Introduction
From the Statue of Liberty to Yosemite’s soaring cliffs, North America offers boundless diversity. With so many incredible sights, planning the route for your North American trip can feel overwhelming. However, crafting a strategic route will help you maximize your time in this vast region while optimizing logistics and budget.
Overview of Planning a North America Trip Route
When mapping your North America travel route, consider:
- Entry and exit points based on flight costs and availability
- Clustering destination regions together geographically
- Mixing urban areas with national parks and nature
- Pacing travel days to avoid burnout
- Leaving room for flexibility in your schedule
Factors to Consider When Planning Your Route
Take into account elements like:
- Your interests and travel style priorities
- Time of year and seasonal considerations
- Budget and transportation options
- Regions and stops you most want to see
Benefits of Strategically Planning Your North America Route
Careful route planning provides advantages such as:
- Saving time by minimizing backtracking or re-traveling areas
- Optimizing the pace and quality of your experiences
- Reducing transport costs and logistical headaches
- Ensuring you see your highest priority destinations
- Allowing room in your schedule for spontaneity
This guide will walk through how to thoughtfully plan your optimal North America route.
Flying into New York City
Due to its direct flight access and vibrant energy, New York City makes for a fantastic starting point.
Why New York City is a Great Starting Point
- Easy to fly into one of NYC’s three major international airports
- Immerse yourself immediately in US culture
- Chance to overcome jet lag before continuing travel
- Gateway to visiting the Eastern United States
Maximizing Your Time in New York City
Spend 2-4 days enjoying:
- Iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building
- World-famous museums like the Met, Guggenheim, and American Museum of Natural History
- Central Park, Times Square, Broadway shows, and nightlife
Getting to North America’s National Parks
After NYC, fly out West to kickstart your national parks adventure. Daily direct flights make this transport easy.
Visiting the East Coast Parks
En route west, be sure to factor in stops at some of the USA’s most monumental East Coast parks.
Top National Parks on the East Coast
- Acadia – Rugged Maine coastline and mountains
- Shenandoah – Blue Ridge Mountains and Skyline Drive
- Great Smoky Mountains – Vibrant Appalachian forest with historic towns
- Everglades – Unique wetlands ecosystem in southern Florida
Recommended Amount of Time at Each East Coast Park
2-4 days provides enough time to see highlights at a relaxed pace.
Getting Between East Coast Parks
Driving times average 5-8 hours between parks. Break up long drives with stops in cities like Nashville, Atlanta, or Charlotte.
Road Tripping the West Coast
A bucket list experience, road tripping along the magnificent Pacific Coast Highway connects vibrant cities with scenic ocean vistas.
Why a West Coast Road Trip is Essential
A Pacific Coast drive allows you to:
- Soak up epic ocean views at a leisurely pace
- Experience the freedom of an open-road trip
- Visit top spots like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas
- Immerse yourself in the region’s beaches and relaxed vibes
Key Stops and Highlights Along a West Coast Road Trip
Must-see places include:
- San Francisco – Iconic Golden Gate Bridge vista points and hilly charm
- Big Sur – Rugged coastal cliffs and views from Bixby Bridge
- Los Angeles – Santa Monica pier, Hollywood, and surfing in Malibu
- Las Vegas – Glitzy casinos and shows on the legendary Strip
West Coast National Parks Not to Miss
- Yosemite – Towering granite cliffs and waterfalls
- Redwoods – Walk amidst towering ancient trees
- Death Valley – Otherworldly desert landscape
Tips for Maximizing Your West Coast Road Trip
- Allow 10-14 days for a leisurely drive covering highlights
- Travel during summer when parks and attractions are open
- Book accommodations in advance during peak season
- Share driving duties to prevent fatigue
The Canadian Rockies and National Parks
Visiting the scenic Canadian Rockies region promises majestic mountain experiences.
Why the Canadian Rockies Are a Must-See Region
The Canadian Rockies offer:
- Breathtaking snowcapped mountain landscapes
- Glacial lakes like turquoise Moraine Lake
- Fantastic hiking and outdoor adventure
- Unique towns like Banff and Jasper
Planning Your Route Through the Canadian Rockies
- Fly into Calgary, the main gateway city
- Travel by car along the Icefields Parkway connecting Banff and Jasper
- Allow 5-7 days minimum to see highlights at a relaxed pace
Top Sights and Activities in the Rockies
- Glacier hikes on the Athabasca Glacier
- Scenic vistas like Lake Louise and Peyto Lake
- Wildlife viewing – bears, moose, elk, and more
- Mountain towns like Banff and rustic Waterton Lakes
Accommodation Options in the Canadian Rockies
- Chateau Lake Louise – Iconic historic lakefront hotel
- Num-Ti-Jah Lodge – Cozy rustic lodge in Great Bear Rainforest
- Campgrounds like Tunnel Mountain – Affordable tent camping
Alaska and the Northern Lights
No North America trip is complete without witnessing Alaska’s majestic landscapes and the magical Aurora Borealis.
Introduction to Visiting Alaska
The massive state of Alaska offers:
- Glaciers and fjords of massive proportions
- Pristine national parks teeming with wildlife
- Indigenous Inuit culture
- Prized viewing of the Northern Lights
Top Alaskan Landscapes and Parks
Must-see spots include:
- Denali National Park home to Denali mountain and diverse wildlife
- Kenai Fjords’ tidewater glaciers and abundant marine life
- Wrangell-St. Elias for ice climbing and backcountry adventures
- There are also so many amazing places that we simply could not list them all! Alaska is a destination you could spend a lifetime exploring.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights
The lights illuminate the skies in areas like:
- Fairbanks offers prime aurora viewing from late August through April
- Chena Hot Springs where you can soak in warmth while watching the colours dance
- Dalton Highway passing through remote wilderness under dark night skies
When to Visit Alaska for Optimal Conditions
- Aurora seasons runs August-April; book far in advance
- Summers offer long days and mild weather perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing
- Late May through mid-September provides the most reliably clear weather
No matter when you visit, Alaska guarantees utterly astounding natural experiences.
Flying Home From the West Coast
Bookending your travels on the West Coast streamlines the logistics of flying home.
Why Ending Your Trip on the West Coast Simplifies Flights
- Eliminates the need to double back after reaching the West Coast
- Provides easy airport access from exciting last stops like Seattle, Portland, LA, or San Francisco
- Allows you extra days to linger out West if you wish
How Long to Budget for a West Coast Visit at the End
2-4 days provides enough time to explore a last West Coast city before flying home.
West Coast Airport Options for Flying Home
Major international airports include:
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
- Portland International Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
Choose based on your favorite West Coast destinations and best flight availability home.
Making the Most of Your Time
Careful planning and pacing allows you to see top sights without burnout.
Tips for Maximizing Your Time on a North America Trip
- Optimize routing to minimize lengthy backtracks and transit
- Take strategic internal flights to maximize time on the ground
- Rise early to sightsee in the mornings
- Research opening hours and pre-book timed entry tickets for key sights
- Allow buffer days between destinations in case anything runs over
Recommended Pacing for Taking In the Sights
- 1-4 days in major cities like NYC, San Francisco, Toronto
- 2-3 days at most national parks to see highlights
- 10+ days for scenic multi-stop regional road trips
Balance hurried days full of sightseeing with slower ones to rejuvenate.
Sticking to Your Budget
Trip planning and savvy choices extends how far your dollars stretch.
Ways to Save Money When Traveling in North America
- Use public transportation in cities instead of taxis
- Seek out free attractions like museums, parks, and galleries
- Eat street food, picnics, and home cooking to save on dining
- Stay in budget accommodation like hostels or vacation rentals
- Avoid excess shopping and limit pricey tours and activities
Average Daily Budget Needed for North America
- Hostels – $50 per day
- Vacation rentals – $100 per day
- Mid-range hotels – $150+ per day
Pad your budget with extra contingency funds when possible.
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
Watch for surprise fees like:
- Excess baggage charges on flights
- International transaction fees
- Mandatory tour guide tips
- Peak season hotel rate hikes
- Parking costs in metropolitan areas
Carefully manage your budget to keep North America’s dazzling sights accessible.
Conclusion
A smartly mapped route through North America allows you to optimize time and budget while taking in iconic destinations from NYC to the Grand Canyon. Consider your interests, ideal pace, and logistics and draft an itinerary using this advice. Diverse landscapes, welcoming cultures, and incredible sights await – so start planning to unlock North America’s greatest adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal length for a North America trip?
2-4 weeks provides time to explore the continent’s highlights without an excessively rushed pace.
When should I start planning a North America trip?
Ideally 6-12 months ahead to get the best flight deals and availability.
What are the best ways to get around North America?
Flying, road tripping by rental car, and trains all provide flexible transport options.
How far in advance should I book hotels?
Reserve accommodations 4-6 months out for popular destinations during peak travel season.
What types of bags are best for North America trips?
Bring a large checked bag with most items. Carry a roomy daypack for activities.