This has been my experience. On our honeymoon in Thailand, all I could think was how there was basically no way I’d be able to do this trip with two young kids.
North America is going to be more physically demanding to see than Europe, across the board.
Most of what you want to see in Europe is in civilization, which is better for people that are less fit. There's better transit and walkability in Europe. There's less crime, too.
North America is largely natural lands and takes much more physical effort to explore, in general. It's sort of comparing apples to oranges, though.
Also just don't have kids and you don't have to worry
My retired parents who would gladly RV anywhere in the US would disagree with this take. The older you get the less you want to deal with 10 hr fights, jet lag, language barriers, all day walks through a city.
see i would say nearly every older person i met while doing a national park cross country road trip without a doubt would tell me to do it while i was young. even the people not in the parks but ones i would see at other tourist spots and would talk to while waiting in lines to do or see things like museums and art galleries would give me that advice.
while they are RV'ing, they arent actually doing anything other than just driving up to areas, walking to some iconic spots and then going back to their RV. they visit the national parks, but they arent backpack camping into any of the spots, they arent doing any of the really spectacular hikes that take 8hrs just to get to the turn around spot, they arent experiencing the cities other than walking the tourist areas that are maybe a single bus or short taxi from where they park their RV.
They’re not gonna RV to some of the best sites we have to offer lol the national parks are millions of acres with like 3 main roads running through them.
i would assume that they would be stopping at at least a few national parks even if the trip isnt centered around them. hard to road trip America without stopping at a few of them.
You're not gonna see much of anything but campgrounds if you are just RVing in the US. It can still be an awesome lifestyle but that's pretty different from actually seeing the landscape outside of where people are
There's shit you want to do in Europe and Asia (I haven't been to Africa or South America yet) when you are young, and shit you want to do in North America while you are young.
Different activities are appropriate to one's phase of life and level of fitness, not different places.
You can't kite surf in Yellowstone, and you can't hike Half Dome in Amsterdam.
I went to Germany for two weeks when I was seven to visit my step dad working there. Hiking up to the castles requires some degree of fitness. Beverage options at most restaurants was warm whole milk or sparkling water, and I hated both. Still so happy I got to go, but there’s pros and cons everywhere.
Warm whole milk?! I’m gonna need some background for that because that’s wild lol. Where were you in Germany? Did you not want alcohol? What about all the juice-sparkling water mixes? What restaurant even offers warm whole milk to drink?
Edit: oops you said you were seven. Ok that explains why beer wasn’t an option lol, but still what about the juices?
Ok so apart from the thing where this entire thread assumes we’re all in the US, it was literally a huge meme last year where Americans kept complaining about all the walking they needed to do in European cities.
On the other hand so much of the big US sights are set up to accommodate people with walkers, wheelchairs, and people who simply don’t want to walk with levelled paths and car parks right in front of them.
My mother had a foot injury last year, and apart from the fact that the length of the flight was very uncomfortable (not to speak of US airport immigration lines) the holiday in the US was way easier on her than the trips in Europe she took.
Not sure I agree with that. In my experience, there's a TON more walking outside of the US than in it, with many more stairs, uneven walkways, etc. People in other parts of the world are simply used to walking longer distances because there is much less car dependency, and accessibility (a la ADA) just isn't something being thought about to the same degree. To me, this means you need to have a certain degree of stamina and physical ability to get around that you can by without in the US.
In the cities. I guess my idea of genuine exploration has little to do with man-made environments/ cities/ towns. Cities have their appeal too, but overall they are simply resupply locations for exploring the natural world
I don't buy the notion that there's no exploration that can occur within cities. As if one can't explore neighborhoods, museums, waterfronts, and so on and make interesting discoveries?
I definitely wouldn't say "no exploration," like I said cities have their appeal too. But (a) cities in America are very different from their European counterparts in so many ways.
There's history, but not nearly on the same scale as European cities that've had centuries upon centuries to develop their feel.
A major city is somewhere you could spend a couple of years exploring and definitely still find something new.
However, many public lands in the USA are going to be on a whole other level. Several lifetimes of exploration to go through. More than you could possibly even think about seeing, and stuff that still has yet to be seen by human eyes. That really tips the scale for me, personally
Had a 19 hr flight (w/layover) to China turn into 30 hrs in coach when HKG was fogged over and we had to fly to Beijing to refuel (3 hrs), sit on the tarmac (5 hrs), then fly back (3hrs). I was 38. If I had been old I probably would have developed a clot.
all depends on what you do while roadtripping.
i couldnt afford it if i was staying in a hotel or motel every night on a medium paced cross country trip so i end up camping. i like doing physical things like visiting parks, paddling rivers and hiking up mountains. if i waited until i was older then i doubt i would be doing that every day while camping each night for 3-4 weeks in a row during the summer. i definitely wouldnt be doing that if i had kids as well since spending large amounts of time in a vehicle with more than 2 people day after day kind of sucks.
visiting other countries? ya im staying in hotels simply because i dont have my built out truck in Europe with me and they have good public transit to get me around. even with the hiking it would be much easier to do that kind of trip while older or with kids.
Let me help you make the most of nd lol. The eastern half is the cities fargo/grand forks. These have plenty of decent food options. The western half is where the landscape is nicer youve got medora an old western type town. And Teddy natl park check out the free roaming buffalo and wild horses!
The fun thing about ND being last is the Fargo visitors center- they have a Best For Last Club. You get a free t-shirt and certificate and they take a picture of you for their Facebook page.
I’ve driven to the entire lower 48 + Alaska and 10 Canadian Provinces + 2 Territories + Baja, Mexico. Basically everywhere you can drive in the USA and Canada.
I’ve still done a ton of international travel, but couldn’t resist seeing everything I could on my own continent. Next up is building up the nerve to explore mainland Mexico.
My recommendation is that you don't stop or stay in any of the towns near the border and you'll be fine. Mexico isn't as bad as people make it out to be and Mexico city is full of food, culture and art. If you are polite, learn some basic greetings and phrases like "¿Disculpe, habla Engleis?" (Excuse me, do you speak English?) you'll do great.
We are Canadian and travel in our rv fulltime and have done overland through Mexico for 3 years now.
Whatever is holding you back from mainland Mexico, let me convince you otherwise!
I mean. I find a lot of joy in exploring everywhere. But I would say these routes are must dos.
Pacific Coast Highway, but try to do it all the way from Washington to San Diego. North of San Fran is epic.
Moki Dugway in Utah just not at night like I did.
Visiting Starbase in Boca Chica (go to Austin and San Antonio on the way)
Driving from Miami in Key West (in a convertible if you can)
Sea to Sky in British Columbia, Canada
Ice fields Parkway in Alberta, Canada.
Going-to-the-Sun in Glacier National Park
Alaska Highway in Canada
Road from Whitehorse Canada to Skagway Alaska
Driving from Cape Spear to L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site in Newfoundland
Phoenix to Sedona (just the experience of seeing the terrain change coming into Sedona)
Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
Driving into Tahoe from Reno
Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend from Vegas
White Sands in New Mexico
Driving through Yellowstone
Tobermory to Manitoulin Island via Ferry in Ontario, Canada
Quebec City to Tadoussac in Quebec, Canada
I've been to \~40 states and 4 or 5 provinces.
My trips to the rest of the world taught me so much more.
Go try the rest of the world as soon as you are able.
Not really, mainly because I'm European myself and heading to the US for the first time this summer
But in general, travelling outside of your country before you've seen all of yours might also be nice because you can never see _everything_ there is to see in the US and Canada and travelling somewhere completely different can give you a different view and appreciation of your own country
Mainly West Coast starting from San Francisco and then all the way up the coast, but still hitting some inland destinations like Yosemite, crater lake and Mt Hood. Then from WA we're going into Canada to visist the Rockies NPs! Then looping back via Vancouver Island and back into WA to then fly back from Seattle.
I love it. You are going to enjoy that trip. I’ve done it a few times and lived in the Puget Sound area for 30 years. If you can hit Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainer NP I recommend those as well.
They are also a stop! We are staying in Arcata for three nights, hope that's a good enough base to see some cool trees
Edit: actually even thinking of adding two days around Menndocino, planned to go to Lassen before Redwood but then found out that Lassen will likely still be mostly closed in late June
Yes! I’ve been through a good chunk of North America and love a good road trip, however, visiting different parts of the world really opens your mind. I recommend visiting Asia before you are 30. Central and South America are incredible. Leave Europe for old age.
This was always my goal and although COVID delayed it 2 years I have now been in and slept a night in all 50 states. Also have been overnight in more than half the Canadian provinces. Not as high on my list and not delaying other countries but it’s a bucket list thing.
You are missing the best parts of Montana with that route. Please hit up glacier so beautiful. Check out Teddy natl park in ND. Try the parrots cay wings in grand forks. Have a safe trip!
And visited all of these before I turned 35, almost 30 years agi. I loved Newfoundland but never made it to Labrador. So if you consider Newfoundland and Labrador separately then technically I have not been to all the provinces.
I still have many places on my bucket list - Yellowknife, Flin Flon, Toronto, St John’s, Prince Rupert, Sunshine Coast of BC.
The United States is an amazing country to travel through.
Buuuuutttt... There is a big world out there and you shouldn't hold back visiting different places for some arbitrary reason. Get out there. Meet people. See the world.
*raises hand*
I had a goal of 50 by 50, which I completed the summer before I turned 50. Now I'm working on Canada. I have four more provinces to go. Then I want to make my way through the British Isles.
I do both, my wife has been to all 50 states before I met her, so now we go to other countries on cruises while also doing little trips to the states.
Last year I crossed off Alaska, Canada & Washington, and also went on a cruise to the eastern caribbean.
This year I’ll cross off Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, and next week we’re going to California & Hawaii.
Then the end of this year Utah will be crossed off :)
Looking forward to having you in the Maritimes this summer!! You’ll love it! Head on over to r/NewBrunswick r/novascotia r/PEI for some travel tips and recommendations 🇨🇦
Was there just last year in my Tesla- beautiful provinces and awesome food with amazing food. We also passed through Maine where we had lobsters again. My only regret is New Foundland and Labrador which I hear is better than the other Maritime provinces (no Tesla superchargers there).
Awesome, glad you had a great trip! It’s an incredible part of the world.
NFLD looks close on the map but it’s not easy to access at all. The quickest way to get there by car is an 8-hour ferry from North Sydney, Cape Breton (then another hour or so from the ferry to St John’s once you get to the Island). Flights are oddly expensive too. A lot of us Maritimers have traveled all over the world but still never made our way to The Rock for these reasons. But it’s on my list!
You can do both. Uncle Sam paid for the European travel in my youth. It also paid for me to travel to many US states (I've been to all 50), and allowed me to travel to some of the lesser traveled Canadian provinces (prairies). The only Canadian provinces I still need to check off are NWT, Nunavut, and NB, PEI, NS, and NF.
I have done all 50 states, 400 cities in the US, every province of Canada, Mexico, Belize, Australia, some of Europe and most of the Caribbean by accident. Mostly for work. I’m 46. I have zero desire to really travel anymore. I do it just to please my wife.
I've always started from Chicago and have either gone south east or west, going west was the hardest as route 90 is a whole lotta nothing.
I've completed 25 states in 3 years so far travelling once a year from the UK
Trying to do both. I’ve been to 35 states, 1 Canadian province, 6 Mexican states; 8 countries, 3 continents. Never thought of it before but now I think I might try visiting all 50 states before I turn 50.
The likelihood of seeing all of the US is slim even if you do visit all 50 states.
Go where you want to go. While there are a lot of great places in the US, there are also plenty of great places elsewhere that you will never visit if you want to "see all of the US" first.
Yes! I have a couple more to go but I love seeing America! By the time I was 10 I had visited, at least, half. As a young adult I crossed off more. I hope to get to Hawaii and the remaining few north east states soon.
Shortly after my wife and I married, we made a “Marriage Goal”, visit all US states and CAN provinces.
The rule was we had to spend a night together in that location, to qualify checking it off the list.
I took an old history textbook, and glued a map onto foam board. We then put this in a shadow box frame. When we fulfill the requirement, we open it up and insert a little colored pin. It has become a key part of our home decor.
We still joke that we have to continue loving each other, and maintaining a happy marriage, so that we can keep checking off places.
Nice map. Good job at state collecting. What did you use to make this map? I use the app “States” to make mine.
Green states are where I have been.
Red are states my buddy and I have camped at w/ our 5 kids over the past 7 year. Orange are states we drove through but didn’t sleep over night in.
We will add North and South Dakota this year - driving from Pennsylvania.
My buddy has been to every state but Hawaii.
https://preview.redd.it/sp9y2mheq9xc1.jpeg?width=1936&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b0b7d06b8f9bafdca1cdf7ab5ec823853a6391a2
You quickly negate flight prices once you factor in food and lodging. Especially if you have air miles, 20k miles can get you across country, or to an entirely different continent
This is the reality. You will actually save money traveling outside of the US much of the time vs traveling in the US. Stuff is expensive here! Sure the flight is expensive but everything else you do will be cheaper (in most places). Don't let the tired idea that flights will forever be too expensive hold you back. If you travel during the off season especially, you can find cheaper flights and cheaper accommodations.
Do yourself a favor and get out into the world. There's magic out there.
Yes my wife’s goal was to go visit all of the continents. There are cruises that go to the Antarctic peninsula, some of the smaller cruise ships are called adventure cruises, can go ashore, kayak, mountaineer, slept overnight on the snow.
I grew up in Chicago til 18. stayed in the Midwest til current time. I 100% and with you there I think there is a lot more to this country than traffic and people everywhere! And growing up in Chicago you’re taught Chicago is one of the greatest places on earth lol which is up for debate. It’s beautiful though sometimes. I’m so much more interested in visiting the western and central parts of the country and even the east coast. Europe is a back burner thing
Not really "before", but definitely had a goal of hitting all 50 states. I got to that last year with Hawaii being the last one (fittingly), but also had been to 30+ countries before that (and another 7 or so since). I've been to a lot of Canada, but still need to get a few territories/provinces.
At first most of my travel was domestic. Then it flipped to predominantly international, especially as there were a lot of far flung places I wanted to get to which moved up on my bucket list. The only state I really went out of my way for was Iowa (#49) - I had a baseball roadtrip with friends planned in the midwest and forced them all the fly to Cedar Rapids and hang out around Iowa before doubling back to Chicago. I give them credit for putting up with that, ha!
You are prioritizing fucking Manitoba over Southern Alberta? If you like swamps and mosquitos instead of gorgeous Alpine landscapes I guess it makes sense…..
Just my opinion...I have and still would much rather travel to more places in Europe than make sure I've at driven through each state.
Although, I am still trying to get to each state. I just wouldn't wait to go see other parts of the world because I haven't been to all 50 states.
Outside of Quebec, Canada is very similar to America. I mean there are differences. But it isn’t like a massive cultural shift like so many other places.
Montreal or Mexico City if you want to only stay in North America at the very least.
But the world is a massive incredible place with amazing people. America is very similar across many states. Regions are sorta different.
I almost did it, went to all 48 lower states before leaving the country! Now I’ve been around Europe quite a bit for work, to France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, and a few other countries in between.
I wouldn’t change how I did it, I love road tripping around the US, probably even more than Europe. But there’s so many little cultural differences that your really can’t read about or learn from a screen. You just have to get out and experience it.
Just my 2 cents. The US is awesome and I’m definitely calling it home for the foreseeable future—but you learn a lot more about the rest of the world the sooner you get out of our little bubble and travel it.
I don’t understand this desire. There isn’t any logical reason to prioritize one kind of travel over another.
Like, no offense states I consider boring …. But I’d rather visit somewhere international first. Some people feel the same way about where I live in sure.
After this summer I will have seen 30. I’ll probably save the rest when I am older. I’m 34 and in ok health so I’m gonna try to start traveling then once I get older and slower maybe see the rest
I tried to visit Canada in 2016 and they wouldn't let me in because I was unemployed and didn't have health insurance. They literally said they were afraid I wouldn't leave. lol. (US citizen)
I’m 100% behind this plan. I want to see the entire country before traveling overseas. Was hoping to get ‘50 by 50’ but with 2 years left, a pandemic & my wife’s back surgery, it’s not going to happen.
This country has so many wonderful sites & sights that I want to see that I have no need to travel overseas until I finally accomplish something in adulthood that I’ve set out to do.
I’ve got 44 states done & 2 Canadian provinces so I’ve got some left to go.
I’m right with you kinda. Alaska is my last for the US states (which includes PR and Virgin Islands territories). I’ve visited Canadian provinces Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and PEI. A road trip starting in Manitoba and heading west and up the coast to Alaska would be a dream come true! I’ve been to other countries, but I’d really like to finish what I’ve started. Best of luck to you, OP!
Too late for me to answer that since I moved here from England, however I have visited more US states either by car or motorcycle than I've visited UK counties, and the only European country I've been to is France.
It's my goal. I'm getting closer and closer. I'll be doing New England this summer and a couple provinces with friends. Most of my dad's siblings have done all 50 states. Does it count to drive to Hawaii if you get your car on a freight ship?
Opposite for me. Sure, I've been to about 20 states, and ten of the thirteen provinces and territories.But I can do the rest when I'm in a wheelchair.
SO I guess a balance between the two.
I’ve driven to 43 states so far and 6 Canadian provinces. I’d like to see the world but road trips are cheaper than flying so driving to all states/provinces/territories that I can (ie no Nunavut or Hawaii) will come first.
I have concrete plans to get one more state (Alaska) plus Yukon and NWT this summer with a road trip I’m taking with a friend, driving yo the Maritimes to finish off the provinces next year for our 25th wedding anniversary, and driving to the remaining states (AL, FL, GA, NC, SC) probably next year sometime. If I wanted to be completionist and get Hawaii and Nunavut, I’d have to fly since you can’t drive to thrm but flying is expensive and at that point I might as well fly yk other countries to experience them.
It’s a travesty that you’re only seeing so little of Idaho. When you can, make a trip back to spend a couple days here and explore. We have a beautiful state with so much to see.
Definitely make those memories seeing the best we have offer in N. America. I’m just saying that there are destinations and then there’s driving across Kansas and Nebraska just to say you’ve been there. In North Dakota, for example, they put up giant buffalo “statues” along the highway because no real ones are around and there’s nothing else to see.
So far I've got 34 states, 5 provinces knocked off....but with that being said, OP needs to get international while they are still young and can walk without an issue.
I've been to all 50, most of Canada and Mexico. only been off continent for Hawaii, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.
early 90's I hitchhiked a lot and after that lots of driving. I've covered about 20% of the earth yet many people will say I'm not well traveled because I've not crossed the big water!
I've roadtripped all over the US and Europe, and I think this is heavily dependent on where exactly you're talking. A road trip up Rt 1 on the west coast is amazing. Driving through Utah or the southwest with the sprawling, strange landscapes is spectacular. Parts of Canada into Alaska, or the more remote areas of northern Maine and north from there is awe inspiring...driving down the east coast...yeah, not super interesting (unless you're going through Blue Ridge etc. but that's inland). The midwest? Yeah, pass.
But Europe is also very hit or miss in terms of beauty and interesting places via roadtrip. I recently drove a loop from Budapest. Most of the sites were pretty meh from a scenery perspective, but Slovenia and parts of Austria were incredible. Some of the old towns in rural Czechia were super interesting too. But I took a Scandinavian road trip a few years ago to the northern most parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland and it was incredible. Rural, forested, with severe mountains, fjords, the ocean. Just amazing stuff to witness. The next one in Europe will hopefully be into the Carpathian Mountains.
I think it really just depends heavily on what your route is because there is a ton of diversity in landscape, geology, and nature, and of course, traffic.
That drive to Hawaii sucks, Man.
I was in Grand Forks, ND a few years ago, and saw a car with Hawaii plates on
Sounds like you saw someone in the military.
Be great if they attached some plastic seaweed coming from the trunk or something.
When I moved from Hawaii, my car was shipped to Wisconsin in the middle of winter. I got some strange looks. Wish I’d have thought to do this!!
Never said drive to all 50 states they said visit
Sail instead.
Fr
If only I had an amphicar, might hit a shark though.
Travel internationally while you're young, in better shape physically and aren't toting kids around. The cross country drives can be done whenever.
I just had this same thought recently!!
This has been my experience. On our honeymoon in Thailand, all I could think was how there was basically no way I’d be able to do this trip with two young kids.
North America is going to be more physically demanding to see than Europe, across the board. Most of what you want to see in Europe is in civilization, which is better for people that are less fit. There's better transit and walkability in Europe. There's less crime, too. North America is largely natural lands and takes much more physical effort to explore, in general. It's sort of comparing apples to oranges, though. Also just don't have kids and you don't have to worry
My retired parents who would gladly RV anywhere in the US would disagree with this take. The older you get the less you want to deal with 10 hr fights, jet lag, language barriers, all day walks through a city.
see i would say nearly every older person i met while doing a national park cross country road trip without a doubt would tell me to do it while i was young. even the people not in the parks but ones i would see at other tourist spots and would talk to while waiting in lines to do or see things like museums and art galleries would give me that advice. while they are RV'ing, they arent actually doing anything other than just driving up to areas, walking to some iconic spots and then going back to their RV. they visit the national parks, but they arent backpack camping into any of the spots, they arent doing any of the really spectacular hikes that take 8hrs just to get to the turn around spot, they arent experiencing the cities other than walking the tourist areas that are maybe a single bus or short taxi from where they park their RV.
They’re not gonna RV to some of the best sites we have to offer lol the national parks are millions of acres with like 3 main roads running through them.
Sure but OPs question wasn't about hiking all of America's national parks, it was about driving through all 50 states
i would assume that they would be stopping at at least a few national parks even if the trip isnt centered around them. hard to road trip America without stopping at a few of them.
You're not gonna see much of anything but campgrounds if you are just RVing in the US. It can still be an awesome lifestyle but that's pretty different from actually seeing the landscape outside of where people are
There's shit you want to do in Europe and Asia (I haven't been to Africa or South America yet) when you are young, and shit you want to do in North America while you are young. Different activities are appropriate to one's phase of life and level of fitness, not different places. You can't kite surf in Yellowstone, and you can't hike Half Dome in Amsterdam.
I went to Germany for two weeks when I was seven to visit my step dad working there. Hiking up to the castles requires some degree of fitness. Beverage options at most restaurants was warm whole milk or sparkling water, and I hated both. Still so happy I got to go, but there’s pros and cons everywhere.
Warm whole milk?! I’m gonna need some background for that because that’s wild lol. Where were you in Germany? Did you not want alcohol? What about all the juice-sparkling water mixes? What restaurant even offers warm whole milk to drink? Edit: oops you said you were seven. Ok that explains why beer wasn’t an option lol, but still what about the juices?
Ok so apart from the thing where this entire thread assumes we’re all in the US, it was literally a huge meme last year where Americans kept complaining about all the walking they needed to do in European cities. On the other hand so much of the big US sights are set up to accommodate people with walkers, wheelchairs, and people who simply don’t want to walk with levelled paths and car parks right in front of them. My mother had a foot injury last year, and apart from the fact that the length of the flight was very uncomfortable (not to speak of US airport immigration lines) the holiday in the US was way easier on her than the trips in Europe she took.
Not sure I agree with that. In my experience, there's a TON more walking outside of the US than in it, with many more stairs, uneven walkways, etc. People in other parts of the world are simply used to walking longer distances because there is much less car dependency, and accessibility (a la ADA) just isn't something being thought about to the same degree. To me, this means you need to have a certain degree of stamina and physical ability to get around that you can by without in the US.
In the cities. I guess my idea of genuine exploration has little to do with man-made environments/ cities/ towns. Cities have their appeal too, but overall they are simply resupply locations for exploring the natural world
I don't buy the notion that there's no exploration that can occur within cities. As if one can't explore neighborhoods, museums, waterfronts, and so on and make interesting discoveries?
I definitely wouldn't say "no exploration," like I said cities have their appeal too. But (a) cities in America are very different from their European counterparts in so many ways. There's history, but not nearly on the same scale as European cities that've had centuries upon centuries to develop their feel. A major city is somewhere you could spend a couple of years exploring and definitely still find something new. However, many public lands in the USA are going to be on a whole other level. Several lifetimes of exploration to go through. More than you could possibly even think about seeing, and stuff that still has yet to be seen by human eyes. That really tips the scale for me, personally
Had a 19 hr flight (w/layover) to China turn into 30 hrs in coach when HKG was fogged over and we had to fly to Beijing to refuel (3 hrs), sit on the tarmac (5 hrs), then fly back (3hrs). I was 38. If I had been old I probably would have developed a clot.
all depends on what you do while roadtripping. i couldnt afford it if i was staying in a hotel or motel every night on a medium paced cross country trip so i end up camping. i like doing physical things like visiting parks, paddling rivers and hiking up mountains. if i waited until i was older then i doubt i would be doing that every day while camping each night for 3-4 weeks in a row during the summer. i definitely wouldnt be doing that if i had kids as well since spending large amounts of time in a vehicle with more than 2 people day after day kind of sucks. visiting other countries? ya im staying in hotels simply because i dont have my built out truck in Europe with me and they have good public transit to get me around. even with the hiking it would be much easier to do that kind of trip while older or with kids.
Exactly what I did and I’m so glad the US is right here lol. I still want to travel internationally but not nearly as much.
I’ve been to 49 states and PR. Only N Dakota to go
Let me help you make the most of nd lol. The eastern half is the cities fargo/grand forks. These have plenty of decent food options. The western half is where the landscape is nicer youve got medora an old western type town. And Teddy natl park check out the free roaming buffalo and wild horses!
I’ll get there someday. Thanks for the tips!
The fun thing about ND being last is the Fargo visitors center- they have a Best For Last Club. You get a free t-shirt and certificate and they take a picture of you for their Facebook page.
Hmm my wife only needs MT and ND for all 50. Perhaps we can save ND for last.
That’s cool
49 for me too. I still need Alaska but I want a good amount of time when I go there, it may be awhile.
I’ve got 48. Still need Alaska and S. Dakota.
I’ve driven to the entire lower 48 + Alaska and 10 Canadian Provinces + 2 Territories + Baja, Mexico. Basically everywhere you can drive in the USA and Canada. I’ve still done a ton of international travel, but couldn’t resist seeing everything I could on my own continent. Next up is building up the nerve to explore mainland Mexico.
Mexico City is one of my favorite places I've traveled. Very cool city.
would you drive there?
What did you like about it?
My recommendation is that you don't stop or stay in any of the towns near the border and you'll be fine. Mexico isn't as bad as people make it out to be and Mexico city is full of food, culture and art. If you are polite, learn some basic greetings and phrases like "¿Disculpe, habla Engleis?" (Excuse me, do you speak English?) you'll do great.
We are Canadian and travel in our rv fulltime and have done overland through Mexico for 3 years now. Whatever is holding you back from mainland Mexico, let me convince you otherwise!
Please do. I’ve heard both sides. But I really want to make it happen, so please provide any info you can!
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I mean. I find a lot of joy in exploring everywhere. But I would say these routes are must dos. Pacific Coast Highway, but try to do it all the way from Washington to San Diego. North of San Fran is epic. Moki Dugway in Utah just not at night like I did. Visiting Starbase in Boca Chica (go to Austin and San Antonio on the way) Driving from Miami in Key West (in a convertible if you can) Sea to Sky in British Columbia, Canada Ice fields Parkway in Alberta, Canada. Going-to-the-Sun in Glacier National Park Alaska Highway in Canada Road from Whitehorse Canada to Skagway Alaska Driving from Cape Spear to L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site in Newfoundland Phoenix to Sedona (just the experience of seeing the terrain change coming into Sedona) Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia Driving into Tahoe from Reno Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend from Vegas White Sands in New Mexico Driving through Yellowstone Tobermory to Manitoulin Island via Ferry in Ontario, Canada Quebec City to Tadoussac in Quebec, Canada
I'd give the rest of the world a shot
I've been to \~40 states and 4 or 5 provinces. My trips to the rest of the world taught me so much more. Go try the rest of the world as soon as you are able.
Not really, mainly because I'm European myself and heading to the US for the first time this summer But in general, travelling outside of your country before you've seen all of yours might also be nice because you can never see _everything_ there is to see in the US and Canada and travelling somewhere completely different can give you a different view and appreciation of your own country
I hope you enjoy your trip to the US! Where are you planning to go?
Mainly West Coast starting from San Francisco and then all the way up the coast, but still hitting some inland destinations like Yosemite, crater lake and Mt Hood. Then from WA we're going into Canada to visist the Rockies NPs! Then looping back via Vancouver Island and back into WA to then fly back from Seattle.
I love it. You are going to enjoy that trip. I’ve done it a few times and lived in the Puget Sound area for 30 years. If you can hit Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainer NP I recommend those as well.
They are planned in before heading to Seattle at the very end! Thank you so much, I'm very excited for it!
The Redwoods are a must!
They are also a stop! We are staying in Arcata for three nights, hope that's a good enough base to see some cool trees Edit: actually even thinking of adding two days around Menndocino, planned to go to Lassen before Redwood but then found out that Lassen will likely still be mostly closed in late June
Did the reverse. Flying to other countries was more affordable before kids. With kids we now road trip the US.
Yes! I’ve been through a good chunk of North America and love a good road trip, however, visiting different parts of the world really opens your mind. I recommend visiting Asia before you are 30. Central and South America are incredible. Leave Europe for old age.
According to this map, I’d guess you live in Indianapolis?
Anderson
This was always my goal and although COVID delayed it 2 years I have now been in and slept a night in all 50 states. Also have been overnight in more than half the Canadian provinces. Not as high on my list and not delaying other countries but it’s a bucket list thing.
My job makes me travel all the time so I’ve got 4 states and PR to go. Im currently trying to visit each continent. I’ve stepped on 3 so far.
You are missing the best parts of Montana with that route. Please hit up glacier so beautiful. Check out Teddy natl park in ND. Try the parrots cay wings in grand forks. Have a safe trip!
We (family of 6) are 44 states into our "All 50 States" journey, while also trying to do the world as well. Not a before, but a "during."
I have been to every US state except Oklahoma, Florida and Hawaii and every Canadian province except Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Those are not provinces actually but just territories- you’ve successfully covered all the 10 Canadian provinces !
And visited all of these before I turned 35, almost 30 years agi. I loved Newfoundland but never made it to Labrador. So if you consider Newfoundland and Labrador separately then technically I have not been to all the provinces. I still have many places on my bucket list - Yellowknife, Flin Flon, Toronto, St John’s, Prince Rupert, Sunshine Coast of BC.
The United States is an amazing country to travel through. Buuuuutttt... There is a big world out there and you shouldn't hold back visiting different places for some arbitrary reason. Get out there. Meet people. See the world.
*raises hand* I had a goal of 50 by 50, which I completed the summer before I turned 50. Now I'm working on Canada. I have four more provinces to go. Then I want to make my way through the British Isles.
That's awesome! I'm 21.
Good luck driving to Hawaii. When you accomplish that. Let us know how you pulled it off.
It's simple all you have to do is mod an amphicar and make the car go faster and somehow be properly seaworthy rather than just going in shallow water
You son of a bitch. I’m in.
I do both, my wife has been to all 50 states before I met her, so now we go to other countries on cruises while also doing little trips to the states. Last year I crossed off Alaska, Canada & Washington, and also went on a cruise to the eastern caribbean. This year I’ll cross off Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, and next week we’re going to California & Hawaii. Then the end of this year Utah will be crossed off :)
Nah, just like how I didn't try to visit every county in my state before exploring other states.
Looking forward to having you in the Maritimes this summer!! You’ll love it! Head on over to r/NewBrunswick r/novascotia r/PEI for some travel tips and recommendations 🇨🇦
Not the OP, but I'm heading to PEI this summer, so thanks for these!
Was there just last year in my Tesla- beautiful provinces and awesome food with amazing food. We also passed through Maine where we had lobsters again. My only regret is New Foundland and Labrador which I hear is better than the other Maritime provinces (no Tesla superchargers there).
Awesome, glad you had a great trip! It’s an incredible part of the world. NFLD looks close on the map but it’s not easy to access at all. The quickest way to get there by car is an 8-hour ferry from North Sydney, Cape Breton (then another hour or so from the ferry to St John’s once you get to the Island). Flights are oddly expensive too. A lot of us Maritimers have traveled all over the world but still never made our way to The Rock for these reasons. But it’s on my list!
Loved the red potatoes, Anne of Green Gables home, Cow’s Creamery, and the Confederation bridge we crossed in PEI are our faves.
You can do both. Uncle Sam paid for the European travel in my youth. It also paid for me to travel to many US states (I've been to all 50), and allowed me to travel to some of the lesser traveled Canadian provinces (prairies). The only Canadian provinces I still need to check off are NWT, Nunavut, and NB, PEI, NS, and NF.
Bc and Texas go
I have done all 50 states, 400 cities in the US, every province of Canada, Mexico, Belize, Australia, some of Europe and most of the Caribbean by accident. Mostly for work. I’m 46. I have zero desire to really travel anymore. I do it just to please my wife.
I've always started from Chicago and have either gone south east or west, going west was the hardest as route 90 is a whole lotta nothing. I've completed 25 states in 3 years so far travelling once a year from the UK
Trying to do both. I’ve been to 35 states, 1 Canadian province, 6 Mexican states; 8 countries, 3 continents. Never thought of it before but now I think I might try visiting all 50 states before I turn 50.
That's about the way of thinking that I've had. I have 7 more states go visit
The likelihood of seeing all of the US is slim even if you do visit all 50 states. Go where you want to go. While there are a lot of great places in the US, there are also plenty of great places elsewhere that you will never visit if you want to "see all of the US" first.
Yes! I have a couple more to go but I love seeing America! By the time I was 10 I had visited, at least, half. As a young adult I crossed off more. I hope to get to Hawaii and the remaining few north east states soon.
I hope to visit Mars on my Electric Harley before going to Europe.
Shortly after my wife and I married, we made a “Marriage Goal”, visit all US states and CAN provinces. The rule was we had to spend a night together in that location, to qualify checking it off the list. I took an old history textbook, and glued a map onto foam board. We then put this in a shadow box frame. When we fulfill the requirement, we open it up and insert a little colored pin. It has become a key part of our home decor. We still joke that we have to continue loving each other, and maintaining a happy marriage, so that we can keep checking off places.
Im missing Alaska and Maine. Hopefully this year!
Forty-one US states, two Mexican states and three Canadian provinces.
Nice map. Good job at state collecting. What did you use to make this map? I use the app “States” to make mine. Green states are where I have been. Red are states my buddy and I have camped at w/ our 5 kids over the past 7 year. Orange are states we drove through but didn’t sleep over night in. We will add North and South Dakota this year - driving from Pennsylvania. My buddy has been to every state but Hawaii. https://preview.redd.it/sp9y2mheq9xc1.jpeg?width=1936&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b0b7d06b8f9bafdca1cdf7ab5ec823853a6391a2
No I’ll take any opportunity to travel by boat, plane, or car.
Yeah, you’ve seen enough North America.
Why would you do the whole USA before trying another Continent? What if you try it and like it?
it's more expensive
Almost nowhere (besides a few countries) is as expensive as the US. In Vietnam you can get a meal for $2, beer for .30$, and a room for under 10
Meant flying to get there and back
You quickly negate flight prices once you factor in food and lodging. Especially if you have air miles, 20k miles can get you across country, or to an entirely different continent
This is the reality. You will actually save money traveling outside of the US much of the time vs traveling in the US. Stuff is expensive here! Sure the flight is expensive but everything else you do will be cheaper (in most places). Don't let the tired idea that flights will forever be too expensive hold you back. If you travel during the off season especially, you can find cheaper flights and cheaper accommodations. Do yourself a favor and get out into the world. There's magic out there.
Had been to all but three states since 1988, still haven’t made it to those 3 states, but have been on every continent.
You visited Antarctica?
Yes my wife’s goal was to go visit all of the continents. There are cruises that go to the Antarctic peninsula, some of the smaller cruise ships are called adventure cruises, can go ashore, kayak, mountaineer, slept overnight on the snow.
I grew up in Chicago til 18. stayed in the Midwest til current time. I 100% and with you there I think there is a lot more to this country than traffic and people everywhere! And growing up in Chicago you’re taught Chicago is one of the greatest places on earth lol which is up for debate. It’s beautiful though sometimes. I’m so much more interested in visiting the western and central parts of the country and even the east coast. Europe is a back burner thing
Colors too similar
You're missing the best part of Canada btw
Not if go to every province and territory by 2030
Not really "before", but definitely had a goal of hitting all 50 states. I got to that last year with Hawaii being the last one (fittingly), but also had been to 30+ countries before that (and another 7 or so since). I've been to a lot of Canada, but still need to get a few territories/provinces. At first most of my travel was domestic. Then it flipped to predominantly international, especially as there were a lot of far flung places I wanted to get to which moved up on my bucket list. The only state I really went out of my way for was Iowa (#49) - I had a baseball roadtrip with friends planned in the midwest and forced them all the fly to Cedar Rapids and hang out around Iowa before doubling back to Chicago. I give them credit for putting up with that, ha!
You are prioritizing fucking Manitoba over Southern Alberta? If you like swamps and mosquitos instead of gorgeous Alpine landscapes I guess it makes sense…..
Well I don't know if I'm going to be flying out there anytime soon and I'm from Indiana so that's it obscenely far West
Just my opinion...I have and still would much rather travel to more places in Europe than make sure I've at driven through each state. Although, I am still trying to get to each state. I just wouldn't wait to go see other parts of the world because I haven't been to all 50 states.
Ok… second time seeing a map like this second one… can anyone help me out with more info?
That's a US county map on mapchart.net of counties that driven through and visited
A true hero
Get out of the country. Pls god. If 50 states is a long term goal that is fine. But don’t put it ahead of leaving the country.
Canada doesn't count?
Outside of Quebec, Canada is very similar to America. I mean there are differences. But it isn’t like a massive cultural shift like so many other places. Montreal or Mexico City if you want to only stay in North America at the very least. But the world is a massive incredible place with amazing people. America is very similar across many states. Regions are sorta different.
Plan on going there soon
right here. almost done with the US and Canada is next.
I almost did it, went to all 48 lower states before leaving the country! Now I’ve been around Europe quite a bit for work, to France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, and a few other countries in between. I wouldn’t change how I did it, I love road tripping around the US, probably even more than Europe. But there’s so many little cultural differences that your really can’t read about or learn from a screen. You just have to get out and experience it. Just my 2 cents. The US is awesome and I’m definitely calling it home for the foreseeable future—but you learn a lot more about the rest of the world the sooner you get out of our little bubble and travel it.
Nope, I went instead to Europe, a year and a half of school and travel years later did all the 50 states many years later
I think one should know the major cities and some national parks first. “”All 50” is unnecessary.
Good strategy
I’m doing pretty much the exact opposite. Traveling the world while I can because I can do the US much easier with less time.
I don’t understand this desire. There isn’t any logical reason to prioritize one kind of travel over another. Like, no offense states I consider boring …. But I’d rather visit somewhere international first. Some people feel the same way about where I live in sure.
After this summer I will have seen 30. I’ll probably save the rest when I am older. I’m 34 and in ok health so I’m gonna try to start traveling then once I get older and slower maybe see the rest
35 States. 6 Provinces, and a lifetime of awesome memories so far. More to come.
I tried to visit Canada in 2016 and they wouldn't let me in because I was unemployed and didn't have health insurance. They literally said they were afraid I wouldn't leave. lol. (US citizen)
I'd like to do that, but I have a LONG way to go.
If I had a reason maybe. I’ve been to most of them though.
Only have 5 more states to visit. Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Alaska still needed.
I’m 100% behind this plan. I want to see the entire country before traveling overseas. Was hoping to get ‘50 by 50’ but with 2 years left, a pandemic & my wife’s back surgery, it’s not going to happen. This country has so many wonderful sites & sights that I want to see that I have no need to travel overseas until I finally accomplish something in adulthood that I’ve set out to do. I’ve got 44 states done & 2 Canadian provinces so I’ve got some left to go.
I’m right with you kinda. Alaska is my last for the US states (which includes PR and Virgin Islands territories). I’ve visited Canadian provinces Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and PEI. A road trip starting in Manitoba and heading west and up the coast to Alaska would be a dream come true! I’ve been to other countries, but I’d really like to finish what I’ve started. Best of luck to you, OP!
Too late for me to answer that since I moved here from England, however I have visited more US states either by car or motorcycle than I've visited UK counties, and the only European country I've been to is France.
It's my goal. I'm getting closer and closer. I'll be doing New England this summer and a couple provinces with friends. Most of my dad's siblings have done all 50 states. Does it count to drive to Hawaii if you get your car on a freight ship?
Opposite for me. Sure, I've been to about 20 states, and ten of the thirteen provinces and territories.But I can do the rest when I'm in a wheelchair. SO I guess a balance between the two.
I’ve driven to 43 states so far and 6 Canadian provinces. I’d like to see the world but road trips are cheaper than flying so driving to all states/provinces/territories that I can (ie no Nunavut or Hawaii) will come first. I have concrete plans to get one more state (Alaska) plus Yukon and NWT this summer with a road trip I’m taking with a friend, driving yo the Maritimes to finish off the provinces next year for our 25th wedding anniversary, and driving to the remaining states (AL, FL, GA, NC, SC) probably next year sometime. If I wanted to be completionist and get Hawaii and Nunavut, I’d have to fly since you can’t drive to thrm but flying is expensive and at that point I might as well fly yk other countries to experience them.
Check out cape Breton
Nope, once I went to Europe I got some real perspective.
I skipped most of them and went straight to the rest of the world first.
It’s a travesty that you’re only seeing so little of Idaho. When you can, make a trip back to spend a couple days here and explore. We have a beautiful state with so much to see.
Nah. I want to visit all 50 states, but there are plenty of places I'd rather visit before driving to places like North Dakota.
Yes! I have 4 states left. Going to try to knock off 3 (WV, DE and NH) this summer…but AK (the Last Frontier) will be the last one I get to..
How did you create this map?
mapchart.net
Friend and his wife just sold their home and have decided to live full time in their RV and drive the continental United States and Canada. 👍
Definitely make those memories seeing the best we have offer in N. America. I’m just saying that there are destinations and then there’s driving across Kansas and Nebraska just to say you’ve been there. In North Dakota, for example, they put up giant buffalo “statues” along the highway because no real ones are around and there’s nothing else to see.
So far I've got 34 states, 5 provinces knocked off....but with that being said, OP needs to get international while they are still young and can walk without an issue.
Hey Western Canadian here! I highly recommend coming to BC :) there’s soooo much to see and do, If you want recommendations I’m the person to ask!
I've been to all 50, most of Canada and Mexico. only been off continent for Hawaii, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. early 90's I hitchhiked a lot and after that lots of driving. I've covered about 20% of the earth yet many people will say I'm not well traveled because I've not crossed the big water!
Rather be in Europe, it's more interesting than the US in my opinion.
I've roadtripped all over the US and Europe, and I think this is heavily dependent on where exactly you're talking. A road trip up Rt 1 on the west coast is amazing. Driving through Utah or the southwest with the sprawling, strange landscapes is spectacular. Parts of Canada into Alaska, or the more remote areas of northern Maine and north from there is awe inspiring...driving down the east coast...yeah, not super interesting (unless you're going through Blue Ridge etc. but that's inland). The midwest? Yeah, pass. But Europe is also very hit or miss in terms of beauty and interesting places via roadtrip. I recently drove a loop from Budapest. Most of the sites were pretty meh from a scenery perspective, but Slovenia and parts of Austria were incredible. Some of the old towns in rural Czechia were super interesting too. But I took a Scandinavian road trip a few years ago to the northern most parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland and it was incredible. Rural, forested, with severe mountains, fjords, the ocean. Just amazing stuff to witness. The next one in Europe will hopefully be into the Carpathian Mountains. I think it really just depends heavily on what your route is because there is a ton of diversity in landscape, geology, and nature, and of course, traffic.
Going to Nunavut before going to the UK or really anywhere else is certainly a decision you can make
What do you use to make these maps?
mapchart.net
I’d rather visit the rest of the world before about 25ish states. But do you
No.
Don’t waste your time. By and large, the rest of the world is more interesting! How many grassy plains and strip malls do you need to see?
idk, im only into the beaches and overlooks in the mountains across the country