
10 Day USA West Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Few American road trips are as iconic as a drive up the West Coast. You can visit incredible national parks, cities packed with amazing culture and food, and everything in between.

Nick’s path to TravelFreak wasn’t traditional, but then again, neither is he.
After playing collegiate basketball at the University of Rochester, Nick transferred to the University of Kentucky to focus on his education in economics, philosophy, and writing. He landed a business intelligence analyst role at NIQ, but analyzing data from a desk wasn’t where his story was meant to go.
His real education happened working remotely across Europe, hopping from country to country, experiencing cultures, attending football matches, and playing pickup games in co-ed leagues wherever he could find them. As a Manchester City fan, he made it his mission to catch matches at legendary stadiums from Camp Nou to the Etihad. After a year on the road, he settled in Barcelona, soaking up the culture, perfecting his tapas order, and falling deeper in love with the beautiful game, both watching it and playing it.
But Nick’s travels go beyond football. He’s explored 20+ countries across Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, always chasing authentic experiences over tourist traps. Whether teaching English to kids in South Africa and the Dominican Republic, tracking wildlife on safari, or finding the best hole-in-the-wall restaurant locals don’t want tourists to know about, Nick believes travel is about connection, not collection.
That philosophy drove him to take over TravelFreak with his brother Spencer. Together, they’re building a brand that cuts through the noise of influencer culture and corporate travel advice to deliver something real: honest guides, tested gear, and experiences you can actually replicate.
Nick lives by a simple rule: the best stories come from saying yes to the unexpected. And TravelFreak is his biggest yes yet.

Few American road trips are as iconic as a drive up the West Coast. You can visit incredible national parks, cities packed with amazing culture and food, and everything in between.

Outdoorsy is our top pick for peer-to-peer campervan rentals, while Escape Campervans has an awesome converted fleet. The other companies on our list offer everything from luxury Sprinters to retro VWs.

Chaco and Teva are the dominant names in hiking sandals. You'll just have to decide if you want rugged and chunky, or flexible and comfy.

A good hiking shirt needs to protect you from the sun and keep you comfy in all weather. It also doesn't hurt if it looks good enough to wear around town after you get back from the trail.

Roll-top backpacks offer simplicity, waterproofness, and durability, which makes them perfect for people on the go. The best ones capitalize on those strengths.

A good anti-theft backpack isn't a guarranty that your stuff won't get stolen, but it definitely offers some peace of mind.

A good pair of travel pants keeps you comfortable and looking good—on long-haul flights, city tours, and destination hikes.

The top travel shoes from brands like Vessi, Allbirds, and Tropicfeel, are lightweight, stylish, and as comfy as your favorite slippers.

The right waterproof backpack can save you from having a bag full of sopping wet gear after it rains. Just know that not all bags claiming to be waterproof are created equal.

You don't have to look like a dork to wear hiking pants that are comfortable, breathable, and durable.

It's time to hit the road again. Use this Outdoorsy discount code to get $40 off your first campervan or RV booking!

Outdoorsy boasts extensive inventory, while RVezy offers a personalized touch. Both enhance road trips with robust insurance and dependable customer service.