Get your kicks on Route 66 - USA East to West

Trip Itinerary:

Stop 1: New York City

Stop 2: Washington DC via Philadelphia

Stop 3: Charlotte

Stop 4: Nashville via Knoxville

Stop 5: New Orleans

Stop 6: Fort Worth/ Dallas

Stop 7: Amarillo

Stop 8: Albuquerque

Stop 9: Durango via Santa Fe

Stop 10: Grand Canyon via Monument Valley

Stop 11: Las Vegas

Stop 12: Los Angeles

So, here's the deal. My solo travel plan? Nonexistent. I'm talking last-minute chaos, where I didn't have time to plan, coordinate, or even decide which socks to bring. New York was calling, so I booked a flight, hopped on a tour bus, and decided to play a thrilling game of "Where in the World is My Next Pit Stop?" Spoiler alert: It worked like a charm.

Lets set the scene: You, me, and a bunch of newfound buddies, embarking on an adventure of epic proportions. Tours aren't just about sightseeing; they're about building a global squad that you hope will remember you for more than just your funky travel hat. Safety? Check. Stress-free? Double check. It's like adulting with training wheels – only cooler.

Pros of travelling on a tour:

• Built-in BFFs: Say hello to your new entourage, because touring means you're never alone in the struggle to find the perfect Instagram angle.

• Itinerary Ease: No need to stress about where to go next; it's all laid out for you. It's like having a personal GPS for your adventure, minus the sassy voice.

• Transport Masterplan: Forget about deciphering subway maps or negotiating with cab drivers. Your chariot awaits, chauffeured by a pro who knows the city better than Google Maps.

• Tour Guides: The travel gurus, armed with insider knowledge on where to get the best street tacos or authentic experience.

Cons of travelling on a tour:

• Not-So-BFF Material: Sometimes, you'll encounter travel companions who are a bit like cilantro – not everyone's cup of tea. But hey, diversity is the spice of life, right?

• Rigid Itinerary: Want to spend an extra hour ogling at the Mona Lisa? Tough luck, we've got a schedule to stick to. Time to channel your inner sprinter.

• Schedule, Schedule, Schedule: If spontaneity is your middle name, be prepared to change it temporarily. Tours are all about sticking to the clock like glue.

In conclusion, my fellow adventurers, touring might just be the travel hack you never knew you needed. So, throw caution to the wind, hop on that tour bus, and let the journey unfold like a map of surprises.

My Travel Highlights

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

LaGuardia Airport, New York, USA

The Big Apple, a city that's like Vegemite – you either love it or hate it. I, dear reader, am not exactly the mayor of Team NYC Love, but after a pep talk with a bunch of enthusiastic European gals in my hostel's communal area, I decided to give it another shot. Spoiler alert: New York and I are still working on our relationship, but here's what I learned about surviving the chaos and actually having some fun:

1. Yes, everywhere in NYC is busy. The roads, the streets, even the ants are probably stressed out. But fear not! Just make sure you know where you're going so you don't accidentally wander into a neighborhood scarier than a subway rat with attitude.

2. Get yourself to Broadway, even if it means standing room only. Last-minute tickets are a bit cheaper. Just be prepared for a standing ovation – not from the audience, but from your poor feet.

3. Times Square: A Neon Jungle After Dark. Times Square might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you decide to brave the sea of neon signs and selfie sticks, do it at night. The lights are like fireflies on steroids, and the atmosphere is so electric you might get a shock. Oh, and keep your bag close – it's not just the Broadway actors looking for a steal.

4. Are you a fan of live talk shows? You can watch them live, for free in the city that never sleeps! Just register for tickets before you go.

5. For the best view of the Brooklyn Bridge, head to Dumbo. No, not the flying elephant, but the neighborhood! You can take the subway across or ferry past the Statue of Liberty to get amazing views of NYC.

Dumbo, New York, USA

Must Do's:

• Fifth Rooftop Bar - You get a view of the Empire State all for free!

• Try a NYC bagel

• Walk around Central Park (tbh walk around the city and find the hidden gems)

• Find a viewpoint of NYC city at night - the lights are incredible

• Find a good museum or gallery that meets your interests

WASHINGTON DC, via PHILADELPHIA

Hello history!

Must Do's in Philly:

• Visit the steps made famous by Rocky Balboa (Museum of Art). Feel the burn as you channel your inner Rocky Balboa and conquer the steps like a champ! Pro tip: Hum the theme song for maximum motivation. Da-da-da-da-da-da-da...

• Taste a Philly Cheesesteak.Geno's or Pat's? May the best sandwich win, and may your taste buds be forever grateful.

• Visit Liberty Bell

• Visit the Betsy Ross house (she is credited with sewing the first American flag).

• See a sports game!

In my opinion you can do Philly as a stopover - you probably don't need too long here. But Washington DC ... take your time! Give the monuments the time they deserve to truly understand how important these locations are. I would recommend seeing The Washington Monument at sunset (it's magic), from there you can see the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veteran's Memorial and the Capitol Building.

Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC, USA

You will need a whole day for The Smithsonian so get up early and get down there (the train system is great in DC). Some museums require a booking to manage the number of people so look it up online before you go to avoid disappointment (I know this is the case for the National Air and Space Museum). Most of the museums are free BUT there are a few that are worth paying for. One being the Spy Museum ... the curator's of this museum know how to keep an audience engaged! Learn about the history of Spy's whilst attempting activities that recreate conditions Spy's used to survive.

NASHVILLE via KNOXVILLE

Y'all better dust off those cowboy hats and shine up those boots because Nashville is about to twang your heartstrings. Broadway Street, the Vegas Strip of the South (or Nash Vegas), might be a tad touristy, but who cares when you're knee-deep in life, music, and more country lovin'. The dance floor is a no-judgment zone, so if your two-step looks more like a waltz gone wrong, just blame it on the Nashville spirit (or tequila).

Think of Knoxville as Nashville's spirited cousin who's just as rowdy but has a soft spot for orange. The University of Tennessee's campus is so big you might need a GPS to find your way to class. And while you're there, indulge in the incredible food scene – it's like a culinary rodeo for your taste buds. Don't forget to pick up some Volunteers merchandise! It's practically the city's uniform. You'll find more orange here than in a pumpkin patch during Halloween. Wear it proudly, and you'll fit right in with the sea of orange-clad fans cheering on their beloved Vols.

Nashville isn't just a city; it's a living, breathing honky-tonk history book. Dive into the roots of country music and discover how legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton became the patron saints of twang. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you'll find more sequins and rhinestones than a Vegas showgirl's closet. .When in Nashville, do as the locals do and indulge in hot chicken that'll make you question your life choices. And when the heat hits, don't forget to channel your inner country superstar – a little yelp is only natural.

Must Do's:

• The Grand Ole Opry

• Mid-town

• Visit the Gaylord Opryland Resort

• Go to a plantation to learn about the civil war

• Visit Leiper's Fork (the home of the almost famous Christmas Parade)

• Visit Franklin (cute historic town)

NEW ORLEANS

New Orleans, the city where the air is thick with jazz and the ghosts are just as lively as the locals! Street performers down Bourbon Street aren't just tolerated; they're celebrated. From magicians and jugglers to living statues and fire breathers, anything goes in the French Quarter. New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz where you'll find music seeping out of every corner like hot sauce on gumbo. When it comes to food, New Orleans isn't playing around. Embrace the local culinary, starting with a beignet breakfast, po'boy lunch, and a crawfish boil dinner. Finish off with a Hurricane but don't expect to remember too much about your night after that because they are STRONG.

Ever wondered what it feels like to wrestle an alligator? Well, maybe you haven't, but it's time to embrace the wild side. Take a swamp tour, where you might encounter more gators than your wildest dreams (or nightmares). Bring your Disney dreams to life by wandering through the swaps Princess and the Frog was designed after, but be careful of the critters that could make their way onto your boat.

Voodoo-Catholicism is a religion connected to nature, spirits and ancestors which is still widely practiced in Louisiana today. Embrace the culture and learn more about the history by going to a museum, tour or getting your Tarot read in Jackson Square.

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

GRAND CANYON via MONUMENT VALLEY

Run Forest Run. Now, my dear friends, Monument Valley is undoubtedly a must-see, but let's talk about the 4WD tour. Save your hard-earned dollars because the view from the free-access road is like the VIP section without the hefty price tag. If you are wanting to do a tour make sure you look at the reviews prior to booking so you don't get stung like I did.

Now, let's flip the script to the Grand Canyon. Spend the cash on a helicopter ride and soar over the canyon like a majestic eagle with a better view of the canyon. Fancy some alone time with the Grand Canyon? Ditch the crowds, take a leisurely stroll along the rim trail, and find a quiet spot to bask in tits natural beauty. Avoid attempting a one-day marathon hike from rim to river unless you're part mountain goat. The downhill is a breeze, but the uphill? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart or weak of knee.

Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon, USA

VEGAS

Ready to dive into the neon-soaked wonderland that is Sin City? Fear not, because even if you're not a card-shark, Vegas has something for everyone (even the kiddies). So, grab your shades, and let's break down the non-gambler's guide to surviving the wild, wild west of Vegas because this girl is no good with the slot machines!

The Bellagio, Las Vegas, USA

When I say everything goes, I have never meant it more in my life. Eg: 11am, people with minimal clothes on, drinking and kids walking around. How is this place real? Ladies, you can get into venues cheaper than men but your drinks will still be about $25 USD. What happened when I was there? Flash flooding. But still things to do: Topgolf, bowling, walking through the foyers of each casino!

Pro Tips:

• Guard Your Goblet: Las Vegas – where dreams are made, and drinks are spiked. Seriously, watch your beverages like a hawk at a mouse party.

• Hit the Encore Beach Club for a music fiesta that you will never forget. It's the kind of party that'll have you dancing until your shoes cry for mercy.

• Catch a Vegas show, where the glitz, glam, and gravity-defying stunts are par for the course.

• Head to the Neon Museum of sparkle and nostalgia – perfect for a selfie session with the ghosts of Vegas past.

Neon Graveyard, Vegas, USA

Remember those wild Vegas movies you watched? Well, believe the hype! It's not just a party; it's an alcohol-fueled, money-flinging, glitter explosion where anything and everything goes.

Must Do's:

• Watch the Sphere! I didn't get on the inside but it looks insane!

• Walk through the foyers of all the casino's down the strip

• Visit Freemont street

• Adrenaline enthusiasts I've got one word ... ZIPLINE!

• Venture out to some of the national parks (Zion, Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon)

LOS ANGELES

Well, well, well, road trip warriors, we've reached the final stop on this epic USA road trip.

So, I may have given my budget a little makeover and shackled myself to the glamour of Beverly Hills. Strolling through the streets, I felt like a boujee penguin in a tuxedo – safe, comfortable, and ready to explore the mansions. But, a word of warning, my friends: do not fall into the same bagel-sized trap I did. Twenty bucks for a bagel and coffee? That's a plot twist even Hollywood couldn't script.

Mixed reviews? Pfft, not from this girl! LA had me at "hello," offering a buffet of hiking trails, sparkling water views, and hills that even the Kardashians couldn't keep up with. It's like a menu where everything's a winner, and the only thing that'll be losing is your Fitbit's step count.

Must Do's:

• Walk into the foyer of Beverly Hills Hotel and the streets around to see gorgeous houses of the rich and famous.

• Take a drive down to Malibu.

• Hike up to the Griffith Observatory to see some wicked view of the beast LA is. The traffic is always busy so either be prepared to do a few loops to park or take an uber up if a hike is not for you.

• Hike along Santa Monica Beach in the Hills for some gorgeous views.

• Visit Erewhon for a Hailey Bieber smoothie (that's almost as expensive as my bagel).

• Visit Rodeo Drive and shop like you have all the money in the world.

• Visit Disney (ofc) or any of the pop up's in LA.

Pro Tips:

1. Hollywood Boulevard – the place where dreams meet reality, and expectations meet disappointment. Honestly, it's a big miss. Unless you're into elbowing your way through crowds to find the faint imprints of celebrity feet on the Walk of Fame, then be my guest. As for me, I'll pass.

2. In LA, distance is measured in episodes of your favorite sitcom because everything is so far away. Public transportation? Please, that's a unicorn. You'll need a car unless you've mastered the art of teleportation.

3. There is always something going on in LA so don't just do the classic things. Get off the beaten track and go explore!

Griffith Observatory, LA, USA

East to West done and dusted.

Do you need ideas for your own trip? We've done it for you, check out the travel itinerary, accommodation, activities and price breakdowns below.

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