There is nothing more American than getting in a car and going on a cross-country road trip. There is something about the freedom of the open road that you can't experience when traveling any other way. America is uniquely suited for cross-country road trips. There a comprehensive network of highways, ample road side services and plenty to see and do.
In the early days of the automobile, cross-country road trips were difficult. Roads were poor and there were few services available along the way. In 1926, the government started numbering highways and routes. These were usually two lane roads that connected cities and towns in a somewhat haphazard pattern. It made cross-country road trips easier and contributed to the development of America's car culture. The most famous of these was Route 66 from Los Angeles to Chicago. It became popular because of the television series of the same name. In 1956, construction began on the American Interstate Highway System. Within a decade, there were interstate highways crisscrossing the United States. Services and entire towns developed around the Interstate Highway System. This made long road trips faster and more convenient, but devastated many towns that lined the old route system. Even famous roads like Route 66 fell into disrepair only to be traveled by those seeking nostalgia.
Several features of a cross-country road trip must be considered before departure. The vehicle is the primary concern. It must be capable of traveling long distances. Be sure your vehicle is in good condition before you leave. Change the oil, check the wiper blades and inflate the tires. Gas mileage is a major concern. On a cross-country road trip, you can save hundreds of dollars in gas by driving a vehicle that is more fuel efficient. You will also need places to stay and eat. There are many chain gas stations, motels and restaurants along American roadways. Many offer customer loyalty programs. On a cross-country road trip, these programs can save you money.
The Interstate Highway System covers nearly 50,000 miles. America is vast and there is plenty to see. It is important to allow adequate time to cover the distance and enjoy the drive. Calculating travel time involves many variables other than distance. Speed limits vary from state to state and highway to highway. Traffic is a significant concern in cities, especially during rush hours. Road construction is a constant frustration and should be expected.
Geography is an important consideration on a cross-country road trip. Diving over tall mountains takes much longer than covering the same distance on flat land. Your vehicle works harder, burns more gas and is often stuck behind slow moving trucks. Weather is also a significant factor. Heavy rain or snow can lead to flooding and closed roads. In sparsely populated areas, drivers may have a hard time finding gas stations, food and lodging. It is important to plan for this.
A cross-country road trip can be the adventure of a lifetime. There is something incredibly satisfying about highlighting your path on a map. When you drive cross-country, you feel the distance traveled. You appreciate the miles between where you came from and where you are going. When you are behind the wheel of a vehicle, you have the freedom to go wherever you want and stay as long as you like. If you feel like changing your plan or making a detour, you can do it without delay. You can visit out of the way places you never knew existed, meet interesting people and experience vivid subcultures hiding between major cities. It is impossible to comprehend what it is like to watch America's scenery change before your eyes unless you take a cross-country road trip yourself.
There are several risks cross-country travelers should consider. Driver fatigue leads to accidents and fatalities. Stop and rest when you are tired. Be aware of the condition of their vehicle. You don't want to break down in an area where there are no services. Gas is also a major expense. Calculate what you will spend on gas before you depart so there will be no surprises. Keep in mind that gas prices vary from state to state. Try to fill up in states with cheap gas. Use common sense on a cross-country road trip. Avoid getting lost, becoming a victim of crime and speeding. Cross-country road trips are supposed to be fun. Slow down and enjoy yourself.
