My first road trip

Hello,

I have lived on Long Island in New York for about 12 years since my family moved here in the early 2000's. I have long wanted to find a new place to live in another state, but have no idea where to look. My intuition guides me to the southwest. My parents want to move as well, but they would like to stay somewhere in the northeast. I work as a freelance web developer, so could potentially live anywhere as long as I have this type of job, but I'm also looking to potentially change the type of work that I do to something simpler and more social even if it pays less. One of the places that I wanted to look at is Colorado. However, if I go by airplane, it is both expensive and I won't see any of the states in between. It may be a crazy idea, but I thought about just packing all my belongings (I'm a minimalist, so would try to keep everything to one or two bags max) and getting out on the road in the direction of Colorado, stopping in various places along the route. I would want to talk to strangers as much as possible, making friends, and finding out information about the places I stop at to get a better feel of them. I would be happy to stay in hostels, couch surf, wwoof, or even sleep in a sleeping bag if I have to. I have not done any road trips before, so I don't know how to plan this beyond picking places to stay overnight. I also can't decide between going solo or finding a companion. If I go solo, I would have more freedom to move around as I please. I am aiming to go sometime in July. Any tips or suggestions would be welcome. Thanks a lot in advance.

Anton

Hi, and Welcome to the Great American roadtrip Foum.

As I read through your post, I could relate exactly to what you are trying to say.

My first tip is - you do not have to *plan* a trip like that. Just hit the road, and as you say, talk with the locals. You may then want to move on or stay a few days. Don't disnmiss the many wonderful areas and places in the States east of Colorado.

My first trip was done on a shoe string (actually all others have been as well). They consisted basically of hostel hopping. I would see where the hostels were, and decide each day which way I wanted to head - so long as it was in the general direction I was heading.

If you have never spent time in a hostel, be aware, they differ greatly. Some are fantastic, others not so great and then there are those you would not recommend to your worst enemy. If I had allowed my first experience to set the standard, I would never have stayed in a hostel again. However now, some decades later I have stayed in many hostels on three continents, and would recommend it to anyone, especially solo travellers.

Couchsurfing is another great way to get to know the locals, especially if you can meet several in any one city/town. But it is a good practice to take something or do something for your host, and not just treat it as a free bed.

What sort of vehicle do you have? If it is one suitable to sleep in with your sleeping bag, you may find the various vandweller websites helpful, as many if not most of those folk are basically restless and looking for somewhere to eventually settle down. Quite a few of the vandwellers have some income/work on the road or along the way.

I have learned a lot from them, and travel in my van for up to six months at a time.

As you suggest, going solo gives you the freedom of going where the mood takes you. The other thing is, people are more likely to chat with someone who is on their own. It does not make them feel as if they are intruding.

I'd say 'go for it.'

Lifey

Thank you for such a thorough answer. Yes, I'm also thinking that I should just hit the road and then play it by ear. My current car is not in the best shape, so I was going to get a new one. I was thinking to get a hybrid car, namely Toyota Prius. It has a good fuel efficiency from what I can tell. The road will be long, so I guess my three top issues are:

1) How to figure out where to stop - since I could just drive past a spot that would be good and not even notice it - I would like to be able to see parks along the way, and not just be in big cities.

2) How long to stay in each place - I guess I should play this by ear as well, but I'm worried that a 28 hour trip can get stretched into a month or longer - but then it would probably be fine if you think about it.

3) How to prepare food - I like to cook, but how do I cook while on the road - I guess I could just buy groceries and offer to cook meals when I couch surf - and if it's a hostel, then they have kitchens.

Thanks.

:)

Anton, you are answering your own questions. I think in your mind you already know what you want to do, and how to do it.

To minimise the chance of missing attractions, scenic routes and places of historic significance, etc. get hold of some good maps and/or a road atlas. Pick up a State issued map at the Welcome centres when you enter a new State. Most states issue them free. While there, pick up some brochures which interest you. Look for attractions along various routes on your maps, research a route or place on the web and see what their tourism people say. Always visit a visitor bureau or rangers office, or any other office where you know they have information about an area. These folk can often tell you about obscure places which are not necessarily on the web or on a map. Use all the resources you can think of, and keep a log of what you have learned, where you want to go, etc. Mark them in order of priority, so you do not spend all day at one place and have to miss out on a more interesting place further up the road. For this reason it is also worthwhile to have several different maps. I travel with a Rand McNally road atlas, AAA maps and pick up State issued maps wherever I go. Occasionally you will find something on one, which is not on the other two. My gps is used for finding addresses, and can't always get them right. I would not trust it on a multi State route.

Buy food at grocery stores, get a small campstove, so that when on the road and you want to cook up something - even for lunch - you can. Most rest areas have picnic tables. I always carry an old table cloth to cover the table, they are not always clean. Get the basics, knife fork spoon a small saucepan and a small frypan. I bought all those in shops like Goodwill. Even now when I find I want something, I go to Goodwill, and usually find it. Lots of ways to save money, check out the special forum for it.

To keep perishables, either get yourself a small fridge or get a cooler for which you will need to buy ice most days. With a fridge you would need an extra battery in the car., so that the fridge can run overnight without flatting the starter battery. I use mine to run my computer as well. Depending on your budget and the time you think you will be enjoying it, I would highly recommend the fridge, as you do not need to worry with all that water all the time. But they come at a price. However, I use mine at home even when I am not camping. Just going to the grocers in summer, perishables go into the fridge till I get home. That way the ice cream does not melt, nor the milk go off if you happen to be caught in a long hold up. You might like to explore the various brands. Mine is a Dometic. But you may be lucky enough to pick up one second hand. There is a Youtube video of the Dometic/Waeco 35 (which is the one I have), but unfortunately it is not in English. However you might find that a 25 or even an 18 would be big enough.

If you are looking at buying a new car, look for one that you can sleep in if need be. Some SUVs have fold down seats to give a flat floor. I know the Dodge Grand Caravan does, and have seen quite a few folk use that as a camper.

Lifey

Awesome, thanks. I have new questions based on what you just wrote:

1) I live in New York, and I wasn't aware that there are any visitors centers or bureaus. How would I locate such centers or bureaus along my route when I'm in other states?

2) Where do you go to wash your utensils (frypan, saucepan, fork, knive) after you're done cooking?

3) If I were to use a fridge with an extra battery, how would I charge that battery?

4) Are you saying it's ok to just unpack the stove, etc. in a rest area and cook stuff there, and the rest area management won't complain about it?

I didn't know about Goodwill stores - will go there and check what items they have. :)

Hi!

Visitors centers and tourist information centers are often marked with a blue sign as you enter a state on an interstate or US highway. They are usually full of great information, from maps to tourist pamphlets, and often have a docent or volunteer who can answer questions.

If you are carrying a campstove, pots/pans, dishes, etc., also carry a dishpan. (Pick one up at a big box store for a couple of dollars.) Fill it in the sink in the rest area bathroom or, if there's a faucet, there. If you want hot water, also carry some sort of pot in which to heat up water, since not all rest areas have sinks with hot waters. You can also wipe down pans, etc., with a rag or paper towels. (My husband and I travel with these things and cook in a motel room periodically. I hate washing dishes in a bathtub, so that's how we do it. But it's easier to get hot water there.)

We're talking a 12-volt battery. Your vehicle would have to be set up for this. It would recharge while you're driving.

As long as you clean up after yourself, picnickers at rest areas are left alone to cook if they want to. I have seen many families using campstoves to cook dinner, having breakfast of cereal and milk, or whipping together sandwiches for lunch at rest areas. There are a few places where it will say "no fires" but usually they mean no open fires, and campstoves are fine.


Donna

Throw a bag of charcoal in the car - I've seen grills at some rest areas.

If you want a hybrid, I think a RAV4 would be a lot more suitable than a Prius for traveling. Have a second battery along with the proper isolation equipment installed, in the back just inside the tailgate would be a good spot, along with the refrigerator. Get a fridge that can also run on AC power so you can bring it in hotel rooms, etc.

Anton, I have been to NYC twice, for a couple of days each time. You are teaching me a lot. This trip is going to be one huge learning curve for you. Take your time and enjoy it. I did not know there are people who have not heard of visitor centres. For me they are a wealth of information when on the road. Nothing like talking with a local who is there to promote their area.

1. I would guess that there is a visitor or tourist centre somewhere on Long Island. Perhaps the way I would go about finding that, is to start by asking at a Chamber of Commerce or at a travel agency. They often know where these places are. Why not go there first, and see if you can find one, and see what they have in stock. I have found the ones in upstate very comprehensive and useful.

In other cities, if I have not entered the State on an interstate highway, I will go to whatever town I am in and do the same. Often business people will know where these places are. Once again, ask. If the first person you ask can't tell you, ask a couple of others. Often the person at the customer service counter in a supermarket, especially a more mature person, will know if they have lived there for some time. I usually ask if they are a local first, and they will come back, 'sure, what is it you want to know?'

2. Mostly in the middle of the day,I would put all my dishes from lunch (a knife, a plate and a cup, maybe a small saucepan) in a plastic bag to wash later. That would be at wherever I am staying, or stop by a truck stop. Most big truck stops have a little sink with hot water and you can wash them under the tap, or fill a small washing up dish and take it back to your vehicle. Carry a dish or bowl large enough to wash a couple of things. Oh! and don't forget some diswashing liquid and a teatowel (if you know what that is. - lol)

3. An auto electrician would install a dry cell battery in the vehicle. This then charges while you drive, but should you ever flattern the 'house' battery, it cannot flatten your car' battery. A good batterý (around $200) will run the fridge for up to three days without having to drive. Mine has never been flat.

4. As Donna mentioned, I too have seen many folk use campstoves at rest areas. I have sometimes in summer, stopped to cook dinner, if I was not at my destination yet. You might get a couple of interested bystanders come over and have a chat, but that is what you want when a solo traveller. You never know what useful information they can give you. I have seen the grill or bbqs at some rest areas, but they are few and far between. I would not rely on one. Anyway, you may only want to heat something, rather than throw stuff on a grill - which is rarely clean. Most of the time for lunch I have a sandwich, prepared earlier, or I go to a grocery store where many of them have prepared salads or sell hot soup, and have some of that.

5. You have taught me quite a lot. I had no idea that there are people who do not know what a Goodwill store is. Goodwill are where people donate mostly their unwanted items, and they resell them. At the same time they give employment mostly to people who are often regarded as unemployable. Charities often have similar stores and use them to raise funds. You can't always find what you are looking for, but there is always another store or two in the next town. Once again, ask a local. [I tried for a while to find them using my gps or the computer, but was so often sent to old addresses, or distribution centres (not stores) that I gave up on that. Locals are a far more reliable and up to date source of information than electronics.]

As a minimalist you will already have learned to do without, and to make do. Don't collect too much 'stuff'. Your most important objectives will be to eat well and to get a good night's sleep, every night.

Lifey

There is a AAA on Long Island - 729 Smithtown Bypass, Smithtown, NY - they will have tourist information, maps, and more. If you're a member of AAA, a lot of that will be available to you at no extra charge. Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau - 330 Motor Pkwy #203, Hauppauge, NY 11788.



Donna

Hey Anton,
I agree that driving is a much more worthwhile experience than flying. That way, you'll really get to "see" more of the country.
As for how to figure out where to stop - this somewhat depends on what kind of lifestyle you're looking for (urban, suburban, rural, etc.)
If you can keep your schedule somewhat flexible and open, plan to stay 2+ full days or more if you find that you enjoy the location.
As for food, there are lots of options. When I drove cross-country, I loaded up on non-perishable snacks (or things that could make it for 2 weeks, such as granola bars). Keep a cooler in your trunk. You can also find a camping stove (at places like REI) if you'd prefer to do your own cooking, and stop at local supermarkets along the way for things like produce.

Wow, that is such a wealth of information. It's a lot more advice than I expected. You guys are amazing!

What is the proper term for the extra battery that you guys are referring to, and who do I talk to to have it installed? Should I go to a regular auto mechanic so that they refer me to someone? Where would a battery normally be installed - in the trunk or somewhere else? Is this more cost effective than buying ice packs for a cooler?

There are Savers and other second hand stores in my area. I just didn't know of Goodwill. And yes, I know what a teatowel is. Haha.

Anton, there are a couple of Goodwills in Brooklyn. Also Salvation Army. Didn't know there were Savers in LI--those are great stores!

BTW, when are you leaving? We might cross paths.

Ideally, I'd like to leave in July. It seems, however, that everything takes such a long time to plan and/or figure out. I just came back from an AAA store. I got their membership and a bunch of tour books / maps. It doesn't seem like these materials would allow me to easily find places nearby. I guess I will have to talk to strangers and ask them to point things out to me.

I also just visited a local Goodwill store, but they only had clothes. No coolers or anything, but then I haven't decided whether I want a cooler or a portable fridge on a secondary battery yet.

How would we cross paths?

Sometimes your thrift/charity stores will have camping equipment; other times, they won't. Many Walmarts also carry inexpensive Coleman camp stoves. Coleman makes a great product that will last for years. They come in single and double burners, and occasionally you'll find a three burner (though they are harder to find these days). Walmart and grocery stores will carry various sizes of camping coolers.

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I just came back from an AAA store. I got their membership and a bunch of tour books / maps. It doesn't seem like these materials would allow me to easily find places nearby. I guess I will have to talk to strangers and ask them to point things out to me.

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I realize that these days, some folks have not been taught to read maps -- time to learn! Perhaps a friend can show you. It doesn't usually take too long. For the Tour Books, they are alphabetical by city/town within the state. There is a map, and sometimes city maps that get detailed so that you can see where things are. Tour Books are not the end-all-to-end-all, though. That's where the locals come in. For instance, we were staying with my cousin and kept hearing some voices, etc. Seems there was a trail that went by in the woods behind her place. A nice walk to a river!



Donna

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It doesn't seem like these materials would allow me to easily find places near.

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You can use maps etc to find places that interest you but then it's all about research and with the Internet it actually doesn't take long to find places you never thought of. The RTA site has endless amounts of pages full of info and ideas and a search function. The Roadtrip Field reports forum is a great place to get ideas from other peoples trips and the planning threads to find answers of questions already asked. There are links both top and bottom of each page with attractions, routes and planning tips, the Map centre provides routing and lists attractions all over the States, seek and you will find ! While on the road, talking to people is a great way to discover new things and share stories, but in this day of electronics you don't have to travel blind.

Of course if you have specific questions about a specific area or subject we can answer.

Anton, if you wait until you are ready, it will be years before you get on the road. If you have the vehicle, clothes and enough food to see you through the day, just leave. When you feel it is time, check into a hotel/motel and go and have dinner nearby. No need to have a destination. Decide whether you are going to go North, South or West, and hit the road. Stop when you know there is something, or even just when something catches your eye. Believe me, the next day will be much easier. It is taking that first step which has you hesitating about all sorts of things at the moment.

No, you won't have all the comforts of home. Yes, you will forget some vital things. But that is all part of the adventure - learning what you need and what you do not need.

After two days you will have a list of the things you want to add to whatever you already have. Two more days further on you will have another list, and be ready to ditch some things which are taking up space and not useful.

After almost two decades of roadtripping, I am still adding to my *needs* and getting rid of what I do not use. It is an ongoing thing.

Just remember, everything you can get at home, is available all across the country. You will never be far from supplies.

So decide which direction you want to head, and hit the road. Absolutely no need to have a destination , just drive, stop when you want to, Take any route you fancy and enjoy it.

On my first two trips - about four months each - I did not have a cooler, on my third trip I had a small electric cooler - an utter waste of money. On my fourth trip I decided now that I had my van it needed a decent fridge, just like the one I have in my vehicle at home.

How did I keep my perishables? Well, basically it was only milk and a sandwich for lunch. I would freeze six or eight small bottles of water overnight, wrap these in plastic shopping bags. Wrap them together with the perishables in a towel, and wrap all that in my sleeping bag. It kept my milk. I had a fresh sandwich for lunch, and as the water melted during the day, I had cold water to drink. There are lots of ways to improvise.

So go man, go! Hit the road and see where it takes you.

Safe travelling.

Lifey

I'm thinking I should get a single burner camp stove. To save space. Do you guys think this will be enough given that there are plenty of meals that can be cooked in a single pot?

I actually still have to get rid of all the items I don't need, and get some items that I do. I'm working on that now. I see that Walmart also has very small coolers that seem to be the perfect size for me. I still have to get a suitable car, a tent, a sleeping bag, a liner, a few pieces of clothing to replace some of the ones that I have, and travel plates, etc. That will take some more research. At least I now have a list of what I need.

I fully agree about not waiting until I'm ready because that moment will never come.

Thanks again for all the advice.

I had a two burner, which took up a lot of space, and I think I only ever used the two once. I ditched it,(donated it to Goodwill) and got a simple little one burner butane stove. It's small, light and does not take setting up time. You can leave the cannister in it. The case makes for a good wind shelter. Not sure now, but I think years ago it cost me $20.

Lifey

Tents -- there are a number of decent ones, if you have an REI, Campmor, or other sporting goods store near you. Get a three-season, and hopefully it will have a rain-fly. For a sleeping bag, during the summer you wouldn't want much more than a simple Coleman type that will keep you warm down to about 25F. If you plan to do any winter camping, then you might think about a warmer bag labeled "four seasons". Pad - get a decent one, too, even if you do later decide to get some type of foam pad, underneath it you will want some insulation between the foam pad and the ground.

For camping dishes, there's where you can economize. You can get a cheap plate, a set of silverware, a couple of cooking tools, and maybe a pot or pan, at the thrift/charity/Goodwill/Salvation Army/Savers type store. Don't forget a cup, and a coffee mug if you like your morning coffee. And as stated before, a dishpan.

There are a couple of threads in the Saving Money forum, regarding packing lists and car camping lists. Some are old, but just substitute the more modern equivalent item. Whether you think you "need" something, though, is up to you.


Donna

Since this is your first trip, I would not nercessar8ily go to REI where they have top end equipment at a price.

My first couple of trips were with a tent.... a small one loaned to me by my MN friend. I interspersed my nights with budget motels.

Then, when in 2009 the same friemd loaned me a Dodge Caravan - with the seats removed - I decided that sleeping in a vehicle with a mattress and sleeping bag (purchased for $40 from Craigslist),. was far preferable to pitching and pulling down a tent (another great benefit of travelling solo).... especially in inclement weather. I also felt that I and my belongings were more secure. I am still using that same $40, all season down sleeping bag in my van.

After that I bought my van, and have beem sleeping mostly in it, ever since.

You could end up buying a two hundred dollar tent, and using it a dozen times. Better off buying a forty dollar tent, and deciding if that is what you want to do, and then fork out the 200 dollars. You're going in summer, so a cheap tent will be fine.... as is several layers of newspaper for iinsulation under your sleeping mat. Just be careful that you don/t blow your budget on things which are not going to be of long term use to you.

Lifey

P.S. Here is another great page of advice on this site.

The Coleman burners that are for sale in Walmart don't have a wind screen. I guess I can make one from aluminum. It seems there aren't any threads in the Saving Money forum. Maybe I'm doing something wrong?

Thank you for suggesting that I should try not to blow my budget. The problem is, I don't know when I will be coming back. If at all. So I'm trying to think of everything that I might need. It's probably stupid to do so because by all likelihood I can get items later somehow. Plus part of the goal of my road trip is to find a better place to live, preferably somewhere in the southwest where it's warmer than in the northeast.

I was thinking of getting the following things:

• Some sort of an all season travel jacket (but I think I'll just make do with the two jackets that I use most often, even if they take more space).
• Cooler (definitely need this)
• Single burner portable stove (so that I can save on food by cooking it myself)
• Butane canisters (definitely need this to power the stove)
• Sleeping bag (probably not necessary)
• Sleeping bag liner (probably not necessary)
• Tent (probably not necessary in the summer; I can just sleep outside on a bench or under a tree)
• Mini cutting board (they have these for $2.95 ea at REI)
• Outdoor cutlery set (maybe I can just take some of the cutlery I already have instead; a three item set at REI costs $15.95 which is expensive; I just have to figure out a way to stop the knife from making holes in my plastic bag)
• Wash & drain bowl (probably need this; but going to see if I can get it for a better price than the $24.95 at Macy's)
• Camping bowls and plates (gonna visit Savers and/or buy at REI in the worst case scenario; the problem with Savers is that I don't know which plates are heat resistant)
• Quick dry tea towels ($8 for 2 towels at Walmart; a bit expensive, but I couldn't find anything better; maybe I will just use microfiber rags that I already have and that are washable)
• Hiking pants (I bought a pair of convertible pants at REI for $49.95, but the bottom parts have mysteriously disappeared even though I left them in my wardrobe; now I need a replacement)

So it seems that most of these items I wouldn't actually need in practice, at least not in the summer. The total for all these items would be about $200. So thanks again for reminding me that it's really not necessary to buy all of them in advance.

The page with travel advice is great! I like everything I read on there.

I guess my main concern at this point is how do I make money on the road... I'm considering wwoofing, helpxing, and volunteering at hostels. I look through the forum section on this, but it didn't help much. My main skill is computer programming but I'd like to do something more directly involved with other people. Any thoughts?

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It seems there aren't any threads in the Saving Money forum. Maybe I'm doing something wrong?

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At the bottom, under Thread Display Options, Show Threads From The......

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I guess my main concern at this point is how do I make money on the road

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Don't count on it, unless you can use your programming skills remotely. Employers always prefer locals for casual labor.

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Originally Posted by akanevsky

The Coleman burners that are for sale in Walmart don't have a wind screen. I guess I can make one from aluminum.

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If I am not wrong, Coleman only make Propane stoves. They are a pain, as you have to have the cannister at a particular angle with most of them, which when there is not something heavy on the stove, makes it tip up. Check for the small butane stoves. I don't know what the brand is, but the stove is about 12"x 15", the cannister is in the stove and the stove comes in a carry case - which I use as a wind break, when necessary. It is another item I have in my van in the US and my van at home.

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The problem is, I don't know when I will be coming back. If at all. So I'm trying to think of everything that I might need.

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Why worry about that now. Where you live now is not the only place you can get things. Hit the road and buy things as you need them. As I mentioned there are lots of ways to improvise, and when sick of improvising, go out buy IT!

What makes you think you will not be able to get it on the road. Maybe even cheaper than what you are trying to get at home. And don't overlook sites like Freecycle and Craigslist. More than half of what I have is second hand. Why pay new when you do not need to. Don't only look on Craigslist where you live. Look at other areas as well, areas you think you may be travelling through. Negotiate coming past in xxx weeks time to pick it up and pay for it. That will also give you a purpose to head out a specific direction.

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(but I think I'll just make do with the two jackets that I use most often, even if they take more space).

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Good thinking.

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[*]Single burner portable stove (so that I can save on food by cooking it myself)

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Yeah, but if you can't find one before you leave, keep looking and in the meantime.... choose motels where they have a microwave, campgrounds which have a camp kitchen or other cooking facility, or buy ready to eat at the grocers (like I had to do today.)

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[*]Butane canisters (definitely need this to power the stove)

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Buy just ONE pack of two or four cannisters, when you start using the fourth one, go shopping for more. By then you will know how long a cannister lasts. No point in having them stocked up unless you are going into an extremely remote area.

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[*]Sleeping bag (probably not necessary)

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For summer a blanket will possibly do. Or whatever it is you have on your bed at the moment.

Once again, there are thousands of sleeping bags in cupboards and other places, been used a dozen times or so, and never been used again. Freecycle and Craigslist are your friends. Most of these belong to people like you who wanted to get everything so they were set up, and then discovered that thety did not enjoy it, or could not use it as often as they liked. (The sleeping bag I bought was probably bought for more than a hundred dollars in 1980, used a few times, and never used again, till I bought it in 2004.)

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[*]Sleeping bag liner (probably not necessary)

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In more than half a century of using sleeping bags I have never used one. Aired out daily and laid out in the sun regularly will keep them fresh. This of course assumes you are clean when you crawl into it. I do however like to put my head on my own pillow, enclosed in a regularly washed pillow case.

Every few years or so, put the sleeping bag in a bath with good quality soap and wash it. Squeeze out the water and lay it out in the sun to dry. Good down bags take less than a week to dry, and even quicker in summer.

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[*]Tent (probably not necessary in the summer; I can just sleep outside on a bench or under a tree)

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Yes it is. If you are not going to get a car in which you can sleep comfortably, you need a tent. I am not sure about beaches (you'll be going a long time before you get to them), but it certainly will be frowned on in quite a few official places, and extremely dangerous in unofficial places.

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[*]Mini cutting board (they have these for $2.95 ea at REI)

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Less than 50c in the various dollar shops! Do without till you see of them cheap. I do not regard $2.95 for a mini cutting board *cheap* A plate makes a good cutting board till then. You could probably pick up one in a charity shop for peanuts!

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[*]Outdoor cutlery set (maybe I can just take some of the cutlery I already have instead; a three item set at REI costs $15.95 which is expensive.

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Absolutely tons of cutlery available in charity stores..... usually 20c a piece.

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I just have to figure out a way to stop the knife from making holes in my plastic bag

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An old Tupperware container will do, or any other plastic container with a good fitting lid. Until you see one of thos in a charity store, a cardboard box will do. Go to any shoe store and ask if they have boxes. Choose one to meet your needs. Put an elastic or rubber band around it. (Same goes for other stores who have products delivered in boxes, just ask what they have. They have to pay to dispose of some of this stuff. If nothing this week, go back next week.... and the week after, etc.

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[*]Wash & drain bowl (probably need this; but going to see if I can get it for a better price than the $24.95 at Macy's)

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A bucket has many uses. Filled half full with hot soapy water will wash your dishes. Dry them as you wash them, no need for a draining board.

(Heck, I thought it was you who is the minimalist, but you dont 'sound or plan like one.)

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[*]Camping bowls and plates (gonna visit Savers and/or buy at REI in the worst case scenario; the problem with Savers is that I don't know which plates are heat resistant)

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Lots of table ware in all charity shops. Why do you need heat resistant? Are you going to put them on the stove, or a fire? I have broken quite a few plates and bowls and mugs. None have ever cost more than a dollar, and most very much less. A couple of bowls, plates and mugs, and you're done set up.

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[*]Quick dry tea towels ($8 for 2 towels at Walmart; a bit expensive, but I couldn't find anything better; maybe I will just use microfiber rags that I already have and that are washable)

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Microfibe is fine. But why do they have to be quick drying. Hang them up in the car. They will easily hang over a string or a coathanger. A great use for wire coathangers. They'll be dry long before you need them again. Why not ask mum if she has a few old teatowels for you. If she uses a dishwasher, I would venture to say there are a few in the linnen cupboard.

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[*]Hiking pants (I bought a pair of convertible pants at REI for $49.95, but the bottom parts have mysteriously disappeared even though I left them in my wardrobe; now I need a replacement)

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You'll probably not need those bottom parts for some time. Why not just take them and see how you get on. Save your money, you may find you'll do very well without them.

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So it seems that most of these items I wouldn't actually need in practice, at least not in the summer. The total for all these items would be about $200. So thanks again for reminding me that it's really not necessary to buy all of them in advance.

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I have never kept track of it all, but I think if I were to add it up, The stuff in my van would be a hard to try to make $200.

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The page with travel advice is great! I like everything I read on there.

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Good! I definitely think it is among the best. I still refer to it often.

Regarding being a minimalist, if you only knew how many things I'm getting rid of... like I said, I'm getting rid of 90% of all the things I have. I come from a hoarder family that likes to keep everything "just in case" and it's very hard to change your thinking even though I've been living on my own for almost two years. Let's just say that I'm an *aspiring* minimalist. I've been sorting my things over the past few days in preparation for a yard sale, and I'm finding new things to get rid of on every pass. Like I said, I want to keep all the smaller items that I take with me to one or two bags max.

I thought I need heat resistant plates so that I can put hot food from the pot onto the plate without it cracking. Am I wrong?

I have tea towels, no need to ask mom. I didn't think of using a hanger to dry them in the car. Good idea!

Thanks again for all the advice.

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Originally Posted by akanevsky

... I've been living on my own for almost two years.

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So why are you looking at buying anything new?

Look at what you have around you, and what you use almost every day. Those are the things you need and take. The bed clothes you use now will do adequately till you find something suitable along the way, or circumstances demand that you need something else.

Two plates, bowls, mugs, forks, spoons, knives etc. Just take that which you use most often. No need to go to much expense to get on the road.

A tent, sleeping bag/mat and camp stove is probably all you need. All can be got sencond hand, through the sources already mentioned. To that I would add a top end Swiss Army Knife. They are invaluable. Make sure it is the real thing, and not some copy.

Pack up all your work, and hit the road. Sounds to me that you have most of what you NEED. Be careful not to pack those things you WANT.

Wants is what hoarders live with. Needs is what minimalists stick to. Be sure you know the difference. All easy in theory, but Oh! so difficult to put into practice.

Lifey

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So why are you looking at buying anything new?

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Well mainly because (a) the regular cotton towels that I have take forever to dry and (b) the regular plates that I have are heavier than plastic.

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Wants is what hoarders live with. Needs is what minimalists stick to. Be sure you know the difference. All easy in theory, but Oh! so difficult to put into practice.

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Exactly. I'm trying to minimize what I'm going to take with me. I'm having trouble with it. I wanted to take only two bags max, but I think it's going to be four bags plus boxes. It's too much. Still, I don't know what to eliminate. I've got my whole living room filled with stuff that I'm going to get rid of either through sale or donation, but I'm still not down to 2 bags as far as what I'm actually going to take. I feel overwhelmed with all these things. Plus it's hard to sell anything even using online Facebook sale groups.

Help!

I'm actually considering buying only a small cooler for now. I will not buy a camp stove or a tent or a sleeping bag until later. I guess I will initially be staying at hostels, and looking for work-live arrangements along the way. They have kitchens, so I will probably not need to even take my plates in this case.

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Originally Posted by akanevsky

Well mainly because (a) the regular cotton towels that I have take forever to dry and (b) the regular plates that I have are heavier than plastic.

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All will do fine until they need to be replaced. Unless the plates are extremely heavy pottery ones, their weight will not be a concern. Most of mine are regular stone plates and mugs, purchased in goodwill. (None match!)

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Exactly. I'm trying to minimize what I'm going to take with me. I'm having trouble with it. I wanted to take only two bags max, but I think it's going to be four bags plus boxes.

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Yes, I know. It is extremely difficult, especially when you find no one wantts what you have. Moving into a smaller home recently saw me with the same dilemna. In desperation I gave ten large boxes full of books to the prisons department.

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It's too much. Still, I don't know what to eliminate.

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That will come with time. When you find you have things in the car which are not earning their space, you donate them to the next charity or even at a hostel.

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I've got my whole living room filled with stuff that I'm going to get rid of either through sale or donation, but I'm still not down to 2 bags as far as what I'm actually going to take. I feel overwhelmed with all these things. Plus it's hard to sell anything even using online Facebook sale groups.

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From experience I find that selling *stuff* is quite difficult,. Donate it. Besides charity stores there are usually folk around who look after the poor, and under priviledged. They are bound to take some. If the rest does not go through Freecycle - then ditch it.

I've just ditched a lot of stuff out of my van. Stuff I did not use all that much last trip, so decided this trip I shall go without. Besides, I needed to make room for my little scooter.

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I'm actually considering buying only a small cooler for now. I will not buy a camp stove or a tent or a sleeping bag until later. I guess I will initially be staying at hostels, and looking for work-live arrangements along the way. They have kitchens, so I will probably not need to even take my plates in this case.

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Good thinking. Get them when you feel you need them, and then look for bargains. Don't forget Craigslist wherever you are. Rarely do you need to spend money on anything new.

Who knows, we may run into each other..... not literally.

Lifey

Craigslist....well, I haven't tried to sell anything for money on it. None of our local thrift/charity stores wanted a sofa bed, with or without a mattress. So we advertised it for free on Craigslist, hoisted it out to the sidewalk in front of our house, and placed the FREE sign on it. Had a couple of bites, and about 5 hours after I placed the ad, it was gone. If your area doesn't have an ordinance against putting your stuff out on the street with a "FREE" sign on it, try it. My husband and I started a trend in our neighborhood, and most everything "FREE" is taken within a day or so.

My daughter has bought some things through Craigslist, usually agreeing to meet someone in a public parking lot.


Donna

Yeah, getting rid of things is my main challenge right now. I am pretty much set with everything else. I posted in multiple places, and am getting very few responses. Might as well end up donating because I want to get rid of everything by the middle of June.

So the road trip is approaching. I have gotten rid of most things that I won't need. I have not been able to get the things I'm taking down to two bags. It's more like a small suitcase, a 40 L pack, a 15 L day pack, and a laptop bag. Plus a few boxes. It seems like too much but I don't see what I can eliminate. In addition, I will need to take a few things from the kitchen. Ugh.

I know we discussed how to wash dishes during a road trip, but I don't really understand the process. Let's say I have a bowl in which I can wash my dishes. I would fill it up with water from tap in a rest area. I would add a bit of soap to the water. I would wash the dishes. I would end up with dirty soapy water. I will need to rinse the dishes that will also be soapy at that point. Let's say I pour the dirty water out, and then fill the bowl up again. Now as soon as I rinse the first item, the water will be soapy again. If I have multiple items, it will be very tedious to refill the bowl each time, and also it will use up more water than I'd like. How do you approach this problem?

I think you may have to use less soap than you normally do !! ;-) Just wash them up and wipe dry with a tea towel or if you really want to rinse, just one bowl of fresh water should be enough. To be honest you appear to be 'sweating' the small stuff too much, after a few days on the road you will feel like a Pro and everything will become second nature, but even Pro's still learn new tricks along the way.

Rather than worry about too much luggage, or how you will be able to perform a certain task, check back over this thread and see just how far you have come already. Take pride in your achievements.

As Dave said, just get on the road and stop worrying about the detail. It will all fall in place. When faced with the necessity to do a certain task, the mother of invention always comes to the rescue. You will meet other folk at hostels and campsites, and possibly get to chat with them, and you will all share what your challenges and plans are. You learn from others, and before long you will be teaching other newcomers to the task, and showing them how you overcame a certain challenge. Washing dishes is not the only one you will face. [I have always dried my washed dishes... never wasted more water on rinsing them. Use good quality dishwashing liquid, sparingly.]

What you really need to do now is hit the road. If you think you still have too much luggage, then weed it out as you go. Things you find you are not using at all, clothes you find you are not wearing, donate them all. Anything you wish you had, but did not think to bring, keep looking in charity and second hand shops till you find it.

Relax and enjoy the journey through your new life.

Lifey

Yes. Yes, I have come a long way since the beginning of this thread. I made a commitment to move out of my apartment by the end of this month. I got a car and let go of most of the things I had in the beginning of this month. I am essentially ready to go. I suppose that my next post will be an update from the road. Thanks again.

:)

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Originally Posted by akanevsky

] I suppose that my next post will be an update from the road. Thanks again.

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So looking forward to it..

Lifey

I know I said that the next time I post will be from the road, but I am trying to finalize the set of things that I will be taking with me, and I need urgent help. I have an economy car, and it has limited space. In any case, I would like to minimize what I'll be taking with me because otherwise my efforts to be a minimalist will have failed. Here's what is currently going to be in the trunk:

• A small suitcase with mostly the kind of items that I will only need when the temperature starts falling.
• Two jackets that I use the most throughout the year.
• A small cardboard box with non-perishable food, such as pasta, rice, quinoa, etc.
• A small cardboard box with tools and toiletries.
• A pair of hiking shoes.

Here's what is currently going to be on the back seat:

• Laptop bag w/ laptop and accessories.
• 40 liter hiking pack with mostly summer clothes.
• A small cardboard box with maps and guidebooks that I got from AAA and other sources.
• A small cardboard box with kitchen utensils, a wooden cutting board, and rags.
• A paper bag with toilet paper and plastic bags.
• A small cooler with perishable food.
• A gallon of water.
• A blanket.
• A single burner stove and butane canisters (I'm considering skipping this).
• A pot and a frying pan (I'm considering skipping this).
• A container for washing dishes if I have to cook on the go (I'm considering skipping this).
• A dish or a bowl that I can use to eat the food that I prepare if it's outdoors (I'm considering skipping this).

This list fills almost the entire back seat and the floor area in front of it, and I haven't even mentioned things like a tent or a sleeping bag. I would love to cut the list in half since some people manage to travel / hitchhike with just one bag, but I have no idea how to do it. I am scheduled to leave on July 2nd. This means there are less than 3 days left. I have everything else done that I needed to do in order to go, but the packing part is my last and biggest obstacle.

Special considerations for me are as follows: (a) I plan to initially be staying through couch surfing, wwoofing, and/or hostels. In this case, I can cook where I will be staying. (b) I have a high metabolism, which means I have to eat proper meals 2-3 times per day + snacks, otherwise I rapidly lose weight. (c) I will be on a budget, so would like to avoid restaurants and cafes as much as possible. (d) I would love to hike during the day, but then it's not clear how I can handle the midday meal.

Please help!

You certainly have done well. I tend to agree with you, if your initial plans are as you say - hostels etc., you probably won't need those things you are considering skipping.

Who knows, you may meet someone who wants to get rid of a tent and camping items. and that may be just your time to pick up one.

As for your meals, are you able to have a good hearty breakfast and dinner, and then carry a cut lunch when you go hiking. You can put some sandwiches, a piece or two of fruit and a drink in a day pack. Supplement all that with healthy snack packs of trail mix. This could all be prepared at breakfast time, or even the night before.

Lifey

I like your post titles!

Yes, you're right. I guess I was still stressing out about minor details. I am simply going to prepare road food where I will be staying, so that means I don't need any kitchen stuff yet. I'm leaving tomorrow morning. Wish me luck and send blessings my way.

:)

Remember that almost every town has stores, and if they are of size, they will have a Walmart or other discount store. Most larger towns have a thrift store, too. If you need something, you can always pick it up. Or if you have forgotten something.


Donna

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Originally Posted by akanevsky

Wish me luck and send blessings my way. :)

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All my very best wishes go with you.

May St Christopher guide your way and may your Guardian Angel watch over you.

Safe travels.

Lifey