Posted on August 20, 2009 by Fiona Hilliard

This week’s Question of the Week comes from a customer called Joanna who is about to head off on a road trip across the US.

Joanna says:

I am planning to travel across the US from Los Angeles to New York.  I’ve already arranged to meet up with friends and family who are already over there, but I’d like to know if there are any other routes that you would recommend and what your policy is with regards to one-way rentals?

Joanna, Belfast

Editor says:

Hi Joanna,

Thanks for your question.  Firstly, in answer to your query regarding one way rentals, Argus Car Hire does indeed allow for one way pick-ups.  Please be aware that an extra fee is applicable, however.   When booking your car, simply insert your chosen pick-up and drop-off points and dates and our booking engine will do a search for you.

Now to the fun part. The great American road trip is one of the best, most enjoyable ways for you to discover the US and you’re very fortunate to be embarking on this type of adventure.  Not only does car rental allow you to see so much more of the country, you’ll also have much more flexibility in your plans, especially given the fact that you plan on meeting up with friends and family along the way.

The first thing you’ll have to do is decide on your route.  Sites such as Free Trip are useful when it comes to planning your itinerary but most US road trip veterans recommend either Route 40 or Route 15 to Route 70, which begin in Barstow California, just east of Los Angeles.  Route 15 to Route 70 will lead you to Las Vegas, straight into the most scenic parts of Utah and Colorado and the famously friendly heartland of Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.  Finally you’ll reach Maryland where you’ll be home and dry if you take Route 95 from Baltimore to New York.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to take in some of the Deep South, follow Route 40.  That way you’ll pass Flagstaff, Arizona, close to the Grand Canyon, as well as Albuquerque, New Mexico, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Arkansas, Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee.  From there the Great Smoky Mountains will beckon, answer their call and while you’re in the neighborhood, take a trip across North Carolina before finally reaching 95 North and your final destination.

If you’re after a truly authentic experience, then try taking a detour on the smaller roads (marked blue on old maps) through any of the countless little towns that crop up along the way. As anyone who has ever been on a road trip will tell you, one of the best things about self drive holidays is the chance discoveries of little villages and towns that don’t feature in guide books.

Hopefully you’ll find this information useful.

Editor

Got a query that you’d like answered in our Question of the Week section?  Drop us a line at news@arguscarhire.com and we’ll do our very best to help you out.