Much to see, so little time
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Originally Posted by ken rentiers
Again, it's a long trip. Florida is always green, much of the southwest is desert. I agree with AZBuck; travel mid-March through April.
Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum -- always nice to see brand-new members providing ideas and tips!
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Disney World, FL is better than Disneyland, CA imho. Universal Studios is my favorite.
Since you have a preference -- what do you think of those Disneyword guides, like this one or this one?
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Hop to Las Vegas, Sedona, AZ is well worth a detour. Charter a flight in Las Vegas to see the Grand Canyon. Much better experience.
Much better than what? Going there? There is no substitute to driving there and standing on the rim or even better walking down a ways!
Good points!
Mark
Grand Canyon -- Additional thoughts
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Since you have a preference -- what do you think of those Disneyword guides, like this one or this one?
The best Disneyplace guide I know of is The Unoffcial Guide to Disneyland by Sehlinger. Amazon.com has it. It contains much useful info about topics like the least crowded calendar weeks, which are the best days to visit which of the many Disneyworld theme parks and how to hit all the most popular rides in what order to minimize lineups. Not the sort of stuff they disclose in authorized Disney guidebooks. I found it very useful.
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Charter a flight in Las Vegas to see the Grand Canyon. Much better experience.
Much better than what? Going there? There is no substitute to driving there and standing on the rim or even better walking down a ways!
I agree Mark, but in the context of spending three weeks driving across America the time required to drive north from I-40 to the south rim, in heavy traffic, on a long two-lane highway, find a spot to park, spend several hours and return adds up to a whole day. If hiking is the objective, then, end of discussion; but if you just want to see the Canyon the 2 or 3 hour flights out of Las Vegas are not outrageously priced, afford a much more inclusive perspective and are just too much fun.
Or you could do both!
There is a trail in Sedona that leads up behind the Enchantment resort and affords access to a wonderful hiking experience, including some old Indian cliff dwellings. Easy for even inexperienced hikers to enjoy.
-ken-
Half(?) the Fun is the Planning
So, Milla, you seem to have touched off a good discussion. I agree with Ken that earlier is better. I used to live in the northern part of the US (Maine) and it's still hard for me to think of May as anything but Spring, but here in Arizona, it's already getting close to 100šF (38šC). So if you can make your trip in April, that would be better.
There are many cities and towns in the South that are known for their graciousness, fine homes and lovely gardens. Many of these have tours in the Spring that allow you to walk through, see the homes and gardens up close, and often even talk to the owners. A few of the cities that I would recommend you look into include Charlestown, SC; Savannah, GA; Selma, AL; and Natchez, MS. You can also read my reports (here and here) on a trip I took through this area last year.
As you move farther west, the attractions become more natural wonders rather than gracious homes and gardens. But, if you are lucky, you will get to see the desert in bloom. Besides the big attractions such as the Grand Canyon, think about spending a little time at some of the quieter places such as Kartchner Caverns and Saguaro National Park. These both have the advantage of being not very far from I-10.
The fact is that you have a good bit of time to look for what's available and what appeals to you. One of the best resources for doing this are the various state tourism departments. If you do a search on the web for the state name and the word tourism, you should find a wealth of resources. For example, when I entered - Arizona tourism - I got back this site, the official state tourism office who will send you brochures and maps to help you plan (often for free!)
You're in for a great time, but don't forget to enjoy Turkey.
AZBuck
I will show you the good stuff!
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Originally Posted by dj toast
but in truth it was the place I struggled most to be entertained on my trip
that is a very interesting perspective -- To me LA is full to the brim of too much to see in a lifetime of looking. It is a little like saying the Grand Canyon is just an arroyo -- the art, the culture, the huge variety of ethnic traditions and history, the gorgeous mountains and the ocean. Next time you are state-side -- call me. I will show you some very entertaining places!
Mark
