// BEGIN editorial data var i = 0; var tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2 = new Array(); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2.ID = "tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2"; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2.ID_WB = 31453362; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2.sPubDate = "6/20/2009 1:29:16 AM GMT"; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2.navsectionID = "3032632" tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2.appFmt = 9; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2.itemsPerPage = 1; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2.appWidth = 624; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2.appHeader = "Tips | Best summer road trips"; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2.appNavStyle = 4; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2.instrument = 1; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2.appLayout = 3; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2.copyHeight = 378; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2.copyWidth = 460; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2.copyMargin = 9; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Introduction","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photo/_new/080804-tvl-road-trip-hmed-03.hmedium.jpg","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "Joseph Sohm", "Getty Images stock", "206", "423", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "
According to Y-Partnership, a national travel marketing company, an estimated 45 million households are planning road trips this summer. It's the most popular form of transportation for vacationers, regardless of the price of gas.

Here are some of the best routes in the United States, according to Travel & Leisure Magazine."; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","California","Route 1 boasts stunning views.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/090405-channel-islands-hmed-01.vlarge.jpg","","", "sub", "", "", "", "right", "Damian Dovarganes", "AP", "186", "278", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "

Route: Highway 1/Pacific Coast Highway (from Los Angeles to San Francisco)

What's great about Route 1 is it's even better than you thought it would be. There's the amazing beauty of the Pacific coast — dramatic views and cliffs. There's also a fun mix of activities and sites along the way. You're likely to have non-stop sun. This winding road lends itself to a slower, more leisurely drive.

In general, you should always try to reserve early for the stops you make on these trips. Remember that a lot of people are doing the same thing you're doing. "; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Hearst Castle","Hearst Castle","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/z_Projects_in_progress/Coolest-castles-trv-brill/Coolest-castles-hearst-brill.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument", "218", "278", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "

This is about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It's very doable. This is the former home of William Randolph Hearst and is now a historic landmark. There's great tours and it attracts 1 million people each year. "; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Treebones Resort","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "103", "148", "", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "

Stay in yurts at this eco-resort with great views. This is a kind of fun idea, especially for families who want to do something a little different and get back to nature. This is in the Big Sur area. You have the ocean at your feet. It's great for kids who want to be outdoors after being in the car. It's an entire experience and not just a place to stay. "; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk/Santa Cruz Surfing Museum","The Looff Carousel merry-go-round at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk was first installed in 1911 and boats real pipe-organ music, hand-carved horses and rings from a mechanical dispenser to throw in the clown's mouth each time around.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/z_Projects_in_progress/090608-amusement-trv-brill/090608-Santa-Cruz-Boardwalk-trv.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Paul Sakuma", "AP", "201", "278", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "

Boardwalks are always fun, mostly because of the food and the sugar. There's surfing, which is very California, but there's also very old-fashioned rides you can go on. And there's a beach right there so it's really an ideal summer activity. "; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","New England","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "110", "81", "", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "

Route: Rt. 7/7A (from Lenox, MA to Burlington, VT)

This route will take you through some of the most beautiful countryside in the northeast. Start in the cultural seat of the Berkshires in Lenox (Tanglewood) and make your way through the bucolic landscape of New England to the Green Mountain State. You'll see covered bridges, rolling hills and mountains. This route is all about relaxed driving and taking it at your own pace."; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Tanglewood","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "98", "148", "", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "

I suggest you start in the super charming town of Lenox. It has the added benefit of Tanglewood, where you can take in a classical concert. "; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Shelburne Farms","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "110", "79", "", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "

This is a large estate. It's a 400 acre woodland and working farm. There are lots of cows and there's a full dairy. This is a wonderful way to introduce your young children to the idea that food doesn't come from the supermarket. They have a children's farm yard."; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "99", "148", "", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "

This doesn't really require much explanation! Ice cream! And you can be sure this is a popular destination once you hit Vermont. "; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Route 66","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/031219/031219_roadtrip_vmed_4p.hsmall.jpg","","", "sub", "", "", "", "right", "Robyn Beck", "AFP", "273", "176", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "

Route: Route 66 from Oklahoma to California, but you can drive any portion you'd like between Chicago and LA)

The iconic Route 66 is called the \"mother road.\" It was once a main road from Chicago to LA, but has since been replaced by newer, more modern interstates. Many parts of the trip along this route will feel like stepping back in time. It's currently on the World Monument Fund list of 100 most endangered sites. It is about 2,000 miles in all, but you don't have to travel the whole thing in one trip. "; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Pops outside Oklahoma City","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Sections/TVNews/Today%20show/Today%20Travel/2009/06%20June/Pops.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "Courtesy of Pops", "238", "278", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "

This is something that any child — small or big — would love. You feel like you're basically at a gas station. Everything revolves around soda — there's over 500 bottles. There's one big giant one that's perfect for photos. "; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Santa Fe, N.M.","Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/061026/061026_santafe_hmed_5p.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "Chris Corrie via santafe.org", "181", "278", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "

This is another one of those great towns filled with galleries and museums. I definitely recommend the Georgia O'Keefe museum. "; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Flagstaff, Ariz.","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/z_Projects_in_progress/NationalParks-trv-brill/090521-grandcanyon-trv-brill.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Robert Glusic", "Corbis", "186", "278", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "

If you have never been to the Grand Canyon you're missing out and so are the kids. "; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Wigwam Motel","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "110", "145", "", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "

30-ft. tall teepees make this a fun place to stay overnight. "; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Florida Keys","Florida Keys vacationers can get a glimpse of the undersea realm of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary off of Key Largo, Fla., without even getting their feet wet on the Key Largo Princess.","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Sections/TVNews/Today%20show/Today%20Travel/2009/06%20June/FlaKeysMain.vmedium.jpg","","", "sub", "", "", "", "right", "Bob Krist", "Florida Keys News Bure", "298", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "


Route: US 1 / Overseas Highway (from Miami to Key West)


Start out in Miami where there are many great restaurants, beaches, shopping and galleries. Then, one road takes you through the keys — there are over 40 bridges including the famous 7-mile bridge. There's easy access to so much marine life and activities on the water. The road can get crowded so you'll want to drive early and spend the rest of your days at various stops enjoying the outdoors. It's not a very long trip, so it's good for people who don't like to be in a car for a long time. You also can't get lost.


The Keys in the summer? T&L features editor Nilou Motamed says she likes going places off-season because it provides a great value. When you're outside on a beach, she doesn't care if it's 10 degrees hotter than normal. "; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Seven Mile Bridge","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "100", "148", "", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "


This is a bridge that is just gigantic and really cool to drive on. It's just stunning. "; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","John Pennecamp Coral State Park","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Sections/TVNews/Today%20show/Today%20Travel/2009/06%20June/KeyLargoKayak.hsmall.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Bob Krist", "Florida Keys News Bure", "189", "368", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "


Rent snorkels, canoes and kayaks. The main thing you want to do is get out on the water. "; tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i++] = new Array("","Mallory Square","People looking at harbour from Mallory Square at sunset.","","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "", "", "179", "278", "", "", "", "", ""); tdy_Travel_BestSummerRoutes2[i-1].body = "


This is in the heart of Key West. There are street performers and it has a real carnival atmosphere. It's the southern most point and watching the sunsets from the square is a very popular activity. "; // END editorial data