Recently, we started thinking about what makes a great overland trip. There’s gotta be vast roads. Beautiful scenery. And a diversity that makes the long journeys worthwhile.
The USA and Canada have all this, and then some. In fact, we can’t think of anywhere better to have road trip adventure. Not only are there masses of amazing tours, North America is also a great place to hire a car and do things your own way.
So join us in raising your hand, and giving a massive High Five to the home of the high five. Overland trips in North America – we salute you.
1. Get Your Kicks on Route 66
Route 66 once stretched the length of the USA, from Chicago down to Los Angeles. The historic Highway 66 no longer exists, but you can still follow the iconic route. This epic journey will take you through eight states, including Oklahoma, Texas, and California.
Stop off wherever the food smells good and the people seem friendly, but don’t miss the Grand Canyon, where you could take a helicopter tour, before making your way to Sin City itself, Las Vegas. Finish up with a drive through Death Valley to Los Angeles. This is what road trips were made for.
2. Sing the Blues, on the Blues Highway
Soak up the sounds of gospel, soul and R&B and drive this legendary route down Highway 61 between Memphis and Vicksburg. This is the road which the musicians took to leave Memphis, to share their music with the world.
It’s the home of the Blues, and you’ll find it everywhere you turn. Wind your way down past the Mississippi River, and don’t forget to stop off for some good, old fashioned Southern soul food: fried chicken, dry ribs, and peach cobbler? Yes please.
3. Jump on the Trans-Canada Highway
Regarded as one of the most scenic destinations in the world, for anyone with a love of nature you need to visit the spectacular Canadian Rockies.
Here, you can work your way through its National Parks. Don’t fancy doing the driving? Join a tour of the Rockies and take the scenic way from Vancouver to Calgary. Not only is this one of the most breathtaking journeys you’ll ever take, there’s also loads to do along the way. Relax in hot springs, trek the mountain paths, and go kayaking, biking and rafting.
4. Yes Sur!
A journey along California’s Route 1 will take you between two of the world’s best cities, Los Angeles and San Francisco. It also happens to be one of the world’s most stunning stretches of road. If you’re pushed for time, there are short tours available to book between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Take in the Pacific ocean and stop off at the Big Sur, where you’ll find incredible views and an air of serenity. Just what you need to break up a long trip.
5. Pick Up Your Keys
Going overland in the Florida Keys is where roadtrippin’ and beach holidays collide. The drive will take you down 113-miles down Highway 1, from mainland Florida to the southernmost point in Key West. And what a great 113 miles they are.
You’ll drive alongside turquoise waters and marvel at the tiny islands dotted in the distance. Make sure you stop off to do some diving or snorkeling; this route is home to some of the best dive sites in the Northern Hemisphere.
North America attracts millions of tourists every year for a reason, it’s amazing! Whether you want to spend a gap year in Canada, work in the USA, or just want to explore, discover why overland trips in the USA and Canada rock for yourself, search North America tours today.