10 Tips For Cross Country Travel In The US
America is known for its vast landscapes and the iconic cross-country vacation so many people try to take. There’s plenty of movies about cross-country road trips and lots of information about what to do and see. It can seem so confusing and overwhelming but it's definitely worth the trip.
Here are 10 tips for planning and executing your cross-country road trip.
1. Plan plan plan!
The best thing you can do before you even pack a suitcase is to sit down and map it out. Sure, there's going to be some stuff you can't plan (like how far you want to drive in a single day or if traffic will push you back a day or two), but you should book the hotel for at least one day. This gives you a mark point, like how far you should get. Also, definitely do some research and take note of what places you really want to stop at.
2. There’s not much between NYC and Chicago
If you're going from the east coast, there isn't much to see between New York and Chicago. It's a lot of cornfields and dead highways. The landscape changes quickly after Chicago and it gets more and more barren. Be prepared for hours and hours of corn, grasslands, and highway. Definitely pack things to keep you entertained in the car.
3. Pack plenty of snacks
Packing your own snacks will save you plenty of time and money. Not only will it limit the number of stops you have to make, but it’ll also keep you occupied in the car. While it's awesome to stop and eat and support local businesses (definitely ditch the chains while traveling, you have Applebees back home), you can find some cool local snacks at gas stations or rest stops. Some great car snacks include cheese, crackers, granola bars, Goldfish, cookies, fruit, veggies, and juice.
4. Don’t be afraid to save knick nacks
There's plenty of things you can take home as souvenirs that you won't have to pay for. It's okay to be sentimental, after all this trip should be memorable. Things like brochures, ticket stubs, and maps are awesome things to take home and keep. You can also keep things like bottles from wine, rocks, and pressed flowers. There are all sorts of fun things you can keep from your trip. Don't be afraid to hit the gift shop too! Pins, postcards, and flags are really cheap souvenirs you can display in your home!
5. You can never know too much!
Research is always good to have. Knowing the history of where you are is always cool to know. You can also look into other tips and tricks previous travelers have to offer. There are also tons of hidden gems to be found along the road. See some really awesome ones here!
6. Don’t be afraid to ask the locals
Locals are some of the best sources of information. They tend to be people who know shortcuts, great food spots, the best photo ops, and other such things. The best locals to ask are waitresses, gas station workers, and cops!
7. Be prepared for some things to be underwhelming
Some things that get super hyped up are actually kind of underwhelming. Things like Mount Rushmore, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or the US side of Niagara Falls can be super underwhelming. Be prepared for it to be a lot less than what the brochures have to show.
8. Be prepared for things to be overwhelming
However, be prepared for things to be a little overwhelming. Places you're likely to stop are likely going to be very crowded. If you stop at cities, it'll be a lot more fast-paced than the rural areas in between. There’s a lot to see, so take your time and enjoy everything!
9. Bring a spare of everything you cannot afford to miss
Always always always pack a spare of multiple things. Bring a spare SD card if you're bringing a camera. Bring batteries for any of your devices. Bring a spare portable charger. There are some things you don't want to be without!
10. Don’t avoid roadside attractions
You probably went out thinking to see the big ones, like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or new cities, but there are tons of fun and different stops along the way. Don’t avoid them! They make out for a great place to get out and stretch your legs. They also tend to be fun photo ops!
No matter what you plan to do when taking a cross-country trip, it'll definitely be a lot of fun and a great learning experience. Take lots of pictures, make a lot of memories, and most importantly, go out with an open mind. You never know what you might see!
Opinions and Perspectives
Really appreciate the mix of practical and experiential advice in this article. Makes the whole thing feel more doable.
The advice about research is good but sometimes its fun to just discover things as you go.
These tips are helpful but they should have mentioned something about dealing with altitude changes out west.
Wish they had included more specific recommendations for must see stops along different routes.
I always keep a journal during road trips. Its fun to read back through the daily entries years later.
The contrast between urban and rural America really hits you on a cross country trip. Its like traveling through different worlds.
Good tips overall but they missed mentioning the importance of flexible planning for weather delays.
Taking backroads is amazing! Takes longer but you see the real America that way.
Has anyone done this trip using mainly backroads instead of highways? Im considering that approach.
Interesting they dont mention anything about travel insurance. Seems like an important consideration for such a big trip.
The tip about spare equipment is crucial. My phone died in Death Valley and it was pretty scary.
Love the idea of collecting local snacks from different regions. Still dream about those Georgia peach candies.
These are solid tips but they really should have mentioned the importance of good car insurance.
The advice about being prepared for overwhelming experiences is so true. The Grand Canyon left me speechless.
They should have mentioned something about photography tips. Different landscapes need different camera settings.
Podcasts and audiobooks are your best friends for solo trips. Makes you feel like youve got company.
Wondering if anyone has tips for handling loneliness on solo road trips?
Great tips but they missed mentioning time zone changes. Those can really mess with your schedule.
Have to disagree about NYC to Chicago being boring. The Amish country in Pennsylvania is fascinating!
Really appreciate the honesty about some attractions being underwhelming. Sets realistic expectations.
The snack advice is crucial. Nothing worse than being hungry in the middle of nowhere Wyoming.
Good point about things being overwhelming. The shift from desert to Las Vegas nearly gave me sensory overload!
Love the tip about asking locals but hotel concierges have always given me the best advice.
They should have mentioned something about car maintenance during the trip. Oil changes and tire pressure are important!
I actually enjoy those long empty stretches. Perfect time for self reflection or good conversation.
What they say about Chicago is true. The landscape really does change dramatically after you leave the city.
The tip about roadside attractions reminds me of the giant concrete dinosaurs I saw in Arizona. So worth the stop!
Im surprised they didnt discuss seasonal timing. Driving cross country in winter versus summer is a totally different experience.
Anyone tried those travel apps they mention in the research section? Wonder if theyre actually helpful.
Really wish theyd mentioned something about traveling with pets. That adds a whole other layer of planning.
Not sure about ditching chain restaurants completely. Sometimes you just need something reliable and quick.
The bit about collecting free souvenirs is smart. My favorite memento is a collection of leaves from different state parks.
Great tips! Im planning my first cross country trip and hadnt thought about bringing spare chargers.
They should have mentioned something about planning gas stops. Some stretches out west have really limited options.
The advice about packing entertainment for boring stretches saved my sanity during my midwest drive.
I found the US side of Niagara Falls pretty impressive actually. Maybe its all about managing expectations?
Locals definitely know best! A diner owner in Utah showed us this incredible slot canyon that wasnt on any maps.
The tip about things being underwhelming is so real. The Four Corners monument was basically just a plaque in the ground.
Anyone else think its weird they didnt mention anything about budget planning? That seems pretty important for such a big trip.
Good article but they should have mentioned something about keeping an emergency kit in the car.
I did it solo last year and it was amazing! Just make sure to stay aware of your surroundings and keep in touch with family.
Has anyone done this solo? Im thinking about a cross country trip by myself but feeling nervous.
The planning advice is spot on. We tried to be spontaneous and ended up missing some major attractions due to poor timing.
Totally agree about asking locals for advice. A barista in Montana directed us to the most beautiful hiking trail.
These tips are great but they missed mentioning the importance of good music playlists. Essential for those long drives!
I disagree about avoiding chain restaurants. Sometimes you just want something familiar after days of new experiences.
The article should have mentioned rest stops. Some state welcome centers are actually really nice and informative.
Love the idea of collecting free souvenirs. My scrapbook is full of national park maps and ticket stubs.
That tip about bringing spare SD cards saved my trip! My main card corrupted halfway through and I was so glad to have backups.
Interesting they suggest asking cops for recommendations. In my experience, hotel staff have the best local knowledge.
I learned to embrace the cornfields. Made a game of counting different types of crops with my kids.
The advice about booking at least one hotel is smart. Having that fixed point in the schedule helped us pace our trip better.
Wish theyd mentioned something about audiobooks. They're lifesavers during those long stretches of highway.
I found some amazing local restaurants by chatting with gas station attendants. They really do know all the hidden gems.
Anyone else collect pressed pennies from different attractions? They make great affordable souvenirs!
The part about things being overwhelming is so true. Times Square was sensory overload after days of driving through open country.
Im surprised they didnt mention anything about camping. Its a great way to save money and experience nature along the way.
Good tips but they forgot to mention toll roads. Those expenses can really add up across multiple states.
Definitely bring a cooler! It saved us so much money and time. Just make sure to get ice at hotels along the way.
Has anyone tried bringing a cooler for snacks? Im planning my first cross country trip and wondering if its worth the trunk space.
The article downplays the Hollywood Walk of Fame but I found it fascinating. The atmosphere and street performers make it worth visiting.
This brings back memories of my trip last year. Saving ticket stubs and brochures really does help preserve those special moments.
I actually love the stretch between NYC and Chicago. The rolling farmland has its own kind of beauty if you look for it.
You really do need to plan carefully. We tried to wing it and ended up sleeping in our car because all hotels were booked in Yellowstone.
My family tried to avoid roadside attractions during our cross country trip and I regret it now. Those quirky stops make the best memories.
Good article but they should have mentioned the importance of paper maps. Your phone GPS isn't always reliable in remote areas.
The tip about roadside attractions is underrated. The worlds largest ball of twine was surprisingly fun!
Anyone else think its funny they say to avoid chains but then list Goldfish as a recommended snack?
I wish they had mentioned something about weather preparation. Driving through different climate zones can be tricky.
The locals tip is golden! A waitress in Arizona told me about this amazing hidden canyon that wasn't in any guidebook. Best detour of my trip!
These tips are really helpful but I think they missed mentioning the importance of getting your car checked before such a long journey.
Actually, I have to agree about Mount Rushmore. The photos make it look massive but in person it felt smaller than expected. Still worth seeing though!
Not sure I agree about Mount Rushmore being underwhelming. I found it pretty impressive, especially during the evening lighting ceremony.
A spare of everything is crucial! My camera died in Yellowstone and I had no backup. Still kicking myself over all the missed photo opportunities.
The point about NYC to Chicago being mostly cornfields is so true. I drove that stretch last summer and thought my GPS was broken because the scenery never changed.
I love road trips! The advice about packing snacks is spot on. I learned this the hard way when I got stuck in the middle of nowhere Kansas with nothing but gas station jerky.