48 state road trip advice

For San Francisco (and LA) use USA Hostels, by far the best run and most secure hostels I have ever stayed at. They are not the cheapest, and definitely need booking well ahead. Which attests to their popularity and reputation.

In Flagstaff I recommend the Grand Canyon International Hostel. This too I found, needs booking ahead in summer. The one time I did not book I had to stay at its sister hostel. I was most disappointed with its standard.

These hostels all organise regular community meals and tours at backpacker prices. The staff at each I found very knowledgable. (It is 5 - 7 years since I stayed at either.)

Lifey

Lincoln to Lead may be a bit of a stretch for a single day - it's over 600 miles via Interstates, but less if you cut through the Sandhills (where you can't drive 75 mph).

Monterey to LA via CA-1 may also be a bit much for 1 day.

Another day over 600 miles is Carlsbad to Houston, San Antonio would be a better bet.

Quote:

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Day 34 Santa Fe:Carlsbad, NM
STAY: ?
Day 35 Carlsbad, NM
STAY: ?
Day 36 Carlsbad:Houston
STAY: Hostel

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Here's a thought on this stretch of the road. Santa Fe to Carlsbad is less than 300 miles. I'm assuming you want to see the Caverns. You *could* look around the CCNP after you pull in to Carlsbad, spend the night, get up early in the morning and take the first cave tour. Then drive the 140 miles from Carlsbad down to Ft Stockton and stay the night there. After Ft Stockton, the next place to stay is another 120 miles down the road, which would depend on which cave tour you take whether you'd have time. Ft Stockton to Houston is about 500 miles (depends on where you're staying in Houston), which is a reasonable drive. Anyway, that's what we would consider doing if this were us.


Donna