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Amazing winter road trips in the US

Winter road trip in the US
Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Amazing winter road trips in the US

The US is full of amazing natural wonders, especially during the winter. Depending on the type of trips you enjoy, you can go up in the mountains and see the snow, drive along the coast and see the water scenery, or drive across the county on route 66 and see many historical landmarks. Along the way, there are various activities that will keep you entertained while creating lifetime memories. If you have never tried a winter road trip in the US, what’s stopping you from doing it now? If you don’t think you should try going on a winter road trip, don’t worry, there are many areas of the country that are warm and sunny. Even the wintry areas have many activities that you will find exhilarating; not all wintry locations are hard to get to. Many have good roads that are cleared of snow, making travel easy. You don’t want to miss out on all the beautiful things and places to see while they are covered in snow.

Winter road trip in the US
Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Planning your winter road trip in the US

The US is a vast country covering a large amount of landmass with every town and city having unique characteristics and interesting places that call the attention of visitors across the world. If you think that the United States would be a perfect place to go on a winter road trip, then you should do the research necessary to plan what you want to visit and pick a suitable route for a winter road trip; review normal weather conditions for the time of year you will be visiting to ensure to choose the perfect route.

VISA, ESTA, and International Driving Permit (IDP) Requirements 

If you are planning a road trip in the United States and you are not presently in the country, then you will need a visa or an ESTA before you can enter the country. You may also need other documents, especially if you are planning to drive; In order to drive, you will need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Contact the Motor vehicle department of your country to find out how to obtain an IDP, as the US does not issue them for foreign drivers. For more information on US Driving rules, visit this site. 

After getting your driver’s license, you should also confirm if you are eligible for an ESTA. Only citizens of visa waiver program countries are eligible for an ESTA. You can check the ESTA Visa application site to obtain more information about the US visa and ESTA process. If your country is not among the Visa waiver program countries, your only option will be a visa. Getting a visa requires a good understanding of the system. Working with an agent is sometimes the best way if you want to avoid the stress yourself. The agents do this every day and knows the process and can navigate the bureaucracy quickly on your behalf. You can also apply and Check your ESTA status online. The most important thing is to have your VISA and ESTA prior to departure, or you will be turned away at immigration.

Winter Road Trip Options

Route 66 – this is one of the best routes that you should consider for an amazing winter road trip. It is a long route 2,448 miles long that starts from Lake Michigan and ends in Los Angeles. There are lots of things to see on your way, making it an ideal trip to see the diverse countryside of the US with many major landmarks along the way. The trip could last for two weeks or more, depending on how many stops you make. Since it is a winter trip, you should expect harsh weather conditions. To enjoy your trip plan where you plan to stop, tourradar has some great suggestions for seeing old eclectic sites along the route. If your more interested in seeing natural and man-made wonders, these sites will thrill you; Grand Canyon, The Petrified Forest, London Bridge, Sky City, Cadillac Ranch, Meramec Caverns, and more.

Florida Keys

Key West Southern most point
Image by Michael Draeger from Pixabay

Overseas Highway – this is a perfect route for a winter road trip. It is a short route that connects Miami with Key West. On a normal traffic day, the trip takes about 3 hours, but you can always extend as you stop and see the sites along the way. Since the road goes across many keys you are always driving along the ocean; Although it may be very cold around the rest of the US, this route will be warm and sunny on most days during the winter. You can also explore Miami by visiting some of the best places in the form of landmarks, restaurants, and other entertainment centers.

Hill Country, Texas

Hill Country in Texas is a great route full of rugged terrain marked by wooded canyons carved by spring-fed rivers. It has endless miles of quirky old western signs and cowboy scenes. This is a perfect route for an amazing winter road trip. If you are looking for a way to spend time with your family, then you should check this route out. This is a route that starts from San Antonio and ends in Bandera, Texas. As you drive to your planned destination, take a few breaks to explore sites along the way. There are so many great places to see; it will make your trip a memorable one, try to explore some of the cities and towns on the route of Hill Country. Take pictures as well to remember your trek once you get back home fondly. 

Whatever route you take on your winter road trips in the US, I am sure it will be a trip of a lifetime; enjoy!