planning a road trip...

[laine7]

Hey there, i am planning a road trip from memphis, tn to salt lake city, ut and then on to san diego, ca and then back to memphis, tn. i was just looking for any ideas/advice/suggestions anything to make the trip fun for my sister and me. we don't have a whole lot of time or money so if you have any recommendations pls let me know. thanks e

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

The best way to have fun on a roadtrip is to get on the road. The journey and the experience should be just as rewarding as the destination. I'd suggestion taking a look at the article "The Art of the Roadtrip" to help get you in the right frame of mind for a fun trip.

[RoadTripper Brad]

I am the same way with roadtrips... the act of actually driving is the most fun for me. Seeing all the new places, roadsigns, etc., just thinking about it is getting my accelerator foot itching! A few suggestions that might help out: Eat Local. I think the best way to experience a new place is to eat there. Although national chains are good, every so often its nice to venture off the freeway and find a local joint, a cafe or a BBQ resturant. Trip Soundtrack another thing to do is, if you can, set up a CD or two of songs you like that you think will go good with the trip. I've done this for every trip I've done and I must say, it's cool. Especially when you time it right! And, you can always keep the CD's as a reminder of the trip. My collection includes home-made CD's I've titled "Knights in Idaho" for an SCA trip, "Return to Idaho" for a return trip to the same place later that year, and my favorite "Relocation 2004" for my big move from Washington State to Arizona. It's silly, but its fun... for me anyways! Other than that, I think the "Art of the Roadtrip" pretty well sums it up. And keep an eye out for Funny Signs! -Brad

[laine7]

i agree with you both. i have been on lots of road trips and have had fun. i always make a new cd for each trip and i agree i always try local places i don't see the point going some where and eating at a chillis when there are a mill where i live. i was more curious about what there is too see (along the way from tn to ut to ca) as i have mostly travled in the south or outsided the US... as well as money saving tips. but thank you guys for the comments

[Midwest Michael]

Well, I-70 and I-15 between Denver and Las Vegas might be my single favorite interstates in the Country. They both go through great Mountain scenery, and take you to within just a few miles of some of the coolest national parks in the country, including Rocky Mountain, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. Not to mention farther east, you've got the Arch in St. Louis, some of the world's best BBQ in KC, and a whole host of small towns with their own unique charms all along the way.

As far as money saving tips, I'd check out this article about saving money on the road.

[Allie]

Hey there, i am planning a road trip from memphis, tn to salt lake city, ut and then on to san diego, ca and then back to memphis, tn. i was just looking for any ideas/advice/suggestions anything to make the trip fun for my sister and me. we don't have a whole lot of time or money so if you have any recommendations pls let me know. thanks e

Hi there! Sounds like a fun trip. I'm from Jonesboro, AR, so you're not far from me. :)

My best tips to make the trip extra memorable:

1. Don't plan TOO strict of an itenerary. It's good to have a general idea of what you want to do, but half the fun of a road trip is being spontaneous.

2. Bring a blank journal. Update it all the time, and attach receipts/write in expenses. It'll not only give you a way to remember your trip, but it will serve as a tool for planning your next road trip cause you will know how much it cost.

3. TAKE LOTS AND LOTS OF PICTURES. If you have a video camera, bring that too.

4. Make sure your car is in road-trip shape. Bring it to a mechanic to make sure you're okay. Also make sure your car has jumper cables, a flashlight, duct tape in case a hose breaks, extra fluids (antifreeze, oil, etc), etc. Check your fluids and your tire pressure before you leave.

5. To save costs, try eating some meals from a cooler. Bring stuff like bread and lunch meat or peanut butter...sodas or bottled waters...lots of snacks...etc...obviously you'll want to eat out, but eating at least one meal a day from this will save $$$.

6. When planning your budget, make sure to budget in extra money, or at least have a credit card with you in case you need it. You never know when your car will break down, or something.

7. Stay SAFE. On a road trip, yes you want to make good time, but not to the point of exhaustion. If you're tired, get some sleep. It's not worth getting in a wreck just to get in a few more miles.

8. bring a large variety of CDs. Music of course, but consider getting some good comedy CDs too.

9. roadsideamerica.com has lists of oddities along the side of roads. Find some fun, random things to look at. :)

Hope these help. I road trip a lot, so I've learned some tips. :)

[laine7]

hey allie some good advice thanks...
i totally agree about not planning it to much and the lots of pictures thats my fave thing to do. the journal idea is such a great one..i think it will help me to stay on budget better and give me more of an idea of cost for next time. i've been on lots of road trips but not for this long (except maybe when i was little with my partents) so i definatly have to keep a track on my spendings. i definatly get my car check when i go on roadtrips... its such a good idea b/c i'm clueless when it comes to that stuff and i don't want to worry about it breaking down on me. but i will definatly make sure i bring the stuff you suggested. i also was planning on bringing a cooler and snacks and stuff i figured i could stock up here and then again at some point on the road b/c i figured walmarts are just about everywhere. i am so going to try and do that b/c i think it will definatly help keep costs down. well thank you so much you had some great advice and well organized so i can just look back for a quick refrence when it gets closer to time to go.. thanks e




oh and to Michael as far as there being good bbq in kc i dunno memphis is known for there bbq so i wouldn't want to go there and be disappointed..lol but thanks for the suggestions i will definatly look in to going to some of those parks