10 best and worst U.S. states for summer road trips

Being born and raised in northern New Jersey, I’m all too familiar with summer road trips. Summer isn’t complete without taking a trip “down the shore,” as we like to say. We hop in the car with family or friends and drive a few hours down to one of the many beaches along the coastline, ready to enjoy the sun, water and all the deep-fried goodness one can stomach on the boardwalk.

Of course, that’s the nostalgic part of it. We fixate on those moments to forget about the countless hours wasted sitting in traffic, rising gas prices and the ever-increasing N.J. Parkway tolls. And those cute little rental houses on Long Beach Island and quaint motels in Seaside Heights? Let’s remember them that way and forget how overpriced they can be.