There are plenty of reasons you should consider a cross-country road trip, but here are just a few.

1. Skip the airport 

The cost of airline tickets is skyrocketing (pun intended!), and the security lines have begun to stretch into hours-long wait times. Skip the traffic and the outrageous cost of parking, and only you can decide when to take your shoes off.  

2. Bring it all…

Most airlines charge to check even your first bag. On a cross-country road trip, you can take any and everything that your vehicle can fit, strap down, and/or tow. 

3. …Including Fido

Unlike other forms of travel and just like with your stuff, anyone who fits in the vehicle gets to come along on a cross-country road trip — including your furry friend.

4. Main Character Energy

Windows down, hair blowing in the wind, that perfect song — acting like your best self often leads to becoming your best self. 

5. See Several National Parks 

Seeing one national park is incredible, but getting to see many distinct and beautiful national parks on one trip really demonstrates the beauty and vastness of our landscape. Save money on entrance fees with an America the Beautiful pass that will allow entry to many parks for free for a year. 

6. Wacky Roadside Attractions

Do you need to see the world’s largest ketchup bottle or Carhenge (the Nebraskan recreation of Stonehenge out of grey-painted vintage cars)? Technically no, but arguably yes. Put something fun on this year’s holiday card or just enjoy some small town’s one claim to fame. Get cheesy and have fun with it. When’s the next time you can see a ball of paint that big?

7. Discover Unexpected Things

Some of the best parts of a road trip are the things you can never plan for. If it looks neat, (safely) pull over and find out. 

8. Try Great Local Foods 

The best restaurants aren’t always the most expensive, fancy places. Ask the locals for food recommendations to find the best regional delicacies that don’t come with a major markup.

9. Find Time To Think 

Sometimes everyday life can get so hectic that there’s very little true downtime. Find time to think and truly unwind mile after mile on the road with little to distract you. 

10. Be Brave 

On the road, you’ll be placed in some unusual situations. Traveling can help you feel brave and confident as you continuously show yourself you can handle what the trip (and life) throws your way. 

11. Get Off the Grid (or Don’t!) 

Your cross-country road trip can take you from city to city, or it can lead you far away from even a cell phone signal. From interstate to tiny dirt roads, you can easily unplug and get into nature or keep it high-tech for your vehicle entertainment. 

12. Design the Perfect Vacation 

There’s no one method for how to plan a cross-country road trip, and you’re free to design the trip of your dreams. Consult your bucket list and find out just how many phenomenal places or attractions you can cross off in the time you have allotted.

13. Don’t Fly Over, Drive Through

The flatness between the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains has so much more to offer than farm fields. Don’t just take my word for it; go check it out yourself and embrace the charm of middle America. 

14. Meet New Friends

You never realize just how alike and different we are from each other till you start meeting people from vastly different backgrounds. 

15. Gain Mental Toughness 

When things start to go differently than you planned (and believe me, they will), you’ll discover the mental toughness and resilience inside you. 

16. Set Your Own Price

Taking a cross-country road trip doesn’t have to be incredibly expensive. With enough planning, you can scout ahead for the best deals on places to sleep, gas, and even attractions. Bring your own food, snacks, and drinks to cut down on last-minute purchases as well.

17. Think Bigger

The United States looks large on a map, but it’s tough to recognize just how big until you’re chugging along at highway speeds. It’s going to take at least a few days (assuming you’re sleeping enough) to get from one coast to the other. Slow down, take your time, and take it all in. 

18. Plenty of Bonding Time

On the road with no Wi-Fi and few distractions, you’ll have plenty of time to make strong connections with all of your passengers. 

19. Get To Know Yourself

You’ll experience highs and lows constantly on a cross-country road trip that can teach you more about yourself than any silly online personality quiz. 

20. Experience Small Town Life

There’s more to the U.S. than NYC, Chicago, and LA. A small town Main Street never gets old. Embrace a slower speed of life and discover the many different community feels of small towns. 

21. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Literally and physically, get out of your comfort zone, and the challenge can lead to lifelong personal growth. You don’t have to go all the way to the other side of the world to find a new perspective on life. A road trip of this magnitude can expand your worldview and expose you to transformative experiences.

22. Check It Off Your Bucket List

No doubt, a cross-country road trip is on many different people’s bucket lists. Why not take the leap this year and actually do it? Check off this extraordinary bucket list item with family of friends. We promise, you won’t regret it! Remember to take tons of pictures to document your experience. 

23. Create Lasting Memories 

It may sound cliché, but you won’t forget the time spent out on the open road, either solo or with friends and family. You’ll be telling these stories indefinitely, so make them interesting. 

 

It may sound cliché, but you won’t forget the time spent out on the open road, either solo or with friends and family. You’ll be telling these stories indefinitely, so make them interesting. 

24. Reconnect with Nature

A cross-country road trip offers the perfect chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the serene beaches of the East Coast, you’ll experience the raw, unfiltered landscapes that make the journey unforgettable. Take a break from the noise of daily life, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with the natural world around you.

25. Cruise Makes It Easy

Itching to hit the road? Plan your perfect route and get out there on your dream cross-country road trip before the year is over. From the Atlantic to the Pacific and especially everywhere in between, beautiful countryside is calling.

Make the most of your road trip with an RV rental from Cruise America. Each RV has passed a meticulous safety check and comes complete with home-style amenities that will keep you road-tripping in style and comfort all across the country. Visit your nearest Cruise America at one of 125 locations in North America, or start the process online at CruiseAmerica.com.