How to Map a Scenic Route to Anywhere

Taking the scenic route often makes for a more memorable trip. Regardless of where you want to go, you can find a route that allows you to see more of the landscape and interesting places along the way. Going slower and exploring places as you drive can be a great way to travel.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Decide on a destination. In order to plan a route, you need to have some idea about where you'll be starting and finishing. Even short getaways can be done using a scenic route. Once you've decided where you want to go, you can start working on how you'll get there.
2. Check for designated scenic byways or highways in the area that you'll be traveling through. In the United States, you can find scenic routes by visiting the National Scenic Byways Program website. Many maps also have special markings for roads that are widely considered scenic.
3. Look for interesting sites between where you'll be starting and finishing. Remember that you can plot 2 different routes for each leg of the journey, traveling a different way home than the way you came. This allows you to see more places along the way.
4. Read through some travel guides. Many areas have guides which cover off-the-beaten-path sights. These can be particularly helpful in finding out-of-the-way places to visit. You can also check out magazine articles on the travel in the area you'll be going through.
5. Ask for advice on your travel route at some of the more popular travel websites. Many travel sites include both guides and forums where individuals can post information about their trip or ask questions of other travelers. This can be a great way to find inside information about unique places to visit from individuals who live in the area or are familiar with it.
6. Make it up as you go. In many cases, you'll find that taking the scenic route is more interesting if you leave yourself some flexibility to explore places you find along the way. Talk to the local people and you may find additional places to visit that you hadn't thought of or heard about before.