A road trip is a great way to travel in the summer and there are numerous great destinations within a three-hour drive of major metropolitan areas throughout the country. Earlier this week, as I drove from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe, I reflected on the ease of the hour and a half drive and how lucky I was to drive through such a beautiful part of the country. To my left the Yuba River raged from the recent snowmelt and surrounding me were massive granite rock formations. Obviously you can see so much more from the road than 30,000-feet in the air. It just reminds us all that the joy can be in the journey as you get from one great destination to the next.

Lake Tahoe, for example, is easily accessible from numerous metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, Sacramento and Reno. You can explore different maps to create your own route to this iconic summer destination through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Or, contact the concierge at Resort at Squaw Creek for their tips on traveling to the area – they may have insider tips on the best way to get there that provides you with optimal sightseeing as well.

There is certainly beauty in the journey to one of Destination Hotels & Resorts’ newest properties Terranea Resort. Conveniently located within driving distance from San Diego, Orange County, Palm Springs and literally in the backyard of Los Angeles, the resort is worth the trip. When coming up from the South, travelers can map a route that takes them along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway. From the North, one route may take you through the Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beach followed by lush hills as you enter Rancho Palos Verdes.

Tired of overcast days in Seattle? Head to the sunny side of the Cascade Mountain Range to Suncadia Resort, a convenient two-hour drive from the Seattle metropolitan area. The drive over the Cascades takes travelers through Snoqualmie where the popular 1980s television show Twin Peaks was filmed. Various side trips can lead you to roaring waterfalls or clear blue mountain lakes.

The Green Mountains of Vermont provide a wonderful setting for a road trip to Stowe Mountain Lodge. The resort is within a three-hour drive of Boston, Montreal or a quick trip down from Burlington. Quaint communities can be found throughout the area where local merchant sell fresh maple syrup, hand-made crafts and more. Many roads lead to Stowe, so check in with the helpful team at Stowe Mountain Lodge for suggestions on a route that allows you to explore the Vermont countryside.

No matter which destination you choose to visit this summer, find a unique and interesting route to get there. Going from point A to point B is the objective, but it’s what you can find in between that can truly make for a memorable trip. Visit www.destinationhotels.com to find a great destination for your next trip, then rely on the team at the hotel or resort you book to help you design a travel plan that allows you to truly enjoy the journey.