Many US travelers get so caught up in the rush to see World Heritage Sites and landmarks that they forget about the beauty and culture in their own backyard. America is a vast and diverse country with pockets of natural beauty and unique culture that can’t be found anywhere else. Here are the top three reasons to make your next vacation a bus trip through the lower 48.
You’ll Get to Know New Cultures
You probably know anecdotally that the United States is culturally diverse, but taking a leisurely tour via rental bus allows you to experience various cultures firsthand. Reporter Colin Woodward writes that it would be more accurate to say that the US is made up of 11 different cultural regions that are like independent nations. Those are just interstate regions. Delving into small pockets and communities even within your own state can reveal new dialects, food, landscapes, and values that you may have never experienced before. Whether you’re heading down to New Braunfels to hear some Texas German or Gibsontown, Florida to see the last of the carnival culture, there will always be small communities that surprise and entertain you.
You Can Learn Some History
Every community has its own history. If you rent a charter bus and opt to go with a tour group, guides can teach you about local, state, and national history that shaped the world around you. Nature lovers can also learn about the geological and prehistoric history of their community. Even if you’re taking an in-state trip, why not ask about your State Dinosaur, or what the landscape looked like at various times on the geologic time scale? The answer may surprise you.
You’ll Take in Some Beautiful Sights
There’s a reason that Katharine Lee wrote a lyrics about America’s “purple mountains’ majesty” and “amber waves of grain.” The US has several scenic drives, quaint small towns, and stunning national parks. You can rent a charter bus to give everyone in your group a break from driving, allowing you all to do some sightseeing as you go two and from your destination.
Bus terminals in the United States are more common than airports, and charter buses can go to remote parts of the nation that would be otherwise inaccessible. Plan your US bus tour with an open mind and let the sites surprise you.
