1. States I've driven through
2. States I've spent money in.
3. States I've visited.
4. States I've fueled up in.
Choice is yours. We try to spend at least 6 weeks in each state. 2 in the northern part, 2 in the middle and 2 in the southern. This allows us ample time to really visit and see everything that state offers. Ca and Tx are exceptions. This applies to mostly western states as some of the smaller states can be done in much less time. But, really the choice is yours. We've seen people pull up, jump out of their car, take a picture of the Grand Canyon and drive off. IMO that is not visiting nor actually enjoying what is offered. Hike down to Supai village, swim behind the waterfalls, enjoy life.....Dennis