Going on a cross country road trip is a dream for many people. It’s a chance to see different parts of the country, experience new things, and make unforgettable memories. But before embarking on this adventure, one question that many people ask is: How long is the average cross country road trip?
The answer to this question depends on various factors, such as the route you take, the number of stops you make, and how much time you have to travel. However, according to a survey conducted by Travel + Leisure magazine, the average length of a cross country road trip is around 3 weeks or 21 days.
Factors that Affect the Duration of a Cross Country Road Trip
As mentioned earlier, there are several factors that can affect the duration of your cross country road trip. Some of these factors include:
The Route
The route you take can have a significant impact on how long your road trip takes. If you take the most direct route from one coast to another, it can take around 4-5 days without stopping. However, if you want to see more sights and experience different parts of the country, taking detours and making stops along the way can add more time.
The Number of Stops
Another factor that affects how long your road trip takes is the number of stops you make. If you plan on making frequent stops to explore different cities or natural wonders along your route, it will add more time to your trip.
Time Constraints
The amount of time that you have for your road trip will also affect its duration. If you only have a week or two for your vacation, it may not be possible to do a full cross-country trip without feeling rushed.
Sample Cross Country Road Trip Itinerary:
Here’s an example itinerary for a three-week cross-country road trip:
Week 1
- Day 1 – Depart from New York City and drive to Washington D.C.
- Day 2 – Explore Washington D.
- Day 3 – Drive to Nashville, Tennessee
- Day 4 – Explore Nashville
Week 2
- Day 5 – Drive to New Orleans, Louisiana
- Day 6 – Explore New Orleans
- Day 7 – Drive to Austin, Texas
- Day 8 – Explore Austin
Week 3
- Day 9-10 – Drive to the Grand Canyon National Park (2-day drive)
- Day11-12- Explore Grand Canyon National Park
- Day13- Drive to Las Vegas, Nevada
< li > Day14-15- Explore Las Vegas
< li > Day16-17- Drive To San Francisco, California
< li > Day18-19- Explore San Francisco
< li > Day20-21 – Return Home!
Tips for Planning Your Cross Country Road Trip:
- Create a budget that covers gas, food, accommodation and activities.
- Pack essential items like snacks, water bottles, sunscreen and comfortable clothes for long drives.
- Create a flexible itinerary that allows you to make changes along the way.
- Download travel apps like Google Maps and TripAdvisor to help you navigate and find things to do.
- If you’re traveling with friends or family, assign driving shifts to share the load.
- Invest in a good quality GPS system or make sure your phone is equipped with one.
In conclusion, the average length of a cross country road trip is around 3 weeks or 21 days. However, this can vary depending on various factors such as your route, number of stops you make and time constraints. With proper planning and consideration of these factors, you can have an unforgettable cross country road trip that will be remembered for years to come!