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Top 5 Safest & Most Dangerous U.S. Cities to Visit

Ready to find out which U.S. cities top the charts for safety and which ones land on the other end of the spectrum? In this week’s episode of TravelEssary, we’re diving into the 2025 FBI crime data to uncover the top 5 safest cities and the top 5 most dangerous cities in America.

From big names like Detroit, Baltimore, St. Louis, Oakland, and Memphis (yep, they made the list) to family-friendly havens like Fishers, Indiana; Sammamish, Washington; Johns Creek, Georgia; Newton, Massachusetts; and Weston, Florida, we’re breaking down what makes each city stand out.

Plus, we’re sharing a quick update on our own journey as we transition into full-time travel life in our RV. 🚐✨ If you want to see more behind-the-scenes of our adventures, be sure to check out our TravelEssary YouTube channel.

👉 Tune in, take notes, and let’s explore the safest (and not-so-safe) places across America together.

To take a peak at Misty's book mentioned in the episode, click here - https://a.co/d/gZMCFj8

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Should You Take Toll Roads in the USA? Time, Cost & Travel Advice

In this episode of TravelEssary, we’re diving into the world of American toll roads, a topic that sparks plenty of debate among road trippers. Whether you’re a U.S. resident or an international traveler planning a road trip, understanding toll roads can save you both time and stress.

We kick things off by sharing a fun audience update, highlighting the incredible number of listeners tuning in from outside the U.S., including Australia, India, and the UK. Then we hit the main road (pun intended): toll roads in America.

Here’s what we cover:

• The pros of toll roads – faster travel times, smoother driving conditions, and scenic perks along the way.
• The cons of toll roads – costly fees, limited exits, and the confusion of navigating different state systems.
• Smart strategies for travelers – how to decide when toll roads are worth it, plus practical tips for international visitors hitting the U.S. highways.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear picture of whether toll roads fit your travel style, and how to make the most of your next American road trip.

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Rest Stop Roundup: Exploring America's Rest Areas

In this week’s episode of TravelEssary, we’re hitting the road to talk about one of the most overlooked but essential parts of long-distance travel, America’s rest stops. From simple roadside pull-offs to fully equipped service plazas, we explore the wide variety of stops you’ll encounter across the United States.

We share our experiences with:

• Basic rest areas designed for quick breaks
• Scenic overlooks that double as photo-worthy stops
• Welcome centers packed with travel information
• Service plazas offering food, fuel, and family-friendly amenities
• Truck stops that often surprise with their convenience and comfort

You’ll hear stories from Jeremy's travels through the northern states, where some rest stops are unexpectedly impressive, and we’ll share why these hidden gems make road trips more enjoyable. Plus, we invite listeners to send in recommendations for the best rest stops in the western U.S., places we can’t wait to explore on future trips.

Whether you’re planning a family road trip, full-time RV travel, or a cross-country adventure, this episode will give you new appreciation (and maybe new destinations) for the places where you pull off the highway.

Support the show

You can follow us on:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560303402595
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/travelessary
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Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TravelEssary