First roadtrip, and it is going to be a crazy one.

Let me give you a little backgroud on myself, as it is my first post. I am nineteen years old, I live in South Florida and I have my whole life. I am joining the Navy with my friend and before we ship out, we wanted to do something we have been talking about forever. We are driving from Ft Lauderdale, Florida up to Hendersonville NC to visit my brother, from their we are planning on driving cross country to Tempe Arizona; on the way stopping in New Orleans(my buddys hometown) to do some partying for a day or two. My other brother who lives in Tempe has alot of things planned out once we get there. I was wondering if there were any must-sees along that rout. We are all about women and partying, but I have never been in the mountains before and I look forward to that, as well as enjoying some of the small towns on the way(something forign to both of us). Also, since this is my first roadtrip(other than to NC), any must knows or helpfull tips would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

...are not my strong point, to be honest, but to first order, your usual best bets at your age are found in college towns. The best advice I can give you on that point (I do work at a major University) is to park near campus, stroll the grounds, and ask the students where the best night spots are. In addition, Memphis has an incredible night scene centered on Beale Street, and Nashville has more CW clubs than you can shake a stick at.

As for scenic must-sees, be sure to take the slight detours to see Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the start of your trip and the Grand Canyon at the end. If you head west through Tennessee, you'll soon come to the Natchez Trace Parkway, a great alternative route down to New Orleans - another great party town. From there, it's just straight shot out I-10 to Tempe. A couple of things along that route that might be worth the side trip between Fort Stockton, TX and Las Cruces, NM are Carlsbad Caverns National Park and White Sands National Monument.

Otherwise, just enjoy being on the road. Everything will be new to you, so there's no point in going too far off the main road other than occasionally to get the feel for the 2-lane back roads and small town America. Get some good maps and watch for the roads that parallel the Interstates. And routinely take the time to drive the extra 5 miles into town to eat with the locals rather than at the homogenized exit ramp restaurants. Otherwise, this site is chock full of general advice, so poke around and you'll find all kinds of hints on how to

AZBuck