Are you planning a road trip across all 50 states of the United States? If yes, then you must be wondering how long it would take to complete such a journey.
Well, the answer is not a straightforward one as it depends on various factors like your mode of transportation, the time you have at hand, and your itinerary. Let’s take a closer look.
Mode of Transportation
The first thing that will impact your road trip duration is the mode of transportation. If you plan to drive, then you need to consider your average driving speed, rest stops, and overnight stays.
On average, a person can drive up to 8-10 hours a day without getting fatigued. So if we assume an average driving time of 9 hours per day, it will take approximately 17 days to cover all 48 contiguous states.
If you plan to include Alaska and Hawaii in your itinerary, then you will have to add extra days for air travel or ferry rides. A flight from Seattle to Anchorage takes around 3 hours, while a flight from Honolulu to Anchorage takes around 6 hours. Similarly, if you plan to take a ferry from Washington state to Alaska or from California to Hawaii, then add more days for those journeys.
Time at Hand
Another significant factor that will impact your road trip duration is the time you have at hand. If you are on vacation and have three weeks or more at hand, then taking a leisurely pace would be ideal. You can explore each state’s attractions in detail without rushing through them.
On the other hand, if you have limited time and want to cover as many states as possible quickly, then sticking to major highways and cities could be an option. In this case, plan out your itinerary in advance and prioritize which places are most important for you to visit.
Itinerary
Your itinerary will also impact your road trip duration. If you plan to visit major tourist attractions and cities, then you can expect to spend more time on the road. However, if you want to explore hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations, then add extra days to your itinerary.
It’s essential to plan your itinerary in advance and factor in driving time, rest stops, and overnight stays. Use online resources like Google Maps or Roadtrippers to estimate driving times between destinations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a 50 state road trip could take anywhere from 17 days to several months depending on various factors like mode of transportation, time at hand, and itinerary. It’s crucial to plan your trip well in advance and consider all these factors before embarking on this epic adventure. Happy travels!