I'm a little scared

Hello all,

I'm from England and have been planning a roadtrip with my girlfriend for the last 5 or 6 months - I use the term 'planning' loosely as I don't have much more of an idea of what I'm doing now as I did before I started planning!

I've been visiting your site regularly over the last 2 or 3 months with great interest, I've found the threads really helpful and have taken on board a lot of the ideas that have been knocking around.

All I looking for is a little guidance. My girlfriend and I fly into San Francisco on Nov 12 and have booked a return ticket to take us home, from Miami on April 8th next year.
We have saved enough money (I think), we'll have $15,000 or so fro the trip. We hope to lease a car, and basically drive, starting in San Francisco and ending in Miami and taking in as much as we can inbetween. We have planned a basic itinery, but we keep stumbling across new things we'd like to see, but we're unsure if we can fit it all in.

My original idea was just to save the money fly over to USA and take it from there - however now it is getting nearer I'm getting a little nervous - I'm 24 and am giving up my career to do this as I feel I can't grow old without experiencing something so amazing as this, but would it be foolish of us to just fly out without a trict plan of our trip, or is the fun part not knowing waht to do!!???

Soory I've dragged on, but any advice would be much appreciated!

Nervous Englishman

Hi James,
Wow.. Im English also and im basically doing the same sort of thing in 19 days time but the other way around. Im starting my roadtrip from New York and travelin down the East Coast to Florida. From there i plan to make my way too San Franciso via Houston and I plan to do this in three months. Yes, i have probably taken too much on with the distance but I believe I can do it, so I shall!!

The three most helpful places i have found on the web are www.wheels9.com (renting/leasing Vehicals) this place here and www.koa.com (Kampgrounds of America).

I had the jitters for a while but they left. Its just the waiting thats unpleasant at the moment. I cant wait!!!

Let me know how you get on

James,

I've been doing fly drive holidays to the USA from the UK most years (when I can afford it) since 1990. By necessity in a two or three week trip they have to be carefully planned. My dream is to do what you intend to do. Set off on a prolonged trip with no plan but a vague route and an end point in the distant future.

Enjoy it, dont overplan it, follow your noses.

Contact me for any practical advice I may be able to give.

UK

Being "nervous" is part of the adventure. What you are embarking on is not a visit to Disneyland. You are supposed to be on edge. This is one of the fun parts!

I am all for pre-planning as a mental excercise, as a way to expand the notion of places and experiences that might be fun to "fit-into" a roadtrip. But I am ardent supporter of the notion of living an "unsliced life" and choosing a day's route solely on the weather, suggestions from fellow travelers and personal whims. There are a number of posters on this forum, (we appreciate their points of view too) that prefer to plan nearly every moment of each day of road trip -- but that is not my preference.

Your budget looks good. Booking a vehicle rental/lease from England will probably yield a better rate than doing it person. I have mentioned this before, but pick up a copy of "Drive USA" it is written from a Brit's point of view -- I don't agree with all of his suggestions -- but it can be helpful -- http://www.roadtripamerica.com/read/uk.htm

Jitters are a part of EVERYONE'S experience -- check out (http://www.roadtripamerica.com/roadtripamericaConference/
Index.cfm?CFApp=44&Message_ID=4243) for another new roadtripper's experience!

America is a big, friendly country. You already speak the language. Enjoy!

M.

Thanks for your email, it's reassuring to know other people do this sort of thing and experience the same emotions!!
You mention www.wheels9.com, I got a quote from them - are they the cheapest guys for car leases etc?? This is the one area I'm struggling on

Forget driving across country to Miami, make that last or fly there. Rent a car in California and make your way up the coast to Alaska. A stop at the Hearst Castle is always terrific. Get to Seward, on to Anchorage, on to Denali. If you can fit in the 8 hour train ride to Denalie do it. Your funding is good and keep it to yourself.

I take it you are not a fan of American road trips? Personally, as stunning as Alaska is, there is too much good to be savored on a cross-country trip to choose aircraft over a vehicle.

On point, their trip begins on the 12th of November, driving to Alaska in late November/early December can be difficult to say the least. Only those with a pressing need and/or tons of north country driving experience should consider leaving the lower 48 much past the middle of October.

More to the point, some of the nicest weather one can experience in the south happens in the Fall and early winter months. Their timing and route selection is perfect!

Hi James, It was a while back when I booked it up but im sure was under the $4000 mark with all the insurance etc covered for three months.. I have booked a ford focus wagon but there were cheaper cars on there. I also had to pay a charge for droping off in a different location. Basically it was the cheapest I could find at the time.

The book that Mark recomended "Drive USA" is well worth a perusal also. It gives details on the different insurances which I found were quite confusing at first.

Here the deal,

So far your idea is awesome. I would most likely dump the leased/rented car for buying a cheapy. Take a mechanioc with you or have him look at it prior to sale finalization. I have purchased many a car under $2500.00 that have odne extremely well.

Plus insurance is cheaper once you own it. You should save money. Use the internet to help you find the car. Next, being scared is a huge thing for everyone, ignore it.If nobody did anything because of fear we would all be screwed. Plus your used to a stationary home.

I would also rethink the leaving point and return point so you may acheive a full circle of the US. it makes it easyier to navigate. You may even be able to set it up so you hit the state that get a nasty winter and hit those prior or after winter. IE take the northern route when you get here from Maine to CT west to Cali then head south as you'll miss most nasty weather the north has to offer. Place you wont travel in the brutel heat of the southern states during the hot months.

Lastly. Start an exercise program of running or walking, push ups crunches. Get so exercise bands for resistance. Retaining some structure in your life may help you enjoy the trip more. And you wont end you with the car seat ass when all is said and done.

If ya need help with any of the things I mentioned just ask. I'd love to help out.

Thanks for your advice - it's interesting to hear your view on the car. That's been the main problem with organising the trip. My original plan was to buy but then I talked myself out of it for fear of being ripped off (for being English!!!), having the car break down half way across the country and paying a load to get it fixed and also sorting out ownership and insurance without having a permanent residence.

These points put me off, but like you say it could work out cheaper, PLUS I could sell it on at the end.

I would really appreciate any guidelines you could give me about the whole car situation as it would help me enormously! (As long as it's not too much trouble!)

Thanks

Unless you really like dealing with mechanical trouble as you travel, I would never advise purchasing a used beater for a cross country road trip. It will be an adventure -- but is it really the adventure you are seeking?

Some people do make it work, purchase a beater, perform all of the sheduled and unplanned maintenance that can arise on a several thousand mile roadtrip, and sell it at the end of the trip for something close to break-even. If you do this, be sure to consider purchasing a car in the West and sell in the East, (salt-damaged cars -- Eastcoast don't sell well in the West).

Thank you both for your advice - I can see both viewpoints make sense. I hope this roadtrip to be an adventure and pretty much spontaneous day in day out, and the idea of buying and then selling on appears attractive as the more money I have to spend along the way the better....BUT I do fear the worst happening and ending up buying a piece of junk which falls apart before I have even started!!
So, to lease or not to lease that is the question!
Thanks again for all your help, I'm sure I'll figure out what to do even if it means tossing a coin!

Or then you could do an Alvin Straight and buy a lawn mower.. Cheap, reliable and quite comfy im told!

Well,

I must admit I bought my camaro for 3000 with 82K miles on it and knock on wood but at 127K it is running like a dream. Mechanics aren't bad ppl, ya just gotta talk to one or two and get them on a day off. Offer to buy them a case of beer or lunch if they'll come look at a car with you.

Most cars built within the last 8 year can easily handle 150K miles or more if some young kid didn't own it. Buy from an adult over 35 if possible.

Here's your option buy a car for 2500 and drive it, half way through the trip the engine or tranny goes that the worst and most expensive repair stuff(other than accident) Now have a tranny or engine Removed, rebuilt and reinstalled for 1400.00 You still were less than leasing a car for 5 to 7K Plus on your car you wont have to pay out the butt for full coverage ins like ya do on a rental or lease.

The only thing is it will cost you maybe a week of your time. still better than an extra 1200.00 for higher insurance and the extra 3k to lease.

Option 1: Buying your car
car: 2500.00
major repair: 1500.00
Min insurance: 1200.00
reg and plates: 75.00
tax: around 120.00
Car resell -1500.00

Total 3700.00


Option 2: Leasing one
lease agree 6500.00
Max cover Insura(required) 2500.00
Taxes Unknown

Total 9000.00

Plus 1)you have to limit your mileage or be charged extra
2) Must carry FULL insurance at all times
3) you have to be approved (require almost perfect credit)and some places limit age
4) you can be charge for damage done to car.Ie: small rock dents scratches and stuff. Or pay insurance pre to fix stuff 500.00

Heres the kicker... I have bought my last 3 cars (prior to camaro) all for under 2000.00 each. All have lasted 2 or more years. With limit maintance work. I think making friends with a mechanic for a few days and buying a lunch may save you thousands.

Brandon,
Your numbers sound convincing, and seem reasonable, but I don't believe you were on holiday when you purchased those cars. There is a different mind set when on vacation -- many people don't see the adventure of it when they break down in a foreign land. For folks ill at ease with things mechanical, the extra $2500 to $4000 or so just purchases "peace of mind." But we really appreciate your sharing the "facts" with all us.

There are many people who did leases on their car instead of purchases for whatever time period (3 years? 5?)

People occasionally need to get out of their lease; perhaps they want to buy/lease a newer model, or they can no longer afford the lease.

How about picking up one of those? As I recall, the manufacturer handles maintenance, and it would be much cheaper than trying to rent a car from an agency.

My point was Editor Mark,

That if James where to purchase a car for between 2500 and 4000 he would still save money and be able to resell and regain money. Plus he wont put a huge dent in his buget prior to even getting off the ground with the road trip.

As for the point Lurker made, not a bad idea but thet are tough to come by and James will still have to be approve for the loan, they wont sell the car for nothin ya know. And with the loan comes the added expenses of higher insurance rate.

Although Steve, thanks to your help, not criticism. You have come across an idea. James can hit a wholesale place. Pay slightly more for the car but usally the car will come with a 90 day/ mileage warranty or something. That will at least give him time to see if the car is reliable.

How handy are you with mechanical things? I think that should make your decision a little easier? Have you ever worked on a car, and would you know what to do if one broke down, or can you at least spot trouble when you see it? If you're somewhat handy, I think getting a used car would be the most economical choice by far. And I wouldn't stress too much over this, if something does go wrong and the car breaks down, you can sell the car for whatever you can get and at least have enough for a plane flight to wherever you need to go. You might lose a little money, but then it's a lot less stress. So don't worry and have fun.

Anyway, on a side note, I'm planning on going to England pretty soon, and was thinking about taking a road trip to scotland. I've never been to either of the places, can anyone recommend what to do? This is kind of a last minute trip, so I haven't done much planning (actually, none) so I'm frantically searching for places to go and things to do. I guess my main questions are, for a 1 week trip

1)What's there to do in London? What are some of the places I need to see? And what are some of the places I should see that wouldn't be listed in a guide book?

2) Same question about Scotland

3) How's the drive from London to Scotland? I heard it's about 8 hours, would I be better off flying?

Even though this forum is mainly about road trips in America, I can't think of a better place to ask people these kinds of questions.

Thanks for the advice. I've sorted it all out now - I'm really bad with cars and don't have a clue about them so I'm leasing a vehicle from AutoteamUSA - they are really good - for $3900 I'm leasing either a GMC Safari or a Chevy Astro for 5 months - pick up San Francisco and drop off Miami 5 months later - they both look pretty cool - I hope they are reliable - any advice anyone???

So your coming over to England hey? England's a cool place, but everything we have is alot smaller than what you guys have, for example, the tallest building in London is Canary Wharf(I think), and that's probably just over half the size of the Empire State. Anyway, to answer your questions:
What to do in London:- lots, for a start you could go and see David Blaine hanging in a perspex box next to Tower Bridge starving himself for 44 days(I guess you have TV footage over there). Other cool things in London are the shops, Buckingham Palace and Tower of London - I only go to London now and again so can't provide much more advice I'm afraid.
As for Scotland, again I don't know a great deal but both Edinburgh and Glasgow are cool cities with a good nightlife.
The drive from London to England/Scotland border is not far off 8 hours if you go by motorway all the way. Unless you have a 2/3 weeks I'd fly because the journey otherwise can be dull at times, plus petrol costs LOADS over here. I'd recommend Dublin over in Ireland if you have the chance, that is one of the most fun cities I've been to.

Sorry I can't provide more help - your question has made me realise that perhaps I need to do a roadtrip around my country as I don't know that much about it!!!

Ps I would advise you to go and watch a football (soccer) match - even if you don't like football, the English are VERY passionate and the atmosphere alone in the stadiums is worth it!

James,

We would really like to receive some feedback after your roadtrip in regards to your experiences with AutoTeamUSA and in a general way to the whole adventure. Personally, I would go with the GMC (although functionally they are the same company).

Have fun!

M

Let us know how the trip turns out. Funny how you're coming all the way out here to do a roadtrip, and I'm going all the way over there to do one. Make sure you spend at least a few days in San Francisco, that's one of my favorite cities and you won't regret it. Thanks for all the advice on England/Scotland.

I would just like to thank you for all your help.

Your website and your comments have really helped us in planning our trip - just can't wait to go now. There is only one problem we have come across - we were hoping to catch The Strokes and Kings of Leon, but their latest tour seems to finish just as we will be arriving - oh well, you can't have it all!!

Thanks again, and we will let you know how the trip went and how I found AutoteamUSA (they seem very good so far).

I may have to contact you guys if something goes drastically wrong on the trip so be warned!!

Hey James,
If you have any problem with the car lease, I can suggest a great mechanic in L.A. who I bought my beater Volvo from 4 years ago. I paid $1,000, drove her across the country loaded down with my stuff and she's still running great!
One suggestion I would have no matter, become a member of AAA, the American Automobile Association. For a nominal fee, like $50, you'll get roadside service anywhere in the country that includes towing, battery jumping, gas, etc. It's worth the peace of mind.
Finally, having lived in England for a year, I can tell you that the immense size and scope of the United States, especially the West will blow your mind. Don't miss Southeastern New Mexico, no matter what you do.
Have fun!

Hey James,
If you have any problem with the car lease, I can suggest a great mechanic in L.A. who I bought my beater Volvo from 4 years ago. I paid $1,000, drove her across the country loaded down with my stuff and she's still running great!
One suggestion I would have no matter, become a member of AAA, the American Automobile Association. For a nominal fee, like $50, you'll get roadside service anywhere in the country that includes towing, battery jumping, gas, etc. It's worth the peace of mind.
Finally, having lived in England for a year, I can tell you that the immense size and scope of the United States, especially the West will blow your mind. But no matter where you go, don't miss Southeastern New Mexico, it has the most varied landscape within the shortest amount of space of anywhere I've ever been. Natural hot springs, prehistoric cave dwellings, beautiful meadows which become ski resorts in the winter, wonderful camping. It's supreme.
Staying in hostels will also point you in the right direction, as opposed to solely KOA camps. You can be more social in hostels and get the lowdown on where to go, what's least expensive, what's a gip, etc.
Have fun!

GeeDub, are you sure you meant SE New Mexico (?) -- the area you describe sounds more like the Silver City area to me -- on the OTHER side of the state.

Now, that would be a tourist brochure title I would love to see! SE/SW who can keep them straight?

As an avid traveler (and not so avid planner) I feel your pain. But, the irony, I love to read travel guides. If you have time (or interest), I highly recommend the Lonely Planet series. They're informative and have great tips for budget travelers and how to get a more "local" experience.

If you're looking for tips on where to go, how to get there or how long to stay, let me know. I've traveled and lived all over the US (including San Fran for a while) and LOVE to talk to people about it.

Personally, I think trips are more fun when you have an idea of where you want to go, and how much you can spend getting there. Leaves the doors so much more open for adventure and unplanned good times.

Seriously, let me know if you're still nervous or want some suggestions.
~jillian

Hi Jimmy D, Just wondering how your trip went. I'm hoping to do the same thing this year. How did you find your car lease to be?