I want to plan an AWESOME road trip!! but where do I start?

[rockinsam14]

So. Senior year, ready for college, but I really want to road trip with my friend Grace. I have two options:

1. Go all out and road trip from Maryland to California
2. Roadtrip from Maryland to Florida and spend a week @ Disney world (i've never been!!!).

I don't have any idea where to start. I just know that whichever I choose, I want to make sure there are stops on the way full of awesome things.

Help?!?!

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

The great thing about a road trip is that no matter where you go there will always be awesome things to see and do along the way.

I would say the first thing to do when planning a roadtrip is to really start with the basics. Where do you want to go, who will be going, how much time and money do you have, and how will you get there.

You've already answered the first two questions, even if you don't know exactly where you are going, you are looking at a major trip, and you know who will be going.

You didn't mention transportation, but I'm guessing you already have a car in mind for this trip? Have you also thought about where you will be sleeping for this trip.

That leaves time and money. It sounds like your time will be fairly flexable, but of course the more time you are on the road, the more money you'll need. Start thinking about how much money you can reasonably save up for this trip.

Once you know how much money and timeyou'll have to work with, then you can start seeing if everything lines up - if you have enough time to drive all the way to California, or if you have enough money to spend a whole week at Disney, or if you have to make a trip that is a little smaller in scale.

[Mass Tim]

No matter what, there will always be something that limits just what you can do on your trip - time, money, attitude, daring, etc.

What are your interests? What are your travel partner's interests?
Start with those two things. If you both want to go to Disney World, then by all means go!

What did you have in mind for lodging? Motels, camping, staying with friends are all viable options.

Remember also that a road trip doesn't necessarily have to entail epic driving, meaning that you might want to take some shorter trips closer to home before heading out on a long-distance journey. This will help you get a better idea of what to expect when it comes to planning and lodging.