Dream Summer Road Trip

Hi, i'm a first time user from London, UK. My friend (28) and I (25), are planning a road trip this aug '12. Single driver, so was wondering if our planned route/time frame was do able. We aim to see some of America's well known states/landmarks and experience the party scene.

9th of august until the 13th of august Cuba (hotel) 4 nights
13th august until 17th august Miami (hotel) 4 nights
Miami to Florida - 234mil 4hr - (Villa) 17th august to 21st
Florida to NYC1092mil 19hrs(Friends) 22 to the 26th august
NYC to Toronto 491 mil 9hrs(hotel) 26th to the 30th august
Toronto to Chicago 9hr (Hotel) 31 to the 1st
Chicago to Grand Canyon 1,680mil 28hrs(Camp) 3rd to 4th august
--We plan to make stops on the way to Grand Canyon--
Grand Canyon to Las Vegas 276mil 5hrs(Hotel) 4th to the 6th
Las Vegas to Hawaii (Hotel) 6th to the 10th
Hawaii to Las Vegas ariprot not staying
Las Vegas to California 10th to 17th (tba)
Los Angeles to London 20th

Is the time frame realistic? Are we speninding enough time at each loation? Have we hit the major nightlife cities?

Not sure what else, but any help would be very much appreiciated

Kyle Love

Hello and welcome to the RTA forums !

The thing to note here is that when you are talking of journeys over 600 miles you need to think of it in days not hours.

For example, Florida to New York and the [nearly] 1100 miles is two full days of driving for at least 10 hours each day with only basic stops. I would also recommend at least 2 overnight stops on route to the GC and more if you would like to do some sight seeing. To help with your planning you should expect a 550-600 mile day to be 10 hours of driving with basic stops and lunch etc. Add to that up to a couple of hours either end of the day getting ready, having breakfast, getting an evening meal and unwinding and you are closer to a 14 hour day. There are many attractions and other National parks that you could visit as you drive across the country, it's a case of where and how you want to prioritise your time. You certainly have enough time to make it realistic trip but if anything I would be looking for a little more time out of the City and more among natures finest.

It sounds like quite an awesome trip !

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

I see several areas that look like they could be big problems.

To start, visiting Cuba and then Miami is not an easy transition. Because of the embargo, you will likely either need to fly to Mexico or Canada, and then take a connecting flight. There may be some charters, but you won't find any regular air service between the two.

The onto your driving, It looks like you've got some impossible legs.

You didn't say where in "Florida" your villa is, but you need at least 2 full days for the drive to New York.

The most concerning element, however, is your Chicago to Grand Canyon section. Even without any extra stops, you need a minimum of 3 full days for this drive, and it looks like you've only got 2 days planned, and that would include your actual time at the Canyon. That's just not possible.

Perhaps I've misread your plan, but that's going to have to change. I'm also a little curious about your plan to camp at the Grand Canyon. When you factor the cost to buy even basic supplies, camping for just one or two nights will cost far more than just staying in a hotel.

Thank you guys for the quick and informative advice. I'll take the feedback to my friend and we'll come back with a revised plan.

P.S awesome website!!

From your advice we have:

Taken out Cuba which has given us 4 nights to add to the Miami - Florida and Chicago - Grand Canyon leg of the trip.

Going to stay in a hotel rather then camp in the Canyon

The family villa is on International Drive, where we have also added on extra two nights so we can make the most of Disney World.

Are their any dangerous places we should avoid on the trip?

I'm a decent driver but it will be my 1st time on the road in America, im a little concerned but also excited

It is generally advised that you do not cross the border into Mexico because of the volatile drug wars going on, other than that you should have no need to worry. Just use your natural instincts as you would at home, if some place doesn't feel right it usually isn't and simply move on. Remember, everywhere is someones hometown.

I would really look at using some time travelling between Denver and Grand canyon where you will find spectacular scenery, great driving roads and some wonderful National and State Parks and Monuments. Keep searching around the RTA forums with a good map to hand and see what appeals to you. As you get more dots on the map we can help fill in the blanks and to 'fine tune' your plans.

As for driving, you will soon adapt to driving on the 'other' side of the road.

Thank you again, i'll def have a look around the sight & will be back when we have 'more dots on the map'

In August, the Grand Canyon will be very crowded and congested - to the extent that just finding a place to park can be a problem. For that reason, I think it is best to stay at one of the lodges in Grand Canyon Village. Unfortunately, you may already be to late to get a reservation. However, there are some facilities just out side the Park that have shuttles to the Village. An alternative is to stay in Williams, AZ and take a train to the Canyon. I've heard mixed reviews on this with some liking it and some saying it does not give you enough time.

You will not get the most out of Disney World in two days. It is composed of four major theme parks: The Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Hollywood and Epcot Center. You can easily spend an entire day at each and not see or do everything there is to see and do. In addition, there is a waterpark and Downtown Disney, an area of shops, restuarants, night spots and entertainment such as Cirque du Soleil.

Thank you Charlie... We're going to try find more info on the Grand Canyon and facilities outside it because we don't wont to be driving around looking for a parking space lol.

Yeh we realised after looking around this website that 2 days in Disney World isnt enough, so we're thinking of adding an extra 3/4 nights to that section.

Thanks again & if anyone else has any more info or ideas however small it will be appreciated

Kyle

You've made two wise decisions.

A little more about Disney World. By far the best way to do Disney World is to stay at one of the Disney Resorts. That way, you have access to free transportation to any of the Theme Parks, the waterpark and Downtown Disney. However, I don't know what your budget is and staying at a Disney facility can be pretty pricey. Reasonable lodging outside of the park is readily available and some facilities have shuttle service to Disney. We just returned from the Orlando/Kissimmee area spending three days at Disney's Port Orleans resort (one of their "moderate" resorts) and 4 days at two different locations outside the park. The three days at Port Orleans plus a four day "park hopper" pass was about $1,400. The four nights outside the park cost a total of less than $260. One location was nice the other very nice. The park hopper pass allows you to visit more than one park on the same day. A regular pass limits you to one park per day. Hope this helps.

Following your advice, we are going to stay on the Disney complex at the Dolphin hotel. We're lucky to have an expansive budget due to years of saving. Now we need to find a reason to stay in the Villa, as it would be a shame to not make use of it lol.

Is there much to see and do in San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle?

You will find plenty to do in each of those City's. I love San Fran, even though I am not a big fan of visiting City's. [I much prefer natures creativity] Some highlights would be China Town, Coit Tower, Pier 39 and a visit to Alcatraz Island should be part of any trip to the 'City by the sea' ! Here is the only place to buy ferry tickets direct without having to pay agents fees or book other tours. It's popular so booking in advance is recommended. If you like shopping then Union Square would be of interest.

I don't know anything of the other two, [for the reason mentioned] but here are a few recommendations from our resident member Donna on San Diego.

Thanks, Dave, for mentioning me. Here's a full thread that I wrote awhile back, about San Diego. Hopefully you'll find something of interest for you here - with theme parks (3), beaches (lots), mountains (lots), history (lots), ships, San Diego can be a vacation destination. (No, I don't work for the tourist bureau. But I should get a commission for bringing people here, hah hah hah!)

As for San Francisco -- Golden Gate Park and Alcatraz Island come to mind, plus cable car rides, Ghirardelli Square (if you're a shopper) and Fisherman's Wharf (if you like seafood). I've seen all except Alcatraz. I'm not a big city person, but the rest was done when I had family in Oakland.

Seattle -- The Needle, Starbucks Flagship Store, but more importantly, its proximity to Mt Rainier NP and Mt St Helens. I'd rather do the latter than spend time in a city.

Donna

If I had access to a Villa on I-Drive, I certainly would not be staying at a Disney hotel.

That's not to say that Disney hotels aren't great (I've heard nothing but good things) and staying on Disney property does have some advantages, I don't think its worth it to go out of your way to stay there if you've got another place lined up, especially since you'll have a car. Plus, if you want to visit the other places in Orlando, like Universal, then you'd be leaving Disney anyway.

Of course there's plenty to see and do in those other cities, although, I don't know where they would fit into your schedule - especially Seattle which is a long way from any of your other destinations.

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Originally Posted by kylelove

Following your advice, we are going to stay on the Disney complex at the Dolphin hotel.

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A thought, recognizing that we're all wired a bit different... And I'm a happy resident of South Dakota (also known as "flyover country").... And I'm a firm believer that getting there should be half the fun.... So with those disclaimers out of the way......

Minimize the time in Orlando/Disney.

It's great, but it's not going to give you a sense of the length, breadth, size and variety of the US. And there are always vacation packages for off-season travel to Florida. It's not exactly easy to get an off-season vacation package that will let you cheaply drive the Great River Road, for instance.

Hi,

Your initial goal was to " see some of America's well known states/landmarks and experience the party scene." So yes you''ll want to spend time in San Francisco bay area.

If you are going to go to Alcatraz, try to book the evening tour.

Hi everyone!!

Thank you for the information, we have put it to good use. Here is our revised route:

Miami – 4 nights – The Palms hotel
Disney World - 5 nights
Fri 17th aug (eve) – Disney animal kingdom lodge
- Snacks
Wed 22nd aug – (leave early morn) – Travelling 5hr driving shifts – 1100miles. 20hr+ drive.
NEW YORK – 3 nights -Hilton Hotel
TORONTO – 4 nights -
CHICAGO – 3 nights - The JAMES hotel
DENVER - 3 nights -Hotel
3 nights seeing the night between Denver & Grand Canyon (Denver to Grand Cayon 12hrs 682miles)
GRAND CANYON - 2 nights
LAS VEGAS – 2 nights - Bellagio Hotel
HAWAII – Oahu 3 nights -
HAWAII – Maui 3 nights – Fairmont Hotel
CALIFORNIA - 10 nights

I'm sorry, but you still are just not taking the driving here seriously.

You simply can not safely drive 1100 miles from Orlando to New York in a single shot. There's also no way you can do it in 20 hours. This is 2 full day drive, and about 24 hours total worth of driving, and it doesn't matter how many drivers you have, that's not something you can do in shifts.

Similarly, Chicago to Denver is also a 1000 mile drive and also requires 2 full days. For that matter, its a fantasy that you could drive the 700 miles between Denver and GC in 12 hours, but at least you are giving yourself more time here.

Your current plan is going to endanger your lives and the lives of others. If you want to just skip from place to place, like this, perhaps you should be flying. Of course, you've got plenty of time in your trip to make the drives, but you've got to start taking reality into consideration.

It looks to me like with the exception of the Grand Canyon, all you want to see are cities and experience the party scene. This being the case, the only car you will need is from Denver to Las Vegas and for your 10 days in California at the end of the trip - you can use public/commercial transportation for everything else.

Thank you Michael for your concern. We too was worried about the lenght off those journeys but we have carried out numerous 20hr+ test drives with great success.

Hi 'glc' yes you are right, we are mostly interested in the cities and their nightlife but the major part we are both looking forward too is the car journey & the routes it takes us. Flying would take the fun out of it.

Where exactly have you been carrying out your numerous 20 hour drives? Just for comparison sake, the kinds of drives you are talking about would be like driving from London to Glasgow, back to London, and then make yet another trip back to Glasgow, without stopping.

The fact that you think that this kind of car journey would be anything resembling fun, and that you think you can make these drives in the kind of time you have written down on paper, makes me really wonder what you are comparing it too. But clearly, you're convinced you're experts on the subject, so we'll just hope that you don't hurt anyone else along the way.

You have enough time as to not make it so tough on yourselves. It really is not a good idea to attempt that kind of drive as Michael has pointed out. It would be totally counter productive if you made it anyway, as you would need at least the entire next day to rest and recover. You might just as well make the drive enjoyable and stopover, or fly.

Good question. The 20+ hour drive was, London - Aberdeen - Cardiff & back to London. The 2nd/3rd was London - Nice (France) - London to pick up/drop-off my sister. Reguarding the actual roadtrip we looked at stopping-off somewhere in between the two long journeys but nowhere appealed to us. Any suggetions?

There is absolutely no comparison driving in Europe, including the UK, (even Australia) and driving in the USA. Maybe right now there is nothing which appeals to you, but that is because you've not been there. Allow yourself the flexibility to get off the interstates, and take the opportunity to stop at things which appeal to you... along the way.

You're not going to get all that information on the internet. Even now, on my fifth trip, I am still stumbling upon amazing sights I had no idea existed. And these take time out of your journey... these are the amazing places which fill the camera and create lasting memories.

Enjoy the road - leisurely!

Lifey

Thank you Lifey for your input.

We have decided to pay heed to your advice (and the other experts), by flying from Orlando to New York. This will give us the chance to experience, American domestic air-travel and provide a longer time frame to travel from Chicago to Denver. So now we'll pick up the car in N.Y.

Out of curiosity, how does driving in the U.S differ so much from Europe? (Apart from different side of the road lol)

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Originally Posted by kylelove

Out of curiosity, how does driving in the U.S differ so much from Europe? (Apart from different side of the road lol)

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Guess it's not so much the action of driving. That is pretty well much the same. It is the culture of the road which is so different, and which you will want to embrace. The first Rand Mc Nally atlas I ever got, was sent to me by a friend way back in 1998. The slogan on the front is 'America's love affair with the road.' That just about sums it up.

Almost anywhere, and especially in Europe and the UK, you decide to go to a place and your trip is focused almost solely on the destination. It is the getting from point A to B which gets in the way... best over and done with as quickly as possible (with a few exceptions).

In the US there is much more focus on the road, the actual journey from A to B. In fact there are many who think of the journey as the actual destination, and are not really focused on where they end up. That's why it is called a roadtrip. It's much the way I travel, when I am in the US.

By spending time off the interstates, and enjoying the two or four lane highways, you will see much of the US you may never have heard of, and discover little interesting things which are not on the internet or in guide book. (Just today I came across such an attraction in BC.)

There will be times that you wish you had left more time for this place or that city. Make note of them. They will be the backbone of your next trip. And believe me, there will be a next time. Roadtripping America has a magnetic attraction that gets you back again and again.

I for one am looking forward to your roadtrip report.

Lifey

Magnificently put Lifey, the journey is the destination, I'm going to steal that slogan lol.

We've added Vancouver to the itinerary as the jounrney will be interesting and the destination looks amazing.

Our roadtrip report will be a novel lol

Kyle

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Originally Posted by kylelove

... the journey is the destination, I'm going to steal that slogan lol.

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You're welcome to it... I think I read it on these forums, quite some time ago.

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We've added Vancouver to the itinerary ...

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If you do that, check that you will be allowed to take a rental vehicle into Canada. Not all companies allow their vehicles to cross the border.

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Our roadtrip report will be a novel lol

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There is a special forum where we encourage you to log your field report. You can read there about the experiences of others... and see their photos.

Lifey

Thank you again Lifey!!

My friend (34) will hopefully be passing his driving test in june (U.K), does anyone know if he will be legally allowed to drive in the USA???

I don't think you would have any legal issues, as a full license is a full license, but don't rely on my 'say so' and you would need to check it out.

You would have to check with the rental agency though, as they have different policies, some insist on 2 years experience before renting the car and some might have a daily surcharge much the same as the 'Young drivers fee' for inexperienced drivers. To be sure you would need to check out the terms and conditions of each company and ask them the questions if unsure. Try and get any important info in writing so that you are covered if anything should be different when you get there.

Thank you Southwest Dave.... I called up a few car rental dealerships and most of them confirmed what you said!