Everybody has their own version of a perfect weather day (mine is 72ºF and sunny, by the way), but professional climatologist Brian Brettschneider says 70ºF can sure make a lot of people happy; so happy, in fact, one may be inclined to drive across the country in pursuit of perpetual balmy temps. At least, that's what Brettschneider had in mind when he created a 30-state, 9,125 mile road trip with an almanac as his guide. From Texas and Colorado to the Great Lakes and our nation's capital, I must say this 12-month trek looks pretty darn nice. But don't take my word for it, check it out for yourself:
In January, the normal high temperature hangs right around 70ºF in southern Texas, Brettschneider says, making it a great place to start the trip. By March, meander up to San Antonio (pictured here) where folks can enjoy a plethora of year-round outdoor offerings, such as a boat ride on the San Antonio Riverwalk.
Next, swing through northern Texas and into Oklahoma where you can spend a few weeks bobbing quietly along in Eufaula Lake with a friend (or not) before heading towards our country's bustling capital for a truly amazing natural spectacle.
Is there any place more beautiful than Washington D.C. during cherry blossom season? I'll go ahead and say no. Make sure to time this stop right to catch the flowers in peak bloom (usually around the first of April), then spend a month or so moseying around one of the most dynamic cities in the country.
Forget what you've heard about the rust belt; cities like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Chicago are simply magical come May. Stretch your legs along Lake Michigan and dip your toes in the chilly water (if you dare!).
There's more than cheese in this Midwestern gem. Drive through in early summer and catch the first sunflower fields beginning to bloom. If you've got time, make a pit stop in Madison where you'll find eateries, cafes, and breweries galore.
Nothing beats a hike in Montana's Makoshika State Park in the summertime. Though it doesn't get as much hype as Glacier or Yellowstone national parks, the views are equally breathtaking.
Spending two months traversing through the Colorado landscape is easy with all the hiking, biking and boating there is to do. Make time to see both the big cities like Denver (pictured) and tiny towns like Durango. You won't be disappointed.
A place that needs no introduction, Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park is, of course, a must visit on this cross country trip. Brettschneider recommends a September visit for prime temperatures (and views!).
Swing through Kansas City in October for some barbecue and jazz before knocking out Tulsa and then making your way down to the Texas/New Mexico state line at the end of the month.
November in New Mexico? Yes, please. Start out in Las Cruces (pictured) which is said to have some 320 days of sunshine each year, then swing through Arizona, before departing for Las Vegas, Nevada, and braking near Los Angeles, California.
So what do you think? Are you packing your bags yet and telling your bosses you'll, um, be 'out' for a while? What other destinations would you add to this trip?
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
Did you grow up spending your summers road-tripping across the country? Road trips are easily one of the best ways to see the United States, stopping off whenever you want and exploring America’s small towns and highway hidden gems. We’ve got some of the best gifts for road trips to keep your travels as comfortable and entertaining as possible.
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This article is part our Best Travel Gifts series. If you are looking for even more awesome gift ideas for every type of traveler in your life, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Gifts for Travelers and the other gift guides in this series:
First things first; let’s ensure all the road trip essentials are covered. These road trip essentials gifts will put everyone’s mind at ease, knowing the basics are covered.
A car emergency kit is a good thing to keep in your car at all times, but especially for road trips. This roadside emergency kit from Always Prepared has everything you could possibly need. The 127-piece kit includes jumper cables, warning triangles, light sticks, a rain poncho, gloves, and so much more. Not only is this a great gift for road trips, but it also makes a great gift for car owners in general!
Snacks are a road trip essential – this is not up for debate. We’ve even covered our favorite road trip snacks in a previous article! A good mix of salty, sour, and sweet is the key here. Of course, you’re going to need something to hold all of your snacks in, and this cooler will keep your drinks and snacks nice and cold.
When you need them, you NEED them. These motion sickness bands by P6 come in two colors and are easy to throw in your glovebox just in case anyone needs them. These bands work by acupressure, a tried and true method that’s been used for centuries. You don’t have to worry about any side effects from drugs, with these bands – they’re all natural and the perfect stocking stuffer!
Road trips are much easier with a car phone mount. Many phone mounts attach to one of your vents, but this phone mount gives you three different options: you can attach it to your vent, on the dash, or to the windshield. It’s completely adjustable and fits both iPhones and Androids, so it’ll fit anyone’s phone. At less than $15, this car phone mount makes a great travel gift for under $50.
If you’ve ever tried to put your head against a car window to sleep, you’re well aware that it’s one of the most uncomfortable sleeping positions ever. Gift your loved one a travel pillow so they can get a comfortable nap in on the road. This one even includes a matching eye mask plus ear plugs!
Road trips are exponentially better when everything has its place. These are some of the best gifts for road trips that will keep travelers organized so the car doesn't end up looking like the inside of a dumpster.
No more, “OK guys, pass your trash up” at every gas station stop. This car trash can keeps everything contained and makes it a breeze to toss when you need to. These car trash cans also make for excellent travel gifts because it’s not something you think of buying for yourself, but once you have one, you’ll start telling everyone you know.
This car seat organizer is a great gift idea for road trips. It fits easily in the back seat and has plenty of pockets to store everything you need, including cup holders.
Keeping everyone entertained on a road trip is a full-time job. Inevitably, some parts just drag. Let’s be honest; you can only play so many rounds of the license plate game, I spy, and 20 questions before the excitement fades away. These gift ideas for road trips will keep the whole car entertained until the next big thing to look at comes around the corner.
Eventually, the backseat is going to resort to screen time, and having a tablet holder can make all the difference in the world. These tablet holders attach easily to the headrest and let the viewer enjoy their show hands-free. Plus, it keeps it from ending up on the floor of the car and potentially getting stepped on.
Some of the best gifts for road trips also make great stocking stuffers! With the holidays quickly approaching, these travel gifts are just perfect for the loved one in your life who's always traveling from one place to another.
Map reading is slowly becoming a lost skill, but you can’t always rely on Google Maps to get you where you’re going. Some of the most beautiful places in the country lack cell service, and you never want to be in a situation where you don't have any signal...and you're lost.
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Social Media Manager Kristen Taylor loves this National Geographic Atlas, as it comes in handy when you lose service in remote areas. Just keep it in your glovebox!
Who knew a water bottle could go viral? Stanley Tumblers took the internet by storm this year and for good reason!
Operations Manager Andrea Limke loves her Stanley Stainless Steel Tumbler. This leakproof, BPA-free cup has a straw and keeps liquids chilled for 12 hours or iced for up to two days.
While a picture or a video may capture the moment, a travel journal will capture your thoughts and emotions better than any digital souvenir ever could. Travel journals are the perfect travel gift for the adventurer in your life, and you can never have too many! Don’t forget to get some cute pens to go with it.
Whether you’re considering van life or maybe you just don’t have a car large enough for a road trip, RVShare opens up a whole new world of possibilities for road trips. RVShare lets you find the perfect RV rental for your road trip, and they’ve got several to choose from! You can even rent a towable RV, so you can still take your car with you.
Compression socks work wonders for promoting the blood flow in your legs, helping to prevent swelling and blot clogs from ruining your travels. You often hear about wearing compression socks on long flights or during pregnancy, but compression socks are also great for running, cycling, and road trips, too!
Did any of these best gifts for road trips make it into your cart yet? If you already own any of these products, share your experience with us in the comments!
