First major road trip!!!!

Hello everybody! I am super excited to be taking a trip around the country next year, 2016. Originally I was aiming for a summer trip May/June or June/July but I am from Los Angeles and would LOVE to experience Fall (leaves change colors, say whatttt???) so Im thinking I am gonna move my trip to Sept/Oct, what do you guys think? Some of you probably take Fall for granted but I don't know seasons, and they sound amazing!

Second my trip is about big city stops. I am couch surfing via couchsurfing.com (please don't give me the safety talk, I am not 12) and I am taking this trip to experience new cities and meet awesome people form around the country. Landmarks and mountains and National Parks don't interest me too much, Ill stop at one if its on the way but I am more of a city traveler. I am starting (map attached) in LA, up to Reno, Portland, Seattle, Boise (family), Salt Lake, Denver, Oklahoma (family), Memphis, Nashville, Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philly, NY, Boston (friends), Baltimore, Charleston, Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston, Austin, Grand Canyon and end it with a major party in Vegas (yes, you are all invited). I am using furkot.com to map all this out, but I am not married to this route or all of these cities at all, its just a rough plan right now, so any advice on stops/routes/whatever would be GREATLY appreciated. I want to stay in each city about 3 or 4 nights and I am thinking my trip will take about 2 months or so, maybe a little more. Is that realistic?

I have never done anything like this before so any tips or tricks or really any advice at all would be super appreciated!!! I couch surfed in Portland OR (flew there) a month ago for 5 days and had an AMAZING time and met AMAZING people and the trip changed me for the better and that is why I am taking this trip.

THANK YOU!!!!

Oh and I am traveling solo, if anyone has any financial advice, that'd be awesome too. Couch surfing is free (only have to pay for lodging if I pull over somewhere for a night) but I want to be sure to have extra money to spend on nights out and fun social stuff, plus all the essentials of course.

Welcome to RTA!

Financial advice -- we have a whole forum about Saving Money on the Road. Among some of the best tips for that are to travel with a cooler and a bag of food supplies. The cooler can be filled with drinks and ice, or snacks that have to stay cold. We bring a big commuter cup, then we can fill it with ice and a drink without stopping at an expensive convenience store. Another way to save is to look ahead for fuel needs, for the "best price". We've been known to save 30c a gallon just by checking GasBuddy when we pull into a rest area. For those nights when you can't find a suitable Couchsurfing, there are coupon guides available at most truck stop/travel plazas and many rest areas, with good motel coupon deals. (Bear in mind they may not work on Fri/Sat nights.)

Speaking of Couchsurfing....it isn't completely free -- as you probably have found out, it's always a good thing to offer to take your host family out for dinner, bring a bottle of wine, make dinner FOR them, or just offer to clean the bathrooms or something. It's a nice thing to do.

For fall leaf peeping, Sept/Oct and the New England states are your best bet.



Donna

Hi, and Welcome to the Great American Roadtrip Forum.

First thing you should really to do is get yourself some good maps which show you your whole trip,m and the land it traverses. These would be available from AAA (free to members. For a trip of this scope a AAA membership would be well advised. Then you might like to follow the advice in this paragraph:

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Originally Posted by AZBuck

Start with maps. Not GPS, not software, not Google, but real honest-to-god paper maps that show you your entire route, that you can mark up (and erase), that you can stick pins in, and that show something about the land you'll be driving through. Those are your essential tool in any RoadTrip planning process. Start by marking all the places you know you want to visit. Then connect the dots. Then look for more places of interest and scenic routes along the lines connecting the dots. Repeat until you've got as many sites and roads as you think you want.

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You have all the cities you would like to visit so you can check what interests you along the routes in between. It's all marked on the maps. Maps are invaluable for planning, and essential when on the road. Never a good idea to rely only on your electronics.

As a couchsurfing member of many years, I have never regarded it as a 'free' night's accommodation. You either do something for your host, or bring them a gift, or perhaps take them out to dinner (my preferred reward). Do something to express your appreciation for your host(s). Having hosted lots and stayed with many as well, it is one of the safest ways to travel. Just make sure you leave a reference for every person you meet, host or stay with.

Since this trip is still some time off, why not use this time to host couchsurfers. It is such a rewarding experience. Or even just show people around your little part of the globe.

As for travelling solo, to my way of thinking it is the best way to travel. You are in control of everything, stop when you see something interesting and many more opportunities to meet the locals - in shops, at rest areas, etc. (Just make sure you leave your gadgets in your pocket and greet those you meet.)

Have a great trip

Lifey

Thanks for the advice LifeMagician and DonnaR57! And yes, you are both right about Couch Surfing not being completely free which is why I said I need extra money for nights out and what not. People who don't understand couch surfing think its like Air B&B and you have to pay $100 a night, so thats what I meant by free. When I Couch Surfed in Portland, I bought my hosts breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks...I am a good Surfer, I promise ;)

Hey everyone, planning a 3 month or so (no time constraint but dont wanna get stuck in shitty weather) road trip around the country in September. I am starting in LA going up to Seattle over to Colorado to the East Coast, down to Charleston, Tenesse, Texas then finishing in Vegas. I am stopping way more then that but just to give you an idea of my route. I have attached a screen shot of my route so you can get a general idea of my stops. I am using Furkot to map out my route and also Roadtrippers (but I dont like their layout). Anyway, I am just looking for some suggestions on great routes to take to each of my stops or if anyone knows of a great app or site I can use that will help me with this. I dont wanna just use Google Maps and miss some fun routes/stops on my way just cause I went the "google maps" way. This is my first SOLO road trip so any advice, tips, anything is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

{Mod Memo: PLEASE keep all posts about the same trip in your original thread -- it makes it much easier for us to keep track of everyone's trips}

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Originally Posted by cookiemonster2

I am using Furkot to map out my route and also Roadtrippers (but I dont like their layout). Anyway, I am just looking for some suggestions on great routes to take to each of my stops or if anyone knows of a great app or site I can use that will help me with this. I dont wanna just use Google Maps and miss some fun routes/stops on my way just cause I went the "google maps" way.

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As Lifey previously mentioned, if you are limiting yourself to electronic mapping tools, then you're already planning with one hand tied beyond your back. Real maps will show you a range of information and detail that you just can't get when only using electronic tools. Even more importantly, if you are only using electronics, then you are setting yourself up for major problems on the road, as you'll be blindly following electronics, rather than being able to decide for yourself where you want to go.

If budget is an issue, you'll likely save a huge amount of money, in both car rental and airfare by finishing back in LA, rather than stopping a few hours short of a full loop in Vegas.

If you're not leaving until September, and you're going to be on the road for 3 months, then you can't avoid the chance of winter weather. By November, even the southern-most parts of the US can and do see snow and ice from time to time.

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Originally Posted by cookiemonster2

I am using Furkot to map out my route and also Roadtrippers (but I dont like their layout). Anyway, I am just looking for some suggestions on great routes to take to each of my stops or if anyone knows of a great app or site I can use that will help me with this.

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In addition to the personal advice you receive on this Forum -- you might look at the RTA Custom Maps program/App that would show you some of the attractions we've written about around the USA.

For routes -- you might consider some of the routes we've outlined here...

I use a blend of electronic and paper maps. Pretty much exclusively electronic -- RTA Maps in the pre-planning stages and paper on the road. I do use my smart phone for locating motels/campgrounds when on the road -- but always keep paper maps handy for getting a broader view of the routing options when on the highway.

Mark

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Originally Posted by cookiemonster2

I dont wanna just use Google Maps and miss some fun routes/stops on my way just cause I went the "google maps" way. This is my first SOLO road trip so any advice, tips, anything is greatly appreciated.

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As already mentioned, you will get much, much more information from paper maps than you will from any electronics. But for fun things.... these are the things the details of which you find out when you speak with the locals. For a three month trip, there is no need to plan each and every day/week. Keep some flexibility, and when you are in any place, speak with the locals....... stocking up on groceries, speak to the folk in front and behind you at the cash register, speak with the checkout, the bag packer, the customer service or the person stacking the trolleys. One of your best resources is the local law enforcement, they usually know what is going on and where. Often at truck stops you will run into either a police officer or someone from the sheriff's office.

In other words, speak with the folk you see all around you and simply ask the what and where and when. If you find a place which has much more than you had planned for, be flexible enough to stay longer and enjoy.

These local events and routes and attractions you can't necessarily plan long beforehand. But be sure you journal them at the end of each day.

Lifey

Hey all! Gearing up for a SOLO 3 month road trip around the country. The number one thing I am worried about is getting drowsy at the wheel. A lot of people have recommended power naps, which does help in my daily life so I thought this was a great idea but being a girl and being alone on the road, parking in a far away lot or pulling over somewhere to take a quick 20 minute nap sounds a tad dangerous. Any advice anyone? Do naps actually help? Am I being a "stupid girl" by worrying about this? Where are the best places to pull over and nap? Any tips for road hypnosis welcomed. THANKS

Moderator Note: As you were told earlier today, Please keep all questions about this trip in the same thread.

What exactly do you mean by taking naps ? If you don't drive too far each day and have a good nights sleep in a bed then you should be fine, if you need a nap in the daytime in a rest area or convenient spot. If you are talking of taking Naps while trying to drive through the night to the point of exhaustion, then it's a different ball game and not a position you should put yourself in. You should be well rested and feel fresh at all times when driving so you have maximum concentration, so stop before you get tired.

To add to all the advice Dave has offered, there are a couple of actions you can take. Rather than taking a power nap, take a walk. Even in a rest area you can walk around the whole place three or four times. Tiredness during the day is purely because you are not getting enough oxygen in your blood/to your brain. Walking gets it all circulating again. If you do not fancy walking round and round a rest area, stop in the next town and go for a walk. No knowing what lovely sights you may stumble upon, or interesting folk you may meet.

Another thing you should do is drink lots and lots of water. Not coffee, not coke or any other sort of fizzy drink, but pure plain water. You can usually pick up a slab for not very much at all. Check the supermarkets wherever you are.

You should also do some reading about the country through which you will be travelling. Its history often makes for very interesting reading, especially if you go back as far as what was there before Europeans arrived on the continent. For example, when I drive across the vast expanses of the middle States, I reflect on those who live there and who provide so much of the food for the country. What must their life be like? so far from the services we city dwellers take for granted, Often without the continuous access to all modern requirements you and I regard as essential. I think of the pioneers who opened up this land, and the hardship so many endured. I think of the native settlements which were disrupted when white man arrived. I wonder what it all looked like two thousand years ago.

I don't have time to notice the black top with the white line down the middle which is the main cause of road hypnosis. Travel changes people and educates them to different ways. Be sure your three months are not wasted.

Lifey

Thanks for the advice everyone!!!! You all gave some wonderful advice. Im sure ill be back with more questions as I continue to prepare for my Sep trip.

MODERATOR- I'm sorry! I posted these last 2 threads at the same time and didnt know i had to stay within my own thread. I'm new here, I'm learning.

Where should I stop to sleep between San Fransisco and Portland? Cresent City? So I can see The Redwoods I heard. It would be nice to see the Redwoods but I dont need to do the whole enter the park and do the touristy thing. I am going to take the 101 for sure cause I have done the 5 several times and its so boring! I do need a place to stay though and would prefer to get some advice instead of just stopping at a random Best Western when im tired. Thanks guys!!!

Travelling solo and on a budget it may pay you to check out hostels. Mostly you can get a dorm bed for around $30. There are however some things you need to look out for., for your safety. I have stayed at dozens of hostels in the US. Some were fantastic, and others I would not recommend or want to0 return to. Don't let your first negative experience put you completely off. Make it a learning experience so you can decide on future stays. Neither can you go by any one chain of hostels. Even then you find some really great ones, and some not so good ones. Read the reviews, and note how old they are. The more recent, the better.

Make sure each bed has a locker allocated to it, which you lock with your own padlock (carry a medium sized padlock). Do not use lockerts for which you have to pay. Management have access to them. Keep all your valuables in a locked locker at all times.

There are many benefits with hostels, you can cook your own meals, mnost have a free breakfast and free coffee/tea available 24 hrs. Often you will find that they run discount tours to local attractions, and/or have discount tickets to various venues. You meet many other travellers and can exchange stories with them. I have even given a ride to a solo traveller on some occasions. (That takes a lot of checking, as you are responsible for anything in your car.)

Despite being a grandmother, I still sometimes stay in hostels.

Lifey

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Originally Posted by cookiemonster2

Where should I stop to sleep between San Fransisco and Portland? Cresent City? So I can see The Redwoods I heard. It would be nice to see the Redwoods but I dont need to do the whole enter the park and do the touristy thing. I am going to take the 101 for sure cause I have done the 5 several times and its so boring! I do need a place to stay though and would prefer to get some advice instead of just stopping at a random Best Western when im tired. Thanks guys!!!

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Crescent city would be an OK point with one overnight stop, especially if you are going to stick to the Oregon coast the following day. What I am not sure about is why, as part of a 3 month trip you would want to rush through the Redwoods and coastal attractions. If I had the choice, I would take an extra day and relax.

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Originally Posted by Lifemagician

Travelling solo and on a budget it may pay you to check out hostels. Mostly you can get a dorm bed for around $30. There are however some things you need to look out for., for your safety. I have stayed at dozens of hostels in the US. Some were fantastic, and others I would not recommend or want to0 return to. Don't let your first negative experience put you completely off. Make it a learning experience so you can decide on future stays. Neither can you go by any one chain of hostels. Even then you find some really great ones, and some not so good ones. Read the reviews, and note how old they are. The more recent, the better.

Make sure each bed has a locker allocated to it, which you lock with your own padlock (carry a medium sized padlock). Do not use lockerts for which you have to pay. Management have access to them. Keep all your valuables in a locked locker at all times.

There are many benefits with hostels, you can cook your own meals, mnost have a free breakfast and free coffee/tea available 24 hrs. Often you will find that they run discount tours to local attractions, and/or have discount tickets to various venues. You meet many other travellers and can exchange stories with them. I have even given a ride to a solo traveller on some occasions. (That takes a lot of checking, as you are responsible for anything in your car.)

Despite being a grandmother, I still sometimes stay in hostels.

Lifey

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THANK YOU!! I always forget about hostels because I have never really traveled before. I recently watched a bunch of travel movies and they all meet such great people in Hostels. Unfortunately it looks liek there arent any in Crescent City, I will keep it in mind though.

Hmmmm, youre right! I am kind of in a hurry to get to San Fran on time but after that I will have more time. I think I will just play it by ear...THANKS!

Okay next question- best/scenic/awesome(est) route from Seattle to Boise...anyone?

I just opened my map, and the route that "jumped out at me" as scenic would probably be US-2 to I-90. It will be slower than going all 90 (which is also very pretty), but very pretty. You gotta go through the Cascades somehow, and they're a beautiful range of mountains.

I stayed in Cresent City as Cresent City has few motels options. Morning walk/jogging around Harbor would be an excellent option before heading off to redwoods...

Seattle to Boise route help

It depends on your perspective of scenic. It's one day drive via I90/I82/I84.. Even-though part of route not senic it's well worth taking as you will be going through some of key passes and mountains (Yakima).

- Snoqualmie Pass
- Mountains drive and scenic overview I82 (looking towards Ellensburg), nice picnic stop on top of hill
- McKey Creek National Wildlife refuge off I84 (if you have some time)

Alternatively you can take US Route 12 just south of Tacoma through Mt. Rainier Park, however at this time of year I highly recommend starting out very early from Seattle to beat traffic and get to park as early as possible around sun-rise. This route will be US12/I82/I84.

You guys are the best! Tips on Boise to Salt Lake City? Ant fun stops along the way there? Scenic route?

Twin Falls is a pretty neat stop with nice views of the Snake river canyon [Evil Knievel fame] and Perrine bridge where you could find base jumpers hurling themselves off the bridge. Not far east you will also find Shoshone Falls, aka 'The Niagara of the West'. Or, head south from Twin Falls through Jackpot and stop at the Salt Flats. Another option would be to take US20/26 from Mountain home and visit Craters of the Moon.

The Salt Flats look amazing, THANK YOU!

Route to take? Cool stuff to see? Also, cool stuff to do/see in Salt Lake? I heard Park City is a must. THANK YOU!

The direct route would be I-80 to I-25, although I-15 to US-6 to I-70 is a great scenic alternative. Those are the only 2 practical routes if this will be a one day trip.

If you've got more time, then there are about a dozen National Parks that are between the two cities, a quick look at a map should give you a good idea about those options, although if you have any specific questions, we'll do our best to answer them.

US-40 to CO-9 to I-70 is also (just) doable in 1 day, it's right at 500 miles and US-40 goes right through Park City.

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Originally Posted by cookiemonster2

Route to take? Cool stuff to see? Also, cool stuff to do/see in Salt Lake? I heard Park City is a must. THANK YOU!

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The most common route would be just south of SLC take HWY 6 East ->Price Utah->US Hwy 191 and merge on I70 East near Green River. Must see on the route, Arches National Park and some food in Moab Utah before heading back on I70 East.

That is a huge detour from SLC and Park City. But then again, I too would probably head for the more southern routes.

Guess it all depends on how important SLC and Park City are to the OP.

Lifey

Only a couple weeks left on my west coast trip. Best route to take from Denver CO to Santa Fe NM? Thanks in advanced!

I-25 directly links Denver and Santa Fe - so that's the route most often used between the two cities. Of course, there are thousands of other possibilities depending upon your interests and how much time you have for this leg.

The route Michael described, I-25 from Denver south all the way to Santa Fe, is the certainly the quickest way to get there. But, if you aren't in a hurry, I would suggest going through Taos, NM first, then continue on to Santa Fe. Two routes you could take are:

I-25 south to Walsenburg, CO > west on US Hwy 160 to Ft. Garland, CO > south on CO 159 / NM 522 to Taos, NM.

OR I-25 south to Raton, NM > west US Hwy 64 through Cimarron and Eagle Nest to Taos, NM.

From Taos, there are two routes that will take you to Santa Fe:

NM Hwy 68 south along the Rio Grande to Española, NM then US Hwy 285 to Santa Fe.

OR you can take the scenic High Road between Taos and Santa Fe.

If you have time, spend at least one day in both Santa Fe and Taos. There is a lot of great stuff to see. Have fun!

There is also the Great Sand dunes NP to consider which would mean coming off I25 at Walsenburg or take US285. South of there on NM522 is the little town of San Luis where there is the Shrine of the Stations of the cross. You walk past the stations up the hill [which are wonderful bronze sculptures] to a chapel at the top of the hill with views all around. You don't have to be religious to enjoy and appreciate the walk and it's a nice way to stretch your legs for half an hour.

Oh wow! These are great options, thank you!!

I am super stoked to drive along route 66. I will be taking it from Santa Fe to Flagstaff and then Flagstaff to Cali. I have read up about the Route 66 stops and stuff but wanted to get some advice from people who have actually been there. Any MUST stops? I am very into stopping for cool pics and cheesy tourist stuff. I am also a HUGE fan of the Disney movie Cars, so.... ;D THANK YOU GUYS!!!!!

Things on Route 66 that come to mind:

Holbrook, AZ - the Wigwam Motel
Winslow, AZ - Standing On The Corner
Seligman, AZ
Oatman, AZ
Amboy, CA

Radiator Springs in the movie was modeled after a composite of locations, but it's said the main inspiration was Peach Springs, AZ on 66 between Seligman and Kingman. That stretch is the longest remaining part of old 66 still in existence, it's actually signed and maintained as AZ-66. The stretches between Kingman and Topock, CA (going through Oatman) and the one in CA going through Amboy are probably the next longest ones.

Thank you!!!!

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Originally Posted by glc

things on route 66 that come to mind:

Holbrook, az - the wigwam motel
winslow, az - standing on the corner
seligman, az
oatman, az
amboy, ca

radiator springs in the movie was modeled after a composite of locations, but it's said the main inspiration was peach springs, az on 66 between seligman and kingman. That stretch is the longest remaining part of old 66 still in existence, it's actually signed and maintained as az-66. The stretches between kingman and topock, ca (going through oatman) and the one in ca going through amboy are probably the next longest ones.

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