oahu and take a glimpse of Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and world-renowned surfing spots on the North Shore. Visit Maui for the beautiful Road to Hana, Molokini snorkeling, and sunrise in Haleakalā National Park.
Kauai The Garden Isle, the place with lush rainforests & the stunning Nā Pali Coast Finish on the Big Island visiting an active volcano and chilling on black or white sand beaches.
The Diamond Head crater on Oahu, the Road to Hana on Maui, or the scenic Nā Pali Coast on Kauai and Volcanoes National Park on Hawai’i (the Big Island).
6. Create a Courage-Centered Culture in Colorado Rock Mountain
Plan a trip Beginning in Denver drive scenic road up to Rocky Mountain National Park where you will find alpine lakes, Hike the popular Trail Ridge Road and get the chance to see Wildlife including elk and bighorn sheep.
Continue towards Aspen, making a stop in beautiful mountain towns such as Estes Park and Glenwood Springs after your time in the park.
Maroon Bells, Aspen photography by Alex Dunn (via National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations.)
For skiing, hiking and year-round outdoor recreation at the base of some of the most photographed mountains in the U.S. Rocky Mountain National Park — Trail Ridge Road Glenwood Hot Springs Maroon Bells (Aspen)
7. Great Lakes Road Trip
U.S. Travel Plan: Begin in Chicago, exploring the exciting city and Millennium Park plus a cruise on Lake Michigan.
Then head north along Lake Michigan up into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, stopping in adorable beach towns such as Saugatuck and Traverse City.
Finish at car-free Mackinac Island, famed for its Victorian architecture and horse-drawn carriages and stunning views of the lake.
A mix of city, lake and a chill island vibe. Navy Pier in Chicago, The Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan and Mackinac Island
Advice on Your U.S. Travel Plan
U.S. Travel Plan: To nail a U.S. trip to remember always is not a haphazard process, and few preparations need to be made beforehand.
These locations can get crowded, especially during peak season, so be sure to secure hotels, car rentals and any necessary permits in advance.
Many national parks, museums and attractions charge an entrance fee, so look into prices to avoid havoc later on.
Because the U.S. does have somewhat unpredictable weather it is best to be prepared that activities may change.
Whether its urban culture in the city, historic sites or natural wonders and iconic landscapes, all these travel plans share a unique slice of America.
