A road trip can be a way to refresh your spirit after a hectic year of work and family activities. Cruising down an open road, with new sights, sounds and personalities along the way can be the best way to spend time away from home. A number of destinations are recognized as always worth the trip – Check out some of these worthwhile locations in the US:

The Grand Canyon/Sedona
One of the classic road trips for Americans is the trip to north central Arizona to see the Grand Canyon. The canyon itself was the site of human habitation
Today, you can walk along the South Rim, enjoy the museum, browse the bookstore or listen to one of the ranger-led programs. Visitors can stay in one of the six lodges within the park, hike down to the bottom of the canyon or ride the mules on canyon paths. A short distance away along some extraordinarily picturesque byways, are the red rocks of Sedona, a city devoted to artistic endeavors and spiritual growth. There, you can enjoy a class, hike through the rock formations and discover one of the energy-filled vortexes that made the area famous.

Miami/Everglades National Park
At the southern end of the Florida peninsula is the exciting city of Miami, a place that offers many cultural exhibits, ethnic restaurants and beautiful beaches. The Miami Metro Zoo, South Beach restaurants and viewing the historic architecture of the 1920s are some of the most popular activities for visitors. Off the far western edge of the area lies the Everglades National Park, where travelers of all ages can find an extraordinary ecosystem in the renowned “sea of grass,” with its unique variety of wildlife and plants. An afternoon at the park can provide fishing, kayaking, photographic opportunities and a wildlife tram tour to see some of the many alligators that inhabit the park.

Santa Fe-Taos, New Mexico
Just an hour outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico, travelers can find the charming city of Santa Fe, a Mecca for artists nestled in the Sangre de Cristos Mountains. The city offers numerous historical sites, and a number of places of archaeological interests are also nearby. Restaurants, shops and many cultural events make Santa Fe one of the favorites of road trip enthusiasts. Drive a bit further into the mountains, and you find the more pastoral city of Taos. A destination for skiers in winter, Taos also offers horseback riding, art galleries and a variety of historical sites. Take time to see the Taos Pueblo, once a settlement for Pueblo Indians now the traditional site for tribal ceremonies.

Chickasaw Country, Oklahoma
Riding across the middle of America, you will find the amazing opportunities of Chickasaw Country in Oklahoma. Located outside of Oklahoma City, the area offers entertainments for every taste. Recreation areas offer fishing and hunting; scenic drives; camping; hiking and boating. The Native American cultural influence from the Chickasaw tribe is strong in this area and provides numerous educational opportunities for children. Ride a zip line or hike to a waterfall. Adults can enjoy some time at the casino. A variety of resorts and lodgings are available to make your stay comfortable.

Take the time on your road trip to explore the neighborhoods, foods and people that make these destinations so unique.