15 Mistakes People Make When Road Tripping Across The USA
Embarking on a road trip across the United States is an exhilarating experience, filled with endless possibilities for discovery. With its diverse landscapes, bustling cities, and offbeat attractions, America’s highways offer something for everyone. Yet, even the most well-planned adventures can be marred by avoidable missteps.
Common pitfalls include mapping out a route, selecting dining options, and finding accommodations, all of which can have a significant impact on your journey if not approached thoughtfully. To ensure a memorable trip, we’ve identified 15 mistakes that commonly occur on a USA road trip, along with practical tips for overcoming them.
Underestimating Distances
When embarking on a road trip across the United States, it’s easy to underestimate the vast expanses between destinations. America’s sheer size means that even relatively short drives can take longer than anticipated, leading to a rushed experience or fatigue from hours spent behind the wheel. To avoid this, it’s essential to double-check distances and plan your route and rest stops with care, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable journey.
Wanting to Use Only Public Transportation
While public transportation is an excellent way to navigate urban areas, it’s not the most practical option for a road trip across the USA. Rural and scenic spots often have limited or no public transit options, making it difficult to reach these destinations without a car. Renting a vehicle offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace and discover off-the-beaten-path gems that would be impossible to access by public transport.
This freedom allows you to create your own itinerary and make the most of your trip. For instance, you can stop whenever you want, take in the breathtaking views, or visit hidden attractions that aren’t easily accessible by public transportation.
Not Planning for Tipping
When traveling to the USA, it’s essential to factor in tipping costs as they can significantly impact your budget. From dining out and hailing a taxi to interacting with hotel staff, tips are expected for various services. To avoid any surprises, aim to budget at least 15-20% of the total cost for meals, and adjust this percentage based on the quality of service you receive.
Having the Wrong Idea About Motels
While Route 66 is often associated with luxury hotels or high-end resorts, the humble Blue Swallow Motel offers a refreshing alternative for travelers. Contrary to common misconceptions about motels being unsafe or subpar, this budget-friendly option provides clean, comfortable, and affordable accommodations – ideal for weary road trippers seeking a night’s rest.
Strategically located along the iconic Route 66 and in quaint small towns, motels like the Blue Swallow offer travelers a chance to save money without compromising on comfort, making them an excellent choice for those looking to make the most of their trip.
Only Stopping at Main Attractions and Ignoring Roadside Hidden Gems
While it’s tempting to focus solely on well-known attractions, taking the time to explore roadside attractions, small towns, and local diners can reveal a more authentic side of American culture and history. These often-overlooked gems offer a chance to experience the unique character of the USA in a way that big tourist spots simply can’t replicate. By incorporating these hidden treasures into your road trip itinerary, you’ll be rewarded with a more enriching and memorable travel experience.
Forgetting About Time Differences Especially at the Arizona Border
The complexity of navigating time zones in the USA is amplified by Arizona’s unique approach to daylight saving time. As a result, travelers must be mindful of these differences when crossing state lines, as failure to account for them can lead to unexpected disruptions. To avoid any inconvenience, it’s essential to verify local times as you move from one state to another, ensuring that reservations aren’t missed and attractions remain accessible at the expected hours.
Forgetting About Traffic Jams in Big Cities
In stark contrast to the laid-back reputation of many American cities, metropolitan hubs like Los Angeles and New York are infamous for their notorious traffic congestion. The unprepared traveler can easily underestimate the time it takes to navigate these sprawling metropolises, leading to frustrating delays and a sense of gridlock.
To avoid the stress and chaos that often accompanies rush hour, savvy travelers will plan their routes in advance, opting for bypasses or public transportation when exploring city centers to minimize travel time and maximize enjoyment.
Underestimating Wildlife Dangers in National Parks
Wildlife encounters are a thrilling aspect of visiting national parks, but it’s crucial not to forget that these animals are, in fact, wild and unpredictable. Engaging with them through feeding or approaching can lead to perilous consequences. To ensure your safety and the well-being of the animals themselves, prioritize maintaining a safe distance, storing food properly, and adhering to park guidelines.
By doing so, you’ll not only protect yourself but also respect the natural habitats of these incredible creatures.
Focusing Only on National Parks
Beyond the grandeur of national parks, the United States has much more to offer. From majestic coastlines to charming small towns, there’s an abundance of natural and cultural experiences waiting to be discovered. Venture beyond the borders of iconic national parks to uncover a rich tapestry of state parks, historic sites, and hidden gems that showcase America’s incredible diversity.
By exploring these often-overlooked attractions, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s unique charm and beauty.
Not Planning Enough Time
Instead of trying to pack an excessive number of destinations into a limited timeframe, it’s essential to strike a balance between exploration and relaxation. When you rush from one place to another, your trip can feel overwhelming and leave you with little time to fully absorb the unique experiences each location has to offer. A more leisurely approach, on the other hand, allows for a deeper connection with each destination, making for a more satisfying and memorable journey.
Ignoring State Parks
While national parks often steal the spotlight, state parks offer an equally breathtaking natural experience with a major advantage: fewer crowds. Spanning a vast range of landscapes – from sun-kissed coastlines to lush forests, arid deserts, and majestic mountain ranges – these parks provide a unique opportunity to connect with nature in a peaceful and intimate setting. By incorporating state parks into your travel plans, you’ll discover the USA’s incredible diversity at a more relaxed pace.
Not Factoring Natural Elements Like Fires and Snow
When venturing out, it’s essential to stay ahead of the game when it comes to unforeseen circumstances like wildfires and snowstorms. These natural events can lead to the closure of roads or national parks, leaving travelers with ruined travel plans. By staying informed about weather conditions and travel advisories for your destinations beforehand, you’ll be better equipped to adapt your itinerary as needed and ensure a safe journey.
Not Booking Visits in Advance Like Antelope Canyon
To avoid the frustration of sold-out tours, it’s essential to plan ahead when visiting popular attractions like Antelope Canyon. During peak travel periods, reservations can sell out rapidly, leaving you with disappointment as your top priority. By booking visits in advance, you’ll ensure a spot at these iconic experiences and guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Only Eating at Fast Food Restaurants Instead of Grocery Shopping and Eating Healthier
While it’s easy to rely on fast food for quick meals, this approach often falls short when it comes to healthiness or budget-friendliness. In contrast, grocery shopping and preparing your own meals can provide a wealth of healthier options while also helping to stretch your wallet.
Furthermore, many supermarkets now offer ready-to-eat meals that are specifically designed with travelers in mind, making it possible to enjoy a diverse range of foods on the go and maintain a balanced diet even during extended road trips.
Going Too Fast to See Too Many Things
When embarking on a road trip, it’s easy to get caught up in the desire to see as much as possible, as quickly as possible. However, this approach can ultimately lead to burnout and a lack of genuine connection with each destination. Instead, consider taking a more leisurely pace, allowing yourself ample time to fully explore and immerse yourself in each place.
By doing so, you’ll not only avoid exhaustion, but also create lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the journey itself – which is just as important as the destinations you’re visiting.