Hi all! I am new to these forums and thought this would be a good place to start!
I am leaving on a roadtrip mid-November through mid-January or later (I know, I probably should have started planning earlier!). My very basic (and very long) itinerary so far is to start from Washington, D.C., head south towards the Smoky Mountains/Tennessee, then to New Orleans, across Texas (through Austin perhaps?), then up to Utah/Grand Canyon/Las Vegas/Death Valley, up the California Coast, as far North as I can go, possibly to Portland, OR or Vancouver, BC.
My time is not necessarily limited (1-3 months?) although my budget is. I plan on car-camping/hosteling the majority of the time. Any suggestions for off-the-beaten-path routes, must-see sights, weather advisories, advice for cheap traveling? I realize I can't do EVERYTHING, and probably need to narrow down my destinations I would like to do. This is my first time doing a cross-country trip, and yes, reality checks are very welcome!! Thanks!!!