Community Chat

[Pliqueajour]

The 10 Best and Worst States For Road Trips

http://mentalfloss.com/article/82003/10-best-and-worst-states-road-trips

"A road trip can be a great adventure or an expensive pain in the neck, depending on which route you choose.

If you’re planning on touring America by car this summer but haven’t yet decided which corner of the country to explore, WalletHub has some useful information for you.

The website recently compared all 50 states to find the best and worst road trip locations, using 21 criteria to determine their rankings.

WalletHub developed a comprehensive list of criteria, ranging from factors like gas prices and road quality to nightlife attractions and National Park units.

The website weighted their 21 factors and divided them into three main categories: Driving & Lodging Costs, Road Conditions & Safety, and Fun & Scenic Attractions.

They gave each state a ranking for each category, and then derived overall rankings by taking the average of all three.

For example, Arizona was ranked third for Driving & Lodging Costs, but 17th for Fun & Scenic Attractions and 35th for Road Conditions & Safety, giving it an overall ranking of 12th best road trip state.

WalletHub’s full methodology and ranking system can be viewed here:

https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-for-summer-road-trips/4648/

So, where should you plan your next road trip?

According to WalletHub, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah are the best places to hit the road, while Connecticut, Alaska, and Mississippi are the worst for a driving vacation.

Check out the interactive map (at http://mentalfloss.com/article/82003/10-best-and-worst-states-road-trips) and the list below to see the full rankings.

BEST
1. Oregon (ranking #1 out of 50 states)
2. Nevada
3. Utah
4. North Carolina
5. Minnesota
6. Washington
7. Idaho
8. Colorado
9. Louisiana
10. Vermont

WORST
1. Connecticut (ranking #50 out of 50 states)
2. Alaska
3. Mississippi
4. North Dakota
5. Michigan
6. Delaware
7. Arkansas
8. Kansas
9. Tennessee
10. Oklahoma"

GO HERE FOR DETAILS — https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-for-summer-road-trips/4648/ 

 

[Pliqueajour]

[AngusandBuddhasMom]

Their methods of ranking are ridiculous but I say good stay out of my state and off our roads! 

[wildcat fan]

I'd put West Virginia on the worst list.  When are they ever going to remove the toll booths along I-77?  Not many food choices in some areas and some really slow moving vehicles in left lane as you ascend the mountains...

I disagree with their putting Tennessee on the worst list.  I love traveling in that state.  Variety of places to eat, beautiful scenery, ....roads are pretty good too. Construction has slowed traffic over the years, but at least they're making improvements.

[wildcat fan]

I disagree with North Carolina on the best list.  It may be scenic, but heavy traffic makes it 2-3 times longer to get to destination.  My idea of a fun road trip is not sitting in traffic.

[silkyk]

If doing Highway 1 in California isn't on the list it's not much of a list. A must do road trip!

[Kachina624]

I've driven across Texas a few times and it's got to be #1 for lack of scenery  and boring.

[deepwaterdotter]

I'll vouch for Minnesota, a lovely state with friendly people.

[tansy]

I never get tired of that route, @silkyk.

Washington is a beautiful state with lots of variety.  

[Sooner]

Well, we make a LOT of road trips all over the U.S.  I would disagree because parts of Mississippi are beautiful and the roads are not too bad; Arkansas has wonderful scenery, excellent prices and lots of places to stay in the western half; Oklahoma has some neat things but I knew we'd be last or nearly last; and Tennessee?  It is a beautiful state with lots of things to see, places to go, and decent lodging.  And the same for Connecticut!

Maybe because we don't camp would skew what I think, but wow, I disagree with a LOT of this list.