By Michael Hodson
Overland Travel Expert, about.com
Overground travel is one of the best ways of seeing any country, and while it is possible to travel from the East Coast to the West Coast in a few hours by air, there really isn't a sense of the journey or the country that you are traveling through. There are plenty of different ways to make the journey, and whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, taking a bit more time about the trip can make it a lot more enjoyable. Domestic flights are quite competitively priced, but these options will often prove to be a cheaper way to travel too.
Crossing The Country By Train[post_ads_2]
Although
Amtrak doesn't operate a network as extensive as the train network
found in Europe, there are several ways to get across the country by
train. Those traveling from east to west have the choice of a northern
and southern route, and two central routes, with the northern three
routes passing through Chicago, and the route through the south of the
country passing through New Orleans and Houston.
Traveling by train is a very pleasant way to
see the country, and while it certainly isn't a high speed journey it
offers some large windows for those wanting to enjoy the views, and the
option of a cabin so that you can sleep as you travel.
Hitch Hiking Across The Country[post_ads_2]
This
is an interesting option, as it entirely depends on the generosity of
others who are traveling in the same direction, but if you are relaxed
and have a stoic approach to cars passing you by, it is definitely
possible to hitch hike from coast to coast. It is worth noting that in
many states it is illegal to hitch hike
on a highway because it is dangerous to pull over there, but if you
hitch from the on ramp, you are unlikely to get in any trouble. One good
tip to hitch hiking successfully is to try and look presentable, as
this will make people more likely to pick you up.
Road Trip[post_ads_2]
Driving
is one of the most American methods of transport, as most people in the
country own a car. Driving across the country is something that can be
done in a couple of days if you are in a rush, but to get the full
experience it is best to get off the highway and explore some of the
more rural roads. The best road trip route for you will depend where you
want to start and end, but one of the classics is to drive to Chicago,
and then follow Route 66
all the way to California. Make sure you stay in mom and pop bed and
breakfast places, and break regularly to enjoy the area you are
traveling through, as it will help you to have a truly memorable
experience.
Cycling Across The USA[post_ads_2]
This is
one of the most interesting ways to see the country, and while walking
is a method that can take a long time, it is possible to cover this by
cycle in as little as a few weeks. Depending on the route that you take
and your cycling speed,
this can vary significantly, especially as the most direct route across
the country is not necessarily the most interesting or the most
attractive route. One potential option is the Trans America Trail, which
is over four thousand miles, running from the town of Astoria in Oregon
to Yorktown in Virginia, and commonly takes around three months to
complete.
Walking Across America[post_ads_2]
There are
relatively few people who choose this option, as it is an awfully long
way to walk, and it will almost always take a lot of time, from four
months to a year to complete. Nonetheless, it is a wonderful challenge
and it also offers the option of choosing some spectacular routes, with a
crossing of the Rockies one of the options that will provide memories to last a lifetime.
With the scenery, roadside attractions, and historical landmarks, the Unites States is certainly a county worth exploring.
