My Favorite Places

People often ask me where to go on a first trip across the United States. My answer changes a little every year, but a few places always stay on the list.

Swipe through the gallery above for my favorite views, and read on for why each of them deserves a spot on your own map.

These are not secret spots. Millions of people visit them every year. But each one has a quiet side that many visitors miss, and that is the side I want to show you. Most of them are easy to combine on one long road trip, or to visit on separate long weekends spread through the year.

New York at sunset

New York can be overwhelming at noon, but at sunset it becomes gentle. The skyline turns gold, the streets slow down for a moment and the whole city seems to take a breath before the night begins.

My favorite way to see it is from the water. Take a ferry at golden hour, stand at the back and watch Manhattan light up behind you. It costs almost nothing and feels like a movie.

I also love the small parks between the tall buildings. They are perfect for a quiet sandwich and some people watching.

Horseshoe Bend early in the morning

Most people visit Horseshoe Bend in the middle of the day, when the sun is high and the viewpoint is crowded. Go at sunrise instead. The canyon walls glow, the river is still in shadow and you can hear the wind instead of other people.

Bring a jacket, because the desert is cold before the sun comes up, and give yourself time to simply sit and look.

If you have time, walk the rim trail a little further than the crowds. Every few minutes the view changes, and you may find a spot all to yourself.

My tips for a first big trip

A trip across the country can feel huge. These simple rules keep it fun instead of exhausting.

These rules have saved me from many tired, rushed days.

• Choose fewer places and stay longer
• Mix big cities with nature
• Plan sunrise and sunset, improvise the middle of the day
• Eat where locals eat
• Leave one free day for surprises

The Big Sur coast in the fog

Big Sur is famous for its blue water and sunny cliffs, but I love it most in the fog. The coast becomes quiet and mysterious, the bridges disappear into the clouds and every turn of the road feels like a secret.

Drive slowly, stop often and do not worry about perfect weather. Some of my favorite photos from California were taken on gray days.

Stop at the small pullouts along the road. Some of them have short trails down to quiet beaches that most travelers drive right past.

Every place on this list has a different mood, and together they make a pretty good picture of this country.

The colorful streets of New Orleans

New Orleans is the place I recommend to people who think they do not like cities. The houses are painted every color you can imagine, music drifts out of open doors and food is a reason to plan your whole day.

Walk instead of driving, try the beignets at least once and stay out late enough to hear a brass band on a street corner.

The city has a slower rhythm than most. Let it set your pace, and plan to stay at least three nights.

Traveling on a budget

A big trip does not have to be expensive. Drive instead of flying between nearby places, stay in small motels or guesthouses, and pack picnics for lunch. National park passes pay for themselves after a few visits.

Save your splurges for the things you will remember: a special dinner, a guided tour or one night in a beautiful place. Everything else can be simple. Travel is about what you see and feel, not where you sleep.

Places still on my list

I have not seen everything, not even close. Glacier National Park, the coast of Maine and Savannah in spring are all waiting for me. If you have been, send me your best advice. I read every message.

A quick tip for planning: put every place you want to see on one map before booking anything. Seeing the distances together helps you group nearby spots, avoid long backtracking drives and find the small towns in between, which are often the most memorable stops of all.

Final thoughts

Swipe through the gallery above and let me know which place you would visit first. And if you have a favorite I have not seen yet, tell me in the comments. My list is always open.

Big or small, every trip is a chance to see your own country with fresh eyes. Start with one place from this list, give it a few unhurried days and let it surprise you. Then come back and tell me which view stayed with you the longest.