1

The Loneliest Road, Nevada

Nevada is a state that offers plenty of wide, ample, and uncrowded places, for sure. The US Route 50 cuts through the heart of the state, offering solitude and stark desert beauty. The name "Loneliest Road in America" was bestowed upon this route by a 1986 Life magazine article claiming that there was not much to see—but that claim couldn’t be further from the truth.

Route 50 has plenty of ghost towns, historic mining communities, stunning state parks, unsurpassed recreational opportunities , and a selection of authentic Sagebrush Saloons.

2

Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway, California

Yes, the Pacific Coast Highway, stretching along the coast of California, is one of the most famous and beautiful road trips in the world. But, as evidenced by the diverse landscapes of the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway, the Golden State has so much more to offer.

Alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and desert expanses make up a jaw-dropping panorama all along the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range . The elevated mountainous terrain also offers breathtaking views of Mono Lake, whose famous salt waters are visible from miles away.

3

The Blues Highway, Tennessee, and Louisiana

It may sound like the title of a movie, or an album but, in this case, at least, the Blues Highway is a real road, stretching from Nashville, Tennessee, to New Orleans, Louisiana. Also known as Highway 61, this iconic route passes through Delta Blues landmarks, the French Quarter in New Orleans, and the historic jazz legacy of Preservation Hall.

As for natural beauty along the way, the Mississippi’s Natchez Trace Parkway offers a look into the area’s Native American history, as well as features stunning views of southern cypress swamps.

4

The San Juan Skyway, Colorado

A spectacularly scenic high-elevation drive, the San Juan Skyway loop provides breathtaking views and access to historic mining towns. The route goes along U.S. Route 550 from Durango to Silverton, Ouray, and Ridgway, and then along Colorado State Highway 62 to Placerville, Colorado State Highway 145 to Telluride, Rico, Dolores, and Cortez, before completing the loop back to Mancos and Durango via U.S. Route 160.

Along this 236-mile journey, which takes about six hours to drive, you'll encounter, subalpine forests, historic mountain towns, expansive cattle ranges, and prehistoric Native American ruins.

5

High Peaks Scenic Byway, New York

The drive along the Adirondack Mountains is not named High Peaks Scenic Byway for nothing. This upstate New York route is a short, but stunning slice of nature. Coming in at just under 30 miles long, the byway begins in the town of Keene and runs to Lake Placid, leading travelers along the highest peaks of the Adirondacks, by breathtaking bodies of water such as Chapel Pond and Roaring Brook Falls, and through charming towns and dense forests.

There are plenty of places to pull over and take in the fresh air and scenery along the drive, as well as numerous trails for those seeking more active adventures such as canoeing, biking, fishing, or cross-country skiing.

6

The Black Hills, South Dakota

There is so much more to the Black Hills than Mount Rushmore. This isolated mountain range in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming covers an area 125 miles long and 65 miles wide. It encompasses rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, otherworldly buttes, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and intricate cave systems.

The name "Black Hills" originates from the Lakota term Paha Sapa, meaning "hills that are black." Seen from a distance, these pine-covered hills, rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie, appear dark, almost black.

7

North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota

The Great Lakes boasts countless scenic drives, and the North Shore Scenic Drive is among the most spectacular. Stretching approximately 154 miles from Duluth, Minnesota, to the Canadian border, the route offers unparalleled views of the northern shores of Lake Superior .

The drive takes travelers through charming towns and rugged coastal landscapes , with plenty of opportunities to stop for food and drink while also taking in expansive forests, cascading waterfalls, and beaches studded with colorful agate stones.

8

Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway, New Mexico

The Trail of the Ancients is a scenic byway winding through the rugged landscapes of the Four Corners region, where the states of New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah meet. The byway unveils ancient cliff dwellings, underground constructions, and intricate rock art, providing a glimpse into the ancient culture that once thrived in the area.

At the heart of the trail lies New Mexico’s Chaco Culture National Historical Park, known for its intricate stone ruins of what was once a major gathering place for the ancestral Puebloans.

9

The Finger Lakes Loop, New York

The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York has plenty of wineries, waterfalls, and charming villages waiting to be discovered. Visitors can explore the area by car, spend the day on a bicycle, take a hike in the woods, paddle on kayak adventures, or tour the many wineries— offering endless opportunities for exploration.

This four-season playground is framed by some of Mother Nature’s finest work, with eleven freshwater lakes fanning out like fingers across the region.

10

Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway, Wyoming

Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway is a section of US 14A that ends just west of the boundary for Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. At 27 miles, the steep, two-lane stretch travels among soaring mountain peaks, high-altitude deserts covered in grass and sagebrush, as well as conifer and aspen forests.

The byway gets its name from the Medicine Wheel, a sacred and historic limestone circle that sits near the summit of Medicine Mountain. American Indians constructed the wheel in stages sometime over the last 1,000 years, and still use it for ceremonies today.

1

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Image: Tom Def

Let’s kick it off with someone everybody knows. In case the excessive use of consonants in his last name wasn’t enough of a clue, Arnold Schwarzenegger was born and raised in Austria, where he built a successful career in bodybuilding. After winning major bodybuilding titles, he moved to the U.S., where he continued competing and later transitioned into acting. He became a U.S. citizen in 1983 and went on to serve as Governor of California from 2003 to 2011.

2

Elizabeth Taylor

Image: Daniele Levis Pelusi

One of the brightest stars of 1950s Hollywood, Elizabeth Taylor is known for her unforgettable performances in classics such as Cleopatra , Cat on a Hot Tin Roof , and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Born in London in 1932 to American parents from Arkansas, Taylor held dual British-American citizenship from birth. Although she was initially raised in the UK, her family returned to the U.S. when World War II broke out. There, she began what would become a triumphant acting career, earning her first starring role at age 12 in National Velvet .

3

Charlize Theron

Image: barendlotter

Born in Benoni, in what was then the Transvaal province of South Africa, Charlize Theron began her career as a model and later trained as a dancer. While trying (and failing) to get into the film industry, she got her breakthrough thanks to her not being American: she famously caught the attention of a talent agent while arguing with a bank teller who refused to cash her check because she was a foreigner. She became a U.S. citizen in 2007 and has retained her South African citizenship.

4

Liam Neeson

Image: K. Mitch Hodge

Liam Neeson was born and raised in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and started his career as a theater performer in Belfast and Dublin. After being cast in a minor role in the film Excalibur (1981), he built a successful career in both the UK and the U.S. Neeson acquired American citizenship in 2009 and said he was inspired by the overwhelming support he received from Americans following the tragic death of his wife, Natasha Richardson.

5

Cary Grant

Image: thomas cook

One of the biggest stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Cary Grant was born Archibald Alec Leach in Bristol, England. He first came to the U.S. as a teenager in 1920 as part of a theater troupe, and eventually transitioned into film, becoming famous for his romantic comedies before expanding into other genres. In 1942, he became a U.S. citizen and legally changed his name to Cary Grant.

6

Maureen O’Hara

Image: Mike Fox

Maureen O’Hara might not have been born an American, but she earned her place in one of the most American film genres of all: the Western. Born Maureen FitzSimons in Dublin, Ireland, she got her first major role in Alfred Hitchcock’s Jamaica Inn (1939), where she was billed as Maureen O’Hara, a stage name chosen for her by the studio. She rose to stardom soon after with her leading role in John Ford’s How Green Was My Valley (1941), and went on to become iconic in Westerns and adventure films. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1946.

7

Helen Mirren

Image: Hulki Okan Tabak

Ilyena Lydia Mironoff was born in the UK as part of an exiled Russian noble family who eventually changed their surname to Mirren. She started her career as a theater performer in the Royal Shakespeare Company, and went on to achieve major success in film and television. Though she became a U.S. citizen in 2017, she had considered herself American for a long time. In an interview, she revealed that witnessing the 9/11 attacks in New York City gave her an "epiphany" about where her allegiance lay, which helped prompt her decision to become a U.S. citizen.

8

Anthony Quinn

Image: Jorge Aguilar

Many people are surprised to learn that Anthony Quinn was not American-born. Originally named Manuel Antonio Rodolfo Quinn Oaxaca, he was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, to a Mexican mother of Indigenous heritage and an Irish immigrant father. After a short stint as a boxer, he began a successful acting career and became the first Mexican-born actor to win an Academy Award, ultimately winning two Oscars. He became a U.S. citizen in 1947.

9

Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine

Image: Jeremy Yap

Famous actresses, rivals, and sisters Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine were born in Tokyo, Japan, to British parents, making them British subjects from birth. Both were brought up in the United States after their mother moved the family to California. Their careers in Hollywood were marked by a well-publicized sibling rivalry: according to biographies, their mother favored Olivia and discouraged Joan from using the family name, prompting her to adopt the stage surname Fontaine .

Olivia de Havilland became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1941, just months before the U.S. entered World War II, and she actively contributed to the war effort, including touring to support troops. Her sister Joan gained citizenship a few years later, in 1943.

10

Greta Garbo

Image: Sofia Sforza

Born in Stockholm, Sweden, as Greta Lovisa Gustafsson, Greta Garbo became one of the defining stars of Hollywood’s early Golden Age. After appearing in a supporting role in the Swedish film The Saga of Gösta Berling (1924), she caught the attention of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer executives, who brought her to Hollywood to begin what became a legendary silent-film career, one that only grew stronger with the transition to sound. After nearly two decades in film, Garbo famously retired from acting in 1941 and later became a U.S. citizen in 1951.

1

Check the reviews

Image: Sergey Zolkin

When considering a purchase, browse the internet for reviews from other buyers. Simply type the item’s name followed by the word "reviews" in a search engine , and you’ll likely be flooded with websites that compile consumer opinions on the stuff they buy.

While fake reviews exist, they’re usually easy to spot. Focus on the negative reviews, as you probably already know the positive aspects of the product you’re researching.

2

Compare prices

Image: Aaron Lefler

Comparing prices has never been easier since the advent of the World Wide Web. (In fact, most of the items on this list have become significantly simpler thanks to the Internet!) Best of all, anyone can do it in multiple ways.

Many specialized websites compare prices for specific items , such as smartphones, but you can also check different retailers yourself to find the best deal. Always compare prices, even if an item is "on sale"—you might still find it cheaper elsewhere.

3

Check the details

Image: Nick Morrison

This one’s a no-brainer: always read the full description of products sold online carefully . Make sure the size, materials, and user guide align with the purpose you’re buying it for.

It’s not uncommon for people to purchase an item without checking the fine print, only to realize later that the product doesn’t fit the purpose it was intended for.

4

Beware of scams

Image: Zanyar Ibrahim

A downside of the online world is the proliferation of scams everywhere. Be extremely cautious when sharing personal or financial information online, especially if the website isn’t well-known or reputable. Scam websites and phishing emails often contain odd phrasing, spelling mistakes, or poor translations.

5

New is not necessarily better

Image: Suansita K

While some things are best bought new, many products can be purchased used, allowing you to save money without sacrificing quality—sometimes, it’s even the better option. Consider buying a used item from a local seller, a friend, or even a friend of a friend .

Manufacturers also sell refurbished products directly to consumers. These items have been repaired by the manufacturer and, in most cases, come with a product warranty. Be sure to ask all necessary questions and only buy if you’re certain everything is in order—the product should be complete and in perfect working condition.

6

Don’t give in to pressure

Image: Ivan Aleksic

Don’t let high-pressure sales tactics bully you into buying something you’re not completely sure about buying. It’s okay to say no and walk away . If it’s over the phone, you can interrupt at any time, say you’re not interested, and hang up.

Take your time making a decision, especially if it involves a significant amount of money. Think it through, research, consider alternatives, and check your budget before making a purchase.

7

If an offer is too good to be true, it probably is

Image: Afif Ramdhasuma

Another low-hanging fruit in the consumer tips section is this one. Offers that promise unusually high returns always come with a catch. If the price seems too good to be true or too low , there’s likely an issue somewhere .

A demand for an immediate decision is a red flag. Don’t risk your hard-earned money on shady deals—you’ll regret it in the end.

8

Don’t buy things you don’t need. Even if they are on sale

Image: Jess Bailey

9

Just because something is on sale or has a great price doesn’t mean you need it . It’s easy to be tempted into buying things we don’t actually use just because they’re discounted. In reality, bargain-bin finds often end up forgotten, collecting dust in our cabinets. That money would be better spent on something you truly need.

10

Pay by card

Image: Blake Wisz

It’s always best to use a debit or credit card when shopping online. This allows you to request a chargeback if your order doesn’t arrive or is incorrect. Before entering your payment details , check that the website is secure . Look for a small padlock symbol near the address bar and ensure the URL starts with "https" (the "s" stands for secure) rather than just "http" or "www."

Take a screenshot of your completed order or save a copy of the order confirmation in case something goes wrong. Monitor your bank statements regularly, and if you notice anything unusual—such as duplicate charges—contact your bank immediately.

11

Keep receipts

Image: Carli Jeen

Last but not least, always take a photo of your purchase receipts and save them on your phone in case you need proof of purchase later. Most of the time, you won’t need them—but every once in a while, they can be a lifesaver. It costs nothing and could potentially save you a lot of money.