Classic American road trip

There's no better way to experience the US than by taking to the open road and exploring the country's varied landscapes, vibrant cities, and quaint small towns. A network of highways and back roads crisscross the nation like an elaborate web, leading to endless possibilities for adventure and discovery.

Road trip basics

From north to south, the state of California is roughly equal to the distance from Antwerp to Rome. The distance from Boston to Washington, DC is similar to traveling from Munich to Marseilles. And the state of Texas is larger than the whole of France. It's important, therefore, not to bite off more than you can chew - it's better to see some of the country well than to see a lot of it in a hurry.

Be realistic about the number of miles or hours you can drive in any given day, and always leave a little spare room in the schedule for the unexpected. One note of caution: if you see a sign that says "Last gas for 100 miles", take it seriously. Don't risk getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with an empty fuel tank.

Cities to scenic byways

As far as the major cities are concerned, there's a classic American joke that applies to just about every one: there are only two seasons: winter and road construction. In other words, be prepared for delays and detours wherever you may be traveling. Outside the main cities, options for crossing the country include Interstate highways and other such major roads.

However, you'll be doing yourself a disservice if you limit yourself exclusively to these larger roads. Venturing onto the scenic byways (some 150 smaller routes are officially designated as National Scenic Byways) and rural routes will give you a totally different view of the country. Many of these roads are famous in their own rights, from the historic Route 66 (sometimes dubbed the "Main Street of America") to California's stunning Pacific Coast Highway.

Themed tours

There is a multitude of options, from following in the footsteps of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark (who led the first expedition from Washington, DC to the Pacific Coast) or exploring the ghost towns of the Wild West.  Or what about visiting great baseball stadiums, or sampling your way through California's wine country? You may want to visit the national parks of the Southwest, trace musical history from Nashville to New Orleans, or just meander along the back roads of New England to see the spectacular foliage displays in autumn.

Renting a vehicle in the United States

The most popular car hire companies include Budget, Enterprise, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty and Hertz. Most companies require a credit or debit card deposit to reserve and rent a vehicle, although in some cases you also have the option to pay cash when you return the car. Most rental agencies will charge an additional fee if more than one person will be driving, so be sure to provide licence information for all potential drivers.

One-way rentals are usually available, though the price may be higher than for round-trip rentals. Be sure to check whether your rental includeds unlimited mileage or a fixed distance per day.

From the blog

We give tips on renting a car for your journey, road trip survival skills, advice on where to stay, how to eat your way across America, visiting the best US National Parks, and a tour of the best locations from US road movies.

Read more articles about how to plan an unforgettable journey across the US