What to Know Before You Go

As thrilling as the idea of a road trip across the USA can be, it is also a daunting challenge for a lot of UK drivers. Ultimately, most Britons are just not used to spending long hours behind the wheel across expansive terrain, so firstly, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for. 

|Getting your head around American road rules is also an absolute must. US driving is on the right-hand side of the road, and four-way stop junctions work on a first-come, first-served basis; no priority rules apply. 

But even before bruising up on your right-hand side driving, it’s worth getting the basics sorted when it comes to international travel, including travel insurance, medical insurance, and all your VISA requirements. 

Once you’ve got all that taken care of, you’re free to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Ohio is a cracking place to start your US road trip adventure by the way.

Why Ohio

Ohio often gets overlooked in favour of coastal destinations, but the state still packs a lot of punch when it comes to a road trip. 

It’s a fantastic place to explore by car, especially for British drivers. The road system is approachable and easy to navigate, which makes the driving distances between stops more manageable. You don’t have to worry about the heavy traffic of large urban centres, as traffic in Ohio is more sparse and the traffic flow relaxed. 

You’ll find amusement parks in Ohio (Cedar Point), world-class zoos (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati), fascinating museums (Air Force, Science Centers), natural wonders (Cuyahoga Valley, Hocking Hills), and cultural spots like Amish Country. This all makes it an ideal destination for families.

What’s more, Ohio also has this welcoming, down-to-earth vibe that makes road tripping there a breeze. 

All Eyes on Cleveland

Cleveland is a natural highlight on an Ohio road trip. Sitting on the shores of Lake Erie, the city combines waterfront views with a strong cultural scene and a growing reputation for food, arts, and live music. 

There are plenty of things to do in Cleveland Ohio near downtown neighborhoods within a relatively small area. With attractions like the Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Children’s Musuem, no one can complain of being bored in Cleveland. Don’t miss the Museum of Natural History and Aquarium, or the Botanical Gardens and rocky rivers either! You will love it there! 

What to See & Do Beyond Cleveland

One of the great things about stopping in Cleveland on an Ohio road trip is that there’s so much more to explore just beyond the city limits. 

Take a short drive south, and you’ll find yourself at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a beautiful change of pace from the urban stuff you’ve been seeing. 

Heading back towards Lake Erie will take you through a string of lakeside towns and beaches that are just perfect for a relaxed stop off. 

If you want something completely different, Amish Country is a great place to learn about traditional ways of life (visit farms or camp in the countrysie) and you’ll get to see some utterly stunning views of rolling hills, while driving along the way.

If you’ve got some extra time to spare, you could also add in cities like Columbus or Cincinnati, each with its own distinctive cultural attractions and dining scenes. 

Together, these places really show you just how much variety there is in Ohio, making it a great state to explore by car as a family.