📍 United States

RAIN MAN ROUTE: CROSS-COUNTRY BROTHERS JOURNEY WEST

Small-town diners serving roadside wisdom, neon signs humming desert dreams, Pacific waves waiting at continent's end. America unfolds mile by mile.

≈ 5
Days
1551
Km
5
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Depart from Cincinnati and follow the road to Guthrie, small town with another era's charm. Cross Tucumcari in Route 66 spirit, then let Las Vegas light its neons before reaching Los Angeles. An itinerary from Midwest rivers to desert mirages, to the Pacific, with a real sense of tipping from one world to another.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Cincinnati

ohio river roebling bridge starting point

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4 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Cincinnati: Charlie returns for his father's funeral, discovers he inherits almost nothing and learns of the existence of Raymond, his autistic brother placed in the neighboring institution.
2
Wallbrook Institution near Cincinnati: Charlie impulsively takes Raymond to try to recover the inheritance, without yet measuring what this journey will change between them.
🎯

Activities

→
Raymond's first routines at the hotel (rigid habits, schedules, TV shows) that confront Charlie with his own impatience.
→
Charlie learning about Raymond's fears (rain, accidents, highways), and first moments of real complicity on the road.
✈️
Next stop
✈️ Flight / transfer day
Distance: 1551.1 km
Travel time: 10h
2
Day

Guthrie

oklahoma territorial capital small town america

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10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Guthrie (Oklahoma): crossing the small roads of the Midwest, stops in diners and motels where Raymond imposes his rituals and forces Charlie to slow down.
🎯

Activities

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Charlie begins to see Raymond differently than through money, observing his incredible memory and his off-beat view of the world.
3
Day

Tucumcari

route sixty-six neon motels blue swallow

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10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Tucumcari (New Mexico): stop on Route 66, neon motels and long straight lines where the duo gets used to traveling together.
🎯

Activities

→
Evening at the casinos where, behind the veneer of gambling, Charlie truly begins to protect his brother rather than use him.
4
Day

Las Vegas

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3 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Las Vegas Strip: Charlie exploits Raymond's calculation abilities to count cards at blackjack and win enough to pay off his debts.
🎯

Activities

→
Final calm exchanges on the train, where the coming physical distance no longer erases the bond between the two brothers.
5
Day

Los Angeles

pacific coast hollywood ending city angels

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9 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Los Angeles: return to Charlie's life, meeting with Dr. Bruner and realization that money matters less than the rediscovered relationship with Raymond.
2
Los Angeles / Santa Ana station: Raymond returns to the institution, while Charlie promises to come see him again, finally accepting his brother as he is.
🎯

Activities

→
Final calm exchanges on the train, where the coming physical distance no longer erases the bond between the two brothers.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

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🛡️ Travel advice - United States

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.

Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.

Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.

Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 4 and 6 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in United States?

Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.