Introduction
32 days, 8500 miles, 20 states, 5°F to 85°F (-15°C to 29.44°C) — this is what we accomplished from Thanksgiving through the Christmas holidays.
My wife and I both love driving. We always wanted to do a very long road trip, partly because we hate flying. Last year, around the same time, we did an RV trip to cover the Big Five Utah national parks. I started that journey thinking we’d do a cross-country trip, but we soon realized that a cross-country journey isn’t feasible with an RV in a few weeks’ time. This year, we decided to take out our electric car, a Tesla Model 3, determined to arrive in Miami. Our goal was to escape the dark, cold, and gloomy Seattle weather and enjoy a taste of summer.
In this blog, I will walk you through the map we followed, share the experience of driving an electric sedan car across the country, and discuss the challenges of winter weather. I’ll also cover how we balanced remote work while traveling. Note that we didn’t take a full month’s vacation; we worked most of the time remotely. Knowing that this might be our last year with the flexibility of remote work, we decided to make the most of it.
Planning the Journey
On Friday evening, we were sitting with friends, casually planning a vacation somewhere. We reached home late that night. At 8 AM the next day, we suddenly told ourselves, “Let’s drive to Miami.” We had no concrete plans—just the knowledge that we would take the shortest route, completely unaware of the winter driving challenges ahead (more on that later). In just over two hours, we packed our stuff and left the city by 11 AM.
In retrospect, I’ve never made a plan this spontaneous. This was by far the most unplanned trip of my life, and it also turned out to be the longest I’ve stayed in hotels—checking in and out repeatedly.
We knew one thing: as long as we didn’t run out of money or compromise our health, we would be fine. If we ever felt it was impossible, we’d simply turn back. It was a two-way door decision—or at least, that’s what we told ourselves. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have dared to embark on such an adventure.
The map below is something we built as we drove further. It wasn’t preplanned.
Highlight of journey
1. Winter Storm in Montana
Taking the northern route turned out to be a mistake, but it was a necessary step to learn a lot about winter roads and the limits of our vehicle. The harsh conditions pushed us to adapt quickly and understand the challenges of winter driving.
2. Tire Repairs (Three Times!)
A series of unfortunate tire issues reminded us of the importance of preparation. From flat tires to unexpected delays, these experiences tested our patience and problem-solving skills.
3. Unplanned Adventures
While heading south on our return, we stumbled upon several gems, including stunning national parks and vibrant cities like New Orleans and Palm Springs. These unplanned stops added a sense of spontaneity and excitement to our journey.
4. Miami South Beach Stay, Key West Drive, and Alligator Watching
The highlight of our destination was soaking up the sun on Miami’s South Beach, driving along the scenic route to Key West, and spotting alligators during an unforgettable wildlife experience.
5. Completing the Loop Through the Southern States
On our way back, we took a southern route to complete the loop. This decision allowed us to experience different climates, landscapes, and cultural highlights, making the journey even more enriching.
6. New Orleans Streets
The vibrant streets of New Orleans offered a unique mix of music, food, and culture. Exploring this lively city was a refreshing break from the long drives.
7. Three Days Working in Austin
Austin provided the perfect balance between work and leisure. We spent three days working remotely, while also enjoying the city’s creative and energetic vibe.
8. Another Night in Palm Springs
We couldn’t resist staying one more night in Palm Springs on our way back. Its serene beauty and warm climate were a welcome reprieve before continuing our journey.
9. Sacramento’s Old Town
As we neared the end of our trip, Sacramento’s old town greeted us with rain. The drastic weather changes in the West highlighted the diversity of climates we experienced throughout the trip.
Advice
Just Do It
Taking a cross-country road trip is completely worth the time, money, and physical effort. There is no better way to explore the USA than by being on the road and meeting people. You will be amazed at how different life is in various parts of the country. In retrospect, I am incredibly proud of our impromptu decision to embark on this journey—one of the best decisions of our lives.
Car Maintenance is Key
Before you leave, ensure your car’s tires and brakes are in good condition. You’ll quickly understand why tire repair shops are so common across the USA—good tires are crucial for navigating tough roads and can take you far.
Embrace Spontaneity
Avoid over-planning. Don’t book all your hotels in advance; let the trip unfold naturally. Overthinking and overplanning can steal the joy of adventure. Let nature surprise you. However, if you plan to stay in a place longer, booking accommodations like hotels or Airbnbs can be helpful.
Talk to Strangers
Engaging with fellow travelers can be enriching. For example, we met an 80-year-old couple taking a 2,000-mile road trip in a Tesla Model X to visit family for Thanksgiving. The husband shared a valuable piece of advice: “As long as you have a credit card, don’t worry too much about winter roads. Life is more important than being in a hurry.” Smile a little, talk a little—you never know what you might learn or who you might inspire.
Chew Gum for Long Drives
Chewing gum was a lifesaver for me during long drives. Whether it was an 800-mile day or a shorter 300-mile stretch, it kept me alert and prevented drowsiness. Avoid driving late at night and keep that gum handy—it’s a simple but effective trick to stay awake and focused.
Photo Gallery
We hope this blog inspires you to take your own cross-country road trip and create memories that will last a lifetime. Have you ever done a similar journey? Share your experiences, tips, or questions in the comments below. Let’s keep the road trip spirit alive and help others plan their next big adventure!
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