North Carolina Route Named One of the Best Scenic Drives by Reader’s Digest
If you’re looking for a low-budget vacation, taking one of America’s most scenic drives could be just what you need. As it turns out, North Carolina has one of the best scenic drives in the country, according to Reader’s Digest. The publication picked 40 drives to highlight, so not every state got the honor. That said, it’s pretty special that North Carolina is getting recognized, and the route is totally worthy of the acclaim, too.
Reader’s Digest Says North Carolina Has One of the Best Scenic Drives in America
The experts at Reader’s Digest put together a list of the most scenic drives in the U.S., and in it, they point out the country’s incredible sights. “This country is full of natural beauty, and road trips are one of the best ways to experience it,” they write. “Any of these scenic drives will take you past stunning landscapes and breathtaking views.”
Before we get to our main route on the list, let’s look at some of the other routes that made the cut for the best scenic drives. One is U.S. Highway 41, also called “Lake Shore Drive.” Reader’s Digest says that this route has “all the best Chicago has to offer. Drive south to north on the 15-mile urban parkway to see Navy Pier, Millennium Park, the Windy City’s famed skyline, and more on one side and stunning Lake Michigan on the other.” So, if you’re planning a trip to Chicago this upcoming season, don’t miss that route. It’s especially glorious in the fall months. Reader’s Digest also notes that one American route stands above the rest: Historic Route 66. They call it “America’s most ultimate road trip,” adding that “you can get your kicks on Route 66 starting in downtown Chicago” and, believe it or not, take this 2,450-mile trip all the way to Santa Monica, California. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of drive. I’m determined to at least drive some of Route 66 at some point in my life, God willing.
Now, let’s get to the North Carolina drive that Reader’s Digest calls one of the best scenic drives in America. It’s U.S. 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains, which “sits along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee and offers 66 miles of sweeping views of the Great Smoky Mountains.” That’s such a famous route and deserves to be on this tally. Another route they highlights hits Charlotte, North Carlina, in Woodpecker Trail. That rout “stretches from Charlotte, North Carolina to St. Petersburg, Florida.” They add that, “The stretch through Georgia on Highway 121 is known as Woodpecker Trail because of all the woodpeckers that inhabit its wooded landscape.” I think it’s fantastic to have both of these routes highlighted among the best scenic drives.
Secret Tips to Save Money on Your Next Vacation
1. Try to Negotiate Your Lodging
Did you know that hotel fees can be negotiable? Fidelity.com points out that, “You may be able to negotiate the online price by calling a hotel directly, or asking if they have any discounts for students, government employees, or members of certain groups, such as AAA.” So, don’t settle for that price you see on your laptop. Try to do better. It’s a secret tip that can pay off bigtime.
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2. Get Smart with Your Lodging
Did you know some hotels that are virtually the same, including the same brand, can be cheaper just a few miles apart? As a general rule, hotels that are near the airport are more expensive. So, you can look at the hotels you want to stay at and their multiple locations in the area for the best rate. “Some hotels that are under construction may rent rooms at a discount, which is a great option if you can deal with the noise,” Fidelity.com points out.
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3. Snack Your Way to a Cheaper Trip
Going out to eat on vacation can be one of the most exciting things about the trip. But, if you want to save on cash, skip a few meals out and opt for healthy, hearty snacks. Pack (or buy at a local store) some protein-rich snacks, like protein bars and meal bars, and limit your dining out. You can still enjoy some of the best food the area has to offer, just not as much of it. This is a way to stay fit on your trip, too. A lot of people don’t think of this tip, so it’s a bit of a secret.
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4. Timing is Everything
You’ve heard it so many times in life: Timing is everything. That’s true for travel, too. Research to find the least-busy times to visit your destination. If you travel during those downtimes, you’ll save big. While this is a common tip, something people forget is that every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, be specific for your travel spot.
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5. Travel with a Friend
If you’re thinking of traveling solo to a place you’ve always wanted to visit, go cheaper by traveling with a friend. You two can share lodging fees. Also, sometimes there are more deals and discounts for those traveling with multiple people. I always do this when going to a big music festival, if it’s far away. I’ll usually meet my friend there, and we share lodging costs. It also makes the trip more fun.
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6. Find Free Spots to Travel
Look for some free attractions in your travel area. Chances are, they won’t be as packed as the big-named places, too. You can still visit some of the popular landmarks. But, if you add a trip to a national park or free museum to your itinerary, it will save you some cash.
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7. Max Out Your Memberships
Are you a member of any random groups? You might have travel deals just waiting for you. Check everything, from your college alumni membership to your credit cards, for travel discounts. You may be surprised what you find.
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8. Don't Get Picky
Say you just want to get out on a fantastic trip, but you don’t really have a place in mind. That’s actually a good thing. Take an hour to look at flight specials happening right now. If you aren’t picky on where to travel, chances are you’ll find a great rate on airfare and lodging somewhere. Once you find the most reasonable place to travel, then you can start looking at what to do when you’re there.
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9. Go Popular
This is a bit ironic, but often times, the most popular tourist destinations are also the cheapest. That’s because there is a lot of competition for all those travelers. So, big-named destinations like Orlando, Florida, or Las Vegas, Nevada, tend to have really good travel deals. Go popular, or go home.
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