If the pandemic has had you cooped up for far too long, but you’re still concerned about air travel and visiting another country, the U.S. has the perfect road-trip region: the Southwest. Get outside and enjoy the unique climate and geography that Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah have to offer.
In this article, we’ll not only highlight where to go and what to do, but we’ll also get you properly and affordably set up for your road trip — whether you’re driving your car or a rental, including tips on third-party rental car insurance — so you can enjoy your adventure without extra worry and needless expenses.
#1 – Desert Skies Stargazing Across the Southwest
All across the Southwest, you’ll find vast expanses with night skies that mesmerize. You may want to try camping to take in the view, as it will provide the best access.
In New Mexico, Chaco Culture National Historical Park has camping and stargazing sites. Also, Airbnb has rentals of specialty Earthships, which are solar-powered shelters made of upcycled material. They provide a great way to get away from light pollution.
Arizona has many ideal locations near Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. In Utah, Camp Sarika provides riding, climbing, and hiking, as well as beautiful stargazing sites.
#1 – A Summer Hike in the Colorado Rockies
A summer hike in the Rockies is the perfect way to blow off some steam and get some healthy exercise while taking in a gorgeous view. You’ll find mountains 14,000 feet or higher. Consider hiking the Democrat-Cameron-Lincoln Loop; it’s a route that allows you to mount four summits in one go.
#1 – Historic Route 66 through New Mexico and Arizona
Route 66 is one of the oldest, most historic roads in America. It is perfect for road trippers who want to soak up local history. You will find lots of retro neon signs, kitschy museums, vintage motels, and other quirky roadside attractions.
In New Mexico, check into the El Rancho Hotel, which has hosted the likes of John Wayne and Humphrey Bogart. In Arizona, check out the historic Navajo County Courthouse Museum, featuring many cultural relics.
Driving and Auto Insurance Tips
If you already have a car and policy, it is wise to add a friend’s name to your insurance if you think they will be driving your car for an extended period of time.
If you are renting, you may find that third-party providers offer a better deal in coverage. Generally, when renting you are presented with a collision damage waiver or a loss damage waiver.
Although these rental auto insurance options can be quite high in cost, they are necessary. They can charge as much as $30 a day. However, third-party coverage can cut your costs down to a third or quarter of that cost.
Tips on Accommodations
Some people have been known to road trip America for three months or more. But even a cheap Holiday Inn Express will charge you approximately $100 a night.
So how do they do it? Try Airbnb, which has a variety of options for lodging, from rooms to houses to Earthships, as mentioned before. And some go as low as $20 a night.
Time to Get Out There
So if you’re restless and dying to see some beautiful, culturally rich sites, pack up and head to the Southwest. There is so much to see and do, so don’t waste any more time thinking about visiting. Just do it!
Dorothea Hudson writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsureSavings.org. She is passionate about travel and loves educating her readers on the best ways to get around.