Road Noise - The Route Map and Links
I’ve had inquiries about the route we took so here it is. This is the general route, but I tried to avoid highways and go for the back roads through small towns whenever possible. Although we were always stopping at museums, zoos, safari parks, aquariums, and all types of roadside amusements, the book doesn’t go into detail about those places. The book is not intended as a travel log, but you will find links below about many of the places we visited.
We started in the San Francisco Bay area and went north. The blue stars are the first half of the trip. The stars in yellow are the second half. The stars in red or the ones a little brighter are places we stopped for 2-3 days. Click on map to see larger or download.
Many people have asked, did we see this place or that place. The US is a big place and only three months traveling it is the fast track. I had to pick and choose what places and activities would be appealing to both of us and that had a lot to do with the route I had to take to get around the US in that time.
Another question I’m often asked is why I stayed at so many cheap motels and hostels. Hostels are great places to stay if you’re interested in meeting fellow travelers. People are friendly, helpful and always have interesting stories! You can also make your own dinner eliminating the cost or inconvenience of always going out for food. And if you’re a picky eater who prefers more veggies to mediocre café food, this is the way to go.
Cheap motels? It’s simple. I was on a budget but also it was just a place to stay the night. Plus, many of the small towns didn’t have chain motels. I also found it quite amusing and entertaining. On the days we stayed longer than one night, I usually opted for an Econo Lodge (now part of Choice Hotels) if I could find one. They were cheap and always clean.
Organized based on the route on the map
From start in Bay Area California to Northern Colorado
From Nebraska to Maine
Adirondack Motel (closed)
From Massachusetts to Georgia
From Florida to So.California