First Road Trip

[cody23]

Hey,
Im new to the site and this is my first post. My friends and I are looking to go on a Cali road trip this summer from the Philadelphia area. The problem is...we're only 17. I was wondering if we could get in any trouble if a cop pulls us over or something? Dont wanna be regarded as a run away...

Also, if anyone has some info on a cheap place to sleep on the way there. We cannot drive past 11 so we were thinking about car camping in a Walmart parking lot worse comes to worse. We have done many other camping trips on the east coast (we're thinking about Va beach over memerorial day) but we have always had a campsite planned ahead of time. Not really what you'd call a road trip. I suppose hostels could be an option if we cant get a campsite, right?

Thanks

[ImTheCrew]

i think you have to be 18 to check in to a hotel, i know you'd need a credit card at least.

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

While I'm sure its not what you want to hear, it would really be best if you waited another year to try to pull off this trip.

Camping will likely be your only option for lodging, and even some campgrounds may not let you stay without at least one adult.

Hostels will not be an option, as being 18 is a near universal requirement to be a guest there, and of course, staying in a motel without being 18 will also likely be a non-starter. Even sleeping in a Walmart parking lot could very likely be considered a curfew violation, and that's not a solution for a long term cross country trip anyway.

Of course, there are several other big potential issues you probably haven't thought of. For example, if you are involved in any sort of accident, you can not authorize your own medical care.

I think the biggest thing I could remind you is that a roadtrip isn't about the number of miles you travel. You can absolutely have a "real roadtrip" without going thousands of miles from home, and doing so will allow you to be close enough where you can get help from an adult relative if needed. It will also allow you that much more time to save up so you have a proper budget for a major roadtrip next year.

[glc]

I'm afraid I'd have to agree - 17 year olds who want to take their first road trip should not be making it a cross-country trip. Stick to weekend trips within a few hundred miles of your home base and seriously consider traveling with a legal adult.

Have you and your friends even discussed these plans with your parents? I have a feeling that you haven't, I would never allow my minor children to do this.