Why Traveling Across America Should Be Your Goal
Discover why traveling across America should be your goal—experience diverse culture, iconic landmarks, delicious food, and breathtaking architecture.
When I entered this space a few years ago, I simply wanted to express my thoughts about some travel I had done and show off some photos that I thought looked pretty good, and it got me thinking about how I exclusively travel across America. In the past few years of developing this publication, I have become acquainted with numerous travel bloggers, many of which write about Europe, Asia, South America and Canada. However, I don’t bump into a lot of travel bloggers who write about travel across America and it always made me wonder why. America has so much to offer in terms of its scenery, its architecture, its various cultures, and its vastness. Whether you live here or are visiting from another country, your return trip to a different place in this big, beautiful country will be different than your previous experiences. Here are some of the reasons why I strongly believe you should consider traveling more across America.
No Passport Required!
If you’re an American citizen, you can travel to any of the 50 states and territories - no passport needed. Just make sure to have your RealID on your drivers license or photo ID, and that’s it. It’s not just the “Lower 48” which already has its numerous quirks and subcultures. The United States of America includes the stunning landscapes of Alaska, with its majestic mountains and vast wilderness, and the tropical paradise of Hawaii, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. Additionally, American citizens can explore Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island rich in history and natural beauty, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands, which offer breathtaking scenery and a unique blend of cultures. Beyond these, there are other territories such as Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, each providing distinct experiences and attractions. Even for me, who has traveled to at 35 states and counting, I have yet to explore these other states and territories and it’s definitely on my bucket list.
Here’s a few wonderful places you can visit:
There’s So Much More Than The Cities
Traveling across America allows you to witness a stunning variety of landscapes, from the majestic mountains of the Rockies to the serene beaches of the Pacific Coast, and the vast plains of the Midwest to the vibrant forests of the Northeast. Much of this land has been preserved through our millions of acres of both National and State Parks. The United States is renowned for its breathtaking national parks, such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. Exploring these natural wonders not only showcases the country’s beauty but also promotes appreciation for conservation efforts. During America’s expansion in the late 1800s, the concept of preservation and conservation emerged with the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872. Since that time, 62 additional locations across the United States have been permanently protected as National Parks. Each of these National Parks is different in its look and feel, making them all unique places to visit. If you find yourself far from any of the 63 National Parks, you are likely not too distant from a local or state park, which is also unique but on a lesser scale. The great news is that visiting these National, State, and Local Parks comes at a minimal cost - in fact, the yearly pass to National Parks is less than the price of an annual subscription to your favorite streaming service - take that “Landman”!
Need some inspiration on parks? Here are some of the best places I have visited:
I also recommend subscribing to National Park Journal
Let’s Go On A Road Trip!
While Europe is known for its wonderful trains, America is known for its roads - but it also has trains as well! The millions of miles of highways, and back country roads weave, zig and zag and are filled with constantly changing topography and sometimes wonderful scenery. Stretching over 4 million miles, these roads facilitate not only the movement of goods and services but also the cultural exchange that defines the American experience. You don’t have to hit the highway either - two of the most famous roads are in America and ready for your next road trip.
The legendary Route 66, symbolizes the spirit of adventure and freedom, and extends from Chicago to Santa Monica, California - encompassing 8 states and stretching 2,400 miles! TheTravel points out among many fun facts about Route 66, including its significant role in American pop culture:
Route 66 is among the most famous road trips in the world. The road is even known by those who’ve never driven on its path! For decades, this historic route inspired works of art, including music and television.
The iconic route inspired the 1946 hit song Route 66 (created by Bobby Troup and sung by Nat King Cole), as well as the 1960s television series Route 66 (starring Martin Milner, George Maharis, and Glenn Corbett).
There is also the Pacific Coast Highway, which starts in San Diego as U.S. Route 1 and continues as U.S. Route 101 all the way up the Pacific Coast to Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula in Eastern Washington state. This breathtaking stretch of road meanders along the stunning coastline of California, offering travelers an unparalleled experience of natural beauty and adventure. Roadtrippers describes what you can find on this road trip:
The rainforests of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula are just one aspect of the natural beauty encountered along the Pacific Coast Highway, which crosses the mighty Columbia River, passes alongside redwood forests, and meanders through California’s wine country from Sonoma to San Luis Obispo. Breathtaking views of cliffs, beaches, and crashing ocean waves are near-constant companions, and drives through quaint coastal towns are paired with passages through San Francisco and Los Angeles, almost always within hailing distance of the sea.
While taking a train ride is lovely and can be a wonderful experience, you are on a schedule and on someone else’s itinerary. The quintessential American road trip is an adventure in itself. Traveling by car allows for spontaneous stops, scenic routes, and the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations that may not be accessible by other means. It reflects the freedom that America represents.
Need some inspiration? Here’s a few great road trip ideas:
America is a Melting Pot of Culture and Food!
Growing up in an Italian-American household in Connecticut, I was treated to some amazing food - not just homemade pasta, but also homemade meatballs, pizza, pastries and so much more. It formed me as a person, and made me appreciate how food can connect various cultures, and I would argue that food is the central connective tissue of America. By traveling across the country, you can immerse yourself in the local customs, cuisine, and festivals that define each area:
In places like Atlanta, Charleston, Austin, Dallas, and Kansas City, you can find amazing barbecue that will taste differently in every one of those cities you visit.
The spicy, bold flavors of New Orleans reflect its Creole and Cajun heritage, where dishes like gumbo and jambalaya tantalize the taste buds with a symphony of spices.
The Pacific Northwest is celebrated for its fresh seafood and farm-to-table ethos, with cities like Seattle showcasing the bounty of the ocean through dishes featuring salmon and Dungeness crab.
The Appalachian region highlights rustic fare such as cornbread and collard greens, rooted in the traditions of early settlers.
Connecticut, New York and Boston are known for the amazing pizza - including “New Haven Style”, coal-fired and brick-oven styles.
Chicago has wonderful Deep Dish (which I refer to as an “open faced calzone”, it is not pizza!) It also has the “Chicago Dog”, which is an absolute treat!
Finally, the desert Southwestern cities of Scottsdale, Las Vegas have amazing and truly authentic Mexican food
Food is the connective tissue and America’s foundation. The historical landmarks and sites tell the story of its past with each region of the United States boasting its own unique culture, traditions, and history. When you places like Gettysburg, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, you will gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s history and its evolution. America is also a hub for creativity, with vibrant art scenes in cities like New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Traveling allows you to explore galleries, street art, and performances that reflect the country’s artistic diversity. These cities also showcase their own types of architecture, with buildings standing for a few centuries and reflecting how young our nation is compared to other parts of the world.
Closing Thoughts
Traveling across America isn’t like traveling across Europe or South America or Asia, nor should it be. It is its own unique experience. While I would still encourage you to travel around the globe, don’t skip on traveling across America as well. If you’re an American citizen, no passport is required to spend time in Florida or Hawaii and see white sand beaches with crystal clear blue water, or to visit some stunning National Parks or enjoying the incredible cultural diversity that America offers. Finally, embarking on a journey across America can lead to significant personal growth. Stepping out of your comfort zone, navigating new environments, and embracing different cultures can enhance your adaptability, resilience, and overall perspective on life.