By Modern60
Last Updated on,
February 5th, 2026
Flying may be the fastest and most convenient way to explore the world, but it’s certainly not the only option—and that’s great news if you cannot or do not want to fly. While planes offer speed and ease, they serve merely as a mode of transportation, making your travel experience primarily about the destination. In contrast, non-flying travel options allow you to savor the journey itself, adding an enriching dimension to your adventure.
Road trips give you the freedom flights never can. You can set the pace, pick the stops, and pass through scenic routes and country roads to make the journey more pleasurable. Besides using your own cars, you can consider renting an RV for a more relaxed and comfortable road trip. For long journeys, you can simply book a good parking spot and set up camp to spend the night.
Most American national parks make for beautiful road trip destinations, with their routes offering some of the most scenic landscapes. The Glacier National Park (Montana), for instance, with its Going-to-the-Sun Road, and the route lined up with the Rockies, is simply breathtaking. Likewise, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains offer easy drives with incredible landscapes.
The short stretch between Austin and San Antonio packs in plenty of history and culture. But that’s just a part of what these places have to offer. If you love music, you’ll absolutely revel in Austin, where music spills out of every cafe. And in San Antonio, you have the River Walk to enjoy, among other things.
Speaking of music, a road trip to cities that are considered havens for music lovers can be an absolute delight. You can drive to Nashville, for instance, if you’re someone who enjoys the country music scene, or to New Orleans, if you love jazz. And if you groove to rock n’ roll and the blues, choose Memphis as your next road trip destination.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving but still want to enjoy an experience similar to a road trip, bus tours might be just your thing. No need to worry about directions, parking, or planning; simply sit back and enjoy. And if you wish, socialize with fellow travelers and make new friends.
Few destinations rival the spectacle of Niagara Falls. The roar of the majestic falls and the drops projecting rainbows are sights that will never leave your memory once you see them in person. Many tour organizers offer a trip to the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, alongside the Niagara tour, making it quite a wholesome drive holiday idea for retirees.
Red rocks, cacti, and sunsets—Arizona’s landscape has a lot of beauty to offer. And what better way to take in those views than a bus tour through the state? While there, don’t forget to explore the alluring towns of Sedona, Tucson, and Scottsdale, taking in their unique architecture and rich Native American heritage.
San Francisco is a city packed with history. The Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown—each place has its own story to tell. A guided bus tour through this place will be a culturally enriching experience.
Taking a train tour that spans a few days is among the top vacation ideas, especially for those who wish to experience the sweeping views of our country’s landscapes. With trains, you do not have to stress about traffic. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Specific long-distance routes on Amtrak trains feature dining cars with pre-packed menus, allowing you to enjoy meals en route, as well as spacious rooms with beds for overnight stays. Moreover, Amtrak offers several scenic routes across the country that make the journey itself a highlight of the trip.
Amtrak’s Empire Builder takes you on a beautiful journey through the North Dakota plains, ultimately leading to Glacier National Park in Montana. This tour from Amtrak also includes a boat cruise in the Two Medicine Valley.
Starting from Chicago, this train journey takes you to Williams, Arizona, where you can board the majestic Grand Canyon Railway. Then, your journey begins to one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. It’s a six-day round trip, which includes hotel accommodations for three nights, the Grand Canyon Freedom Tour, and on-board meals.
The Coast Starlight route through the Pacific Northwest is one of the most spectacular train journeys. It runs from Los Angeles to Seattle, passing forests, cliffs, lakes, and rugged coastlines along the way.
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