Roadtripping USA: the ultimate how-to

Sep 8, 2010 8:39:37 PM

Andy Murdock
Lonely Planet Author

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Maybe it’s the economy, maybe it’s the weather, or maybe retro travel is in vogue – whatever the reason, 2010 has been a strong year for the classic American travel experience: the long distance road trip.

Here at Lonely Planet, the US road trip has been very much on our mind this year as well, so we’ve pulled together some of the best articles from throughout the year for planning and inspiring your next American road adventure:

Where do you start? Check out the Lonely Planet list of top 10 legendary drives across America.
US Travel Editor Robert Reid is no stranger to the road trip, and he recently shared his top three tips for making the most of road trips (inspired by research trips to the Great Plains and a fascination with grain elevators).
Want some fried Coke and donut burgers? Who doesn’t? Head to one of the many state and county fairs across the US on your cross-country trip. (Tip: Make the Gilroy Garlic Festival your final stop if you’re worried about road-trip-induced high cholesterol).
Experience the best of the Northwest with Top 15 Pacific Northwest highlights (you might also recognize this article from its half-second cameo in the latest iPad commercial).
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds at some of the USA’s top outdoor destinations, take a peek at Lonely Planet author Sara Benson’s article Finding Solitude in USA’s National Parks. Labor Day just passed, so as the kids head back to school it’s a perfect time to for a getaway to some of the busier national parks.
Food on road trips doesn’t have to be deep fried and on a stick. Famed chef Alice Waters suggested destinations for a fabulously gourmet culinary tour of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Planning a trip out west? Lonely Planet author John Vlahides shared his vision of the perfect California trip.
As autumn approaches, it’s time to think about taking that trip to see the leaves turn brilliant hues of yellow and red throughout the Northeast and catch the autumn harvest festivals. If you’re hitting the road for some leaf-peeping, you might want to peep at A foliage tour of New England before you go.

If you’re looking for detailed trip itineraries, we’ve got those too. To celebrate the release of our new title USA’s Best Trips: 99 Themed Itineraries Across America we’ve made 10 of the trip itineraries free as PDF downloads (available through Sept. 17th):

Route 66: Motoring the Mother Road
Pacific Northwest Grand Tour
New Jersey Diners: Open 24 Hours
Maine: 60 Lighthouses in 60 Hours
New Mexico: A Green Chile Adventure
Skyline Drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Alaska: Up the Inside Passage
Wet & Wild West Coast
Tripping Through Grand Teton & Yellowstone
Michigan: Lake Lovers’ Trail

Download any of these itineraries from our Facebook page (anyone can download, you don’t have to be a Facebook member) and hit the road!

Summer may be winding down, but there are road trips for every season. Check out the new release USA’s Best Trips: 99 Themed Itineraries Across America for the best of the US from classic trips to offbeat adventures.