Midway Reflections: 10 Key Observations from Our Epic NYC-to-NOLA Road Trip
Our NYC-to-NOLA Great American Road Trip has taken us through New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. A hurricane forced a detour, skipping Virginia Beach, Wilmington, and Myrtle Beach for the mountains of North Carolina to Asheville and Charlotte. We rejoined the route in Charleston, South Carolina, and are now in Savannah, Georgia. We're embracing this on-the-road lifestyle and loving every moment. While deeper reflections will come later, here are our insightful observations from the halfway mark.
1. Germans Are Everywhere on U.S. Roads
As a German-American duo, we're thrilled to encounter fellow Germans traveling the U.S. astonishingly often—sometimes outnumbering American tourists! Our 'secret' language for private chats or gossip loses its edge here, though it's preferable to Spanish, which many Americans understand.
2. Southern Food Isn't Diet-Friendly
In the Carolinas, mac 'n' cheese counts as a vegetable! We savor the cheesy delights alongside buttered carrots or fried green tomatoes, but roughage is scarce. A recent fruit-and-veg haul has us back on track.
3. The Southern Heat and Humidity Are Intense
We've endured heat in Mexico and Tucson, but late-August Southern humidity is unmatched. Sightseeing involves frequent AC breaks in historic homes, museums, and even CVS stores.
4. Americans Adore Road Trips
License plates from nearly all 50 states—including Hawaii and Alaska—dot the highways. A single day brought Ohio, Illinois, Wyoming, California, Alaska, and more, showcasing Americans' love for long-distance drives.
5. Southern Charm and Hospitality Thrive
Strangers chat effortlessly. Men are chivalrous; women greet with 'baby,' 'sugar,' or 'sweetie.' This warmth surpasses general American friendliness, feeling novel to this northerner.
6. Rental Cars Add Up Quickly
Despite a great base rate, costs mount: insurance, gas, $10+ daily parking, tolls, and a ticket. We offset by trimming elsewhere—essential for any road trip.
7. Suburban America Looks Uniform
Beyond city limits, strip malls repeat: McDonald's, Taco Bell, Hardee's, Wendy's upfront; Home Depot, bookstores, supermarkets behind; older spots with China Buffet, Hobby Lobby, etc. Downtown flair contrasts this sameness.
8. Eco-Friendly Road Tripping Is Challenging
Plastic packaging, Styrofoam breakfast ware, and health rules hinder sustainability. McDonald's won't fill travel mugs, forcing disposable cups—frustrating for planet-conscious travelers.
9. Smartphones Elevate Road Trips
iPhones enable offline maps, walks, music, podcasts, and audiobooks—far better than scant radio options dominated by country music from Quebec to Charleston.
10. Roadside Hotel Chains Vary Wildly
Super 8, Motel 6, Days Inn, and Red Roof Inn differ greatly, even within brands. A clean DC Days Inn contrasted a shabby Asheville one. Stick to 3-star+ for consistency.
Now relaxing at the Westin Savannah, we're planning tomorrow using thorough guides from For 91 Days and VisitSavannah.com.
