Ever since Ford first rolled out the Model T, America has had a love affair with the automobile. The country grew up around it. It allowed us to travel the vast distance of America, move quicker, and further our sense of freedom and adventure. With it, the great American adventure was born- The Road Trip. Be it two days, two months, or two years, all Americans have done one. But America is not as easily crossed as is imagined and there are a few things that should be remembered:

1. America is not “travel” friendly.

America is large and its size makes can make it hard to get around. The bus and train systems aren’t as extensive as in other parts of the world. You can’t take a bus or train to the majority of the national parks and towns around the nation. Want to see the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park? No buses or trains go there. You will get dropped off in cities at least an hour away. Along the coasts, where many of the major cities are, it’s much easier to navigate around but if you decide to cross the United States to see much of its parks and the vast middle, you need to rent a car from a reputable company. And with car rental services patterned after reputable shops like car hire Ireland, you’ll never have to worry about not having a rental on your American adventure. Without a car, there is no door to door service to the small areas that hold America’s culture.

The beauty of the car is that you can stop and go wherever you like. Greyhound buses won’t give you any flexibility to meander in that little town or go stop and see the world’s biggest ant farm or elastic ball. If you don’t have a car, there are many rental agencies out there. Most of them will let you pick the car up in one place and then drop it off in another. For hiring a car, check out Rhino Car Hire USA. No matter what you do, getting a car in the states is your best option for seeing the country.

2. Stop and take in the culture!

Because of its size and history, each part of America seems, in many ways, its own little country. Make sure you travel to a variety of areas to get a real feel its diversity. American’s aren’t the stereotype the world media makes out to be. Explore and you will see Americans only common bond sometimes is that they’re Americans. Travel to New England and get a glimpse at the Yankee frugality and small town charm, travel to the South for southern comfort food, country living, and a slower pace. Travel out west for the cowboy spirit or go to the Pacific Northwest for a laidback, hippy 60s approach to life. Wherever you go, you will find something different and lingering in those little sleepy towns is only really possible by going overland from one end to the other. A bus can take you some places but a car will take you anywhere.

3. Hostels are rare.

There’s usually one around a national park and some in major cities, but for the most part hostels are hard to find. Don’t always count on finding a hostel. Washington D.C., for instance, only has two hostels! America is a more hotel oriented experience. However, there are camp sites and rest stops if you don’t mind roughing it! However, a good option to look into is Couchsurfing, a service where people let you stay with them for free.

4. You will eat fast food.

I know, I know- fast food is junk food. Normally, I would never recommend it to anyone but traveling on a budget is tough and food can eat up (no pun intended) a lot of cash if you are not careful. On the road, you don’t have a lot of options with food. Maybe Jim’s Diner or Paul’s Sandwich Stop isn’t that good. I mean how long has that salad been sitting there?! American highways are really only lined with junk and at least you know what to expect from McDonalds or KFC. (Though, Carl’s Jr. is REALLY good, as is In N Out.) However, don’t always eat fast food to save a buck! Splurge once in awhile to taste the local flavor- the Cajun gumbo in New Orleans, southern fried chicken in Georgia, lobster in Maine, or a hearty steak dinner in Iowa! Food is an essential part of any country and while McDonald’s can help you out during your ten hour drive across South Dakota, once in town, grab something unique.

5. Leave the interstates for the smaller roads.

America is such a diverse place that getting lost in it, like getting lost anywhere, can yield exciting results. Stay in the old western farm town in Wyoming, drive an extra 50 miles to see the Hopi Indians in New Mexico or stop in the quite Vermont town and taste some maple syrup. Every exit off the highway opens up a new possibility to explore a tiny American sub-culture you’ll never find in a big city. Taking the long way to Arizona, I encountered old deserted oil towns and western towns in the hills that I would have never seen if I had stayed on the interstate. In South Dakota, I came across an amazing little diner and, in Louisiana, nice little pub. So go and explore off the highway and see the real America!

6. It’s all about oil.

If you’re driving, learn to scout out the cheapest gas. Gas prices vary greatly across the country. They can be as high as $4.50 in California or as low as $3.20 in Oklahoma. In general, the coasts, major cities, and the north have higher gas prices. If sky high gas prices don’t exactly fit your budget, try visiting more places in the south, southwest, and western mountain states. Things may be further apart but at least the gas is cheaper!

A good alternative is to mix it up. Use buses and trains along the coasts where stops are more frequent and rental cars in the middle. That way you can still see those little sleepy towns without giving Exxon Mobil all your money.

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