Memorial Day is made for rest, relaxation and spending extra time with loved ones. With a four day weekend comes the ability to get away from home for a few days, and in a recent Travelocity survey, nearly 40 percent mentioned plans to travel. Of those travelers, nearly 80 percent plan to hit the road for a long weekend vacation. With thousands of miles of roads in the United States, choosing a trip for a quick getaway can be daunting.
We chatted with three of our Gnational Gnomads – experts in the travel space – to discover which recent road trips they’ve enjoyed. From the picturesque Yellowstone area to the Pacific Northwest, there’s a road trip out there for everyone.
Exploring the California Coast
Travelocity Gnomad Susan Lanier-Graham of “Wander With Wonder” named the stretch of California coastal highway between Big Sur on the Central Coast and Los Angeles as a must-take road trip. “One of the best drives is the 17-mile stretch between Carmel and Monterey,” said Lanier-Graham. Additionally, she recommended hiking at Point Lobos as a perfect way to experience the ocean, sea lions and more. Open seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Point Lobos offers a variety of things to see, including ocean vistas, rocky shores and wildflowers.
Majestic Mountain Masterpiece
National Parks and scenic mountain passes on the route between Denver and Yellowstone are the main attractions of the favorite road trip for Travelocity Gnomad Angie Orth of “Angie Away”. “It was such an eye-opening experience to explore the vastness of the West. As a Florida girl I’m used to a very different landscape, so it was definitely a treat,” said Orth. Recommended stops included Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado and the hot springs in Saratoga, Wyoming. The trip provides a nice balance between city amenities and wildlife adventures.
Traversing the Pacific Northwest
While most people think of California when it comes to traveling the west coast, Travelocity Gnomad Erin Bender of “Travel With Bender” looks north to Oregon and Washington for her ultimate road trip. Recommended stops include Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Ruby Beach, Multnomah Falls and Crater Lake – billed by Bender as “easily one of the most beautiful places on Earth.” Bender’s favorite cities include Crescent City, CA; Bend, OR; Portland, OR; Port Angeles, WA; and Seattle.
Aaron Baker, Travelocity PR Manager
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