The Ultimate 3-Week Road Trip Across North America 2025
Are you embarking on The Ultimate 3-Week Road Trip Across North America in 2023?
After a long few years of on and off travel restrictions, this 3-week road trip across North America is the ultimate way to break out of your comfort zone and start seeing the world again.
You’ll be exposed to some amazing sights, get the opportunity to meet interesting people, and possibly even get the chance to capture some amazing wildlife on film!
You’ve likely traveled by plane, train, boat, and scooter before, but, perhaps it’s time for a new adventure… say, a car or van, perhaps?
Before you hit the open road, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your trip goes smoothly, however, which is exactly where I come in.
In this article, I have provided you with a detailed 3-week North American itinerary, all the information you need to know about planning a road trip, important safety tips, and much more.
My goal for you is after reading this article, you’ll be ready to pack your bags and embark on the journey of your lifetime. So, let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
- Week 1: Massachusetts to Colorado
- Week 2: Colorado to British Columbia
- Week 3: British Columbia to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska (the Arctic Circle)
- Map of this 3 Week Road Trip Across North America
- The Best Time to Visit the U.S.
- How to Get Around the U.S.
- Where to Stay in the U.S. on a Road Trip
- What to Eat on a 3-Week Road Trip Across America
- What to Pack for a 21-Day USA Road Trip
- Tips for Planning a U.S. Road Trip
- Safety Tips for Going on a 3-Week Road Trip Across America
- FAQ: 3-Week Road Trip Across America
The Ultimate 3-Week Road Trip Across North America Itinerary
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This 21-day USA itinerary marks its beginning on the East Coast in the iconic city of Boston, Massachusetts.
From this popular South Shore city, you’ll make your way through the central United States, heading northwest from Colorado through Canada’s territories, and finally ending in the Arctic Circle where you’ll step foot in one of the northernmost cities in the world!
Of course, there will be plenty of national park stops along the way for the avid nature enthusiast, like myself.
The goal of this itinerary is to get from as far East Coast to as far West Coast as you possibly can in just 3 weeks.
It’s the ultimate guide for relocating to Alaska or the West Coast of the U.S. and perfect if you want to be one of the few people in the world who can say they drove one of the longest distances across North America (6,000+ miles to be exact!)
Following the itinerary, keep reading for tips on planning a 3-week road trip across America, safety information, where to stay, how to get around, when to visit each region, and more.
Week 1: Massachusetts to Colorado
In week one of this itinerary, we’ll be visiting 6 different locations, but don’t stress! 3 of them are all within an hour of each other in Colorado.
You’ll have plenty of time to do some sightseeing and not stress yourself out with too much driving as you start acclimating to life on the road.
Niagara Falls, New York
No 3-week road trip across America would be complete without a quick visit to Niagara Falls! A 7-hour drive from the city of Boston will take you through New York’s capital of Albany and straight onto the Canadian border from Syracuse.
Niagara Falls is a staggering 2,200 feet wide and 188 feet high in certain places making it one of the most impressive waterfalls in North America.
During your visit, you can take a walk along the 3-mile Niagara Parkway and enjoy the rushing rapids before the falls drop, or view them up close with a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist.
Now, you’ve probably heard that there are two sides to Niagara Falls – the New York side and the Canadian side. And if you have heard of this, then it’s likely that you’ve also heard that the Canadian side is better.
While I really enjoyed my time visiting the New York side which came equipped with dozens of food trucks, a beautiful green park, and plenty of viewing areas, these rumors are true.
The Canadian side offers a far better perspective for viewing the width and depth of the falls, so if you’re looking for some prime photo opportunities, then it will be in your best interest to spend some time in line at the Canadian border.
Just be sure to remember your passport and consider practicing your French speaking skills before you go!
✅ If you want a really special experience then consider booking a helicopter ride over the Niagra Falls. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.
This 4.5 star review helicopter ride is the best out there.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH
From Niagara Falls, it’s time to head toward the Midwest, where you’ll be spending a day in the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
Depending on which side of Niagara Falls you visited, you can either continue your journey south from the New York side through Buffalo and down towards Cleveland, Ohio which takes about 3.5 hours, or you can continue your drive through Canada and pass through Detroit.
I don’t typically recommend the latter of the two since it would take nearly 7 hours of driving, and the journey would include some eastward backtracking which isn’t what we want when trying to be efficient.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the perfect road trip stop for nature lovers, as it’s a beautiful oasis right in the middle of Central America.
This park is set along the Cuyahoga River and features pristine hiking trails (my favorites were the Kendall Lake Loop and Deer Run trails), over 100 miles of scenic biking paths, and plenty of outdoor activities.
If you’re looking to get up close with some wildlife, don’t forget to visit the Beaver Marsh and see if you can spot any beavers or migrant birds!
Pro Tip: After exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park and kicking off your journey on the east coast, it’s important to remember that as you make your way westward, there aren’t going to be an insane amount of stops worth checking out for more than a few hours, unless you decide to drive south towards Tennessee and the surrounding states where there are several beautiful national forests.
Indiana Dunes National Park, IN
From Cuyahoga, head directly west about 4.5 hours to the beautiful Indiana Dunes National Park!
Known for its expansive beaches on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes will blow you away with its pristine landscape and stunning views.
This national park is one of America’s lesser-known gems and is home to 50 miles of hiking trails and 15 miles of sandy beachfront making it the perfect spot to spend a night on your long drive.
If you enjoy sleeping under the stars, be sure to check out Dunewood Campground which is located inside the national park and is nearby Lake Michigan and some great hiking trails including Cowles Bog Trail as well as Glenwood Dunes Trail.
They have clean and well-run facilities, as well as perfectly groomed camping pads so you shower and sleep in peace following your day’s hike.
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Keeping on the national park theme, we’re off to Colorado! Now, you’re probably thinking, “what about Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska?”, and the truth is, there really isn’t much to do near your driving route in these states.
I would, however, recommend stopping at the world’s largest truck stop on I-80 in Iowa!
But, as far as scenic stops go, you’re better off grabbing a campsite or bnb in Lincoln, Nebraska (about halfway on this 15-hour stretch), and continuing on to Colorado where you’ll be spoiled for choice with things to do.
✅ Take a look at Graduate Lincoln for an awesome night of luxury.
Don’t worry, there will be endless corn and hay fields which are actually quite beautiful along the way, but don’t expect anything too crazy to happen at this point in the journey.
Once you enter the breathtaking state of Colorado, don’t be surprised if you have to drive for an extra hour or two before you start seeing the mountains. This surprised me on my first visit when I drove along I-76, so I wanted to give you a fair warning.
But, once you start seeing the city, you’ll be so close to the absolutely incredible Rocky Mountain National Park!
Known for its expansive peaks, miles of hiking trails, and clear alpine lakes, this is one national park you don’t want to miss on your 3-week road trip across North America.
Check out Bear Lake Trailhead which offers stunning views of the pristine lake and endless mountains in the background. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, approach Nymph Lake and Dream Lake for a full day of hiking that you won’t soon forget.
Rocky Mountain National Park is also covered in wildlife, so make sure to keep an eye out for deer, elk, moose, wolves, and even bears! Just don’t forget your bear spray if you plan on hiking through the park.
You could spend weeks in this park without seeing everything there is to see and do, but since we’re trying to be efficient, 2 nights or so will definitely do the trick.
Pro Tip: To limit the number of people in the park before 3:00 PM every day, you may need to reserve your timed entry spot online in the 2023 season.
This can be done weeks in advance, but if you don’t then you may be forced to wait until later in the day or come back on a different day entirely.
You can check the rules and regulations for entry into the park on the National Park Service website as well as reserve your spot when the timeslots become available.
Golden, CO
When in Colorado, you do as the Coloradans do! Walk around downtown Golden and you’ll immediately get a feel for the laid-back, friendly culture of this state.
Shop local stores on the iconic 12th Street and enjoy some craft beers on one of the many patios around town (my favorite brewery is The Golden Mill because of its rooftop bar with self-serve brew stations).
Be sure to make some time for a brewery tour around the world-famous Coors Brewery, and if you’re hungry, there’s no better place in Golden than The Post.
End your night in Golden with ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s and consider staying at the Table Mountain Inn for its close proximity to downtown and beautiful balconies overlooking the Rocky Mountains.
You can also combine your trip to Golden with a stop in Denver if you would like, though we have found Denver to be much more of a city that lacks the true Colorado feel.
✅ Book a stay at Table Mountain Inn here
Boulder, CO
As you make your way north towards Wyoming, be sure to stop in Boulder! Shadowed by the Flatirons on its western border, the city is known for its breathtaking views and epic outdoor activities.
Check out Chautauqua Park for a picnic lunch on the tables outside, or head to the Pearl Street Mall to do some shopping.
✅ Why not explore Chautauqua Park and more on an eBike tour. It’s one of the best ways to experience this beautiful place in a short amount of time.
Boulder is the perfect place to stock up on some craft beers and local snacks before hitting the road again, especially since you’ll be just an hour away from the gorgeous Estes Park.
Week 2: Colorado to British Columbia
In week 2, we have another six different locations, with four of them being national parks! If you would prefer to have more time in each of these places, you can always extend your trip by a few days if you want.
This is what I decided to do and it allowed me to stay in both Banff and Jasper National park for 2 nights each instead of one which made all the difference in my journey.
You also have the option of sticking to the major cities if you prefer, in which case Jackson Hole, WY is a fantastic place to consider.
Grand Tetons National Park, WY
Wyoming is often recognized for one thing: Yellowstone National Park. And don’t worry! We’ll get there (literally – it’s the next stop down on this itinerary), but it’s important to enjoy as much of the road trip as possible because let’s be honest… the journey is more than half of the fun.
If you haven’t heard of Grand Teton National Park before, you’re in for a real treat. Boasting some of the highest peaks in North America, the park is a sight to behold.
At an 8-hour drive from Boulder, it’s a good idea to either leave early in the morning if you’re open to a full day in the car, or plan to book an accommodation of sorts near the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.
✅ Step back in time with a stay at the Elk Mountain Hotel
I stayed at Dugway Campground which is a free dispersed camping site with just an outhouse and first-come-first-serve campsites.
Be sure to hike around Jenny Lake which has plenty of spots for fishing and check out the National Elk Refuge near Jackson Hole.
Just keep in mind that a large influx of native Spanish speakers have moved into the area in recent years, so it’s not a bad idea to brush up on your Spanish if you will be staying in Jackson Hole for a couple of nights since many of the locals speak Spanish as their first language.
Yellowstone National Park, WY
Ah, Yellowstone. Home to some of the most incredible wildlife in North America, you’re sure to be able to spot everything from bison and elk to bears and wolves as you make your way through this iconic park.
There are plenty of different hikes throughout the park and tons of outdoor activities, but what makes Yellowstone unique is its geothermal features like geysers and hot springs.
✅ Book the best geyser and hot springs tour here
The park is also home to the world-famous Old Faithful so be sure to check that out too! If you are interested in some popular day hikes, check out Bunsen Peak or the Mystic Falls Trails Loop which begins in Biscuit Basin.
Pro Tip: This is definitely one of those places on this itinerary where you should stop at the visitor center first so they can give you an overview of where all the animals are likely to be. This is also true at Grand Tetons National Park, where they have rangers consistently driving the park’s main roads and borders to keep track of where herds of elk, bison, and other wildlife are moving.
Canmore, AB, Canada
About 11 hours north of Yellowstone sits the largest city in Alberta, Canada… Calgary! But, just like most cities, Calgary has a lot of fast food spots and major highways, so it’s not exactly the place I recommend spending the night.
If you have a little more driving left in you for the day, head west about 75 minutes to the city of Canmore.
Nestled under the Canadian Rockies, this ski town perfectly represents the iconic town of Chamonix, France known for its craggy, snow-capped mountain peaks and European-style architecture and lodging!
You’ll find wooden chalets, quaint cafes (my favorite is The Summit Cafe on Cougar Creek Dr.) and nearby sits the beautiful Grassi Lakes.
✅ Stay at the beautiful Stoneridge Mountain Resort
It’s the perfect place to stop in for the night for amazing alpine views and good food before you continue your drive north to the iconic Banff and Jasper national parks.
Pro Tip: 11 hours is a long drive. Split it up by stopping in the town of St. Mary which serves as a hopping-off point for the very popular Glacier National Park!
I didn’t end up including this stop on my way to Canada because I would’ve had to rush through it, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you want to make the time to stop in.
Columbia Falls on the west side of the park is where you’ll be the closest to the major sites and hiking trails if you find yourself with the time to reach it, but it is a good bit more off the direct route through Canada.
Banff National Park, AB, Canada
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been looking at pictures of the iconic Lake Moraine for years! And trust me when I say it is everything that you could hope for and more.
Be sure to stay the night right in the park (I really enjoyed Lake Louis Campground because it had a bear fence surrounding the whole campground, meaning it was much safer for myself and my dog), since you’ll be within a 20-minute drive of all the major sites in the park.
I recommend taking a drive up to Lake Louise early in the morning to beat the 9:00 AM crowds and then heading back down through the Bow Valley Parkway which is full of sweeping mountain views and tons of wildlife!
Banff National Park is full of incredible hikes, but my favorites were the Lake Agnes Teahouse (shown above) and Bow Glacier Falls Trail for their incredibly scenic routes and moderately challenging difficulty levels.
Again, just be sure you have an air horn, a bear bell, and bear spray if you are planning on making your way through the Canadian wilderness.
Wildlife sightings are very common, so it’s best to be well prepared and to make plenty of noise during your hike so you don’t startle any animals that may be in your path.
✅ Book a tour of all the best sights listed here if you’re short on time
Jasper National Park, AB, Canada
About a 3-hour drive along I-93 north will bring you to the jaw-dropping Jasper National Park.
Often overlooked by tourists starstruck by Banff, listen to me when I tell you that many of the people we met said they liked Jasper even more than Banff!
Fantastic for wildlife viewing and endless beautiful hiking trails with a fraction of the tourists of Banff, you’ll be so glad you decided to include this lesser-known national park in Canada.
Spend a day exploring the trails surrounding the Valley of the Five Lakes, where you can go swimming in crystal clear, turquoise-colored lakes, or pop into the center of town and try the nachos at the Jasper Brewing Company.
✅ One of the most popular things to do here is the Glacier Skywalk and the Athabasca Glacier.
Book now through Viator
It’s the perfect place to wrap up your evening before taking to the road the next morning.
Pro Tip: While you don’t have as many native French speakers as Quebec in this region of Canada, the city of Canmore and regions surrounding the national parks do have quite a bit of French speakers. So, it’s a great opportunity to practice your French if you’re looking for a way to connect with the locals!
Dawson Creek, BC, Canada
Welcome to British Columbia!
5 hours northwest of Jasper National Park is the small town of Dawson Creek. Seems simple enough… but, there’s actually something quite amazing about this small town and a huge reason why you should include it on your 3-week road trip across North America.
It marks the beginning of the Alaska State Highway!
World famous for its rugged mountainous terrain, the Alaska Highway is a 1,390-mile stretch of road that connects the cities of Dawson Creek and Fairbanks in Alaska.
It’s full of small towns along the way where you can stop for gas and/or food, but it’s also full of absolutely stunning views from start to finish!
Dawson Creek itself doesn’t quite live up to its name, but it’s a great stopping point en route to Alaska if you’re in need of supplies. Plus, you’re likely going to want to break up the drive to Muncho Lake.
Muncho Lake, BC, Canada
From Dawson Creek, you’ll have a 7.5-hour drive up to Muncho Lake where you’ll be able to explore one of the most beautiful regions in British Columbia.
Muncho Lake is a breathtaking alpine lake with amazing hiking trails (particularly Stone’s Sheep Trail) that wind through alpine meadows and by glacier-fed rivers.
This region is also known for its incredible wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for animals like elk, moose, and even bears!
You’ll want to set up camp right on the shores of the lake for the best views of the sunset and sunrise, but keep in mind that you need to get there early as there are only about 10 spots, or so. It’s first-come first-serve, and an environmentalist will come around at some point in the evening to collect $20 from you for the spot.
In return, you’ll receive a small pass that gets clipped to your campsite board for the duration of your stay.
Pro Tip: Drive slowly around Muncho Lake and keep a careful eye out for wildlife. This is where I spotted a pack of 5 wolves, a massive herd of Bison, a bald eagle, and a fox all within a few miles of each other!
Week 3: British Columbia to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska (the Arctic Circle)
On the third week of this North American road trip, you might start to feel like you wished you allotted more time for the drive, or perhaps the opposite, you are ready to kick it into high gear and complete your drive to the Arctic Circle.
Whatever the case may be, this is why it’s best to keep your schedule as flexible as possible while you’re road-tripping.
If you’re camping, this is quite simple since you can just book as you go, but if you’re staying in hotels or Airbnb’s for example, then it will be in your best interest to only book accommodations with free cancelation.
I ended up increasing my 3-week trip to a 4-week trip, and I was so glad I did! Consider how much time you have for traveling and if you have any time constraints limiting your flexibility before you start the drive, so you know exactly how much wiggle room you have with your itinerary.
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
But, to kick off our third and final week of this itinerary, we’ll be making the 8-hour drive up to the Yukon! Whitehorse, specifically.
Similar to Dawson Creek in the sense that it really is just one big city, it’s a good stopping point to get you that much closer to Alaska and it’s a great spot to pick up any supplies you may need.
Pro Tip: If you have yet to get an oil change and check your tire pressure on your road trip across North America so far, then Whitehorse is a great place to do it! There are plenty of mechanics and chain shops such as Jiffy Lube around that can take care of those simple fixes for you.
Tok, Alaska
If you can make it this far, you should be really proud of yourself. Driving cross-country is no easy feat and is definitely something to be celebrated! When we crossed the border into Alaska, it was a fun and exciting moment that I truly hope you get to experience for yourself.
It’s about 5.5 hours to the Alcan Border from Whitehorse, but I don’t really recommend stopping there. The border doesn’t really have much going on, except that you’ll cross this awesome “Welcome to Alaska” sign.
There really isn’t anywhere to stay either, so continue 1.5 hours to the small town of Tok, where you’ll find a small, but well-supplied town with a gas station, a couple of shops and stores, and a great self-serve campground called the Alaska Stoves Camp.
It’s on an honor system, so you can simply drop the money in a camp stove out front of the main building.
Pro Tip: You will cross into a different time zone once you enter Alaska, so be sure to keep this in mind if you’re counting the hours left in your drive using your car’s clock. You’ll also have the opportunity to drive south from Tok if you want to tack on some time in the stunning Wrangell-St. Elias National Park!
Fairbanks, AK
Once you’ve had a chance to refuel, hop back on Route 2 through Delta Junction and onto Fairbanks. It’s just a mere 3.5-hour drive from here which will feel like a breeze at this point in your 3-week North American road trip.
Fairbanks is a great city to stop for a night or two (I actually ended up staying 3 nights because my husband, dog, and I simply needed a break from the car) to catch up on some much-needed rest, particularly if you’ve been camping your way through the majority of this trip like we did.
✅ We recommend a stay the The Adamina. You can book here.
I should also mention that this is your last stop for about 13 hours of driving minimum (one-way, so 26 hours round-trip), so it is vital that you stock up on plenty of food and dry goods. If you have a jet-boil, you’ll be happy to have it!
Coldfoot, AK
Just shy of 6 hours north of Fairbanks will bring you to the tiny, dare I even say the word town, called Coldfoot.
There is one gas pump outside of a wooden building that serves some buffet-style food to truckers and the rare tourist making their way up the Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay.
It was surprisingly tasty considering its remoteness, but you may want to consider other means, especially if you have anyone in your group with a food restriction or allergy.
In terms of accommodations, well… we slept in our car, as did most of the people in the parking lot.
There is the Coldfoot Camp, but be prepared to pay a hefty fee for mediocre lodging at best. If you’re wondering why I would include Coldfoot as a stop on this 3-week road trip across North America, it’s because it’s actually the only stop en route to the Arctic Circle from Fairbanks.
You won’t find any gas stations or supermarkets between Fairbanks and Coldfoot, or between Coldfoot and Prudhoe Bay, so you’ll want to be sure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of food and water before departing for Coldfoot.
It’s the unfortunate reality of driving to one of the most remote places in the entire world.
But, if you have it in you to drive this far, I promise you can make it the rest of the way.
Prudhoe Bay, Alaska
Wake up bright and early, toss your blanket in the trunk of your car, and continue north on the Dalton Highway for an additional 5.5 hours on the last day of your road trip.
Please bear in mind that the Dalton Highway is often rated as one of the most dangerous highways in the entire world owing to its lack of cell service, extremely poor road conditions, and lack of emergency services, and it is not to be taken lightly.
You’ll want to ensure you have plenty of provisions to keep you warm and fed for at least a few days’ time, and it isn’t a bad idea to have a satellite phone on hand.
A spare tire and all of the associated parts should be kept on hand, as well, as popped tires are all too common here.
Keep your eye out for wildlife along the drive and keep your camera handy at all times.
This is one of the few places in North America where you can see arctic foxes, Dall sheep, caribou, grizzly bears, moose, and a myriad of other species native to the Alaskan north that you just won’t find anywhere else.
We loved seeing the tundra swans and tundra loons, plus we got to see muskoxen which were much larger than we expected.
Once you’ve reached Prudhoe Bay, be sure to book an Arctic Ocean Shuttle as it’s the only way to reach the Arctic Ocean. Since the ocean lies on the other side of private oil fields, you’ll need to provide your personal information and have a background check performed before you will be allowed to cross the oil fields with a guide.
It costs about $75 per person, but is well worth the money when you can say you stepped foot (or even taken a dip) in the Arctic Ocean!
Going up to my knees was plenty for me as there were mini glaciers floating all around and the water temperatures ranged in the high 30s Fahrenheit (around 3-4 degrees Celsius).
Pro Tip: Be prepared for chilly weather and cloudy skies, even in the summer months. The Dalton Highway is nearly impassable for 18-wheelers once the snow hits, so be sure to plan your visit during the early summer months if you want to cross into the Arctic Circle with little to no issues.
Map of this 3 Week Road Trip Across North America
Now that you have the itinerary, let’s see it all mapped out! Here is the route that we took to cross from the East Coast of the U.S. to the West Coast all the way through Canada and ending in northernmost Alaska.
I want to ensure that I mention that this route would have been far more efficient had we crossed into Canada in North Dakota, but we had family in Colorado that we wanted to see anyway, plus we got to see so many more U.S. national parks this way.
You can arrange the journey however you please, but this route worked very well for us on our way to Alaska.
The Best Time to Visit the U.S.
There is no one perfect time to visit the U.S., as every part of the country offers very different experiences throughout the year.
However, if you’re looking to do a U.S. road trip, I would recommend either early summer (May-June) or early fall (late August-September) when the weather is milder and the roads are less likely to be blocked by snow and endless flocks of tourists.
If you want to go skiing or see the Northern Lights, head to the mountains in winter (December-February), and if you want to visit theme parks or enjoy some warm weather and beaches, then visit during the summer months (June-August).
Just be sure to research what you want to do and where you want to go before making any final plans, as there can be some pretty big temperature swings from one part of the country to another!
For this 3-week U.S. road trip in particular, I would recommend not leaving any later than late July since you’ll want enough time to reach the Arctic Circle without worrying about getting hit with snow while driving the Dalton Highway.
How to Get Around the U.S.
U.S. road trips start with, you guessed it… a vehicle! Whether that be a suburban-style car or a converted sprinter van, you’ll need something with at least two wheels, but practically speaking, four would be much more convenient.
Of course, you always have the option of flying between your destinations, but you’ll miss out on everything along the way, and there are some really incredible sights to see.
Plus, it’s typically far more expensive to fly (unless you are staying in hotels the entire trip) since flights cost far more than gas, particularly in the mid-western states.
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However, the general rule of thumb for the best way to get around the U.S. stems from your goals.
If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks or do more extensive sightseeing along your 3-week U.S. itinerary, then driving between destinations is the best choice.
But, if you want to be as efficient as possible and know exactly where you want to go and don’t need the flexibility in your schedule, then you should definitely fly between places to save time.
Where to Stay in the U.S. on a Road Trip
When it comes to figuring out where to stay on a U.S. road trip, you really are spoiled for choice. These days, you have endless high-end campgrounds, Airbnb’s, VRBO rentals, hotels, and even tree houses you can stay in.
But, it really all depends on what your comfort level is and what your budget is. So, let’s jump into some details on these topics.
Camping
Over our 4-week U.S. road trip, we decided to camp for 3.5 out of the 4 weeks. Why? We love camping and we also had a dog with us which made finding hotels and accommodations just a bit harder.
We also travel full-time, so this wasn’t as much of a vacation for us as it was just another trip where we were working on the road. So, we needed the experience to be both budget-friendly and pet-friendly.
It doesn’t really matter what your situation is, if you find yourself with similar limitations, then camping is a great option.
All across America, you can find endless options for campgrounds. From the more manicured camping option at the KOA Campgrounds to free dispersed camping in the national forests of Wyoming with nothing but an outhouse, you’re never without a spot to sleep.
This is a great way to keep your costs low and keep your schedule and U.S. road trip itinerary flexible in the event that you decide you want to spend an extra night somewhere or even leave a day or two early from a specific place.
In my opinion, campgrounds are the best place to stay when going on a cross-country road trip since you can set up your “home for the night” pretty much anywhere.
There are some downsides, of course, including the fact that you’ll be susceptible to the weather and safety can be a concern for some, particularly in regions with a lot of wildlife.
You’ll also notice that finding campgrounds with Wifi and free showers can be challenging, so you’ll need to be prepared for these practical limitations if you find them to be crucial to your daily routine.
Hotels and Accommodation Rentals
If money isn’t of much concern, then hotels and accommodation rental companies can be a very comfortable and luxurious way to make your journey cross country, as well.
There are hotels, bed and breakfasts, Airbnb’s, VRBO properties, and everything in between all over the U.S. so you’ll never be without a comfortable bed and clean shower.
Plus, these days most hotels offer free continental breakfasts at a minimum, so you’ll be well taken care of during your trip.
The only downside of living almost exclusively in hotels is the lack of a kitchen, which means you’ll likely find yourself eating at restaurants a lot more often which can really rack up your bills.
If you don’t want to sacrifice comfort and cleanliness but don’t want to break the bank either, then I highly recommend considering Airbnb or apartments on Booking.com.
It’s a great way to find reasonably priced accommodations that have everything you’re looking for.
Also, if you’re traveling with a pet, I have found self-hosted to be a fantastic option, and in fact, it’s what we use every time we travel with our dog.
Van Life
Renting a campervan is another fantastic option for heading out on a U.S. road trip. For starters, it can save you tons of money on lodging, as you can simply drive to your next destination and sleep right there in your vehicle.
You’ll just need to make sure to check if overnight parking is allowed at each place you stay.
Plus, you can often cook light meals right inside which saves you a ton of money on eating out! But, the real perk that is no matter what the weather looks like, you’ll be nice and dry come morning and bears are going to have a very hard time opening your van door.
The downside to van life is the initial outfitting of the van itself… it can be very expensive. Even renting a pre-outfitted van can cost upwards of hundreds of dollars per week, so you’ll want to get a quote for your rental period if this is something you’re considering.
If you decide to outfit your own van you can save a lot of money, but the van itself usually starts around $30k for a decent model.
Similar to camping, however, a van allows you to keep your schedule totally flexible since you can sleep practically anywhere that doesn’t have “no overnight parking” posted nearby making it a top contender when considering where to stay on a 3-week North American road trip.
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RV Life
Last, but definitely not least, is RV life.
The stereotypical perspective of this option is that it’s primarily for the older generation, but that simply isn’t true. If you’re traveling with a larger group or simply want to do your U.S. road trip on the slower side, an RV is a great option.
It offers everything that a typical hotel can offer you, with the perks of a kitchen and being close to nature. It’s practically camping, van life, and hotels all wrapped up into one!
There are a few downsides to this option, however, including that RVs, like outfitted vans, can be outrageously expensive.
If you want to buy one, it’s almost like buying a small house without a yard. If you want to rent one, well… you might as well buy one!
But, as I said, if you have a big group that can split the cost, this is a great way to go cross-country road-tripping in the U.S. You may have some trouble finding a spot for everyone to sleep, but it will be well worth your efforts if you are hoping to live comfortably and casually.
What to Eat on a 3-Week Road Trip Across America
This will almost entirely depend on what you’re hoping to eat on your trip and where you plan to stay.
If you’re camping, you’ll be more limited to whatever you can keep cold in your cooler and how many pots and pans you want to bring back and forth to the one dish sink at the campground. I will say that buying ice gets old very quickly, especially if you’re traveling in the summer months, so this is something to keep in mind if you almost always cook all of your meals from scratch.
If you’re living it up in a van or RV, it depends on how many dishes you want to do and how big your fresh gallon tank is. If you’re constantly having to find places to fill your water tank up, you may get used to a sandwich for lunch instead of something that creates a lot of dishes.
You’ll notice at the beginning of your trip that you’re far more excited and motivated to cook fun meals over a campfire and pull out pans for whatever you need. But, once you start week two and especially week three of this U.S. road trip, there’s a good chance you’ll start finding easier meals that you enjoy that don’t require a lot of clean up.
For us, we found sandwiches, soup, fruit, and beans to make up the bulk of our diet over the course of those 4 weeks. I primarily picked up pre-made food at the local supermarkets and we would eat that while we drove.
It doesn’t sound great, and I agree it wasn’t, but it got the job done and it saved us a ton of money.
At first, I was so excited to create these elaborate meals and after just one week, we decided that all of the extra work after a full day in the car simply wasn’t worth it.
You may find you agree or disagree, but I will say that over time you’ll want something that you can make for yourself.
If you try to stick to mainly fast food and restaurants, you’re going to eventually get tired of the pre-made food and especially the bill.
It’s a good idea to keep a healthy mix between making your own food and eating out so you don’t get too tired of one before the journey is over.
What to Pack for a 21-Day USA Road Trip
21 days may seem like a long time to pack for, but luckily pretty much everywhere you go will have plenty of opportunities for laundry services.
I found it extremely helpful when we were camping to book an Airbnb with a washer and dryer twice during our trip, so we only had to pack for about 10 days worth of clothing.
This kept our load light and prevented us from spending a lot of money on multiple washing sessions.
Pro Tip: If you’re trying to travel light with nothing but a backpack and a couple of pairs of shoes, then be sure to check out this minimalist packing list before your trip!
If this sounds like a good fit for you or something you would like to try, then try out the 10-day packing list below that works wonders for any 21-day USA road trip.
It includes everything you’ll need no matter the weather, so if you’re traveling in the harsher seasons of winter or spring you may need to add or take away some clothing.
I have also included the basic necessities you’ll need for camping, so feel free to omit those if you plan on outfitting a van, staying in an RV, or getting other accommodation rentals.
- Tent (2-4 person tents usually work well)
- 2 Tarps and Rope (one to tie above your tent and one to put below your tent when it rains)
- Sleeping Bags (ensure they’re rated for cold weather)
- Headtorch (handy for just about everything!)
- Air pads (great if you’ll be camping for long periods of time)
- Camping Chairs (nothing too fancy, you don’t want them to take up a lot of room)
- Cooler (preferably one that holds ice for at least 24 hours)
- Portable Grill (I use the one-burner Coleman propane stove)
- Pots/Pans/Plates/Cups/Utensils (use metal! It can go over an open flame and saves a lot of wasted single-use plastic. Most campgrounds across the U.S. have very limited recycling capabilities)
- Instant Coffee (perfect for when you’re trying to pack up and go)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) & Hat for sun protection
- Bug Spray
- Sandals
- Sneakers
- Waterproof Boots
- Basic Hygiene Items (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, moisturizer, hairbrush, toothbrush & paste, floss, razor, tweezers, deodorant, etc.)
- Umbrella
- Rain Jacket (This Helly Hanson jacket is perfect)
- Hooded Sweatshirt or Fleece
- 1 Winter Jacket (if applicable)
- 1-2 Sweaters
- 2-3 Long Sleeves
- 2-3 T-Shirts
- 1-2 Pairs of Shorts
- 1-2 Pairs of Leggings
- 1 Pair of Jeans
- 1 Sleep Outfit
- 10 Pairs of Underwear
- 5-7 Pairs of Socks
Tips for Planning a U.S. Road Trip
When it comes to planning a 3-week road trip across the U.S., there are some things you’ll need to know ahead of time that may not be as obvious as you would hope.
Over the next two sections, I’m going to provide you with tips on how to plan your road trip itinerary as well as some safety tips that I learned along my route.
Don’t book anything until you’re 100% satisfied with your route and plans. It can be tempting to jump right in and secure your dates for Lake Louis Campground in Banff, but just ensure that your itinerary is exactly how you want it and everything that you’ve planned has availability before doing so.
Don’t take the itinerary I provided and assume it’s perfect for you. You may want to travel further south or north, increase or decrease your time in different areas, or skip somewhere altogether.
We used this route to relocate to Alaska for a few months, but we’ll be taking an entirely different route back to New England on the return trip to see the southern half of the country.
Do your research. I can’t emphasize this one enough!
Had we not researched the flooding that occurred in Yellowstone National Park in early 2022, we never would have known that the northern side of the park road was still closed to traffic which would add an extra 2 hours to our drive when we were heading north to Montana.
Always research current road conditions and keep up to date with events that could potentially interrupt your route or schedule.
Think about your interests first and your itinerary second. What do you want to do? What do you actually want to see? If you have no interest in being in the mountains and prefer big cities, then you can probably skip several of the national parks on this list.
Once you know what you want to do during your road trip, you can start thinking about your itinerary.
Have a general schedule in mind. Are you using this 21-day U.S. road trip to relocate to the West Coast, or are you hoping to return to the East Coast in as little as 3 weeks? This will majorly dictate how far you can go and how much time you spend in each place.
Don’t try to fit too much in. The U.S. is massive! Zigzagging your way north to south to hit the entire lower 48 before you go to Alaska will take months, not weeks.
Keep this in mind and don’t try to squeeze an extra city or two in if it’s going to take away from the rest of the places you really want to see.
Think about your budget ahead of time. This isn’t something you should start considering on week two after you’ve already spent far more than you were hoping for.
Make a spreadsheet and start considering your overall budget for food, gas, lodging, souvenirs, oil changes and car maintenance, and other incidentals that could occur (you lose your phone, perhaps) well before you depart.
Have your roles. If you’re traveling with a partner or friend, decide who will set up the tent while the other gets dinner going. This will make your life go far smoother after a 12-hour day in the car.
Get excited about the little things. There are parts of the U.S. that are just plain boring. And that’s okay! Embrace it.
Instead of getting caught up in the idea that every minute of this road trip has to be beautiful and exciting, enjoy the fact that you have no idea what may happen tomorrow and every new day is an adventure at this point in your life.
Don’t argue and have fun! This one seems obvious, but you’re going to take the wrong on-ramp at some point and have to backtrack a little.
This is a very normal part of road-tripping across the U.S. and there’s no point in wasting your time arguing about who was supposed to be looking at the map.
Safety Tips for Going on a 3-Week Road Trip Across America
Next up, the safety tips! You may know how to change a tire (and you should before departing for this road trip), but there are some less obvious tips I have for you too.
Be prepared for inclement weather.
I left for my road trip at the end of July and it took me through August to reach Prudhoe Bay. When I was camping in Yellowstone National Park in mid-August, it dropped to about 45 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
The further north I went, the faster it dropped to as low as 30 degrees at night. It doesn’t matter when you’re traveling, nighttime temperatures are a whole new ball game that you need to be prepared for if you’re sleeping outside.
Don’t speed.
This is for your safety and others. It can be exciting, overwhelming, and scary all at the same time to go on a U.S. road trip, but it’s not worth getting in an accident. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Have a GPS that works without an internet connection.
No, your phone is not good enough. I can’t tell you how many times we didn’t have service on any of our phones (we have T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T), but our GPS still got us where we were going. It’s also a good idea to have an updated paper map or atlas in your car, as well.
Keep your car well stocked with supplies at all times.
You never know what may happen. You could blow a tire in the middle of the Dalton Highway with no services for 300 miles or you could break down in the middle of the Montana desert with no cell service.
Always ensure you have warm blankets, food, and water for at least 3 days in your car.
Ensure you have tires with good treads.
We figured out about 3 weeks into our drive when the rainy season began in Canada that our treads were no good and we were sliding all over the road.
We had to stop and get new tires as soon as we entered Alaska which not only cost more money than it should have, but it also took several hours of our time.
Do yourself a favor and ensure that everything on your vehicle is operating the way it should before you depart!
FAQ: 3-Week Road Trip Across America
Below are some of your most-asked questions that I’ve provided some unique answers to based on my personal experiences and what I believe may be a good fit for other people.
3 Week Road Trip across America Cost
Now for the question that you’ve likely wanted to know the answer to this entire time… “how much did this U.S. road trip cost you?” Well, here’s the breakdown for our 4-week itinerary:
Campgrounds and Airbnb’s – $1,580
Food & Alcohol – $150-$200 per week ($700 total)
Gas – $55 per tank (about $1100 total)
We also had a dog with us which increased our costs slightly in terms of the Airbnbs that we had to rent, her food, etc. In terms of gas, this is when gas prices were at an all-time high practically, so we were spending far more on gas than we normally would with our Subaru Forester.
We anticipated the trip to cost around $800 for gas and tolls, and it likely added up to around $1200-$1300 with tolls in the long run due to the $5+ per gallon gas prices.
The learning curve with this is always to anticipate your road trip to cost more and be pleasantly surprised if it costs less but comfortable if it costs what you expected.
How Long Does it Take to Road Trip around America?
This entirely depends on where you’re starting and ending your road trip, but typically 6-8 weeks is a good amount of time to see the major sights across the whole country while still having some time to enjoy yourself.
This is, of course, if you’re hoping to get across most of the states in the country.
If you want to spend more time in certain places, it may take several months or even longer is recommended depending on how much ground you would like to cover and how much you want to drive each day.
Along our U.S. road trip, we met someone who was visiting Alaska as their 49th state, and they had left in March! That means they had been road-tripping for over 4 months to see almost all of the U.S.
Keep this in mind if you’re hoping to check out numerous states and want to spend a good amount of time in each.
If you just want to drive between the major sites in each state and don’t mind skipping popular hiking trails and sights along the way, then 3-4 weeks will suffice.
Where Should I Go in the U.S. for 3 Weeks?
If you only have 3 weeks for a North American road trip, then it’s best to keep your route somewhat limited. Particularly, if you plan on returning to where you started in 3 weeks’ time.
If you are leaving from the East Coast and are planning on being home within 3 weeks, then I wouldn’t go further west than Colorado.
But, if you have 3 weeks to go in one direction, then you could definitely reach California or even Alaska in that time.
Where you go will entirely depend on your preferences, but you can use the itinerary I provided to get some ideas on where may work best for you!
Pro Tip: It’s going to be warmer the further south you go and cooler the fourth north you go, regardless of when you leave.
The Wrap-Up: 3-Week North American Road Trips
Overall, U.S. road trips are one of the best ways to break out of your comfort zone and start traveling again.
Whether you’re planning this trip for just yourself, you and a partner, you and a friend, or even your entire extended family, this 3-week road trip across North America certainly has some new adventures in store for you.
Author Bio
Contributed by Emily of Emily Embarks.
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