Last year, I embarked on an extraordinary cross-country adventure that took me through 29 different states across the United States — a journey that unfolded like a vivid tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and unexpected discoveries. From the tranquil expanse of the Great Lakes shimmering beneath summer skies to the lush green majesty of Vermont’s rolling mountains, every stretch of highway offered a new chapter in a story about curiosity, resilience, and wonder.

Three of those states completely captured my heart — places where the scenery felt painted with emotion, where local communities welcomed me with genuine kindness, and where every meal and conversation seemed to slow down time itself. Yet two other destinations tested my patience and my adaptability, reminding me that travel isn’t always effortless or picture-perfect. Those moments — the missed turns, the unpredictable weather, the plans gone awry — became unexpected lessons in flexibility and gratitude.

Looking back, I realize that covering so much ground wasn’t merely about collecting miles; it was a deeper exploration of contrasts: vast deserts and snow-capped peaks, bustling cities and silent plains, familiar comforts and wild unknowns. Each border crossed reshaped my perspective, revealing that beauty often lives in imperfection and that even the less-loved stops along the way contribute to the richness of the whole experience.

Among the countless sights, a few remain etched in memory — silent sunrises over glassy lakes, the joy of stumbling upon a family-run café miles from any major highway, or the quiet satisfaction of watching a storm roll across an open meadow. These fleeting moments reminded me why wanderlust is not a fleeting impulse but a lifelong calling.

Though a few destinations might stay one-time experiences, they added texture to the story just as much as the ones I can’t wait to revisit. After all, travel teaches more than geography; it teaches self-awareness. So now, as I reflect on every mile traveled and every unfamiliar horizon embraced, I find myself already dreaming of what comes next. Which state, I wonder, will steal my heart again on the next great American road trip?

Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/states-to-visit-places-to-skip-from-frequent-traveler-2026-2