Road Trip USA

Road Trip USA was first published in 1996 by Avalon Travel Publishing, emerging during a period of renewed interest in the quintessential American road trip as a cultural experience. Jamie Jensen authored the guide after spending several months traveling across the country to document the routes, roadside attractions, and small-town landmarks that were often bypassed by the burgeoning interstate system. His work was intended to steer travelers toward the 'blue highways' of the United States, prioritizing the journey and its quirky, historical character over mere efficiency.

The book is celebrated for its narrative style and comprehensive scope, serving as a successor to classic travel literature that romanticizes the open road. Designed with a focus on regional nuance and detailed itineraries, Jensen’s guide was well-received by those seeking to explore the American landscape through its idiosyncratic detours. It has since become a staple in the travel guidebook genre, known for its ability to catalog both iconic sights and obscure, vanishing Americana.