We finally made it to 2021! With the new year comes new expectations and resolutions that we all hope to fulfill. One of my biggest goals is to plan a road trip! Whether you are considering going on a trip in the spring or summer, a road trip is a great, affordable way to spend time with friends, explore new cities, and take advantage of having online classes. 

Clemson is giving us Monday, March 15 through Friday, March 19 off of classes for a modified spring break, allowing students time to take COVID-19 safe trips. If you’re like me, you’re gonna want to take advantage of the full allotted time given to us with a trip from Friday, March 12 to Sunday, March 21. 

After many long hours glued to our computer screens exploring the best road trip spots, my friends and I finally decided on where we wanted to visit on our trip. Most of our discoveries were in the Nevada, Utah and Arizona regions and we found several natural and historic sites that are currently operating during COVID-19 and are reasonably priced. After discovering the breathtaking mountains in Arizona and the crystal clear water of the Utah lakes, we knew we had to visit. With a refreshing combination of memorable historic sites and stunning landscapes, a western road trip is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while learning about new cultures.

Take the opportunity to plan a trip with your friends and check out some of these beautiful sites my friends and I will witness in March. 

Best airports to fly out of near Clemson: 

• CLT (Charlotte-Douglas International Airport) 

• ATL (Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport)

Best airports to fly into when visiting: 

• LAS (McCarran International Airport)

• PHX (Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport)

• SLC (Salt Lake City International Airport)

Rental Car Companies: 

• Hertz (have to be 20 years old to rent)

• Fox Rent a Car (have to be 19 years old to rent)

Sites in Nevada: 

• Las Vegas Casinos 

• Hoover Dam and Lake Mead (15 min apart) 

• Valley of Fire (hiking, camping) 

• Lake Tahoe (hiking)

Sites in Arizona: 

• Route 66

• Grand Canyon Caverns 

• ATVing in the Grand Canyon 

• Hiking/Camping in the South Rim of the Grand Canyon 

• South Kaibab Trail 

• Bearizona Wildlife Drive-Through

Sites in Utah: 

• Lake Powell (swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding)

• Shoreline camping sites 

• Coral Pink Sand Dunes (sand boarding)

• Zion National Park (hiking, camping) 

• Emerald Pools Hiking Trail 

If you have any questions about a road trip out west, reach out to me at [email protected]