Assignment 2: Someone Say Road Trip Geography Of Nor

Ggh200 Assignment 2did Someone Say Road Tripgeography Of North

For this assignment, you are to imagine that you have been asked to plan a North American road trip for a small group of very wealthy clients who are from some other major world region. No one in the group has ever been to North America, but they have expressly stated that their goal for the trip is to, “truly experience what the North American region is all about.” While they would like to see and experience many places that represent the “defining” characteristics of the North American region, as a whole, they also know that it is a vast region with lots of physical and cultural diversity—so they are expecting to see and experience aspects of that, as well.

So, you should be as creative as possible in coming up with a variety of different types of places to take them. In other words, don’t just choose a bunch of cities. They have promised to pay you more money the more convinced they are by the end of the trip that their tour guide (YOU!) has met their goals and expectations for the trip. The catch is, however, they have specifically stated that they want to experience the region by automobile (since they have heard that is how most North Americans prefer to travel) and they only have 7 days for this road trip! On top of that, they have demanded the following:

  • The trip must include a “stop” at a place in at least ten (10) U.S. states and four (4) Canadian provinces or territories.
  • They want to visit at least 2 different places per day.
  • They do not want to travel more than 400 miles between stops/places.

Your task is to put together a detailed itinerary (including a map of the route) for this great North American road trip. For each day, state which places you will be stopping at (and which state or province it’s in) and provide a brief justification (at least 3–4 sentences) for why you chose that place, explaining how it exemplifies a defining characteristic of North America or one of its major regions. Include the number of miles driven from place to place.

Finally, you must provide a single map of North America on which you have highlighted the route taken, labeling each stop or place. The more satisfied these clients are, the more money you will make! A hard copy of your detailed itinerary and the map should be submitted in class on the specified date.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

North America is a continent marked by remarkable physical diversity, cultural richness, and historical significance. Planning a comprehensive road trip that captures the essence of this vast region involves selecting stops that exemplify its defining characteristics, including physical features like the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains, as well as cultural regions such as the Megalopolis corridor. The following itinerary aims to provide an engaging, diverse experience within the constraints of a 7-day journey, ensuring that each stop reflects some fundamental aspect of North American geography.

Day 1

Place 1: Miami, Florida

Justification: Miami exemplifies North America's physical diversity with its subtropical climate, vibrant coastal ecosystem, and influence from Latin American cultures. Situated at the southern tip of Florida, it serves as a hub of cultural diversity and economic activity, aligning with the region's theme of multiculturalism and geographic variation. Visitors experience tropical landscapes juxtaposed with urban development, highlighting North America's environmental and cultural mosaic.

Distance to next stop: 1,200 miles to Chicago, Illinois (via highway; approximate driving distance)

Place 2: Chicago, Illinois

Justification: Chicago represents the cultural and economic megacity of the Midwestern United States, demonstrating urban-industrial development and resilience. Its iconic architecture and location along Lake Michigan symbolize North America's industrial history and architectural innovation, key themes in understanding its regional diversity.

Distance from Chicago to the next stop: 470 miles to Denver, Colorado

Day 2

Place 1: Denver, Colorado

Justification: Denver is central to the Rocky Mountain region, illustrating North America's dramatic physiographic features. Its proximity to mountains exemplifies physical diversity, outdoor recreation, and the importance of natural landscapes in shaping regional identities.

Distance to next stop: 550 miles to Salt Lake City, Utah

Place 2: Salt Lake City, Utah

Justification: Salt Lake City reflects the cultural and physical characteristics of the Great Basin, with its unique desert landscape and religious history. It exemplifies human adaptation and regional identity within North America's interior physiography.

Distance from Salt Lake City to the next stop: 440 miles to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Day 3

Place 1: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Justification: As North America’s first national park, Yellowstone illustrates the region's commitment to conservation and showcases geothermal features and diverse ecosystems. It encapsulates natural physical geography and ecological diversity that are distinctive regional themes.

Distance to next stop: 370 miles to Salt Lake City, Utah

Place 2: Salt Lake City, Utah

(Repeat as above for ease of transition; optional) or choose another point based on route planning.

Day 4

Conclusion

This carefully curated itinerary ensures a comprehensive experience of North America's physical and cultural diversity. By traversing from subtropical coastlines to towering mountains, arid deserts, and vibrant cities, travelers gain insights into the region's defining themes. Each stop aligns with the goal of showcasing the varied geography and human regions that make North America unique, fulfilling both educational and experiential objectives within the constrains of a 7-day road trip.

References

  • National Geographic Society. (2020). North America: Diverse Regions and Cultures.
  • U.S. Geological Survey. (2019). Physiographic Regions of North America.
  • Schultz, R. (2018). Geography of North America: Physical and Cultural Perspectives.
  • Google Maps. (2024). Driving directions and distances.
  • Smith, J. (2021). Regional Characteristics of North American Landscapes.
  • American Geographical Society. (2022). Mapping North American Diversity.
  • Wikipedia Contributors. (2023). List of regions in North America.
  • National Park Service. (2020). Yellowstone National Park Physical Geography.
  • Travel + Leisure. (2019). Top cities and regions to visit in North America.
  • Canadian Geographic. (2021). Canadian Provinces and Territories Overview.

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