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Book Cover for: The Long Way Home - An American Adventure: Part 6 - The Western States, Desirée Van Welsum

The Long Way Home - An American Adventure: Part 6 - The Western States

Desirée Van Welsum

The Long Way Home - Traveling across the USA is a dream for many, driven by a desire to find freedom and adventure on the open road. In 2021, Desirée, her husband Jonathan, and their four rescued Beagles embarked on an epic journey that grew into a multi-year plan to explore the USA, in what became the ultimate American Adventure.

Follow their journey as they visit bucket list destinations, national and state parks, roadside attractions, large cities, and small-town America through this series of short travelogues packed with interesting background information, history, fun facts, and personal experiences, all richly illustrated with full-color pictures. The Long Way Home Parts 1 & 2 chronicled their trip across the Eastern United States. They continued their adventure in Parts 3 & 4, traveling through 21 Midwest and Mountain States.

Parts 5 & 6 cover their third and final "long way home" trip, which took them to the West Coast. They checked off the remaining "Lower 48" states (the 48 states in the Contiguous United States) and visited some other fun places along the way. They explored the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, drove Route 66 from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, and "took the long way home" through the Florida Keys.

Travel along through the pages of this captivating series of books, and be inspired to get out and explore!

Desirée van Welsum was born in the Netherlands and is now a naturalized American citizen living in the United States. She is an internationally trained Ph.D. economist, has worked and lived in six countries, and speaks four languages. Desirée spent most of her career as a senior economist and economic policy advisor with international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Desirée and her husband Jonathan suffered near-death experiences resulting from serious health issues. This became the catalyst for a lifestyle change that began with purchasing a boat and traveling extensively along the U.S. East Coast and to the Bahamas for several years. When COVID hit, they switched things up again, selling the boat and getting an RV to travel across the country.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Long Way Home Travels
  • Publish Date: Oct 3rd, 2025
  • Pages: 216
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 8.50in - 11.00in - 0.69in - 2.17lb
  • EAN: 9798999831316
  • Categories: United States - GeneralSpecial Interest - Roadside Attractions

About the Author

Van Welsum, Desirée: - Desirée van Welsum was born in the Netherlands and is now a naturalized American citizen living in the United States. She has a PhD in economics and has lived and worked in six countries as a senior economist and economic policy adviser for organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, OECD, RAND Corporation, and others. She speaks four languages.Desirée and her husband, Jonathan, both suffered serious health issues, which prompted a lifestyle change that began with buying a boat and traveling extensively along the U.S. East Coast and to the Bahamas for several years. When COVID hit, they switched things up again, selling the boat and purchasing an RV to explore the United States. Enthusiastic feedback from her travelogues on Instagram as @RVCruising inspired "The Long Way Home" series of books.

Praise for this book

"f you ever dreamed about hitting the road and traveling the country this beautiful book will inspire you to make that dream a reality! The author, her husband, and their 4 rescued Beagles take you on an epic Eastern United States road trip exploring well known locations, attractions and hidden gems. "The Long Way Home Part 1" is eloquent, informative and educational with an abundance of gorgeous page turning photographs. I thoroughly enjoyed following along from the Atlantic to the Great Lakes, from Florida to Maine and more. I now have a road map for our future adventures and look forward to reading part 2 in the series. "The Long Way Home" is truly "An American Adventure!"


"Let me first say that I am long time subscriber of Desiree's instagram, so I thought what would book have that I haven't seen. Nevertheless I decided to give it a shot. Not only I didn't miss, but I got obsessed by the book. Not only it gives a roadmap for someone who wants to take roadtrips, but also things that you need to see in each city if you don't have weeks and months to stay in those places (which is pretty much where most of us are). It is written with such a love that I felt that I am there with Desiree in far distant places of our country. Looking forward for new adventures and books!"


"This is a captivating journey through the heart of the Eastern United States. The Long Way Home beautifully captures the essence of East Coast landscapes and the spirit of adventure. With vivid descriptions this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a blend of exploration and introspection. RV enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the detailed travel experiences and the sense of freedom on the open road. Highly recommend for a memorable literary escape!"


"From the moment I opened this enchanting book, I was transported into a world of adventure, warmth, and the pure joy of discovery alongside the fun couple and their lovable rescue beagles! "The Long Way Home" is more than just a 'travelogue'; it's a heartfelt narrative that weaves together the beauty of the eastern United States with the unpredictable thrills of RV living and the companionship of dogs."


"As Jimmy Buffett wrote "Reading departure signs in some big airport reminds me of the places I've been

Visions of good times that brought so much pleasure makes me want to go back again". I have been a traveler all my life and I am finding those words so true as I flip through the pages. I also feel others might find among the pages of these books the inspiration to travel and experience. These books will find a place in our travel planning library and will be used as a resource for our future journey's."I have miles and miles ahead of me, tales to listen to, time to spend/ Up ahead, the road is bending; wonder what's around the bend." Charles Kuralt"


"As a former boater and resident of Michigan, I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Adventures of Desiree, Jonathan and The Beagle gang! There are so many places to see in the US, and she has captured not only the quaintness of towns along their travels but also the beauty they have to offer. I enjoyed reading about places I have been to. I more so enjoyed reading about the places I haven't - both close to home and far away. The pictures that are displayed throughout the book enhance her stories and I love how they are also personal. I can't wait to see more adventures ❤️"