48 state road trip advice
Hello! I'm graduating college this spring and am on my way to medical school next fall. I'm starting to get the travel bug and would love to do a trip through the continental US. I have 2-3 months of free time. First, is that enough time? I want to experience some of the uniqueness of all of the states, but I don't have to experience everything. Also, I would love some suggestions of things to see! I don't have a lot of specifics of places to go yet, except I want to take California State Highway 1 down the California coast, I want to go to Seattle, Sedona, AZ, Seattle, colonial Williamsburg, and the Florida Keys (I would potentially be interested in traveling Route 66 for a little ways, but I know some parts are more interesting than others). I like the outdoors/hiking (especially if there are rivers/mountains) religion (no particular denominations just spirituality in general), and history, as well as unique off-the-beaten-path ideas. I am on a pretty limited budget as a recent college grad, so anything free/cheap is always appreciated. I plan on mostly staying in hostels/with friends and family, I've considered CouchSurfing.org, but because I'm a young woman most likely traveling alone, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that or camping. Thanks for any input!
Solo road trippers are mostly women
Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum! 2-3 months is ample to see parts of the USA -- But it's very tough road trip on a budget when the trip goes much longer than 10 days. So, how much money -- realistically -- will you have for this adventure? Congratulations on your pending graduation!
US Highway 101 doesn't actually travel down the coast in California -- I believe you might have been thinking of California State Highway 1?
The vast majority of solo road trippers in the USA are women -- Most men seem uncomfortable with the concept. Here are some tips about planning and executing solo road trips.
Mark
Now... We need to know your goals!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rachel_d
I have about $5000 currently saved up that I could use, but the cheaper the better obviously (ideally I'll put whatever is left in savings and let it collect interest while I'm in school), and my car gets about 24 mpg on the highway. I'll be leaving from southwestern Ohio.
It is my imagination or did the saved amount just drop $1000? OK, the next phase of this planning process is for you to decide what primary goal do you have for this adventure?
To see as much of the natural countryside as possible? To explore cultural events and places? To drive as many miles as possible? To do it as cheaply as possible? To visit the places you've always dreamed about (which ones are they)?
If your budget is $5000 and you had 90 days on the road, it would be VERY challenging to accomplish unless you didn't drive very much.
If you use the RTA Fuel Cost Calculator and assume that you'll drive at least 11,000 miles (bare minimum for a 48 state road trip) and that gas costs at least $4.50 this summer....
Quote:
Your 11000.0 mile (17702.3 km) road trip will cost you about 2062.50 in fuel, based on an efficiency of 24.00 miles per gallon and a total fuel volume of 458.33 gallons. (Your fuel cost per mile will be about 0.19.)
And even staying in hostels and eating frugally, your lodging and eating costs will run at least $2300 per month, so your budget of $5,000 will only last about six weeks.
You might find it far more fun, if you limited your travels to the a specific region and thereby limited your driving miles, so you could really enjoy the places you were visiting.
So... what are your goals for this adventure?
Mark
Can be done much more cheaply.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
rachel_d
I plan on mostly staying in hostels/with friends and family, I've considered CouchSurfing.org, but because I'm a young woman most likely traveling alone, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that or camping.
As already mentioned, the majority of solo travellers are female, myself included, albeit at the other end of the age range. Even when staying at hotels/motels, my accommodation average has never exceeded $50, mostly much less.
Hostels are great, though they vary greatly. Some are excellent. Others leave a lot to be desired. This is probably the most comprehensive and reliable hostel site. To save some money when booking, be sure to contact the hostel direct. Most hostels will give a discount, as they will not have to pay the booking agency. (The last time I booked a place in Denver the discount was something in excess of 20%, compared with what the booking site would have charged.)
Couchsurfing is perfectly safe, in fact, often I would feel safer than in a hotel. But make sure you reward your host in some way. This could take any form, a small souvenir from home, a box of chocolates or bunch of flowers, cleaning the bathroom, cooking a meal or washing the dishes. Whatever. It is just nice to show your appreciation. I like to take my host out for a meal.
If you were to join now, get verified and build a history of references, you would not have much difficulty in finding hosts. Even though you may not be in a position to host at the moment, attend Couchsurfing functions when these are in your area, and ask members whom you meet, if they would exchange references. Tell them you are new, and trying to build up a profile.
There is lots more you can do to make it safe, interesting and rewarding. Go onto the site and check out the forums. Any questions, I'd be happy to answer. I would love to see a fellow traveller enjoy this service.
Lifey
