Gear up for a USA road trip

Gear up for a USA road trip.

The USA is the number one destination for an epic road trip. It’s the wrong side of the road but the right side of freedom. Gabrielle Brown, our expert in all things American, picks four of our favourite self-drive routes.

1. Wild Northwest

You better like the outdoors because things are about to get wild! This unforgettable drive delves into thick forest and coastline.

Best time to visit: May through October Typical travel time: 11 days/10 nights

With unique food experiences, wildlife and scenic sights, a Northwest adventure is where beautiful nature meets beautiful cityscapes. Visit Redwood National Park; home to the tallest trees on earth. In Portland, enjoy farm-to-table cuisine and craft breweries around every corner. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, an ATV ride on the Oregon sand dunes will leave you exhilerated. Finish up in stylish Seattle. Full of hip new trends and the best cup of coffee in America.

HIGHLIGHTS

Redwood National Park. Walks last as little as one hour and as long as an entire day.

Shop at Pikes Place Market in Seattle. A foodie’s haven, and a sanctuary of bakeries, fish mongers, butchers and distilleries.

2. Classic Route 66

Connecting Chicago to Los Angeles across the heartland of America, hit the gas and head west.

Best time to visit: April through October Typical travel time: 16 days/15 nights

It goes without saying it’s iconic, it goes without saying the landscape is jaws to the floor, eye-popping, drool worthy fantastic. We’re talking about historic Route 66 of course. Highlights include the Mississippi River and the Petrified Forest National Park, as well as ample roadside quirks such as a home-made sculpture park called ‘the forest of bottles’, rows of garishly painted cars known as Cadillac Ranch, and countless ‘shoe trees’, which you’ll feel compelled to add to.

HIGHLIGHTS

Wigwam Motels. Back in the 30s there was an entire chain of these tepee-shaped abodes, but now they’re almost extinct. A Route 66 landmark – keep your eyes peeled.

Oklahoma. Experience the nation’s longest drivable stretch of Route 66.

3. Texas Trails

Southern Music TourA Texas-sized road trip with a huge dollop of culture and history to boot, welcome to cowboy country.

Best time to visit: October through May Typical travel time: 10 days/9 nights

Explore the best of the ‘Lone Star State’, and tax-free shopping across the state of Texas while you’re at it. Live large and think big in Dallas. Visit Texas’ largest city, Houston and Nasa’s Space Centre. San Antonio is home to the Alamo, an old Spanish fortress, and in Austin, AKA the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’, even your coffee is served with a side dish of rhythm. The city’s other must-sees include the world’s largest urban bat colony: watch them fly from Congress Avenue Bridge.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas. With views through the exact window Oswald shot JFK.

Fort Worth. Visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the National Cowgirl Museum.

4. Southern Music Tour

Buckle up for an adventure of the toetapping kind, this is a musical pilgrimage to the heart of jazz, blues, rock n’ roll.

Best time to visit: October through June Typical travel time: 7 days/6 nights

In New Orleans, even the street performers possess more talent than your average mainstream musician. But then, this is the Deep South and you’re in the realm of legendary greats. Explore the birthplace of jazz then head for Graceland, Elvis Presley’s former home, and Sun Studio, where he recorded his first record. For modern vibes, Beale Street remains the premier hangout for musical prodigies. And in Nashville you’ll find plenty of country music for a last hurrah before home.

HIGHLIGHTS

Mississippi Blues Highway. Look out for blue markers where you can read about famous musicians.

BB King Blues Museum in Indianola and his very own Blues Club in Memphis.

No matter which states are calling, we can make it easy. Come in-store or visit houseoftravel.co.nz today.