If a lack of vacation days is holding you back from taking a road trip across the USA this year, it might be time to turn to math to make it happen.
While that might sound scarier than not getting enough holiday time, Dr. Randy Olson, lead data scientist at Life Epigenetics, has already done all the hard work. Olson, who runs a personal website about data visualization and machine learning, utilized Google Maps data and an algorithm to create a very efficient road trip. This route will lead travelers to the state capitol buildings of the 48 contiguous states in 8½ days of driving – though it’s up to you to muster the energy to accomplish it.
In Olson’s example, he proposes a journey that allows the traveler to capture a picture at every US state capitol building, excluding those in Hawaii and Alaska. Assuming traffic is minimal, you could visit each building in 8½ days of driving, starting from any point along the route.
So, how was this remarkably efficient trip devised? Google Maps typically helps users identify the best routes between two locations, but mapping the optimal journey to numerous state capitols presents more complexity. Olson employs algorithms to explore all the possibilities. This reflects the classic “traveling salesman problem,” an algorithmic challenge aimed at determining the most efficient route among various destinations.
Admittedly, this proposed plan may be overly ambitious for many. However, numerous travelers might find value in attempting to scientifically map out their most action-packed vacation. Olson has also crafted a method to propose routes based on the amount of time a person can allocate—factors that can certainly stretch to accommodate budget considerations as well.
Olson’s additional ultimate road trip itineraries include routes showcasing 50 historic sites around Europe. Although Olson recognizes that some of the proposed plans might seem “grandiose,” they could prove beneficial for serious travelers. He has even made available the code to his detailed trip planning system online, but be advised that it may not be suitable for novices.
If you want to learn more about Olson’s methods for planning these efficient trips or initiate your own mapping process, refer to the detailed post on his website.
This article was first published on 21 June, 2016, and updated on 5 December, 2019.
