Traveling Cross Country: Tips to Use and Places to See, the Trucker Way

Traveling America - Seeing America from shore to shore is something every citizen of this country should make the time to do at some point in their lives. The sights and the people across this land are interesting, amazing and all so very different from one another. The open road is the best way to travel cross country in this writer's opinion, because the small towns and great little shops are missed every other way! Having been to every state in this country I have quite a lot of tales and oddities to share. I was a Truck Driver for many years and this was how I managed to see everything from the Pacific to the Atlantic, and everything between.

Truck Stop Culture

No one can make a cross country trek without taking the time to stop at truck stops along the way. There are truck stops that are bigger than most malls across the country. There are some with only one gas pump, one diesel pump and nothing more to speak of. There are truck stops with barber shops and dentists and swimming pools and massage parlors. The best one I can remember was near Lincoln Nebraska. My wife and I stopped for diesel, and took them up on the free shower with over 50 gallons offer. We fueled up, parked the truck, packed our shower bags and walked right in. We were immediately hit with some of the most amazing Native American crafts, trinkets and more. The shopping was amazing, which took us about 2 hours. After wasting all that time, we made our way to the shower area. To our shock, we were given what appeared to be a private room and a key. We went inside and found the biggest walk-in shower I had ever seen. Perhaps 15 people could fit into it comfortably. Beside that was a very large whirlpool bathtub! The tub was about the size of a standard Jacuzzi, and was surrounded by mirrors and dim lighting. My wife and I looked at each other with huge grins.... Living like this does not happen very often out on the road. This was, by the way, the Oasis Truck Stop outside Lincoln NE. Going through? You have to stop!

The other truck stops that stand out as favorites to me are the ones across Nevada. Every single one has at least one slot machine. Being a sucker for slots, I left my money in a neat little trail right across the state. The truck stops in Reno and Las Vegas in particular are very nice. They are what you would expect to find in these cities: Glitz and Lights, slots galore, fabulous buffets, and shopping to leave a paycheck for. My favorite would have to be the TA Truck Stop in Sparks NV.

Other great truck stops are all around the Midwest and the South. They are all so unique, most are small to medium in size, and the food is worth stopping for at just about every one on the road. While in the South, Petro Truck Stops along the way will generally not disappoint.

Get A CB Radio

Whether you're driving a tiny car or a big truck, every traveler needs a good CB radio. A good one will cost $100-$200 and more but trust me when I tell you, you will not regret it. When you're out in the middle of nowhere and you get hungry, just call out on the radio. "Break 1-9, where's a good place to eat around here?"... After a few tries and a few miles, without fail you will hear "Which way ya headin'?" Give your mile marker off the highway shoulder and tell them which direction you're going! You will surely not be disappointed when he tells you to go to exit 340 and stop at Granny's Diner. They drive these roads for a living, and know where the best food is. Also, if you need weather conditions, road conditions or the location of the nearest "Smoky" or police officer, you will be able to find all that information and more, thanks to your trust CB radio!

Get Out And Do It!

In closing I want to say again, travel the country. Do it at least once in your life. Every one has at least one great pilgrimage in their lives, and our beautiful land is a worthy place of doing it. Whether you're a Truck Driver or a minivan driver, you will enjoy yourself making a trip to see America first hand. The people are wonderful along the way. The food is better. The sights remind you why they call this God's country. Enjoy, be safe, and be kind to your fellow traveler!