Extreme Road Trip: 48 States in Nine Days or Less

The road trip is an American phenomenon brought on by the romance of the Mother Road, Route 66. Today the contemporary road adventure is made easier by National Highway System that includes Interstate Highways.

The lower contiguous 48 states are interconnected by vast networks of highways and four lane roads. My suggestion for an extreme road trip is inspired by several people who have taken the trip in less than a week, including three young men from Utah in 2008 as reported in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Their goal was to see all 48 states in less than a week. Here is a guide to this extreme road trip.

The Route

You can approach your route in one of two ways. Keep in mind the goal is to see 48 states in as short a time as possible. The route the three young men took started in the Four Corners area, circled around the west coast states, up across the Northern Plains, down to the Deep South, and up to New England where they ended in Vermont.

If you have more time on your hands you could do a trip that is 48 states in 48 days if you have six weeks of time. Seeing all 48 state capitals is also road-trip worthy.

Your route should start were it is most convenient for you. Avoid long stays in big states such as Texas or California, if possible. Great cross-country routes through several states include Interstates 70, 80, and 95. Your drive doesn't have to be all on four lane roads when you get in certain states. Your time will seem to go by faster once you reach the east coast because the states are smaller than the farming and mountain states west of the Mississippi River.

Stops

When you have more than one traveler in the car breaks should be planned and short for making this road trip in under a week. Hotels should be inexpensive and maybe even reservations aren't required. Drive until you or your party agree to stop and get a room in a nearby hotel. If you do have it planned out well enough you reserve a hotel but don't mind being spontaneous along the way! Stick with a national chain hotel that you trust that has decent rooms like Best Western, Days Inn, and the like.

Pack food for the car if you can. Packing snacks will mean fewer stops. If you drink more water that's more bathroom breaks so take it easy.

Practical Matters

For such a long road trip your car will need to be in top condition. Get an oil change before you go and one immediately after. Make sure your tires are inflated, your cell phone is fully charged, and you have enough funds with you either in cash or plastic before you leave.

Take a ton of pictures. If you really want something cool to do take pictures of every "Welcome to..." sign you see for each state you enter. If you do some sightseeing and not just driving take pictures of the cities you come to as well. And most importantly, have fun!