Favorite way to skip the interstates?

[dedmiston]

I get lazy with my routing sometimes and rely too much on Google Maps and my in-dash nav.

It’s easy enough to skip the interstates in an area you’re familiar with, but I’d be interested in hearing some suggestions for finding the routes less traveled when you don’t know the area.

[Trekkar]

BarabooBob wrote:
We get AAA maps of every state we are traveling through. For states where we are spending extended time such as Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, the Dakotas, and Idaho, I carry the Delorme Atlas & Gazeteer for each state. Mine are a few years old but they show (almost) every road in each state. We carry a plastic tote in the back seat of the truck to store all of our maps, camping books, and atlases to keep them in good shape when we are not using them.
I also preplan our trips on the computer with Google Maps.

The road less taken is more interesting. Stop frequently and actually talk to the locals. They will point out some amazing places to visit.

I agree with using the DeLorme state maps. These show an amazing amount of information.

I don't believe the interstates help you enjoy the TRIP; only the DESTINATION. Before retirement, we also felt the need to hurry through the 'let's get there!' portion so we could enjoy our destination. After retirement, we found it much more enjoyable to meander. General direction and vague destinations let us enjoy the whole trip.

[LadyRVer]

Paper maps and US highways.

[johnhicks]

You have to be careful of your setup. Years ago I had the gps set to avoid highways and shortest route, so it tried it's best to route me across Atlanta on city streets. Fortunately I knew better.

[Microlite_Mike]

Since I drive alone now since my wife passed away I just set my navigation program to "Avoid Interstates and No Toll Roads".

My Tow Vehicle didn't come with an Infotainment Screen but I added one last year and I get great guidance on non-interstate routes.

What's better than the map/atlas method is that both my navigation programs will provide real time traffic and construction information.

Also, no fumbling or re-folding required with the Nav programs 🙂

[Horsedoc]

We still have an road atlas from 2000 and still use it a lot if Seri can't talk with a satellite. I guess I am spoiled to the interstates unless I am in the 'relax and see the country' mode.

[pianotuna]

BB_TX wrote:
Use google maps but click on “route options” and select “avoid highways”. That’s misleading as it only avoids interstates, not other highways. It will chose other highway options more or less parallel to the interstates.

Nice piece of information. Thanks!

It doesn't work in Canada, but that's ok, too.

[RAS43]

rk911 wrote:

Gooma wrote:
Rand McNally road atlas. Buy one, Learn to use it.

an enthusiastic +1

:B

[rk911]

Gooma wrote:
Rand McNally road atlas. Buy one, Learn to use it.

an enthusiastic +1

[RetiredRealtorR]

BB_TX wrote:
Use google maps but click on “route options” and select “avoid highways”. That’s misleading as it only avoids interstates, not other highways. It will chose other highway options more or less parallel to the interstates.

Exactly the way we do it, but we also select "avoid tolls". Those yayhoos in central FL can't build a new road without it being a toll road, and frankly, we find that taking the non-toll options many times get us where we're going quicker, and without all the idiots on the road weaving in and out at 20-30 miles per hour over the posted limit (and never a LEO in sight).

Thanks for your efforts Ike, but sticking to US highways, state highways, and the occasional county road have made for some wonderful travels over the years.

[BB_TX]

Use google maps but click on “route options” and select “avoid highways”. That’s misleading as it only avoids interstates, not other highways. It will chose other highway options more or less parallel to the interstates.

[pianotuna]

dedmiston,

AAA used to do 'trip tiks'. If they still do, then ask them to make one which avoids interstate highways?

I hate the interstates, as I drive slowly to conserve fuel and funds.

[Matt_Colie]

dedmiston,
We often travel in the "Avoid Blue Roads" mode.

Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything.
Charles Kuralt

When we are doing this, I often set the GPS to "Avoid Highways" mode and it is usually pretty good. We have had some wonderful times this way. So far, all of the auto kind GPS have had this mode, but we also have the advantage of having a pilot and navigator.

Matt

[Lwiddis]

I have the same old map book 2112 does but for California. That’s the fun way to plan a day’s drive.

[JRscooby]

I have had good luck with getting fold up maps from tourist departments of states I plan to travel. Once I pick my way, I enter as many points as I need in my GPS to make sure she can find my way.

[BarabooBob]

We get AAA maps of every state we are traveling through. For states where we are spending extended time such as Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, the Dakotas, and Idaho, I carry the Delorme Atlas & Gazeteer for each state. Mine are a few years old but they show (almost) every road in each state. We carry a plastic tote in the back seat of the truck to store all of our maps, camping books, and atlases to keep them in good shape when we are not using them.
I also preplan our trips on the computer with Google Maps.

The road less taken is more interesting. Stop frequently and actually talk to the locals. They will point out some amazing places to visit.