Road Trip!
March 26, 2011 8:16 AM Subscribe
Where should I take my international student friend to show him the best parts of the US?
I have a fantastic international student friend who is from India. This summer we plan to take a car and go see some of the U.S. My favorite places are northern California (redwoods and trinity alps), northern Wyoming (both eastern and western) and Joshua Tree. We live in D.C. and our trip will start from Los Angeles. We have plenty of time, but I'm not sure how far east we will get. You can assume we will be going to the places I listed above and doing a lot of camping and staying with friends. He and I both like hiking and biking. Anything sexual makes him extremely uncomfortable (so I'm not sure how much he'd like Vegas or burning man), but he is okay with drinking.
Where is the best place you've ever visited? I would be happy for specific suggestions of hikes, events, or things you saw in that place too.
Thanks in advance!
I have a fantastic international student friend who is from India. This summer we plan to take a car and go see some of the U.S. My favorite places are northern California (redwoods and trinity alps), northern Wyoming (both eastern and western) and Joshua Tree. We live in D.C. and our trip will start from Los Angeles. We have plenty of time, but I'm not sure how far east we will get. You can assume we will be going to the places I listed above and doing a lot of camping and staying with friends. He and I both like hiking and biking. Anything sexual makes him extremely uncomfortable (so I'm not sure how much he'd like Vegas or burning man), but he is okay with drinking.
Where is the best place you've ever visited? I would be happy for specific suggestions of hikes, events, or things you saw in that place too.
Thanks in advance!
Saguaro National Park, just outside of Tucson, AZ. It's absolutely gorgeous. Also the parks in Utah.
posted by bolognius maximus at 8:33 AM on March 26, 2011
posted by bolognius maximus at 8:33 AM on March 26, 2011
Pacific Coast Highway
Golden gate bridge
Stanford University
posted by jchaw at 8:39 AM on March 26, 2011
Golden gate bridge
Stanford University
posted by jchaw at 8:39 AM on March 26, 2011
A really nice road-trip I've taken from Los Angeles goes east into Arizona, up through Prescott & Sedona and into the Grand Canyon. Followed by stops at Zion and Bryce National Parks, and returning to Los Angeles via Vegas. You could check out the Hoover Dam instead of the Strip. It's a big loop, and there are so many great places to camp.
posted by phaedon at 8:40 AM on March 26, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by phaedon at 8:40 AM on March 26, 2011 [1 favorite]
Best answer: My favorite place to visit is New Mexico.
A lot of my family lives out there in the middle of no where. My favorite place to visit when I'm out there is Taos, NM.. Specifically, Taos Pueblo never gets old to me.
Santa Fe is great, too.
When I would travel from Denver to New Mexico, I stopped at the beautiful Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.
Maybe the Smokies here in Tennessee. There's lots of hiking, waterfalls, etc. Affordable places to crash overnight including cabins, hotels/motels in Gatlingburg and places like LeConte Lodge.
Boston, if you get that far East. There's a lot of U.S. history there, of course. You can just take the subway and buses and get lost and explore.
posted by KogeLiz at 8:41 AM on March 26, 2011 [1 favorite]
A lot of my family lives out there in the middle of no where. My favorite place to visit when I'm out there is Taos, NM.. Specifically, Taos Pueblo never gets old to me.
Santa Fe is great, too.
When I would travel from Denver to New Mexico, I stopped at the beautiful Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.
Maybe the Smokies here in Tennessee. There's lots of hiking, waterfalls, etc. Affordable places to crash overnight including cabins, hotels/motels in Gatlingburg and places like LeConte Lodge.
Boston, if you get that far East. There's a lot of U.S. history there, of course. You can just take the subway and buses and get lost and explore.
posted by KogeLiz at 8:41 AM on March 26, 2011 [1 favorite]
I have a few recommendations for specific lonely and awesome places in Southern Utah, but I'd rather not post them on the internet. If it looks like you're headed that way, feel free to send me a message and I'll tell you about them.
I want to know! :)
posted by phaedon at 8:43 AM on March 26, 2011
I want to know! :)
posted by phaedon at 8:43 AM on March 26, 2011
It sounds like you have your trip pretty well planned out already. You've got some key things that you know you have to do. You've probably got some mental frameworking of "and then if we're in Joshua Tree we can stay with Kate out in such-and-such town for the night, which will put us right by I-whatever for Yellowstone...", which will ultimately create your itinerary and route. Feel free to leave the rest open. The best road trips are the ones that involve spontaneous adventures along the way.
It would also help to know how long you plan to be on the road, and whether you need to circle back to L.A. to return the car, or whether your ultimate destination will be D.C.?
posted by Sara C. at 8:47 AM on March 26, 2011
It would also help to know how long you plan to be on the road, and whether you need to circle back to L.A. to return the car, or whether your ultimate destination will be D.C.?
posted by Sara C. at 8:47 AM on March 26, 2011
Best answer: One more thing - if you guys both live in D.C. during the school year, I would make exploring the east coast a separate thing from this trip. I agree with KogeLiz that Boston is great, and how can you come to the USA and not want to see New York at least a little bit? The great thing about both of those cities is that they are easily reached with public transit from DC and wouldn't even benefit from the road trip structure of travel. If he wants to see the Northeast, I'd wait till later and take a few weekend trips via Chinatown Bus.
posted by Sara C. at 8:50 AM on March 26, 2011
posted by Sara C. at 8:50 AM on March 26, 2011
If you're starting in LA, I would visit Lake Tahoe on the way to Redwoods. Perhaps even drive through Nevada to get a feel for the harsh contrast between the desert and the Sierras.
posted by hammerthyme at 9:00 AM on March 26, 2011
posted by hammerthyme at 9:00 AM on March 26, 2011
You have a great adventure coming up -- enjoy!
Think about driving at least some of your trip on Route 66. Yes, the old road is still there and it is pretty easily found.
You can start out from Los Angeles (well, Santa Monica) and end up in Chicago. Best of all, many of the places mentioned above are on it or close by -- including the Grand Canyon.
You'll pass through deserts, mountains, cities, small towns and farm lands, and everywhere you go the people will be glad to see you. There will be camping, hiking and plenty of sight-seeing opportunities. This is also a great time of year to do it.
You'll be able to show your friend a side of the "real" America that is quickly getting built over, passed by and forgotten, and I can pretty much guarantee that neither of you will regret it or forget it.
posted by Work to Live at 9:02 AM on March 26, 2011
Think about driving at least some of your trip on Route 66. Yes, the old road is still there and it is pretty easily found.
You can start out from Los Angeles (well, Santa Monica) and end up in Chicago. Best of all, many of the places mentioned above are on it or close by -- including the Grand Canyon.
You'll pass through deserts, mountains, cities, small towns and farm lands, and everywhere you go the people will be glad to see you. There will be camping, hiking and plenty of sight-seeing opportunities. This is also a great time of year to do it.
You'll be able to show your friend a side of the "real" America that is quickly getting built over, passed by and forgotten, and I can pretty much guarantee that neither of you will regret it or forget it.
posted by Work to Live at 9:02 AM on March 26, 2011
If I had at least two weeks I'd drive up to Seattle, east into Montana and down through Yellowstone, Utah, down to the Grand Canyon. There will be plenty of US-only sights along the way.
posted by rhizome at 9:05 AM on March 26, 2011
posted by rhizome at 9:05 AM on March 26, 2011
Best answer: It depends quite alot on your friend's personality, but if you plan to visit many National Parks, you might want to get him a National Park Passport. You can get stamps at each location that you visit, and might be a good memento of his time in the US (if he's heading back to India after this, of course). Since you're in DC, you can start out with the stamps in the Capitol Region.
It's quite a nerdy activity, I know, but it appeals to people who like to collect things, etc.
posted by cabingirl at 9:06 AM on March 26, 2011
It's quite a nerdy activity, I know, but it appeals to people who like to collect things, etc.
posted by cabingirl at 9:06 AM on March 26, 2011
Western South Dakota. The Black Hills, Rushmore, the Badlands.
posted by Flood at 9:22 AM on March 26, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Flood at 9:22 AM on March 26, 2011 [1 favorite]
Lots of ideas here: http://fredandhank.typepad.com/fhma/
Scroll down for the West.
posted by jgirl at 9:33 AM on March 26, 2011
Scroll down for the West.
posted by jgirl at 9:33 AM on March 26, 2011
Best answer: Also, go to a county fair, preferably a small one in a small state!
posted by jgirl at 9:44 AM on March 26, 2011
posted by jgirl at 9:44 AM on March 26, 2011
Have you looked at couchsurfing.com? Not only will it help you find free places to sleep, they have message boards for every city- you will find locals making an announcement that they are hosting an event.
For example, if you find yourself near the grand canyon, you can look at the Flagstaff board and perhaps find a local who is hosting a day hike at the canyon. Now you not only get to see the canyon, but you have a local for a guide and probably a couch to sleep on as well. Many birds- one stone. It's free to create an account and use. If nothing else, use it to find a last minute place to sleep if/when plans change and you find yourself in an unplanned city for the night.
Happy Travels!
posted by MansRiot at 10:38 AM on March 26, 2011
For example, if you find yourself near the grand canyon, you can look at the Flagstaff board and perhaps find a local who is hosting a day hike at the canyon. Now you not only get to see the canyon, but you have a local for a guide and probably a couch to sleep on as well. Many birds- one stone. It's free to create an account and use. If nothing else, use it to find a last minute place to sleep if/when plans change and you find yourself in an unplanned city for the night.
Happy Travels!
posted by MansRiot at 10:38 AM on March 26, 2011
The Grand Canyon and the Rockies. Some part of the US that shows the vast miles of unpopulated forest/ farmland/ prairie; which is uncommon in many parts of the world. New York City, New Orleans, Chicago(stockyards) or another great American city.
posted by theora55 at 10:50 AM on March 26, 2011
posted by theora55 at 10:50 AM on March 26, 2011
Best answer: Antelope Canyon. Most of the Southern Utah redrocks will blow anyone's mind. Monument Valley. But especially Antelope Canyon. I've heard it describe (and I tend to agree) that it's a religious experience for atheists.
posted by notsnot at 6:20 PM on March 26, 2011
posted by notsnot at 6:20 PM on March 26, 2011
Best answer: Pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway and drive south through Virginia & North Carolina, then cross over the Smokey Mountains into Tennessee. It's all absolutely beautiful country.
My boyfriend and I did this road trip in reverse (IN>KY>TN>NC>VA>WV>OH>IN) last year, and it was crazy fun. Look online for catalogs, maps, brochures about 2 months before you leave and they send you everything to develop a decent itinerary. I imagine you'll be able to do this just about anywhere you visit, so take advantage.
posted by ilikemethisway at 6:22 PM on March 26, 2011
My boyfriend and I did this road trip in reverse (IN>KY>TN>NC>VA>WV>OH>IN) last year, and it was crazy fun. Look online for catalogs, maps, brochures about 2 months before you leave and they send you everything to develop a decent itinerary. I imagine you'll be able to do this just about anywhere you visit, so take advantage.
posted by ilikemethisway at 6:22 PM on March 26, 2011
I'm not sure if Boston is going to be on your path, but the Boston Freedom Trail is a pretty good tour of the landmarks in Boston. Maybe it will relate to your friend from India as it is the place where we also overthrew the British. :)
A good piece of information, btw, would be what other places your friend has been to. If he's been to Dubai or Macau, you can probably skip Las Vegas. If he spends all his time in Hong Kong and London, maybe you can skip/shorten NYC piece - or to show the parts of NYC outside of Manhattan. (Hipsters in Brooklyn. The amazing diversity along the course of the 7 subway from Times Square to Queens.)
posted by veryblue1 at 6:58 PM on March 26, 2011
A good piece of information, btw, would be what other places your friend has been to. If he's been to Dubai or Macau, you can probably skip Las Vegas. If he spends all his time in Hong Kong and London, maybe you can skip/shorten NYC piece - or to show the parts of NYC outside of Manhattan. (Hipsters in Brooklyn. The amazing diversity along the course of the 7 subway from Times Square to Queens.)
posted by veryblue1 at 6:58 PM on March 26, 2011
Colorado. Seconding Garden of the Gods (I'm in the Springs), but consider a hike up Pike's Peak (two days unless you're pretty freaking hard core).
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 7:20 PM on March 26, 2011
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 7:20 PM on March 26, 2011
Best answer: The two most beautiful parts of the continental US I've seen (and I've been in about 43-45 states) were the Pacific Coast Highway and the Grand Tetons (around Pike's Peak).
Well, that plus the Chrysler Building shining on a clear day, but that doesn't sound like what you're looking for
posted by Mchelly at 5:31 AM on March 27, 2011
Well, that plus the Chrysler Building shining on a clear day, but that doesn't sound like what you're looking for
posted by Mchelly at 5:31 AM on March 27, 2011
Response by poster: Thank you for your answers!!! We are going to drive back to L.A. I love the idea of making the east coast a separate thing. My friend has never traveled in India or any other country; he has only been in his town and to college.
posted by benthegirl at 6:06 AM on March 27, 2011
posted by benthegirl at 6:06 AM on March 27, 2011
Response by poster: Also, Mchelly, we would do city things! I just don't know about them. I know he is interested in going to New York.
posted by benthegirl at 6:11 AM on March 27, 2011
posted by benthegirl at 6:11 AM on March 27, 2011
Just to clarify, Pikes Peak is near Colorado Springs. The Tetons are by Yellowstone. The distance between 'em is 450 miles.
posted by notsnot at 12:30 PM on March 27, 2011
posted by notsnot at 12:30 PM on March 27, 2011
Starting in L.A. - it would be a crime not to head up the coast and hit Big Sur and Monterey.
Take PCH to Point Mugu, 101/PCH to San Luis Obispo. Stop in Santa Barbara to window shop on State Street.
SLO - Morro Bay - Monterey. Maybe stop in Hearst Castle in San Simeon.
PCH to Santa Cruz and all the way up into San Francisco. Head over to Sacramento either over Golden Gate or Bay Bridge.
80 to Truckee and Lake Tahoe.
After that, I would suggest back south on 395 to Bishop, Big Pine. Maybe stop off in places like Devils Postpile, Mt. Whitney, Yosemite.
From Big Pine, cut east to 95 via 168/266. Either south to Vegas - you don't have to visit the strip clubs, you know, and Vegas' Strip is just so stupidly spectacular and garish, I'd be remiss in not suggesting it...the good thing is that from Vegas you can take 15 up into Utah, which is quite pretty. Zion, St. George, the west side of the mountains there.
Then 70 into Colorado.
Or, from Vegas, go east into Arizona. Kingman, Flagstaff, Sedona. Then east into New Mexico, Albuquerque, Santa Fe.
Of course I have suggested some interstate routes. Feel free to take smaller state or county routes and see the back country, though that might be a grind in the desert.
Those are areas I am fairly familiar with - of course heading up into Idaho, Wyoming and Montana might be pretty much awesome, but I couldn't suggest a route.
On a bigger scale, working your way up into Minnesota and the Great Lakes area would be a very pretty drive I imagine. If you are inclined, taking a trip through the South and up the Appalachians might be cool as well - get your friend exposed to some soul food, barbecue, lots of deep fried stuff. Mmmmm.
Good luck, and have fun!
posted by Xoebe at 9:57 AM on March 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
Take PCH to Point Mugu, 101/PCH to San Luis Obispo. Stop in Santa Barbara to window shop on State Street.
SLO - Morro Bay - Monterey. Maybe stop in Hearst Castle in San Simeon.
PCH to Santa Cruz and all the way up into San Francisco. Head over to Sacramento either over Golden Gate or Bay Bridge.
80 to Truckee and Lake Tahoe.
After that, I would suggest back south on 395 to Bishop, Big Pine. Maybe stop off in places like Devils Postpile, Mt. Whitney, Yosemite.
From Big Pine, cut east to 95 via 168/266. Either south to Vegas - you don't have to visit the strip clubs, you know, and Vegas' Strip is just so stupidly spectacular and garish, I'd be remiss in not suggesting it...the good thing is that from Vegas you can take 15 up into Utah, which is quite pretty. Zion, St. George, the west side of the mountains there.
Then 70 into Colorado.
Or, from Vegas, go east into Arizona. Kingman, Flagstaff, Sedona. Then east into New Mexico, Albuquerque, Santa Fe.
Of course I have suggested some interstate routes. Feel free to take smaller state or county routes and see the back country, though that might be a grind in the desert.
Those are areas I am fairly familiar with - of course heading up into Idaho, Wyoming and Montana might be pretty much awesome, but I couldn't suggest a route.
On a bigger scale, working your way up into Minnesota and the Great Lakes area would be a very pretty drive I imagine. If you are inclined, taking a trip through the South and up the Appalachians might be cool as well - get your friend exposed to some soul food, barbecue, lots of deep fried stuff. Mmmmm.
Good luck, and have fun!
posted by Xoebe at 9:57 AM on March 28, 2011 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
Friends keep telling me I have to visit the National Parks in Utah - Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands.
posted by lukemeister at 8:29 AM on March 26, 2011