I spent a year driving across the US in an RV. These were 7 of my favorite places — and the 2 I'd skip next time.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sarah Silbiger, a 30-year-old freelance video and photojournalist based in Philadelphia.

The following has been edited for length and clarity.

In 2023, my now fiancé and I sold all our belongings, took a sabbatical, and kicked off a yearlong road trip around the US in an RV.

I grew up in Philadelphia, so I was not accustomed to seeing the American Southwest.

It’s a starkly different landscape.

After traveling to all corners of the US, it’s remarkable that all these diverse landscapes are found within one country.

When I was in the van, it literally felt like a film strip was going past my window.

It was so inspiring for my photography work.

Our national parks are incredible, but some of my favorite places were actually national monuments.

They’re in similar places to the national parks, and they’re almost equally beautiful, with no crowds.

Living in a van was great for immersing in new places.

It’s not like going to the zoo, seeing something, and saying, “That’s amazing,” then going home.

Instead, you’re waking up with your cup of coffee, walking two minutes down a path, and seeing the most magical landscapes.

These were some of my favorite places — and two that I would skip next time.