The perfect US road trip, all the way to science! Expert uses AI to develop a route with 50 landmarks

Millions have dreamed of driving across the US – but now science has taken the guesswork out of planning the epic journey.

An Orgeon-based data scientist used a sophisticated algorithm to generate the perfect trip, taking into account things like traffic logistics and the most scenic routes for a three-month vacation.

Each stop is a National Natural Landmark, National Historic Site, National Park, or National Monument, all in the lower 48 states. In total, the route offers 50 iconic sights.

The 13,699-mile route stops at Mount Rushmore, the San Francisco Cable Cars, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and other notable locations. And the beauty of the trail is that it can be started at any point.

Randy Olsen, who is also an AI researcher and has a decade of experience as a data scientist, created the map in 2015, but it has since resurfaced online as summer approaches and many Americans plan to see the nation.

Olsen used an algorithm he developed to crack each Where’s Waldo puzzle when Discovery News challenged him to plan the best route across continental America.

It was asked to follow several rules in creating the ultimate trip, including at least one stop in all 48 states and it is not allowed to travel to Canada or Mexico.

The list of sights was suggested by Discovery News’ Tracy Staedter, who gave Olsen specific items from her own bucket list.

“I also included Washington, DC and added two stops in California to bring us to just 50 stops,” Staedter wrote in 2015.

Harnessing the power of Google Maps, Olsen wrote code to calculate the distance and time it would take to travel between all 50 landmarks. This resulted in 2,450 different routes.

“Rather than exhaustingly consider every possible solution, genetic algorithms start with a handful of random solutions and continually tinker with those solutions – always trying something different from the current solutions and sticking with the best ones – until they can’t find a better solution anymore,” wrote Olsen in the blog post.

“In less than a minute, the genetic algorithm arrived at a near-perfect solution, enabling a complete trip around the United States in just 13,699 miles.”

Genetic algorithms start with just a few random solutions.

It then manipulates those solutions, each time trying something different, until it finds one it can’t improve on.

He explained that if you drove non-stop, the route would take nine days and 33 hours, but stopping to enjoy each landmark extends the time to no more than three months.

“This trip will take you to all major areas of the United States, and as an added bonus, you won’t have to drive too long through Nebraska’s endless cornfields,” Olsen wrote on his blog.

If that map still doesn’t spark an adventure, MailOnline Travel asked two chatbots — ChatGPT, created by California AI firm OpenAI, and Google’s Bard — to plan a variety of trips.

A CHEAP HOLIDAY IN A SUNNY PLACE

For a cheap vacation in the sun, Bard recommended flying to Bulgaria, where it says you can find a week-long all-inclusive vacation “for as little as $250.”

ChatGPT, meanwhile, suggested traveling to Bali, Indonesia to find “affordable accommodation, food and activities.”

The Moroccan cities of Marrakech and Phuket in Thailand were other “affordable” destinations she wanted to visit.

AN ADVENTURE HOLIDAY

For those who crave adventure, Bard suggested tackling the Inca Trail in Peru.

It said: “It is a four-day trek that takes you through the Andes to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The hike is challenging but also incredibly rewarding. You will see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.’

ChatGPT suggested traveling to Costa Rica in Central America, saying, “Known for its lush rainforests, volcanic peaks and abundant wildlife, Costa Rica offers a variety of activities for adrenaline seekers.” Whitewater rafting, ziplining and surfing were among the recommended activities to try during a trip.

A FAMILY HOLIDAY

Bard’s top recommendation for a family vacation was the Greek island of Crete. “It’s home to a variety of family-friendly activities, including swimming, sunbathing, hiking and exploring ancient ruins,” the chatbot said of the island, adding, “If you’re looking for a family vacation that’s both relaxing and exciting, visit Crete is the perfect choice.’

ChatGPT said: “I would suggest a trip to Grand Canyon National Park in the United States.

This iconic natural wonder is a breathtaking sight for the whole family to enjoy.

There is a variety of activities including hiking, camping and guided tours and the park offers stunning views, diverse wildlife and fascinating geological formations.”