How I Went from Engineer to Traveling America FULL TIME? | Q&A Video

On this video I answer some of your questions about the channel and content as well as discuss future content coming soon.
Cities I've Explored: www.google.com...
Follow on Instagram: / mileagemike
Travel Channel: / mileagemiketravels
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[@roderickberry2380]

I used to buy a Rand McNally map every year!!! People used to think I was weird for memorizing maps until they needed directions. You are living my dream of traveling around the country on your own terms!! Love the channel!

[@crustyrash]

You are such an interesting guy! You came up in my feed one day when you were pretty showing views of highways. Quirky I thought so I subscribed. It’s great to hear your story and nice to see your smiling face in the videos. I have always loved geography and like you, as a kid was a huge fan of roadmaps and in particular maps of different countries. Back before everything online, I used to love going to my college library to browse look the yellow pages of different cities to see what they might be like. If you like the oversea highway, you should read Les Standiford’s “Last Train to Paradise.”

[@pokefan589]

As a fellow civil engineer, it’s so cool to see you travel around while giving your engineering perspective . Keep it up Mike!

[@carolynridlon3988]

My hubby & I were fulltime RV (motorhome) travelers for 12 years. Started in CA and have ended up in Paducah Kentucky! We do miss the life on the road, but it was the choice of another depreciating RV or get back into a house. We still do road trips to new areas by car/hotels to still see our great country. Keep up the travels & your voice makes the videos interesting and fun. ❤

[@rollz7777]

Whoa, kindred spirits. I barely ever comment on youtube videos but felt compelled here. Grew up staring at Rand McNally and every other map I could get my hands on. Even street maps, foreign maps, anything the library or bookstore had. Also have a 17 month deployment to Iraq under my belt. Anyway, sitting here in Minnesota and contemplating a family road trip out to Myrtle, wondered what the status of I-73/I-74 and found your video on that. The rest is history. LOVE the videos I"ve reviewed so far. Keep up the great work!

[@jedeckert8912]

My friend, you have one of my favorite KZbin channels. Keep the videos coming! Oh, and glad to finally see what you look like.

[@tameikabrown]

IKR I Always Wanted To See Mike’s Face ❤️‍🔥🥰❤️💙🖤 2:35

[@patriciajohn8196]

Definitely the best US travel channel, no doubt❤

[@tameikabrown]

IKR Hand’s Down 100 Percent ❤️‍🔥🥰❤️💙🖤 3:10

[@MileageMike485]

💯

[@Earthshaker1965]

Stay in travel mode Mike!!! Awesome job!!!💜👍😎

[@michaelwheatley3873]

Back in the early 2000s, when our girls were teenagers, I took my family on a loop around the country by car. From southwest Ohio, our first stop was the Mall of America in Minneapolis, went through Sturgis SD-not during Bike Week- went to Mt Rushmore/Crazy Horse, Yellowstone, down part of the west coast, visited the Grand Canyon, bought gas in Texas, finally coming back through Memphis and Louisville. Planned it all with a Rand McNally atlas. Took 3 weeks vacation and somehow had an extra day, so we spent an extra night in a motel we were at anyway. The last big family trip before our daughters grew up (the youngest is now 35). Not too long after that trip I started trucking OTR. Covered the UP of Michigan over to NYC down to Baltimore over to Memphis and back up to SW Ohio. Growing up, my wife’s family and mine both loved to travel! I have never tired of traveling whether for business or pleasure. The difference now is I am retired and the wife HATES riding in the car. I’ve spent more time in planes in the last 5-7 years than the whole rest of my life. Thanks for the channel Mike.

[@suspiciousafternoon]

I've just realised you had this channel in addition to the travels one. I was also fascinated by the atlas back in the day learnt almost all the capital cities of all countries in the world

[@bossmonl.a2035]

I can't explain it..but I feel good n happy that your a brother. I should've n probably did notice from the voice before. But your professional attitude and knowledge is greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work brother man. ✊🏾

[@aronr399]

As a civil engineer with a YT channel focused upon US highways, I always assumed that you worked for FHWA and filmed while the government sent you around the country.

[@MileageMike485]

That would’ve been nice. I wouldn’t mind a government paycheck coming alongside the KZbin checks haha.

[@aronr399]

@@MileageMike485 I haven’t worked at FHWA in 10 years, but it looks like they always have jobs to fill: www.usajobs.gov/Search/Results?a=TD04 Maybe you’ll find one that fits your life plans.

[@bearjmu]

I like how you mentioned history and geography as your interests. They are the same topics of obsession that I enjoy but sadly will not make me any money. Keep up the videos I love all of them!

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Wow, your story about how you found your purpose with doing what you just loved to do is very inspiring! I really enjoy watching your videos and see that we have a lot in common! I hope to take some of this inspiration and turn it into something good and rewarding. Keep doing what you do, Mike!

[@crustyrash]

Indiana: go to southern Indiana, it gets hilly and is quite beautiful.

[@gordonlong3095]

Thanks for answering people’s questions. Other than duplicate questions (which is natural), I thought you had a good set of questions asked of you, with good or even fascinating answers. I discovered your main channel a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been enjoying exploring it. One of the highlights is that you are a real person, not an AI voice, with a real script, not an AI-written (those are so annoying!). I’m curious how you break down your daily travels. I had a courier job years ago and drove 300 miles a day, but that was mostly in-town, in and out stuff; I would imagine that your in-town travels would be a lot less routine. I’m more interested in how you take your breaks on the road (straight through drives, visit all rest areas, fast food or sit-down dining, etc), when you fuel up, when you get your car serviced, etc. How much are you interested in the US Route system? I would imagine driving US 1 in the Atlantic States would be as fun as driving US 101 along the West Coast (it looked like your planned Western travels had you on the Oregon Coast for a bit). I’ve also thought about driving what’s left of Route 66, the old Lincoln Highway, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and other classic American highways. Conversely, I was shocked to read that the Trans-Canada Highway isn’t like an interstate, but is more like a US Route with many at grade intersections and lights, even outside of the bigger cities. A shame they do not get to freeway drive as we do (except a bit in the eastern provinces). Thanks for your service as a Marine and as an engineer. I agree engineering jobs are very important. And thank you for sharing the information in every video, the Interstate system is one the truly important parts of our country. Like you, I had road atlases around as a young kid and enjoyed pouring through them (and also connected the dotted line of routes under construction, lol), and eventually did a lot of reading of almanacs and encyclopedias. From my youthful hours pouring over atlases, and a number of trips on the West Coast on I-5 in both directions (I’m a lifelong Portlander), I believe I see America differently than most people do through the lens of television (and since I only made one trip flying), and I think you probably see it differently as well (not just since you were a kid in the Corps). This kind of Interstate- and road atlas-based learning is a bit humbling and really gives you an amazing perspective on the US. One interesting trip you might take one day should be along the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington. The River is the border for the final 309 miles to the sea, and is an excellent drive on both sides in each direction almost continuously, with a combination of Interstate, US Route, and state highways giving an unparalleled trip along both sides of the River. I don’t think there’s anything really like that long both sides of any major American river for extended stretches, not even the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio. My well-used and well-loved atlas of choice now is the Reader’s Digest The Money $aver’s Travel Atlas from 2003. Besides travel tips, it has Free Find$, Major monthly festival events, places you can go like National Parks or museums, and scenic drives like the Blue Ridge Parkway. Thanks for everything you do with the videos! I look forward to watching all your back catalog and all future stuff, especially the West. (And I’d like to put in a plug for you to settle in Portland, naturally, but no matter what, I wish you well in making the decision and that you settle in smoothly and quickly wherever you wind up m.)

[@alexkalish8288]

Very well done - the curiosity is sign of a very high IQ as is your use of language. I love road trips as well but the traffic in the east is murder. I'm an Engineer, an E.E. and programming bores the shit out of me as well but sometimes I had to do it. Happy travels and stay safe - Live the dream while it's still here . Cheers -

[@brianarbenz1329]

I've been through Kinston, Mike. I really liked that part of NC.... And I also poured over Rand McNally atlases, and read the encyclopedia all the time. If I were better at staying focused, I could have turned my fascination with maps and infrastructure into a career. I live through your success.

[@ControlCityFreak]

Nice Q&A! Always dig the content. I've got the 2016 Rand McNally too lol

[@MileageMike485]

Thanks man. Nice channel you’ve got going there too.

[@DC.402]

Nice to see my 2 favorite Road channels here🔥🔥

[@Yeagermeister08]

I have the 1995 & 2014 Rand McNally's

[@richardcrossley5581]

I discovered Rand McNally after my Dad returned from a US trip 1977, I was 6

[@EmpireStateExpress01]

Great video! I was the same way with maps & planning/drawing different cities. I ended up driving chemical tankers for 5 years before switching into IT.

[@bearjmu]

Absolutely love your channel. I love planning out routes for road trips.

[@stevenpugsley2542]

Thanks Mike, I'm glad you 'found your purpose' 8:49. I get inspired to travel and drive to new places after watching your videos❗A cajun restaurant owner in Baton Rouge reminded me not to hurry when taking road trips and enjoy some time in each city you go to. And yes, take your FE in college.

[@positively_broad_st3780]

It's always cool when you're already subscribed to a YT channel and you find out that he's from your area. Congratulations on your success, Mike, from up the road from your home here in Greenville, NC...

[@ace20016]

Keep doing what you’re doing Mileage Mike. All of us enjoy your videos. Looking forward to your west coast videos.

[@sgreene512]

You definitely inspire me

[@MileageMike485]

🙏

[@jt_03385]

Thanks for this video, really interesting to hear about your background and what goes into your videos. Big fan of your channels! Looking forward to seeing a bunch of the West

[@superroboted]

Been a fan for years sir!!! I hope one day to leave my work and be a full time youtuber myself. Keep doing what you do!!!

[@MathStatsMe]

Love your videos. You have such a great narrator voice too. Very calm.

[@riderouter]

I also love maps, and I also would study my parents' Rand McNally book maps for fun, haha. I'm loving the channel!

[@mattb.7761]

Keep up the good work! Hopefully we cross paths out here on the open road. I am a truck driver so have been on a lot of the highways you discussed. I also enjoyed looking at an atlas as a kid and I always get a Rand trucker atlas every few years. Stay safe out there.

[@jennifergraham9679]

Mike your channel is one of the best ones out there, thanks for sharing a little of your life with us, keep bringing us these videos of Towns and Highways that most of us will not be able to visit or heard of,stay safe.

[@philetaerus]

The local brewery in Kinston, Mother Earth, bought an old hotel a few blocks away from their taproom, and retrofitted it like an old Route 66-style motel. I stayed there one night on the way to the Outer Banks. It almost felt like a big city, being able to walk down the street to get pizza and good beer. Keep up the great road videos!

[@MileageMike485]

Yep they completely turned that area around. I remember the old hotel being a place you wouldn’t want to step foot in.

[@Lordgeorge16]

Thank you for answering my question! I haven't been to Florida in several years, but if I go back, I'll definitely take that trip down Route 1. Looking forward to your journey across the western US!

[@dunkalunk]

Congratulations on becoming a Time Traveller!

[@Tyreeklol]

TY for taking time to answer my question! awesome vid as always. 300k miles, japanese cars are something else lol. Excited for the 3rd chan to get videos

[@MileageMike485]

Any time!

[@deer105]

I love your videos. You provide so much detailed information about the concrete realities of how a city is laid out, etc. Most people don't pay attention.

[@Billboardmister36]

Great channel. I watch regularly. Looking forward to more great videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@larkt6693]

Oh wow 🤩.. I love ur channel. ❤

[@MileageMike485]

Thank you! 🤗

[@Mapmaker1559]

That's interesting that you were in computer science but switched to civil engineering, I'm in information technology (which is similar to computer science (for those who don't know)) but really wish I had gone down the path of civil engineering/urban planning instead. I also second the statement that Hondas are built to last. I currently drive a 2010 CR-V with 275k miles on it, still going strong. Loved this video and hearing about things behind the scenes, keep on driving!

[@kuckbaby]

When you come to Washington, you're definitely going to want to drive Hwy 20 to Oak Harbor and go over Deception Pass. The Cascade Loop during the summer. If you do anything with the ferries, make sure to make a reservation! I grew up in Florida and moved to WA a decade ago, and have driven cross country from east to west 3x since I've moved out here, different route every time. Long road trips are my favorite, seeing all the differences in the roads and the logistics is so fascinating to me!

[@kelj4517]

Awesome video! I joined the Air Force to get the GI Bill! Once I did my 6 year obligation I’m now a 100% disabled vet! I want to travel as you do since I’m financially able to do so! Can you provide any guidance and what type of equipment that you use while filming your travels?

[@MileageMike485]

I might make a video around that later.

[@ryanearles2024]

Mike, I didn't know you served time in the Marine Corps, tbh. Thank you for your service. God bless you!

[@ahampton3k]

Thanks!

[@FsnGoldandSilver]

Mike love your work. I like seeing the highway world through your eyes. Could you do a segment on the most dangerous segments of the interstate highway system. Previously the most dangerous mile was Fort Lauderdale by the airport. However, new express lanes have gone through and perhaps it will change. Also would love to see a segment on the worst designed interchanges of which I95/595 is the unrivaled worst Thanks for what you do.

[@jricoc3475]

Had to chuckle because I was excited about picking up a rest-area travel Atlas last week coming back from Cincy. Went to college in Raleigh, so I knew a few people from Kinston, and have a close friend from New Bern. Two point about which you are 100% correct: a) the (black) Boxster and b) Indiana ...

[@dlinkster]

Wow! Your background (minus the military) sounds a lot like mine. I was fascinated with Rand McNally maps. I was also interested in geography and I also majored in computer science which became my love and I am still in that field. I currently live in Charlotte. I love your channel. 😊

[@crollwtide9452]

I identify with the childhood fascination with maps and became a map geek early on (I even want to create my own maps and render them in 3D some day too). I however didn't take the military or civil engineer route, but I did become a computer science guy. I do enjoy the technical creativity and ability to discover ideas with this field. If I could, I'd definitely travel more. I enjoy road trips too, and when riding, I probably would stay awake for the entire trip.

[@LatitudeSky]

Looking forward to your take on the SoCal highways that everybody hates. Because I've driven there and found it a cakewalk compared to places like Atlanta or D.C. Driving from LA to San Diego was a breeze compared to Richmond to Baltimore. Edit: Did you notice where Peachtree begins in Atlanta? It starts south of downtown as Murphy Avenue, which becomes Whitehall Street, which becomes Peachtree going north. Murphy is a secret way into downtown from the south. Shhhh. Edit 2: totally agree about California. San Diego, Point Loma, was the nicest place I've ever lived with the best weather. Absolutely loved it and how retail made use of any space available rather than just putting in strip malls. I loved the creativity. California the place was incredible. Shame how people only view it in terms politics.

[@jliller]

Nice to hear someone else poured over Rand McNally Road Atlases as a kid!

[@MicahThomason]

The way you linked the map, and then put links IN THE MAP, is awesome. I didn't know such voodoo existed. Good job, Mike.

[@rickcobos1724]

Makes perfect sense for someone who travels for a living to choose visiting Phoenix in summer. This winter go to the Twin Cities and Buffalo while you’re at it.

[@MileageMike485]

😂

[@Composedblackness]

Kinston home town of Brandon Ingram and Jerry Stackhouse 🔥💪🏿

[@PelicanGuy]

I am into geography, history and maps as well. Shout out to Rand McNally!!! I am digging this channel. Keep up the good work.

[@rockobama9209]

Im looking forward to seeing you go to Africa. Ive always wondered about the highway systems there. Im sure you’ll do a great breakdown of how they are of you make one of those vids

[@gregory596]

This is some of the best advice I've heard for aspiring engineering students, 29:43.

[@dariusx4829]

I guarantee your new favorite interstate will be the l-15 🙂 San Diego to Vegas is great. North of Vegas, driving through the Virgin River Canyon towards St. George UT is absolutely sublime 👍🏾

[@dcs315]

Manchester Road through St. Louis and St. Louis County is also very long and a very interesting road.

[@WilliamCrew]

Love your channel, keep it up my man!

[@jesscarey7666]

Love the channels!

[@peterorozco3361]

It would be cool to see you tackle the Alaska Highway from BC to AK one day. I just finished a road trip from Texas to Alaska and back.

[@lisak7997]

It was great getting to know more about you. Thank you for sharing. Safe travels out West 🚘🗻🏜️🌵

[@kevinrussell3501]

Chicago-Ft Wayne you would want to use I-80/90/94 east to I-65 south to US 30 east. US 30 could use a couple upgrades in spots but it's pretty good

[@WHATISUTUBE]

its time to go international my brother. Time to go drive in Japan

[@MileageMike485]

Looking forward to it

[@alonzolane1092]

I love watching your videos I wonder how the family feels about what you are doing now

[@lisapolanski9379]

Your channel has really helped me plan roadtrips and plan my routes, especially since I have a phobia about driving over water. I can watch the video and decide whether I can cross it, lol. (I always bring the Rand McNally road map book with me on the plane and then rent a car.)

[@Aggie4life77]

I had no idea you were from NC. I’m From Greensboro. I live outside of Dallas Texas now. I’m in 100 percent agreement with your thoughts of NC. I left 23 year ago and only go back to see family. It’s not a bad place or anything. I just need a bit more going on. Something different. We live in Frisco, but own property in Houston and Florida.

[@Takeoff10_]

You picked a great day to come here. lol it’s gotta be 109-110 today, and I worked outside.

[@MileageMike485]

Yeah lol. Think I'll have to get up out of here soon.

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Thank you for your service!

[@MileageMike485]

Thanks

[@koreyg5279]

Idk why but I love your videos.

[@tameikabrown]

WOW 😮 IDK Mike Attended The Military Way Back In The Day’s I’m Definitely Learning A Whole Lot From Mike 5:15

[@positively_broad_st3780]

Mike, you need a sponsor(s). Hopefully, a convenience store, a national auto repair, hotel or restaurant chain hooks you up with a deal to help pay for your expenses...

[@roadgeek1961]

It's cool that you can travel from the ytube channel. I drove to Mississippi in a ford focus. I got the same idea of seeing I 70 west of Denver, Glenwood canyon the skitowns. Are you going to do the Gordie Howe bridge in 2025?

[@derekox]

Freedom and the money, from being a content creator on KZbin, to enjoy it!

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

I used to study the atlases too! Also from State Farm.

[@rickcobos1724]

When visiting Indianapolis, make time for Eagle Creek Park. Its geography is nothing like the rest of the surrounding metro area.

[@MileageMike485]

I’ll be sure to check it out on the next trip 👍

[@saltru3846]

Hi Mike Thanks for making interesting video. I started watching video couple days back. Couple of questions, 1- where and do you mount the camera 2-How do you avoid windshield glare 3-What is the speed you tested external camera mount or you mount only inside the vehicle Thanks

[@MrJestyler]

You have accumulated a hefty bucket of mileage. Your videos say the most while literally saying the least. Let’s the facts speak for themself. 👍👍👍

[@dotard79]

Great video Mike. Hopefully you can do a livestream to answer all your fans’ questions

[@MileageMike485]

Maybe a 50K subscriber livestream will be in order

[@Intersteighty]

35:42 Actually, money and time permitting, I "tear up the map" just as much as you do. I just don't post it... yet... Also, I'm an early-career Black transportation engineer and infrastructure geek and you've been _such an inspiration_ lately. I'd truly love to meet you, like hopefully we cross paths in California! Keep up the great videos Mike! 📸

[@stylofresh986]

I would like to watch that video about finding your purpose.

[@OklahomaRailfan_Productions]

I missed the Q&A Do you like trains.

[@Chashflowcorner]

Nice!

[@positively_broad_st3780]

I buy a new Rand-McNally US atlas book every 3-5 years. Some of us love maps...

[@darkmannc]

K Towns very own... Milage Mike! 💪🏿

[@eprohoda]

Greetings. outstanding !

[@flarrfan]

US 1 in the Fla Keys is indeed unique...How old am I? I drove multiple times on the old 7-mile bridge. I still have nightmares about meeting trucks or buses on that old bridge.

[@streetsweeper8831]

Wow i used to study atlas too, i have a job where i do alot of traveling on east coast. I even used to draw maps with my upgrades 😂😂😂

[@do_chill_regular]

Small world , my mother’s side (Grahams) is from Kinston I know jerry stackhouse and Brandon Ingram come from there

[@doc_auk]

Nice video!! I was wondering what you thought of I99. Lol is it really an interstate? Haha.

[@chelmrtz]

Also friends who read encyclopedias and maps for fun

[@jonathangat4765]

Love the road atlas!

[@Gatorsfan601]

I also have a 2016 Rand McNally!

[@MileageMike485]

Nice

[@robbnutter4665]

Thanks for your videos. As a fellow Vet (I was USAF) and hearing you talk of college, my question is were you an officer or enlisted?

[@MileageMike485]

Enlisted. I went to college afterwards.

[@way2tired2]

Hey Mike! What do you use to record your videos? what kind of camera for the road, what kind of mic, etc?

[@davidkaplan2745]

Now that you're in the west, drive Utah Highway 12.

[@David.ChristAmbassador]

Where have you been lol I really enjoyed everything Florida and explaining the many I-Internate

[@MileageMike485]

Took a mini-vacation checking out some of the national parks in Utah plus that long drive to get out here from the East Coast. Back to regularly scheduled content soon though.

[@tomasmowery164]

​@@MileageMike485Oh yeah the overseas highway. I used to view it on Google Maps before I got into drag racing and in 2017 my friend crashed his jetski under the 7 mile bridge. He hasn't done any jet skiing since but he bruzed his tailbone.

[@Justaguywithtruth]

👋😂 Semper Fi Brother, 29 palms😐 yeah I understand how you feel😄 My family settled in Oceanside because DC was to crazy go back🤡🤖🎪🤔 Praying for your success and safety.. We just got back from Alaska.. Beautiful but my Wife said to cold🤣 Enjoy this blessing of life some will never understand📕👋😎🙏💪☝️👍

[@leonation89]

I've been to Phoenix

[@CC2K9]

If you don't plan on relocating to Denver, Which west metro city you plan on living in.

[@tomasmowery164]

In Indianapolis there's the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the racing hall of fame home of the Indianapolis 500 and this year was its 110th year running as the track where major Motorsports were born.