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Many people have a road trip in the United States on their bucket list. That is not surprising because you literally visit one highlight after another.
Visit major world cities in addition to beautiful nature parks. The attractions and views are so diverse that you can be sure to find something for you!
Road tripping has become almost synonymous with the US. Even an American writer Jack Kerouac wrote a bestseller book about it, On the Road. Kerouac made several trips through the United States between 1947 and 1950 and wrote about it in an inimitable way.
Pointless to say, with long winding roads such as Route 66, the Pacific Highway, Highway 93, or US Route 83, there is plenty of inspiration for your own road trip.
TIP! Entering the US requires most foreign visitors to have an appropriate entry permit. The easiest way to obtain one is by applying online for ESTA on Applyforesta.com The Electronic System for Travel Authorization stays valid for 2 years and serves as a multiple-entry permit, making it a perfect document for your road trip across the US.
Apply at least 3 business days before the planned trip to receive the approved e-Visa at your email address in the form of a PDF file.
How to road trip across the Pacific Coast
Plan the route. Where do you start?
We think determining your route is the most challenging part of planning a tour of the United States. So many choices! At the same time, you can’t really do anything wrong.
Step one in your tour planning is determining how long you want to go. Two weeks, maybe three? Or are you planning on traveling for months along the coast? The length of your stay will determine the route you can take on.
Step two is to see what the most prominent highlights are in the area. This may still be a broad concept at this stage. An excellent way to get inspired is to check Pinterest or Instagram.
To determine the route, it is essential to find out where you will start. Most people tend to start in Los Angeles or San Francisco and head their way up. Check what is the realistic time you can spend driving. Make sure you don’t rush and really take in the beauty of the spots you’ll be taking stops at!
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Choose the Best Travel Time
The best travel time to make a trip through West America cannot be named in one go. Areas can differ greatly in temperature. July and August are the peak season months. You are guaranteed good weather, but it is busier and often more expensive. You will notice this when you go to the national parks but also in big cities like LA or Las Vegas.
From September to November, it is quieter and cheaper than in the high season. The temperature is still pleasant but slightly cooler than in the summer months. This is one of the best travel times for the West coast of the USA.
From April to June, you are ahead of the high season. In these months it is quiet and cheaper than in the summer. The temperature is also already pleasant, although early April can be cold.
Top 3 sights not to miss on the West coast of USA
1. San Francisco
The West coast is home to several globally-known cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, or even San Diego. While all are well worth a visit, we consider San Francisco as the true must.
The Golden Gate Bridge is an icon to witness, and of course, no road trip will be complete without strolling on Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf. If you have the time, be sure to take a boat trip to Alcatraz.
2. Big Sur
Without a doubt, the biggest attraction on this route and undoubtedly the most beautiful part of your whole ride is the Big Sur. Here you will find the most beautiful views of the ocean, and you will always be happy to park your car to enjoy this beautiful nature. The area is simply stunning, with the Bixby Creek Bridge as the most famous attraction in the region.
Also Read: USA Tour Packages
3. Olympic National Park
Just a short drive from Seattle is the Olympic National Park, a beautiful natural park that puts you right into the wilderness. You can enjoy a nice walk during a day trip, but it is also worth taking a little longer and staying camping overnight.
The Olympic National Park consists of mountains, forests, and beaches, making it a diverse area that appeals to many nature lovers. An unspoiled wilderness with plenty of beautiful hiking trails and camping spots in nature is waiting for you to discover it!
Top 3 tips for saving money while road tripping across the West Coast in the US
Traveling without a budget would be great, wouldn’t it? Unfortunately, most of us have limited resources, which means we all look for ways to save money on the road.
When going on a road trip, there are basically three ways to save money, on accommodation, food, or transportation costs.
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1. Save on Accommodation
Staying in hotels with all the trimmings is, of course, very relaxed, but certainly not the most economical option. If you would like to go on a cheap (er) road trip, you can save a lot on the accommodation.
B&B is generally a lot cheaper than a hotel. So be sure to check whether you have that option. A hostel is often an even more affordable option. In most large cities you can spend the night cheaply this way.
Are you spending some time in nature and you don’t mind staying at a campsite? Then you can, of course, also just pitch your tent on a campsite. This is often very beneficial when it comes to budgeting! Pack a tent or rent an RV for the whole trip to save on accommodation more!
2. Save on Food
Eating out in a restaurant every day and buying food and drinks from gas stations along the way are ways not to make your road trip cheap. Therefore, make sure that you make smart choices with regard to foods and drinks you’ll be getting.
Are you staying on a campsite or in an accommodation where you can cook yourself? Then that is absolutely recommended. Make a food plan for the whole trip and limit eating at restaurants as much as possible.
3. Save on Transportation
Would you like to save as much as possible? Then make sure to drive slowly. Most cars use much more gas at higher speeds than at slightly slower speeds.
In addition, it pays to drive in an environmentally conscious manner. So don’t accelerate too fast, instead let go of your gas when you have to brake, inflate your tires well and maintain a steady speed throughout the trip. This way you can save considerably on the costs for your fuel!
Final Thoughts
A road trip on the Pacific Highway is one of the most beautiful trips you can make! Make sure to plan a realistic itinerary to avoid driving all too much and enjoy what the route has to offer!