The United States, with its vast land and abundant resources, has a low population density, meaning that most tourist spots are not overcrowded except during large annual events. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature without interruptions.
National Park Management and Accessibility
The natural landscapes in the U.S. are well managed, with no commercial influence. Most of the scenic spots, including National Parks, National Memorials, National Monuments, National Historical Parks, and National Seashores or Lakeshores, are managed by the National Park Service (NPS). Visitors can easily search for any national site in any state through the NPS website, which has a consistent style and comprehensive information, making it easy to fully explore the parks. Many people fall in love with traveling in the U.S., myself included, and sometimes it feels like a waste not to take full advantage of these abundant resources.
Driving in the USA
Road signs in the U.S. are clear and easy to follow, making it convenient for driving. The only time you’ll encounter traffic congestion is in big cities, while on interstate highways, you’ll often find yourself driving alone for long stretches. I remember the first time I drove in the U.S., I was not used to the roads, but traveling with experienced friends from Texas to California made it an unforgettable journey, and I quickly became a fan of road trips. I enjoy speeding down the empty interstates with music blasting, feeling like we are the only ones in the world. I also cherish the unplanned beautiful views that appear unexpectedly along the way, moments that are truly one-of-a-kind. Even stopping on the side of the road to make sandwiches from a cooler in the trunk while surrounded by nature feels like the best food in the world at that moment.
Traveling in the USA: A Guide
While I will briefly mention some travel tips, the main purpose of this article is to provide a systematic account of my personal experiences, which I hope will be helpful to others.
Traveling in the U.S. is quite simple—accommodation, food, and transportation can all be arranged online. There are also a wealth of travel blogs and reviews from fellow Chinese travelers, which can be easily found through a Google search. Simply adjusting the tips to suit your personal preferences will ensure a smooth trip.
For nature and wildlife lovers like me, National Parks are the highlight of any trip. The official National Park website is the best place to gather information. If you have ample time, you can even request free brochures to be mailed to your home. If you’re planning to visit several parks, consider purchasing an annual pass for $80, which allows two people to access most parks, including many National Monuments and National Seashores. National Parks also offer several free admission days throughout the year, which can be found on the NPS website.
If you plan to explore cities, the most famous landmarks, museums, and parks are usually featured in travel blogs, so I won’t go into detail. However, you might want to check out a website that offers city passes for major U.S. cities, which can help you save money while visiting a variety of popular attractions.
Renting a Car in the USA
Renting a car is essential for exploring the U.S. Rental cars are relatively cheap, and I usually search on websites like hotwire.com, kayak.com, and carrentals.com for the best deals. While driving on small mountain roads, an SUV might be more reliable, but I think an economy car is sufficient for most trips. One thing to note is that some rental companies, such as Enterprise, may impose a mileage limit on certain cars, which might not be ideal for long road trips.
Most car rentals in the U.S. involve picking up and returning the car at the same location. If you’re returning the car at a different location, expect an extra fee of $100-200. Hertz offers a “Drive Out Deal” every spring for just $5 per day, allowing you to drive between two locations without extra charges. For example, we drove from Phoenix to Denver, passing through several National Parks without taking unnecessary detours.
Accommodation Options
When traveling in the U.S., most people stay in motels or inns. You can easily find affordable accommodations on websites like priceline.com, kayak.com, or hotels.com, and make reservations with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance. Sometimes, I even wait until I arrive at a location and find a cheaper deal. U.S. infrastructure is so well-developed that you can always find affordable places to stay along your route, although the conditions may be basic, and you may have to rely on others’ Wi-Fi for internet access. With an iPhone, it’s incredibly convenient—if there’s cell service in the area, you can book a hotel and access the internet anytime, anywhere.
Dining on the Road
Food is always a big topic when traveling. If you’re on a road trip through a National Park, eating a homemade sandwich at a scenic spot offers a unique experience. If you happen to pass through a small town around mealtime, you can check Yelp.com for local restaurant recommendations. Speaking of Yelp, I find it incredibly useful in the U.S., though you should pay attention to reviews, as American tastes may differ from Chinese preferences.
Safety Tips
Safety is the most important factor when traveling, especially during road trips. Unfortunately, there are occasional news stories about Chinese students getting into accidents while traveling. Therefore, I urge everyone to prioritize safety—there’s always another chance to visit a sight, but life is irreplaceable. Also, in the U.S., speeding is often not worth the risk. Even if you speed for a few minutes, you might end up waiting for a bathroom break at a gas station, and the time saved is negligible. Typically, police will not pull you over unless you’re exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph, so it’s best to keep a safe distance and follow the flow of traffic.
Additionally, drivers from China should be extra cautious when changing lanes. U.S. vehicles don’t have blind-spot mirrors, so it’s crucial to check your surroundings before switching lanes. If you ever find yourself being followed by a police car, pull over calmly and wait for the officer to approach. Do not panic or exit the vehicle. Just follow their instructions, and you should be fine.
In total, I’ve driven over 20,000 miles (30,000 kilometers), crossing 30 states and visiting over 20 National Parks.
Conclusion: National Parks and Road Trip Adventures
For a truly unforgettable adventure, exploring the best national parks to visit in the USA and enjoying a self-driving trip across the country should be on your bucket list. There’s nothing like the freedom of the open road and the beauty of nature.
