The United States is one of the largest countries in the world.  Its vast landscapes and unique culture bring visitors from far and wide to explore this exciting land.  Many Americans have yet to see and experience the wonders and beauty found in their own country.  Through the use of technology and other resources, you will plan and organize a trip to explore and enjoy the various regions of the United States.  You get to plan where you want to go, what you want to see, and what you want to do.  Enjoy planning your trip and exploring many of the interesting sites throughout the United States of America.

The United States is divided into geographical regions.  You will be planning a trip to visit one state in each region of the U.S.   While in each state, you will want to explore some of the major attractions and learn about the state, its people, and its culture.  Your task is to create a travel itinerary and budget which will help you organize and plan your trip, and write a letter to your family convincing them to take the trip which you have planned.  An itinerary is a document which explains where someone will be, when they will be there, and what they will do while there.  Itineraries are used often for travel reservations, conferences, and schedules.

 
To plan your trip you should study a map of the United States.

The Hotel and Travel website allows you to locate and price hotels, car rentals, and airline flights.  Do Not Enter Credit Card Information Here!

If you know your where you are departing from and where you are going, you can easily determine the Distance Between.

The United States Census Bureau offers demographics and population information for each state.

State Tourism Offices are a great way to learn about a state and many of the attractions it offers.

All information should be organized on the Itinerary Worksheet.

All expenses should also be recorded on the Budget Worksheet.

The Process

• Choose one state in each region of the United States which you wish to visit.

 
• Draw the path which you plan to travel on the outline map provided.  (Note: your school is your starting and ending point).

 
• Label, outline, and color the states you plan to visit on the map.

 
• For each state you plan to visit follow the steps below:
1. Decide upon and price the mode of transportation to get you to your destination.
2. Determine the distance you must travel.
3. Identify the population and demographic information.
4. Research and determine at least two major attractions to visit.
5. Locate and price accomodations to stay at during your visit.
6. Record all information on the Itineray Worksheet for each location.
7. Repeat for each destination.
• Complete the Budget Worksheet, which shows the expenses determined by your planning and describes other expenses which you feel may be a part of your trip.

 
• Write a letter to your family, persuading them to take the trip.

 

 

Your final product will be evaluated for the following criteria:

                                Itinerary
                                                Attractions with Clear Descriptions
                                                Data Entered and Accurate.

                                         Budget
                                                Accurate Data Displayed
                                                Identified At Least Three Logical Additional Expenses.

                                Letter to Family
                                                Opinion Clearly Stated
                                                3 Reasons/Examples which Support Your Opinion
                                                Grammar
                                                Proper Letter Format

(See Scoring Rubric)

 

Conclusion

The United States is perhaps the most culturally diverse country in the world.  It encompases various climates and many diverse landscapes.  There is so much to see and do in this vast land that it would take more than a lifetime to accomplish it all.  Perhaps your research, planning, and persuasion will pay off, and you can begin your exploration of the United States.