perfect road trip?

[gingerperth]

THIS IS THE PERFECT U.S. ROAD TRIP ACCORDING TO SCIENTISTS

http://www.thebolditalic.com/articles/7045-this-is-the-perfect-us-road-trip-according-to-scientists 

The map, created by Randy Olson with help from Tracy Staedter, pinpoints a mix of 50 major national landmarks, national historic sites, national parks, and national monuments. If you follow the route suggested, you’ll travel across all 48 contiguous states and never leave the country. Take a look for yourself below.

[size=large]And don’t even think about shortcutting or not following the map. Olson used a genetic algorithm that found the best routes with little backtracking. The result is a map using “true distance,” which is the “shortest route by road between every landmark.” You should probably take Olson's word over anyone else's, considering he's a fourth-year graduate research assistant at Michigan State University.

If you’re more into seeing cities than, say, Mount Rushmore, Olson also created a similar map that prioritizes TripAdvisor’s most recommended metros. [/size]

 

[GotSmart]

Far from it.  It skips things like The California Redwoods, Highway 1, Quartzite.  Nothing of the entire West Coast coast with the exception of SF.

It was written by someone who has obviously never been on a roadtrip.  (You should probably take Olson's word over anyone else's, considering he's a fourth-year graduate research assistant at Michigan State University.)   :dodgy:  Book learning is not a replacement for hard experience.  

The perfect road trip is one where nothing breaks down.      You take your time, and meet interesting people.

I spent many years studying, but also many more years doing. I have uncounted miles traveled~~~ I prefer the doing and traveling to the studying.

 

[buckwilk]

GotSmart, when will you learn? Just do everything you're told, especially by someone "edumacated", and you will be much more docile and easily manipulated.

 

[gingerperth]

Far from it.  It skips things like The California Redwoods, Highway 1, Quartzite.  Nothing of the entire West Coast coast with the exception of SF.
The perfect road trip is one where nothing breaks down.      You take your time, and meet interesting people.

 

[rvwandering]

I agree with GotSmart. A real road trip doesn't look anything like Olson's map. His city map isn't much better. He skipped some of the best cities including a favorite of mine - St Louis, Missouri which is a great city for van dwellers because it has many free attractions and lots of options for free overnight spots.

Thanks for posting the link though. It is an interesting concept.

 

[GotSmart]

GotSmart, when will you learn? Just do everything you're told, especially by someone "edumacated", and you will be much more docile and easily manipulated.

ERRR...   I done be edgumakatered, n I gots a deplomee to proves it!  I was de most onry kid en de klass!     

Nothing gave me greater pleasure than to prove the failings of a so called expert.  I had professors that would specifically tell me not to answer as they wanted the other students to dig their own graves.     It was a lot of fun being the oldest student in 98%  of my classes. 

If someone wants the perfect road trip,  Good luck.  

If you want a great adventure, ask Tony & Karen, Bindy & us, or any number of members on here.  You will never get a "One size fits all" answer.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Asking "scientists" to design the perfect road trip is like asking lawyers to design the perfect health regimen for you.  What the hell would either of them know about it?

Now, if I wanted an outsider to design the perfect, no time limit, road trip, I'd ask the Smithsonian to do it.

Regards
John

 

[Damian Rolling]

Allow me to propose an alternative:

1. Flip a coin. Heads is east/west and tails is north/south. Flip the coin a second time to determine the actual travel direction.

2. Avoid all interstate highways and toll roads.

3. Do not use any tourbooks.

4. Do not eat in any restaurants that are part of a chain franchise.

5. Ask a diner waitress what is the most fun thing to do in that area. If her suggestion also sounds fun to you, invite her to come along. [Note: you will know if this is a bad idea from her hairstyle.]

6. Avoid any motel that is part of a chain franchise, but skip others that have SUVs in the parking lot with really, really nice hubcaps.

7. To find the best place to go on a Saturday night, ask people in a laundromat (start with any who are pregnant).

8. Buy a souvenir in every bowling alley you see.

9. Always check out museums at Indian casinos.

10. Each time you stop for gas, repeat step one. If you keep this up, you'll eventually hit all 48 states.

I’m sure others here can add to the list.


Damian

 

[rvwandering]

Ha, ha Damian I like your list! Have you actually done this? It must have led to some interesting experiences.

 

[gingerperth]

Allow me to propose an alternative:

1. Flip a coin. Heads is east/west and tails is north/south. Flip the coin a second time to determine the actual travel direction.

2. Avoid all interstate highways and toll roads.

3. Do not use any tourbooks.

[snip]

I’m sure others here can add to the list.


Damian

 

[SoulRaven]

Yes, a road trip across America is still as exciting as it ever has been. The sights and sounds change, but there is still a limitless supply of places to go and things to see and do.

 

[Damian Rolling]

Ha, ha Damian I like your list! Have you actually done this? It must have led to some interesting experiences.

It is a work in progress!

 

[sassypickins]

gingerperth, your adventures sound wonderful and I would love to hear more stories. I haven't been to Australia but I've read every word and followed every turn of the wrench and rolling of the tires with Rob Gray and Wothehellizat.

 

[akrvbob]

Allow me to propose an alternative:

1. Flip a coin. Heads is east/west and tails is north/south. Flip the coin a second time to determine the actual travel direction.

2. Avoid all interstate highways and toll roads.

3. Do not use any tourbooks.

4. Do not eat in any restaurants that are part of a chain franchise.

5. Ask a diner waitress what is the most fun thing to do in that area. If her suggestion also sounds fun to you, invite her to come along. [Note: you will know if this is a bad idea from her hairstyle.]

6. Avoid any motel that is part of a chain franchise, but skip others that have SUVs in the parking lot with really, really nice hubcaps.

7. To find the best place to go on a Saturday night, ask people in a laundromat (start with any who are pregnant).    

8. Buy a souvenir in every bowling alley you see.  

9. Always check out museums at Indian casinos.

10. Each time you stop for gas, repeat step one. If you keep this up, you'll eventually hit all 48 states.

I’m sure others here can add to the list.


Damian

While this won't work for me at this time in my life, it could be an incredibly good idea for some people!!
Bob

 

[nobodyG17]

When things break down and plans get screwed up is when the real journey begins!

You don't get adventure without mishap.  

The "scientist" barely has you scratching the surface or Utah and Oregon.  He has probably never even set a foot in the west if that is his opinion.   My route would be circles all around the west with trips to the rest of the country in random intervals.  

Stopping at tourist traps is not traveling.  It's following your GPS to be surrounded by others following their GPS.