Which of the US State Capitals Should You Visit Next?
Roam the State Streets!
By BrainFall Staff - Updated: May 6, 2024
There is so much to see out there, and a road trip is a great way to see it all. Sure, you can get to a place much faster when you fly there. But a cross-country road trip gives you a full view of the entire nation. Taking a scenic road trip through multiple states is the kind of vacation that you’ll remember forever.
Road trips are a way for a family or friends to get together and make memories. You can follow the Interstate highway system and make it from one part of the country to the other. You could visit a national park or drive up and down the entire West Coast. There are so many road trips that you can do.
So, where should you go on your road trip? A place with lots of tourist sites? A place with hiking trails and a national park? We’re here to help you out. Take this quiz and we’ll tell you which road trip you should take!
Figuring out what road trip you should take can be a difficult task. A road trip involves a lengthy portion of time in a car as you drive down highways and interstates and take in multiple cities and states. You can travel down the Pacific Coast Highway, or you can cruise down the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are also so many interesting road trip destinations to go to. Visiting national parks is popular, and you can stop at the Glacier National Park or Shenandoah National Park on your road trip.
A California road trip isn't complete without seeing the Pacific Ocean. You can also choose to go to the East Coast of the country and seek out the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are multiple National Scenic Byways to check out.
Road trip ideas should feature historic towns, an epic route, and either a trip down the East Coast or the West Coast. Your road trip has to have spectacular views, and the final destination needs to be somewhere that everyone wants to visit, like the Grand Canyon. Small towns are so important to a road trip. You can choose a short road trip or a long one.
Traveling down historic highways is a must as well. Whether you want to visit a national park, go down hiking trails, or drive down Seven Mile Bridge, there's a road trip out there waiting for you.
What Road Trip Should You Take?
Deciding on the perfect road trip often feels like trying to choose a candy in a confectionery shop run by Willy Wonka – overwhelming yet thrilling, with endless possibilities! We all have that itch to hit the open road, with the wind in our hair and a playlist that has everyone in the car belting out tunes off-key. Whether you’re aiming to taste the tang of sea salt along the coastal roads or yearn to trace the contours of mountains through winding passes, taking a road trip is an adventure that can suit every fancy.
Mapping out the journey, though, can be a part of the adventure that's as much fun as it is daunting. Do you grab an old-fashioned, crinkly paper map and chart a course a la Indiana Jones? Or, do you trust your modern-day adventure to the omnipotent hands of a road trip app that promises not to lead you astray (we've all heard that before)? With all of us here at BrainFall, we're keen on avoiding circles – unless they're donuts, of course.
But worry not, fellow asphalt pirates and highway historians! We've commandeered the powers of quiz wizardry to help you figure out the road trip that’s as fitting for you as that one pair of jeans you've worn far too much. If you're curious about which stretch of tarmac is calling your name, stick with us and take our quiz to discover your road trip destiny. Who knows? You might end up packing for a trip that becomes the stuff of legends – or at least a very entertaining story to share at parties!
Planning Your Epic Journey
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s remember that the key to an unforgettable road trip lies in a solid plan that covers your route, your ride, and your rations. We've all heard the phrase "getting there is half the fun," but trust us, with a bit of prep, it can be all the fun.
Mapping the Adventure
When charting our course, we've got to think beyond the usual "Point A to B." We're all about those scenic routes and hidden gems. Whip out your Google Maps to start plotting or go old-school with a trusty paper map for that extra dash of adventure. Apps are your friends here, they help us avoid traffic snarls and keep us abreast of gas prices. And hey, always pack a GPS just in case your smartphone decides to go rogue in No-Signal Land.
- Itinerary: Must include national parks, quirky roadside attractions, and ideal spots for the 'Gram.
- Navigation Tools: Keep a mix of digital (Google Maps, GPS) and physical (paper map) options handy.
- Routes: Prioritize scenic over speedy; the view's better and so's the experience.
Packing Like a Pro
Next, we tackle the suitcase saga: what's on our road trip packing list? We're packing essentials like an emergency kit, first aid kit, and jumper cables because safety is sexy. Don't forget the spare tire and tire pressure gauge. For the munchies, it's a treasure chest of snacks. And for peak comfort, we're talking pillows and playlists. Remember, clever storage equals more legroom – and more legroom means happier campers.
- Gear and Essentials: Safety gear, repair tools, and comfort items.
- Food and Snacks: A bounty of bites for energy and morale boosts.
- Comfort: Blankets, pillows, and car seat organizers for Zen vibes on wheels.
Ensuring a Smooth Ride
Lastly, don't let hiccups ruin our jam. It's all about the peace of mind, folks. Keep those roadside assistance numbers close, and ensure your car insurance is as ready for an adventure as you are. Being budget-friendly isn't about pinching pennies, it's about knowing where to splurge (hello, unbeatable diner pie) and where to save (say, camping over hotels).
- Safety: Up-to-date insurance, roadside assistance services.
- Budget-friendly Tips: Save with savvy spending on food, lodging, and attractions.
- Vehicle Prep: A pre-trip check for fluids, brakes, and battery to avoid mechanical melodrama.
On-the-Road Shenanigans
Road trips aren't just about the destination; it's the zany moments and quirky stops along the way that count. Let's gear up for the ultimate on-the-road experience, ensuring we kick boredom to the curb, optimize our comfort, and are fully prepped for whatever Mother Nature throws at us.
Kicking Boredom to the Curb
Boredom is a foreign concept on our road trips. With a deck of cards in hand and classic road trip games like "I Spy," we turn hours into fun. And, hey, why not judge those audiobooks by their covers or sing our hearts out to a travel-themed playlist through our portable speaker—karaoke style?
- Entertainment Arsenal:
- Travel Games: "License Plate Lingo", "20 Questions"
- Electronics: Loaded smartphone, e-books, podcasts
Comfort and Convenience
Comfort is king, and we're the royal family! Our trusty duffel bag is packed with all the essentials—sunglasses for the shine and a snuggly blanket when the air gets nippy. A spill-proof travel mug keeps our coffee warm, and for sips sans guilt, a reusable water bottle is our trusty thirst-quencher, perfectly tucked into our no-spill holder.
- Comfort Kit:
- Attire: Layers, jacket, spare clothing
- Chill-out Gear: Travel pillow, cozy blanket, towel for impromptu picnics
Surviving the Elements
Whether it's a sunny joyride or a winter wonderland window scene, being at the mercy of the weather can be dramatic—but we've got our armor ready! A dollop of sunscreen or our sassy umbrellas are as essential as the GPS (which we only occasionally ignore). Oh, and for those frosty escapades, gloves, jackets, and an ice scraper come out to play; because frozen fingers? Not on our watch!
- Weather Prep:
- Sun Battalion: Sunscreen, sun protection for the eyes
- Cold Front Tools: Ice scraper, winter jackets, and those handy hand warmers
Yes, we're set to conquer the open road, one mile and one laugh at a time!
