Ever felt the sudden urge to get in your car and just drive? You’re not alone—64% of Americans agree they want to hop in the car with their friends and take a spontaneous road trip.
A new survey asked 2,000 Americans which regions of the United States they were most itching to travel to, and where they would most like to stop on a road trip.
The Southwest came out on top, with destinations in the Northeast coming in second—narrowly edging out the South.
The Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, and Yellowstone National Park were the most sought-after stops on a ‘bucket list’ road trip. Indeed, most of the top 30 spots on the wish list were among the nation’s majestic national parks.
TOP 30 PLACES AMERICANS WANT TO VISIT ON A ROAD TRIP
1. Grand Canyon, Arizona, 44%
2. Yosemite National Park, California, 32%
3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 32%
4. Niagara Falls, New York, 31%
5. Florida Keys, Florida, 31%
6. Las Vegas, Nevada, 28%
7. Lake Tahoe, on the Nevada–California border, 28%
8. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, 25%
9. The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, 24%
10. Glacier National Park, Montana, 23%
11. Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 22%
12. Nashville, Tennessee 22%
13. French Quarter/New Orleans, Louisiana, 21%
14. Zion National Park, Utah, 21%
15. Monument Valley, Utah and Arizona, 21%
16. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, 21%
17. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, 20%
18. Death Valley National Park, California, 20%
19. Crater Lake, Oregon, 20%
20. The Alamo, Texas, 19%
21. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, 18%
22. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, 18%
23. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, 17%
24. Black Hills, South Dakota, 16%
25. White Sands National Park, New Mexico, 16%
26. The Finger Lakes, New York, 15%
27. Teddy Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, 13%
28. Rosewell, New Mexico, 13%
29. Cadillac Ranch, Texas, 11%
30. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas, 9%
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Sixt, the survey also examined what makes the ideal road trip—from the company we keep to essentials we bring to what makes the ideal road trip car.
Family road trips are still in fashion with 4 in 10 preferring to spend time with their family, but Americans have a strict three-day limit when it comes to those. This might be related to the average potential of six “car-guments” (arguments while driving) that a family will have in that time, an average of two a day.
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The top essential for Americans on the road isn’t water—or even a first aid kit—but rather snacks, with the average person chowing down on at least four snacks during a 5-6-hour drive…
TOP 10 ROAD TRIP SNACKS
1. Pretzels/chips 51%
2. Candy 43%
3. Chocolate 42%
4. Nuts 40%
5. Trail mix 37%
6. Beef jerky 35%
7. Protein bars 33%
8. Grapes 29%
9. Popcorn 25%
10. String cheese 25%
More than 3 in 10 respondents would actually prefer to choose a longer route so they can enjoy the scenery, and 48% opt for local or country roads rather than major highways.
When asked about their preference of cars on either a one-day road trip or a week-long adventure, three quarters answered they would like to tool around in a convertible or sports car for the day, but 62% prefer an SUV or truck for longer hauls.
When planning your next trip, don’t forget these top 10 road essentials:
1. Snacks
2. Phone chargers
3. Water or sports drinks
4. Cameras
5. Blankets
6. First aid kits
7. Flashlights
8. Tissues
9. Travel pillows, and
10. Hand sanitizers
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