New York, NY, USA

Where I've Been

Welcome to the most geographically diverse country in the world, the U.S.A.! This guide is written based off of a road trip that we took in late 2020. The full itinerary is a little over three weeks (23 days, 22 nights), starting and finishing in Orlando (where we were living at the time). 

The best part about the itinerary? It's a loop! Allowing you to start and finish wherever. This itinerary is 100% personalizable and as many stops can be added or removed as you'd like. This route offers some amazing places, including the beaches in Florida, the deserts of the southwest, and the coastlines of California. 

The most optimal time to take this road trip is during the summer as you'll find the best weather everywhere. But because we're mainly down south, you can take this road trip in the winter without too much trouble in the snow. 

This itinerary includes 15 states, nine National Parks, 6000+ miles, and all of the costs we incurred along the way. This itinerary also includes things to see, places to eats, and our favorite things in each location. This itinerary does not include overnight accommodation, so it is necessary to find hotels/airbnbs on your own. 

Durango, CO, USA

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Texas, USA

Zion National Park, Utah, USA

White Sands National Park, New Mexico, USA

Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA

Arizona, USA

New Orleans, LA, USA

Utah, USA

Las Vegas, NV, USA

Orlando, FL, USA

Moab, UT, USA

Florida 30A, Panama City, FL, USA

The Cross-Country Road Trip | Southern U.S.A.

Baton Rouge

Vacherie

Houston

Austin

New Braunfels

Dallas

Lafayette

Galveston

Arlington

New Orleans

Beaumont

San Antonio

Fort Worth

Dripping Springs

Julsa's Roadtrip

🤠🌵 Texas Unleashed: A Lone Star Adventure Awaits! 🌟 From the bustling streets of Austin's live music scene to the breathtaking vistas of Big Bend, we've rounded up the top Texas treasures just for you! 🎸🏞️ Get your BBQ fix in the heart of Hill Country, two-step your way through historic Fort Worth, and find your inner cowboy in the legendary West Texas desert. 🍖🤠 Ready to wrangle some unforgettable memories? Join us as we explore the very best of the Lone Star State! 📸🌵 #TexasUnleashed #LoneStarAdventure #TravelGoals

Texas

Ever contemplated a new method of travel? A way to break up all of the traffic-filled roadtrips or miserable treks to the airport, only to wait 2-3 hours for a flight? Fed up with the same old highway views (or lack of views from the plane)?

If so, this guide is for you! From the very first time I boarded an Amtrak Long Distance (LD) train in 2016 in Oakland, CA, I was immediately overcome with excitement, which quickly morphed into a passion. I have yet to go on a trip and not catch myself in a trance staring out the window on multiple occasions, failing to read/watch all of the books/shows I thought I would need or having a deep conversation with a complete stranger in the observation car. These experiences are the reason why I write this guide, to share and hopefully inform prospective travelers.

If you are not familiar with Amtrak’s LD services, fear not! I intend to offer as much information about the train options, destinations, schedules and anything else I can think of to lead your potential adventure. If for some reason, I don’t cover something, feel free to reach out!

This is just part one of a three-part guide and will cover the intro as well as the first five long-distance trains (numerically). Be sure to check out the other two sections, the individual more in-depth route guides, as well as 20 Questions for an Amtrak LD First Timer (all coming soon!).

Milwaukee, WI, USA

St Paul, MN, USA

Seattle, WA, USA

Reno, NV, USA

Houston, TX, USA

Portland, OR, USA

Salt Lake City, UT, USA

Chicago, IL, USA

Denver, CO, USA

San Antonio, TX, USA

Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Amtrak Long Distance Trains: Welcome Aboard! 
(Part 1 of 3)

Arriving in Houston about nine hours after departing New Orleans, the Sunset Limited has a slightly extended stop. Unfortunately, the Houston station leaves a lot to be desired. If you are just stepping off the train to stretch your legs, it is actually a better experience as you get a nice view of the Houston skyline from the platform. 

If you are looking to get off in Houston to spend a few days, have your ride organized ahead of time. It kind of feels like the station is stuffed in the corner beneath a web of interstate highways and although there is a police station around the block, it doesn’t give off the safest vibe.

That said, Houston is an excellent city to spend a few days checking out the sites. If you opt into renting a car, you can even take a trip down to Galveston, which is about 45 mins-1 hour ride south. 

Houston

About Houston

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