The mysteries of my own backyard. I have been to 18 countries in my lifetime, I’ve lived in 4 international cities in the past two years, and yet I’d say that I’ve only familiarized myself with a small handful of states in my home country of the U. S. of A.
For this, my globetrotting friend and I have decided against a backpacking trip in exchange for a driving one. With my new Garmin, and a world of possibility ahead of us, we intend to spend some graduation money on a cross-country road trip: from New York to San Francisco, and back again. We plan on couchsurfing as well as crashing on our college friends’ couches. Also, I assume an excursion of this magnitude will take a month, maybe longer, and we’ve already factored in the fact that we must take two different routes to include the South and the North of all that is still (personally) considered to be the vague Midwest.
My inspiration, I’ll admit, was not that born from an original idea, however. I attempted to read Doreen Orion’s Queen of the Road over my winter vacation. It is the story of a “princess of the Island of Long” who quite literally takes the ride of her life with her psychiatrist husband and three pets across 47 states.
It certainly sounded entertaining, and yet I could not get over the voice. Doreen is a psychiatrist, like her husband, but unlike his seemingly laid-back and dedicated demeanor, she comes across as the woman she makes herself out to be: pampered, grouchy, and lazy. Perhaps it is just me, but I found this fact, amongst other blatant complaints about their marvelous adventures, quite honestly, annoying.
Although, to be fair, I do understand how others would find her hilarious. And, as I got further into Queen of the Road, I too found the odd couple’s misadventures and the lessons they learned from them (both practically and philosophically) to be inspirational.
I suppose I should work on having more patience; maybe then, I’d be able to finish possibly the most unique travel memoir I have ever gotten my hands on. Until then however, I’ve decided to put all my free time efforts into planning my own cross-country trip.
You wouldn’t happen to have any must-stops in mind, would you?
About the Author:
Danielle E. Alvarez is the author of 37 posts on Go Backpacking.
Danielle is a globetrotter with a healthy appetite. In addition to writing about her travel and foodie experiences, she enjoys reading, indulging in the arts, and channeling her inner-yogi. Read more from Danielle at her blog, Danielle Abroad.
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Categories: eBooks & Travel Books, Features, Planning, Pre-trip, United States
Post tags: blogsherpa, book, New York City, review, San Francisco, usa
14 Comments
El Dorado Hot Springs in Tonopah, AZ, is a great place to relax on your trip. They've created a rustic oasis in the desert. You can soak in public or private, with clothes or without.
A must-stop in the vague Midwest is Bloomington, Indiana. One of the coolest (and most beautiful) college towns in the country, Bloomington also has tons of outdoor recreation, a great dining scene and more! Check it out – we'd love for you to visit.
Of course, you can't miss Chitown. Food galore, great nightlife, Lake Michigan, beach, great shopping, cute neighborhoods; we're New York minus the hassle. While you're here, take a quick trip to Madison, Wisconsin. Fun, hip college town. Milwaukee is a nice trip, also.
Email me for more info on any of the above!
A road trip across the US is on my to-do list as well: I feel like I've seen more of Europe than the USA! I did road trip from northern California to Colorado for a job a few summers ago, and I would highly recommend stopping in Sedona for a beautiful canyon drive (and extremely steep!) and Santa Fe. Can't wait to hear how it goes!
If you love chicken wings, a good stop on the northern route is Buffalo, NY. A restaurant in the suburb of Amherst has the best wings. I also recommend Toronto. Even though it's another country, it is a really simple drive from Buffalo and well worth it! Such a beautiful and friendly city. If you're planning this trip in the summer you will appreciate the climate as it does not get brutally hot.
Sounds like a blast, enjoy and please update!!
Wow, that sounds beautiful! I will most definitely keep that in mind. Thank you!
Great dining scene? Sounds like I'd love to come visit as well. Be there soon!
Thanks so much for all of the recommendations! I'll be in touch I'm sure.
Exactly! Oh I love Sedona, but I've never been to Santa Fe… I am so thrilled to get started!
Interesting. I'm not sure if we're going to go that north since I'm originally from lower Westchester and we'll be leaving from there as well but I will keep that in mind. Otherwise, I may make a stop there before I graduate from SU. Thanks!
Must go to Wall Drug in South Dakota, you'll see signs on the highway. It's on every cross country road trippers itinerary whether you know it or not.
Also the Hiawatha trail in Montana at the Idaho border is amazing. Rent a bike and cruise down old railroad beds, including through tunnels and over very tall train trestle bridges.
I loved my solo cross county road trip, and I really hope you enjoy yours and can encourage more people to get out and see our wonderful USA.
Thank you for the wonderful suggestions! I intend it to be yet another life-changing experience :) thanks for the encouragement!
Thank you for the wonderful suggestions! I intend it to be yet another life-changing experience :) thanks for the encouragement!
Did you go hiking in Sedona, Arizona? Kindly share your adventures. I’m looking forward for my trip there.