The Road Trip Field Guide
America’s Back Roads, Mile by Mile
Itineraries, roadside stops and practical advice for road trips across the United States and Europe, from Route 66 to the Pacific Coast Highway.
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Drive of the Day
Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Big Room, Bats and Reservations
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southeastern New Mexico protects more than 119 caves, but one draws nearly everyone: Carlsbad Cavern, home to the Big…
Editor’s Picks
Begin Your Journey
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Route 66 in winter: weather and stops
Winter conditions vary along Route 66, from the cold in Chicago to snow and ice in the West. Plan flexible stops and check the weather before you hit the road.
Fresh From the Road
Latest Itineraries
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Montpellier weather: rain Tuesday and yellow alert
On Tuesday, November 10, Montpellier is expected to see cloudy skies and showers. Hérault remains under a yellow rain and…
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Wind Cave National Park: Cave Tours, Bison and a Black Hills Loop
Wind Cave National Park is two parks stacked on top of each other. Underground, a maze of passages holds most…
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Crater Lake National Park: Rim Drive, Seasons and How to Get There
Crater Lake National Park in southern Oregon holds the deepest lake in the United States, a basin of startling blue…
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Route 66 attractions for families with kids
Plan a family Route 66 drive around hands-on museums, playful roadside stops and wildlife encounters. The route’s family appeal varies…
Plan Your Trip
Four Steps Before the Keys
A good road trip is mostly decided before you leave: here is the order we follow for every route.
01
Pick the route
Choose a region and a season, then sketch the loop or the one-way line on a map.
02
Count the days
Keep driving to four or five hours a day so there is time left for the stops.
03
Book the essentials
Rental car, first and last nights, and the few places that sell out in high season.
04
Pack the car
Offline maps, snacks, a playlist and a little slack in the schedule.
Stories and Guides
Discover Our Stories
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Best Time to Visit National Parks: A Season-by-Season Guide
Read more →: Best Time to Visit National Parks: A Season-by-Season GuideThere is no single best time to visit national parks, because the parks run on opposite calendars. The high mountain parks are summer destinations, with roads buried in snow for…
Iconic Drives
Roads Worth the Detour
Route 66
Chicago to Santa Monica
Pacific Coast Highway
California
East Coast
New England to the Florida Keys
Texas Hill Country
Texas
Dolomites and Tuscany
Italy
Andalusia
Spain
Road Notes
Questions Before You Go
How long is Route 66?
About 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, across eight states. Plan two weeks to drive it without rushing, or pick one state for a shorter trip.
How many hours a day should we drive?
Four to five hours of driving a day is a comfortable pace: it leaves time for viewpoints, museums and long lunches. Beyond seven hours, the trip becomes a transfer.
What is the best season for a road trip in the USA?
Late spring and early fall are the sweet spots almost everywhere: mild weather, fewer crowds and open mountain roads. Desert routes are best avoided in the heat of July and August.
Should we rent a car or take our own?
Your own car is cheapest for a loop near home. For a one-way route or a trip abroad, a rental makes sense: compare one-way drop fees and insurance before you book.
Which apps help plan a road trip?
A route planner for stops and distances, offline maps for areas without signal, a weather app and a fuel price app cover most needs. Our planning guides compare them.
Can we suggest a route?
Yes, write to us from the contact page: we add new itineraries based on the routes readers ask about most.