Cars and road trips in the USA
The United States is made for road trips, with some of the world’s most iconic and scenic drives. Below, we cover everything you need to know about driving in the USA, from why we recommend cars over motorhomes to insurance, practical tips, and suggested routes.
Car or campervan?
Many travellers imagine exploring the USA by motorhome, pulling over wherever the mood takes them. In reality, however, travelling by car offers far more flexibility. Many of the most charming places to stay, scenic backroads, and hidden gems are best reached by car, allowing you to experience the country in a more relaxed and authentic way.
There’s a common misconception that travelling by motorhome is cheaper. But once you factor in additional costs such as insurance, campground fees, fuel, and one-way charges, it often proves less economical than expected. Hiring a car or SUV and staying in carefully selected accommodation usually offers better value and a far richer travel experience.
With a car, you have far greater flexibility than with a motorhome. You can easily navigate smaller roads, stop whenever something catches your eye, and avoid the parking and access limitations that larger vehicles often face.
You’re free to linger in places you love, take spontaneous detours, or enjoy a slower day without being tied to campground bookings or motorhome facilities. Travelling by car gives you the freedom to explore the USA entirely at your own pace.
Many travellers imagine exploring the USA by motorhome. But the real magic often comes from the places you stay along the way. Travelling by car allows you to move easily between charming lodges, welcoming inns, ranch stays, and boutique B&Bs set in beautiful surroundings.
These are places motorhomes often can’t access, full of character and hosted by people who love sharing their local area. And it certainly beats packing up a motorhome each morning while surrounded by rows of parked vehicles.
Driving in the USA
Driving in the USA is easy and comfortable. Once you leave the major cities, the roads open up and traffic quickly thins out, giving you plenty of space to enjoy the journey. With well-maintained highways, clear signage, and long scenic routes, road tripping is one of the best ways to experience the country’s vast landscapes.
Outside the main metropolitan areas, traffic is often light and relaxed. Wide roads and long stretches of open highway make driving straightforward and enjoyable, whether you’re cruising along coastal routes or crossing mountain landscapes.
It’s common to drive for miles with little traffic, giving you time to settle into the journey and truly appreciate the scenery around you.
Road travel in the USA is well supported with frequent services along most routes. You’ll regularly find petrol stations, diners, cafés, and rest areas, making it easy to stop for a break whenever you feel like it.
Scenic viewpoints, small towns, and local attractions appear regularly along the way, turning even the journey between destinations into part of the adventure.
Road trip inspiration
What type of car should you choose?
The right vehicle for your road trip depends on the number of travellers, the amount of luggage you have, and the level of comfort you prefer. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:
Ideal for solo travellers or couples, a compact SUV is fuel efficient and easy to drive. Its smaller size makes it well suited to navigating city streets and parking in busy areas.
A medium SUV offers a comfortable balance of space and efficiency. With more room for luggage, it’s a great choice for couples, small families, or friends travelling together.
For larger families or groups, a large SUV provides generous space and extra comfort. It’s ideal if you’re travelling with more luggage or simply prefer a more spacious vehicle for longer drives.
Why plan your self-drive trip with Little America?
Booking your holiday with Little America means benefiting from years of first-hand experience designing memorable self-drive journeys across the USA. Here’s what makes our road trips stand out:
New vehicles
Choice of compact, medium, or large SUVs
Comprehensive insurance with zero excess
Favourable rates outside of high season
Freedom to explore places motorhomes can't reach
CO₂ offsetting for a more responsible journey
Plan your dream USA road trip
Ready to explore the United States at your own pace? Our travel specialists will design a personalised itinerary for your dream road trip, taking care of every detail, from flights to car hire and accommodation.
All you have to do is enjoy the journey ahead.