With flights and travel opening again from Northern Ireland, we are looking for a return to the USA for another of our road trip itineraries. (Our previous being a road trip in New York). With cheapish direct flights from Belfast to New York and Orlando, as well as connections via various destinations in the UK, there are destinations in both the north and south with plenty to explore in between. (Note you should apply for an ESTA before travelling as we outline below).
Anyway, this time we are looking for something different, less obvious, and here we share some of the lesser-known road trip destinations in the USA. The states of the USA also offer a wide range of scenery, from snow-peaked mountains to vast grasslands and deserts, picturesque oceans and lakes, and even active volcanoes, and the country is large enough to offer plenty of natural beauty without being too crowded or touristy.
However, while the land has all to give, it is not dispersed equally among its states. Nevada may have glitzy casinos and urban sprawl comparable to certain European megacities here. Still, it lacks visual beauty compared to states like Colorado and Utah, where majestic mountain ranges coexist with soaring red sandstone cliffs rising far above Lake Powell. So there will always be a bit of balance when hopping between states.
Don’t Forget Your ESTA Before Travel
Now thanks to the Visa waiver program by the USA, you should apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) as soon as you decide to visit the states and to check your eligibility for an e-passport. Eligible travellers are required to receive an authorization through ESTA prior to boarding a U.S.-bound aeroplane or vessel. Upon arrival, US Customs and Border Protection personnel decide on admission. Nevertheless, most travellers meet the ESTA requirements, so it is highly recommended to familiarize yourself with the prerequisites of all the parameters under ESTA to ensure your smooth arrival in the USA. Further details can be found at the local US Consulate in Belfast.
Once you have received ESTA approval to enter the USA, the next step is to design an itinerary to visit the most scenic locations. We can assist you with this by sharing the best scenic destinations.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is among the most popular picturesque states in the country. It has a vast amount of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and many scenic towns and cities.
In fact, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Americans. In addition, it has a stunning display of foliage during the fall that makes it an even more beautiful place to visit.
Idaho
To many people, Idaho means potatoes and pot. But the Gem State has far more to offer than that – and at a fraction of the cost of other natural destinations. Idaho has beautiful lakes, the Sawtooth Mountains, and the Salmon River Canyon, which are all great for your next vacation.
West Virginia
The Mountain State is filled with beauty in all forms, from the well-known spots like the New River Gorge to lesser-known locations like Ansted or Bluestone Lake.
While it may be neglected by those looking for a spot to visit in the East, West Virginia has a lot to contribute to nature lovers, making it ideal for those seeking a tranquil vacation away from the masses.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a state with many faces. First, it’s known for its cheese, large dairy farms, and the Green Bay Packers. But did you know there are deep-blue shores on Lake Superior and white sandy beaches along Lake Michigan? Wisconsin is also home to dramatic scenery and thousands of lakes, rivers, and streams (73 of them considered “trails”).
New Mexico
While one of the least populous states in the USA, New Mexico is rich with many natural resources. Its rugged terrain, ranging from high mountain peaks to lush valleys and streams and rivers, is excellent for hiking and camping. You can discover a wide variety of plant life and animals. If you seek something unique from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can always head over to this intriguing state for some peace and quiet.
South Dakota
South Dakota is a hidden gem within the USA with some of the most remarkable attractions in North America. The state has thousands of acres of lush forests and a vast prairie landscape that just can’t be found anywhere else. It nestles one of the most famous presidential monuments you can find – Mount Rushmore. But there’s so much more to see here than this stunning attraction!
