Help! Chicago to California
Hey guys,
I'm new to all this! I'm 21 years old and from England, living near London. Next summer, 2008, when I'll be 22, I want to make my way across the USA. My Father died last november and we said we'd go, but now I'm determined to do it for myself, and for his memory to. I plan on flying into Chicago and trekking my way across to California, where I want to visit San Francisco and Los Angeles. I may be alone or I might have a mate with me. I know there is'nt much to answer to, but if possible can people give me any tips? or any places that'd be cool to visit on the way through. I plan on driving, but also don't mind buses or planes! Open book really! I just want to make it from Chicago to California, a really fun interesting route, not just a straight plane journey! am I to ambitious?
Thank you :-)
Paul
Not too ambitious at all!
Hi Paul,
Welcome to the site - you've certainly found the best place on the net for the help that you will need to put this trip together. But, before we can help, we'll need a little info from you.
Presumably you will be looking to rent a car, as this is by far the easiest way to get to see everywhere that you want to see. In fact it's pretty much the only practical way to do a trip like yours. If you think that public transport is poor in the UK, you'll find it to be largely non-existent in the US.
You will need to put some effort into finding a good deal on renting a car though as most, if not all, operators charge a horrible surcharge on one-way rentals.
Have you been on a roadtrip like this previously, perhaps with your folks? If you have then it'll make things easier to plan but, when you're on the ground over there, you'll find it's simplicity in itself and it'll all just kinda happen. So, really, planning is important but there's never anything that can't be overcome when you're there. I don't think that your plans are too ambitious at all, if you search this forum you will find many many people discussing similar trips, and I like the way you plan to do this to 'toast' the memory of your father. That sounds a fantastic idea and, having done similar trips both with friends and solo, I reckon it'll be really rewarding for you.
We'd be pleased to suggest places if you tell us what you're looking for! Whilst one man's ideal trip would be hopping from one nighclub to the next, another man's ideal trip might be hopping from one National Park to the next. I personally prefer a bit of a mix-up: some scenic driving, some exploring interesting towns and cities, maybe a baseball game, some hiking in a National Park, some tacky tourist destinations, some wacky roadside sights.
The rest I just make up whilst driving from one destination to another - you tend to find many interesting sounding places signed off the interstates. Some prove to be VERY interesting, others prove to be a waste of both time and gasoline. But the fun part is finding out!
Nice to see yet another Brit on the site. Where abouts are you from, exactly?
