The Real Size of America
Many visitors plan a trip to the United States and expect to see every major city in ten days. This plan often fails. The country covers a massive area. The United States occupies about 3.8 million square miles (9.8 million square kilometers) of land. This size makes the country nearly equal to the size of the continent of Europe. This fact surprises many people.
Europe covers about 3.9 million square miles (10.1 million square kilometers). Many travelers do not realize that the United Kingdom fits inside the state of Texas nearly three times. Look at a map overlay and then book your flights. Australia is similar in size to the United States. Australia covers about 2.9 million square miles (7.6 million square kilometers).
The Long Road from East to West
Driving across the country takes a lot of time and fuel. The distance from New York City to Los Angeles is about 2,800 miles (4,506 kilometers). You will spend at least 40 hours behind the wheel. You must drive without stopping to hit that time. This trip takes you through four different time zones and many different climates. Most people need at least five or six days to make this drive safely.
You will see a lot of cornfields in states like Kansas and Nebraska along the way. These states are very flat and the roads are very straight. You will see a small town every 50 miles (80 kilometers). The scenery does not change for many hours at a time. This kind of driving is very boring for many people. You will lose several days of your vacation on these long roads.
Why Flying Does Not Save the Week
Many people think flying solves the problem of distance. Air travel has its own delays and costs. A direct flight from New York to Los Angeles takes about six hours. Add time for travel to the airport and security checks. Traffic in cities like New York can add two hours to your trip. You should arrive at the airport two hours before your flight departs.
This means a cross-country travel day takes at least ten hours of your time. Cross several time zones in one day and you will feel tired. Why do travelers feel so tired after flying? The change in time zones disrupts your sleep and your energy levels. You will need a day to recover following your arrival. This takes away more of your limited vacation time.
Exploring the Northeast Corridor
The Northeast Corridor is a great choice for a one-week trip. You can visit Boston, New York City, and Washington D.C. in seven days. These cities are close to each other. The distance from Boston to Washington D.C. is about 440 miles (708 kilometers). Use the Amtrak train system to move between these cities. Trains run every hour and take you directly to the center of each city.
This route saves you from the stress of driving in heavy traffic. You will see historic sites and museums without spending all your time in a car. You can walk to many attractions from the train stations. This area has the best public transit in the entire country. You do not need to rent a car for this specific itinerary. The train tracks follow the coast and offer some nice views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Charm of the Deep South
The Deep South offers a different experience for travelers. Start your journey in Atlanta and drive to New Orleans. This trip covers about 470 miles (756 kilometers). You can stop in cities like Montgomery or Mobile along the way. This region has a lot of history and unique food. You will find warm weather and many oak trees draped in Spanish moss. This route works well for fans of music and southern cooking.
You will see many sites in one week without feeling rushed or exhausted. New Orleans is famous for its jazz music and French architecture. Atlanta has a large airport and many civil rights museums. Spend three days in each city and see the main highlights. The drive between the cities takes about seven hours. Travelers easily complete this drive in one afternoon.
Adventures in the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is another excellent option for a shorter trip. Travelers explore Seattle and Portland in a few days. The drive between these two cities is only 175 miles (282 kilometers). This drive takes about three hours depending on the traffic. You can visit Olympic National Park or Mount Rainier. These parks are within a short drive of the major cities. Mount Rainier stands at 14,411 feet (4,392 meters) tall.
The region has many forests and mountains for you to enjoy. You will find great coffee and fresh seafood in this part of the country. Many people love the views of the Pacific Ocean and the Puget Sound. Take a ferry boat to see the islands near Seattle. These islands offer a quiet break from the noise of the city. You can see whales or seals in the water.
The California Coast Trip
The coast of California is a popular choice for many travelers. You can drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles in one week. This drive covers about 450 miles (724 kilometers) on the scenic highway. The Pacific Coast Highway offers views of the ocean and the cliffs. You can stop in towns like Monterey or Santa Barbara. These towns are famous for their beaches and shops.
You should not try to drive the whole way in one day. The road is very curvy and slow in many places. You will want to stop and take photos of the water. This trip lets you see two major cities and many small beach towns. Travelers see the big redwood trees in the northern part of the state. These trees grow over 300 feet (91 meters) high.