In this issue of ROVA, we hear from travelers who have sought out things that are different in their nomadic exploits. ROVA regulars Erin McGrady and Caroline Whatley take a road trip with a difference: they have to do it on one tank of gas. Mary Beth Skylis helps us understand one of the most unique ways to travel—dirtbagging; Sylva Florence examines the beauty and pitfalls of traveling solo as a woman; and I talk with the National Park Service about why we should explore places that are outside of the usual tourist-trap destinations.

Jade Nicholson Eliasson shares how her honeymoon changed from an African safari to an out-West road trip; Jessica James asks us to look at road-tripping as a historic adventure as well as a scenic one; and Derek Smith takes the road less traveled on Route 62.

Heading out around the country in our usual “Places” section, we hear from Leslie K. Hughes about why Alabama Hills is a better desert-quest location than Joshua Tree; Erin Stob takes us on a remote trek to hidden hot springs in Arizona; Diana Spechler explores the eccentricities of a town built around mineral springs; and Celeste Orr urges us to visit Acadia National Park in all seasons—not just summer.