Across America November/December

[aussietrippers]

Hi guys
First time posting here, though have read a lot. I am in early days of planning a trip and just wanted to get some initial feedback to help formulate my plans. We are a family of 7 from Australia - our children are aged 6-13 at the moment. We travelled to the States about two years ago sticking to the west coast - flew into San Francisco and drove to Vegas, Grand Canyon, Vegas, San Diego, Anaheim, and LA and so this is all quite fresh in our minds (not that we would mind seeing it all again). My husband has now fallen in love with america and is very keen to go back asap. We are contemplating flying into LA and hiring a car to travel to NY and back. We will have about 30 days give or take in which to travel. My initial thoughts are that we really dont need to spend that much time on the west coast (am only thinking of flying in there because it is about $500 pp cheaper and when multiplied by 7 thats a lot). We want to see New York, Memphis, Orlando as definates - I also would like to see Lake Powell if possible. Apart from these areas I am very open to suggestions and possibilities.
We are interested in scenery (loved the coast in california, the desert around vegas) and sightseeing the natural sights. Of course with 5 kids would need to do the theme park thing in Florida. Thinking Miami should be included.
I realise I have been very vague but as I said its only in the early stages and just looking at options that i can then narrow down. I have studied the maps and do realise the vastness of the nation, and realise how long it takes to drive places after driving in the west.
Thanks for your help guys - looking forward to hearing your insights..

[Lifemagician]

Hi and Welcome to RTA,

As you will have read, West Coast to East Coast is a six day drive, so you have plenty of time to do some detours and leisure roads.

May I make one suggestion. Get a large wall map of the US (if you do not already have one). I have the National Geographics, which is widely available at places like Map Works and Map World, in most capital cities, or online.

As you see places which may interest you - be it on TV or on this forum, or wherever - put a post-it note on the map. It will help you with planning the trip.

You could look at a southern route, including Memphis, Orlando, Miami, and the many sites in Washingtojn DC, on your way to NYC. Then return through Pennsylvania and the Rocky Mtns, maybe Yellowstone NP.

There are just so many choices.

As I said before - Lucky kids!

Lifey who is the mother of five

[AZBuck]

As your fellow countryman, Lifey, points out, you've got enough time to cover a good chunk of the United States, and there simply is no one-size-fits-all "best" route. But very generally speaking (and showing my own prejudices) I'd have you start by looking at I-40 across the Southwest (Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Petroglyph Monument, Cadillac Ranch) to Memphis; US-78/US-280/I-75 to Orlando and other spots in Florida (Cape Canaveral, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine) and then up the coastal route (Okefenokee Swamp, Charleston, Outer Banks, Chesapeake Bay) to New York; and finally I-80/I-76/I-70/I-15 back to Los Angeles (Cuyahoga Valley, Chicago, Oregon Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches, Bryce Canyon and Zion). There is plenty more to see along that general route, and other routes that may be more to your liking, but that's certainly one place to start.

AZBuck

[glc]

Note that RMNP and Yellowstone really are not options in November or December. Those parks will be in winter mode with most of the roads closed to wheeled vehicles.