“A Year Of Exploring The Lower 48 States By Road – A Retrospective” tells the story of Joe and Nic, a couple who sold their house to embark on an epic year-long road trip around the lower 48 states of the United States. Throughout their journey, they experienced diverse landscapes, cultures, and cuisines, and documented their adventure on their YouTube channel. Initially, their channel did not gain much success, but during a trip between Denver and Omaha, their videos suddenly gained popularity, leading them to continue making content and growing their channel. They chose to stay at hotels rather than buying a camper van, mainly due to cost and convenience, and they share insights and recommendations on hotels, including their favorite hotel chains. They also discuss their favorite places and cities they enjoyed visiting, as well as their future travel plans. Despite the challenges they faced and the uncertainty of their decision to sell their house and live on the road, they express no regrets and thoroughly enjoy the freedom and joy of traveling.
The narrative is filled with personal reflections, touching on their decision to sell their house after the lockdown and their desire to explore the country. They delve into the ups and downs of their YouTube journey, from initial struggles to sudden success. They highlight the financial aspects of their trip, including the importance of credit cards with good rewards for travel expenses, as well as their money-saving strategies for hotel stays. They also share their favorite places, cities, and upcoming travel plans. Overall, their story captures the essence of an adventurous road trip, along with the joys and challenges of living on the road for an entire year.
Overview of Joe and Nic’s Year-Long Road Trip
Exactly one year ago, Joe and Nic made the bold decision to sell their house and embark on a year-long road trip around the lower 48 states of the United States. Their journey was focused on exploring various locations and attractions in each state, allowing them to experience diverse landscapes, cultures, and cuisines. Throughout the trip, they encountered many memorable moments, faced challenges, and had notable experiences. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at their road trip, from the initial decision to sell their house, to the highlights of their favorite places and cities visited, as well as their reflections on living on the road.
Growing Popularity of Joe and Nic’s YouTube Channel
Joe and Nic’s YouTube channel did not see much success initially. For the first nine months of their road trip, they were only making about five dollars a day and gaining around ten new subscribers each month. However, during a trip between Denver and Omaha, their YouTube channel suddenly gained popularity. Their daily views skyrocketed from 700 to 20-30,000, and their income increased significantly. This surge in popularity encouraged them to continue making videos, and their channel continued to grow. They attribute their success to the quality content they were creating, focused on exploring downtown areas and showcasing the architecture and attractions of various cities.
Choosing Hotels Over Camper Vans
When it came to accommodation options for their year-long road trip, Joe and Nic made the decision to stay at hotels instead of purchasing a camper van. They considered factors such as cost and convenience, ultimately determining that staying at hotels would be a better fit for their travel plans. Camper vans were expensive to purchase and maintain, had poor gas mileage, and limited their mobility in city centers. By choosing hotels, they could stay within their budget and have access to amenities like gyms and laundry rooms. They also enjoyed the convenience of being able to explore downtown areas without the hassle of finding parking or towing a secondary vehicle.
Inconsistent Hotel Chains and Unreliable Amenities
While Joe and Nic found staying at hotels to be more convenient, they also encountered some challenges along the way. Many hotel chains were inconsistent in their maintenance and amenities, often resulting in broken hot tubs and ice machines. This was particularly disappointing for Joe, who enjoyed the relaxation of a hot tub after long work days. They even came across a hotel that advertised a beautiful outdoor pool, only to find it out of order upon arrival. Despite these inconveniences, they still preferred hotels over camper vans, but they emphasized the importance of checking hotel reviews before making a reservation.
Tips for Utilizing Travel Rewards
To make their travel more affordable, Joe and Nic utilized travel rewards programs. They found that getting credit cards with good rewards for travel expenses was a smart way to save money. They specifically recommended Hotels.com for its rewards program, where every 10 nights booked through the site earns a free night. Joe and Nic had a Hotels.com credit card that allowed them to earn free rooms for every $5,000 spent. By utilizing these travel rewards, they were able to save money on expensive hotel prices and extend their budget for the duration of their road trip.
Favorite Places and Cities Visited
During their year-long road trip, Joe and Nic visited numerous breathtaking locations in the United States. Some of their favorite places included Niagara Falls, Yellowstone Park, Rapid City, Steamboat Springs, and South Padre Island. They also enjoyed exploring cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Venice Beach, as these urban areas provided them with unique cultural experiences and stunning sights. Their road trip allowed them to discover the beauty and diversity of each state they visited, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Future Travel Plans
While Joe and Nic’s year-long road trip has come to an end, their love for travel remains strong. They have plans to visit border towns and explore the Gulf Coast, immersing themselves in the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of these regions. They also express their excitement about visiting the Grand Canyon, a natural wonder they have yet to experience. Joe and Nic hope to continue their travels for years to come, as living on the road has provided them with a sense of freedom and adventure that they deeply cherish.
Reflections on Living on the Road
Reflecting on their decision to sell their house and embark on this road trip, Joe and Nic express no regrets. They acknowledge the challenges they faced, such as building their YouTube channel and navigating inconsistent hotel experiences. However, they wholeheartedly embrace the freedom and joy that living on the road has brought them. They appreciate the support of their viewers, whose enthusiasm and engagement have fueled their motivation to continue creating content. Joe and Nic feel fortunate to have been able to travel and explore the United States while making a living, and they look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.