The perfect temperature: You know it when you feel it, and for most of us, it’s around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’ve ever wanted the weather to just stay at 70 degrees, then gas up the old RV and check out the map for this dreamy road trip across the United States and into Canada.
Developed by climatologist Brian Brettschneider, the jaunt takes drivers along a path of 70-degree days as the seasons shift across the continent. Brettschneider developed the road trip map in 2015 by sampling almost 30 years of “normal” temperatures at every weather station in the U.S. and Canada.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this 13,235-mile route begins as far south as possible — way down in Brownsville, Texas, on the Mexican border. Because most of the U.S. stays cold in the winter, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the Lone Star State (three months!) before heading north with warmer weather.
Through the spring, there’s some noodling around the South and Mid-Atlantic until it starts to get too hot in the summer. Then it’s off to Canada and Alaska for a couple months!
Fall and early winter have you covering lots of ground, from the Pacific Northwest to a big swing through the Midwest and Southwest. On Dec. 31, you should be sipping champagne in San Diego.
Want to save on mileage? Brettschneider’s got you covered. He tweeted this map that skips the journey to Canada and Alaska:
This U.S.-only version of the trip is about 4,000 miles shorter. Instead of trekking all the way up to Alaska to avoid the summer heat, you’ll spend the hottest months in Colorado’s high country. (It stays pretty cool when you’re thousands of feet above sea level.)
The final months of the year take driver through more mountain states and the Midwest before hitting that final leg toward New Year’s Eve in San Diego.
What a fun way to spend a year on the road! Here’s to lots — and lots — of sunny days ahead.
[H/t: CityLab]
This article originally appeared on Simplemost and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
50 slick deals & freebies for travelers
There’s the cost of the travel itself, plus meals, souvenirs and all those hidden expenses that pop up. The price tag amps up even more if you have any disruptions — unless you’re saved by travel insurance.
Whether you’re planning a road trip, flying somewhere new or setting sail on a cruise, your wallet will thank you for any savings you can find. Here are some deals and freebies you can take advantage of while you’re out exploring new places.
YakobchukOlena / istockphoto
This is one of the remaining free things you can get on a flight. Each airline has their own offerings, from granola bars and chips to nuts and pretzels. You may even be able to get one of each, if you ask nicely.
zoff-photo / istockphoto
DoubleTree hotels offer guests a free warm chocolate chip cookie at check-in.
Lydia Castro
Traveling solo can be expensive — but traveling with a family is even more so (obviously). You can negate some of those expenses by making smart travel decisions, like staying at a Holiday Inn, where kids always eat free, or visiting restaurants like Denny’s, Chick-fil-A or Applebees, which all offer kids-eat-free days and hours.
puhimec / istockphoto
Although more hotels are starting to charge for this amenity, you can still find hotels with free breakfast.
rilueda / istockphoto
In addition to free packets or pods of Joe in your room, many hotels provide free coffee and tea in the lobby.
ImageegamI / istockphoto
Instead of just the cup, some flight attendants will give you the whole can if you ask.
tanyss / istockphoto
Instead of paying for a new water bottle at the airport, bring an empty reusable bottle and fill it at a fountain or filling station. Some cruise lines provide complimentary water bottles to guests. For example, frequent Carnival cruisers (VIFP status of Red or higher) get a one liter bottle delivered directly to their stateroom.
ajr_images / istockphoto
Kimpton Hotels host a nightly happy hour where guests can enjoy a nice glass of local wine at the end of their day. Check to see if your hotel offers something like this.
kieferpix / istockphoto
Want to get a (literal) taste of wherever you’re visiting? Check out a farmers market and try out the locally grown or made items. In fact, we have a guide on the must visit farmers market in each state. Sure, you’ll have to spend some money to buy any fresh produce or bread, but there could be free samples involved.
dragana991 / istockphoto
Not sure which places are worth visiting at your destination? Confused by the public transportation? Ask your hotel concierge for free insider tips.
Want money tips? We have ’em in our weekly newsletter.
Rawpixel / istockphoto
Consider this a freebie and a travel hack: Furnished in case you need dry-cleaning on site, the oft-free laundry bags in many rooms are a perfect thing to use to repack dirty clothes.
Halfpoint / istockphoto
When you get in your hotel room, check the desk and you’re bound to find a hotel-branded pen. Now you can write a postcard to those who aren’t traveling with you. In fact…
Bhubeth Bhajanavorakul / istockphoto
At that same desk, you may find a hotel-branded postcard. Now all you need is a stamp, but that part doesn’t come free.
jointstar / istockphoto
It won’t be your fancy, soft-bristle toothbrush with deep-cleaning action, but many hotels offer free toothbrushes if you forgot to pack your own.
ThamKC / istockphoto
Think the sample size you get at your six-month dental visits.
Sinhyu / istockphoto
Leave your TSA-friendly bottles at home, as most hotels provide sample size versions of shampoo, conditioner, soap and sometimes even mouthwash. There may even be vanity kits or shower caps waiting for you in your room, too.
Buying miniature bottles for all your toiletries can get pricey — here are some travel-saving hacks to mitigate the cost.
chuck / istockphoto
Hair dryers are standard equipment in hotel rooms and cruise cabins, so save yourself the luggage space and use the free one in your room.
SamPhotgraphy / istockphoto
Most hotels won’t let you take the robe home without incurring a fee, but it’s free to use during your stay. Check with the front desk to see if the slippers are meant for you to keep.
RossHelen / istockphoto
Unexpected downpour? Many hotels provide umbrellas for you to use in case this happens. Check the closet in your room or with the front desk to get one.
MixMedia / istockphoto
Reading the morning paper over coffee is one of life’s simple pleasures, and at many hotels, you can have your pick of the day’s papers for free.
Prefer digital copies? They don’t have to be pricey. Check out this list of newspaper subscription deals.
Tim Hall / istockphoto
Skip the expensive airport bookstores and borrow a library book ahead of your trip to read on the flight or in your lounger. More of a Kindle reader? Most library cards can get you free ebook and audiobook downloads, too. Amazon Prime members also get a free digital book every month.
Want more perks from Amazon? Check out these 39 Amazon freebies, discounts and deals.
DepositPhotos.com
Finish your books and need to download another? Free internet is an increasingly popular travel perk. Most airports let you log on free of charge as do many hotel chains, at least in the lobby. JetBlue, for example, offers free Wi-Fi to all passengers, while other carriers let their branded credit card holders skip the charge.
ymgerman / istockphoto
Need to check in back home? You can make voice calls, even international ones, for free as long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi using apps like Skype or WhatsApp. As long as your phone is connected to the internet and you’re both using the same app, calls are free.
Inside Creative House / istockphoto
Some airlines offer free headphones for longer flights, which can be a lifesaver if you forgot yours. This usually varies by airline and, often, which section of the plane you’re on.
Kritchanut / istockphoto
Most hotels now lend spare phone chargers to guests. You can’t take the device home, but you can avoid having to buy a new one to stay connected while away.
devke / istockphoto
At more exclusive properties, you may be able to borrow electronics like iPads and GoPros at no extra cost. Check your hotel’s list of amenities to see what’s available.
DepositPhotos.com
Check community listings at your destination for any free outdoor movies at the park. Some airports, like Portland International Airport, show free movies for stranded passengers. Delta offers free in-flight flicks on newer planes, too.
This is a great perk while traveling, especially because a traditional theater experience doesn’t come cheap. Here’s why going to the movies is so expensive.
Vera_Petrunina / istockphoto
You can get things like jewelry, candy or alcohol tax-free simply by visiting duty free shops at the airport or when you’re on international waters on a cruise.
Oleg Elkov / istockphoto
Take part in the fun activities onboard and you could win free stuff. On past cruises, I’ve scored everything from free, full-size bottles of champagne to ship-specific trophies, which make for a nice, free souvenir.
TassieKarin / istockphoto
This isn’t exactly a free item, but it is a savings. Check for hidden fees — think hotel, airline, cruise or resort fees — as these can make a significant difference in the total cost of your stay. Here’s what you need to know about resort fees and how to avoid them.
pashyksv / istockphoto
Sure you can use a map on your phone, but what if you’re in a dead zone? Most hotels offer maps, and you can also find them at tourist boards. Plus, a lot of tourist-friendly maps note where the must-see destinations in town are. While we’re talking about things to do…
Deposit Photos
There are plenty of public (ahem, free) beaches to check out at just about any vacation destination, even in landlocked states. Refer to this guide of the must visit beaches in every state for ideas.
mihailomilovanovic
If your vacation coincides with one of the National Park Service’s four fee-free days each year, you can get into a participating national park gratis. In 2020, fee-free days include National Public Lands Day on Sept. 26 and Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
DepositPhotos.com
Many famous museums, like the Guggenheim and Museum of Modern Art, often have free or pay what you wish days. Here are some museums that offer free admission.
Paha_L
Same goes for zoos, like the Bronx Zoo, which has free general admission on Wednesdays.
DepositPhotos.com
All that new food is delicious, but it can take a toll on your health. Getting in a workout doesn’t have to cost anything. If you plan accordingly, some hotels (like Kimpton) offer complimentary fitness classes for their guests. If yours doesn’t offer a class, most hotels and cruise ships offer free access to on-site or partnering gyms.
DepositPhotos.com
Apps like Google’s Field Trip, Roadtrippers and Rick Steves Audio Europe all offer audio tours that you can download for free, so you can get insider tips and history without paying for an expensive tour.
DepositPhotos.com
Sometimes it pays to not be a local. Stores, like the Macy’s in Herald Square in New York City, give discounts to anyone with an out of town driver’s license.
VIEW press
You don’t have to spend money on an app or other tool to help you budget for an upcoming vacation — just download this free vacation budgeting spreadsheet and personalize it to fit your trip.
It never hurts to ask for an upgrade, whether it’s on a flight, a car rental, a cruise or at your hotel.
DepositPhotos.com
You can earn these miles when you fly, but you could earn even more with a travel rewards credit card. These cards often multiply the points you earn per dollar spent on travel-related purchases, like flights, hotels and transportation. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to book your next vacation with miles alone.
Here are more tips for getting the most out of your rewards points.
SeventyFour / istockphoto
You’ve got a few options here — there are airlines, like Southwest, that don’t charge for bags. If you frequent a different airline, aiming for elite status can come with perks like free checked bags, or you can get an airline-branded credit card. Often times, cardholders score free checked bags, which, if you fly on a regular basis, could be worth any annual fees that come with the card.
LightFieldStudios / istockphoto
Dozens of airports now make therapy dogs available to help passengers de-stress. Check your airport’s website for details.
DepositPhotos.com
You may not need to shell out cash for insurance if you rent a car. Check the fine print that comes with your credit card to see if this is one of the free perks you get for being a cardholder.
jacoblund / istockphoto
If you’re renting a car or driving to your destination, try to find a hotel that offers free parking. After all, who wants to blow their travel budget on a spot to leave their car?
undefined undefined / istockphoto
Not driving? You don’t necessarily have to pay for an Uber or Lyft. Many hotels — even ones that aren’t a hop, skip and a jump away — have shuttles to bring their guests to and from the airport. Luxury hotels sometimes offer a comped car service.
Not staying at a hotel with a shuttle service? Here are six ways you could save on your ride-share service.
Joe_Potato
There are a lot of free public transportation options in bigger cities, especially when you travel abroad. Check online before you head to your destination (or ask the concierge when you’re there) to see if you can hop aboard a bus, light rail or other public transit at no cost.
DepositPhotos.com
Rather get some exercise while you’re out exploring? Many hotels and resorts have their own bike-sharing programs so guests can take in local sites and scenery. Ask at check-in if you have access to free rent-a-wheels.
TFILM / istockphoto
Look for travel deals related to the season or upcoming holidays. Check out these 50 free things you can get this spring.
MStudioImages
Stay with a friend or relative to save some travel costs. Don’t know anyone where you’re going? Consider house or pet sitting in exchange for a place to stay.
This article originally appeared on Policygenius and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
BartekSzewczyk / istockphoto
Featured Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
