22 days in Southern California, Nevada & Texas Itinerary

The neon streets of Las Vegas represent only one chapter in the story of Nevada, a sparsely populated state offering travelers a chance to discover the country's western frontier. Utterly unlike the more populated parts of the North American continent, Nevada's landscape includes huge deserts where you can easily leave modern civilization behind and enjoy a tranquil vacation. For a taste of untamed Nevada, explore the network of paved and unpaved roads leading to some of the world's most rugged and desolate natural wonders. If trying to make a fortune is high on your itinerary, remember that in the first state to legalize gambling, a slot machine is never too far away. Even gas stations and small motels in the largely deserted rural areas offer some form of gambling to the passing traveler.

Thanks to its size and geologic features, Texas contains diverse landscapes that closely resemble both the south and southwest of the United States. Though most people associate Texas with tracts of barren land, deserts cover only about 10 percent of the state, with most of its big population centers located in areas once covered by prairies, grasslands, and forests. As you travel from one end of Texas to the other, observe the changing terrain that ranges from coastal piney woods and swamps in the east to the mountains of the west, with rolling plains and rugged hills in the center. For a bit of urban sightseeing visit some of the state's large cities such as Houston, Dallas, or Austin, or immerse yourself in the nation's history by adding famous attractions like The Alamo to your itinerary. Take plenty of time to mingle with the locals, famous for their hospitality, generosity, and fiercely independent spirit.