Well if you are leaving in the next few weeks, don't head south. High tail it northwest. I recommend the Canadian rockies, Washington/Oregon/California coast. Then hit Yellowstone and work your way south into southern Utah. Return through the southern States. That is my usual "Big Trip" when leaving NY. This year I will have to miss the Canadian Rockies, but will include the Yellowstone, the coast, Utah, then Nevada, California and especially Mojave and Death Valley. Hopefully I will be on the road in 2 weeks and back after Thanksgiving.