The moment my partner and I laid our hands on Lonely Planet’s latest offering, “Epic Road Trips of the Americas”, we were instantly captivated. We found ourselves immersed, scanning pages, discussing exciting journeys, and admiring the vivid photographs. The collection is vast, and while the idea of embarking on every single trip might be a tad ambitious, dreaming about them is half the adventure.
Diving into the Details
The book’s scope extends beyond just the U.S., encompassing Canada and South America. The majority is dedicated to North America, filling 35 rich chapters. In an interesting twist, the table of contents is arranged alphabetically rather than by region. While initially perplexing, this setup invites readers to explore and discover, aligning perfectly with the theme of road trips. For instance, the Vail to Aspen drive isn’t categorized by region or state but by its title “Across the Great Divide: Vail to Aspen (CO)”.
A typical section looks like this:
ROUTE OVERVIEW
Starting Point // Death Valley Junction
Endpoint // Big Pine
Travel Distance // Varies between 160 to 280 miles, based on the chosen route.
Optimal Travel Time // Winter and spring are perfect for exploring Death Valley. If possible, steer clear during the scorching midsummer. Accommodation Options // Check out Furnace Creek or Stovepipe Wells for various lodging choices.
Essential Tips // While Death Valley’s main roads are paved, offbeat areas require a high-clearance 4WD. Ensure you’re well-prepared with spare fuel, a reliable spare tire, and essential supplies. It’s advised to consume at least 1 gallon (4 liters) of water per person daily during the summer.
Further Details // www.nps.gov/deva
Revisiting Old Journeys and Dreaming New Ones
Flipping through the pages, we reminisced about our past adventures, like our journey on Maui’s west coast, drawing parallels to Chile’s wildlife viewing drives. Our numerous adventures on Highway 101 between San Francisco and Seattle were evocatively captured in the “Land of Giants: The Pacific Northwest” section. The book sparked our interest in previously unexplored terrains, making us yearn for a drive on the iconic Route 66.
While each entry was compellingly crafted, a few lacked intricate details. For instance, while discussing the Pacific Northwest drive, several quaint towns were overlooked. However, detailing every picturesque stop might render the book unmanageably bulky.
Chapter Dynamics
Every chapter commences with a succinct overview, accompanied by a regional map and captivating images with descriptive captions. Practical driving instructions are laid out, like “Start: Seattle and Finish: San Francisco”, enriched with handy insights about seasonal pros and cons. Readers are treated to culinary recommendations and other useful tidbits, such as visiting San Francisco’s It’s Tops for a nostalgic treat. Additionally, there’s a section suggesting similar exciting drives, providing readers with a plethora of options.
Why You Should Get a Copy
From serene romantic getaways to engaging family adventures, there’s something for every traveler. The entries exude authenticity, reflecting the firsthand experiences of seasoned travelers. With insights into the intricacies of each journey, potential challenges, and side attractions, the book ensures you’re well-prepared. If you’re seeking inspiration for your next road trip without the hassle of endless online searches, this book is the perfect companion.
Published by Lonely Planet in September 2022, this 320-page hardback is priced at $33.51 on Amazon. It’s not only a delightful read for you but also an excellent gift choice for the road trip aficionado in your life.
