Welcome aboard to American Dream Trip

Rod Abbondanza here, the guy behind American Dream Trip. This is the first email you'll ever get from me, so let me tell you what you actually signed up for.

I'm a solo founder building ADT out of Orlando. My family and I are the target audience — we'd rather spend a week in a 4×4 exploring America than a week in Cancún. That's the whole thesis. I built the AI planner because I couldn't find one that understood what a real family road trip needs: kid-friendly stops, honest food picks, gear that works, and days that don't feel like a forced march.

Since May, ADT has helped ~350 travelers plan trips across 268 US cities and 42 states. Last week KAYAK gave us API access (they don't hand that out often) — live hotel and flight prices are coming into the itinerary itself soon.

Every two weeks I'll send you a short letter like this — one destination, one honest recommendation, no clickbait. Here's the first.


THIS MONTH'S PICK: THE COAST OF MAINE + ACADIA

If you want an underrated summer trip that isn't Yellowstone-crowded or Grand-Canyon-hot, aim your car at Maine.

Start in Portland — 36 hours to eat, walk the Old Port, drive out to Cape Elizabeth for the lighthouse. Then follow US-1 through Freeport, Camden, and Belfast (small-harbor pretty, worth the overnight). You're then two hours from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Two full days in Acadia gets you the Park Loop Road, sunrise on Cadillac Mountain (the first place in the US to see the sun each day), a bike ride on the crushed-stone carriage roads, popovers at Jordan Pond, and — for the kids — a boat trip to see puffins and seals. Book the boat this week; they sell out by Wednesday every week in July.

Lodging fills up fast — Bar Harbor especially. The spots I actually recommend book out 6-8 weeks ahead in July. Here's the shortlist I use:
→ https://www.hotels.com/affiliate/MJz9LAG

Want the full itinerary? Just tell my AI "10-day Coast of Maine trip in July" at https://americandreamtrip.ai/plan. Or if you'd rather I hand-plan it myself — https://americandreamtrip.ai/made-for-you ($29.90). Either works.


ONE QUICK ASK

Reply to this email and tell me: what road trip are you planning this year?

I read every response. It's the fastest way for me to know what to build next.

Talk in two weeks,
— Rod
Founder, American Dream Trip
support@americandreamtrip.ai

P.S. This is Issue #1. If you'd rather not get these, unsubscribe link is at the bottom. But I promise: two per month, no spam.

— Rod Abbondanza, founder