A Road Trip in the Southwestern US
The Beginner's Guide to Attractions and Tips for Maximizing the Fun
If driving through the Southwestern United States during the peak of summer doesn't make you an expert on what to expect from a road trip, nothing will.
So, buckle up and slather on the sunblock! Then, hit up the national parks, visit the exotic landmarks and quirky roadside stops, pack the car full of snacks, and make sure you're following all applicable rules of the road. The Southwestern states have plenty to offer, so check out the following tips for maximizing the fun...
Consider Buying a Pass to the US National Parks
The “America the Beautiful” annual pass costs $80 and grants entrance to all parks that charge an entrance fee. This pass admits the pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle into a park that charges per vehicle. For parks that charge per person, the pass holder will be admitted along with a maximum of three other individuals over the age of 16. No fee is charged for children ages 15 and under.
Seniors are eligible for a lifetime pass that will admit individuals ages 62 and older into any park that charges a fee. The cost of this pass is only $10. In addition, lifetime pass are available free of charge to individuals with permanent disabilities.
Pull-Over Frequently
If the national parks aren’t your thing, consider what you are interested in and make it part of the plan. Your stops can be carefully calculated or determinedly spontaneous. There’s plenty to see in the Southwest, so grab a detailed travel guide and learn about what’s available. For example, Southern California offers Sea World and the San Diego Zoo as well as Hollywood, L.A., Venice Beach, and Beverly Hills. For individuals who are less interested in the big cities in California, there is Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park. In Arizona, one can find the Painted Desert, Walnut Creek Canyon National Monument, and of course, the Grand Canyon. Cities such as Phoenix, Sedona, and Flagstaff also draw crowds. Highlights of New Mexico include the Carlsbad Caverns, Taos, and the city of Roswell while Colorado offers Mesa Verde National Park, ski resorts such as Aspen, and the cities of Denver and Fort Collins. Utah is home to Bryce Canyon National Park as well as Zion National Park and the main tourist spot in southern Nevada goes largely without saying as the lights of the Las Vegas strip illuminate such destinations as the Luxor, the MGM Grand, and Circus Circus. If you’re looking for attactions that stretch across state lines, you can try driving along Route 66 or even laying your body across the “Four Corners” so that you can say you’ve been in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah all at once. And, if these places aren't obscure enough for you, be sure to check out RoadsideAmerica - a website that is dedicated to helping you discover the most bizarre attactions available - as you plan your trip.
Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a first time road-tripper, you aren’t likely to be disappointed in the American Southwest. Just be sure to follow your gut and the road signs. Be on the look-out for blue signs that inform you of services such as food, lodging, gas, and rest areas. Also watch closely for the brown signs that will direct you to parks, campgrounds, and historic sites. After all, you’re not likely to regret taking some extra time to get out of the car, wander around in a new location, and satisfy your curiosity. Just don't forget to stay fed and hydrated while you satisfy your wanderlust!
Eat! Eat! Eat!
If you’re the kind that rolls out of bed two minutes before the continental breakfast is over, you’re not alone. But, get up, run down in your pajamas, and at least grab some fruit. You've already paid for it!
In addition to making good use of the continental breakfast, also ensure that you maintain an ample supply of water, beef jerky, and M&Ms in good road trip fashion. When it's time to stop for a real meal, that will be your perfect chance to try out the chains and restaurants that are popular in the Southwest including In-n-Out Burger, Islands, and Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill. Denny’s is a popular (but trite) tourist haunt, so don't forget to bypass the Denny's in favor of the mom-and-pop shops and the locally-owned restaurants! This is where you will get a real taste for the city you are in. For example, if you have the good fortune to drive through Dateland, California, be sure to stop at the designated roadside store for a date milkshake, or even a cactus one if you’re feeling extra daring.
Don’t Get Pulled Over
As you move on to your next destination with that hearty milkshake and a cooler full of snacks, make sure that you're obeying the law at all times! If you have an out-of-state license plate, you may be an easy target for getting ticketed. Although this ticket may not be reported to the DMV in your home state, most people are unable to remain in (or revisit) the state in which they received the ticket and have difficulty fighting it in court if the circumstances warrant that type of action. To avoid this, make sure you know the laws of each state you are traveling in. Be sure to obey all signs and be cautious about where you make a right on a red light!
As the Boy Scouts Say: Be Prepared
Last, but not least, be sure to have a spare tire and tire iron accessible. If you don’t have these items, you might want to consider purchasing a membership to AAA or another automobile club that provides roadside assistance. Keep your cell phone charged at all times and in an accessible location so that you can call a tow truck or make contact with the appropriate people if something comes up.
With that spare tire, a map, a car full of snacks, and a spirit of adventure, you're ready to set out. Here's to safe, happy, and exciting travels in the American Sourthwest!
