Whats up
I'm new to the site, although I came across RTA in September, as I entered the planning stages of a summer roadtrip. It started off as a simple graduation celebration trip from here to California. Then one day, as I was running through some files I had on my computer, I came across a list of things I want to do before I die I had written as a sophomore (I am now a senior). Then the idea dawned on me: Roadtrip across the US and take care of the list. And then a week later I saw the first trailer for MTV's The Buried Life, a documentary/reality show centered around a group of 20-something year old men traveling the US with a list of things to do before they die. Bastards.
Anyway, I relayed the idea to a few of my closest friends, and we agreed it would be epic. We immediately began researching and came up with a group list. Eventually, we ealized we couldn't rent an RV, as we'd only be 18. Then we realized we couldn't purchase a dependable RV, because we don't have that kind of money; we're only high school seniors mind you. So the logical solution was a skoolie, a schoolbus to RV conversion. Brilliant! We realized a skoolie would offer us the most usability, versus a van or truck, which would offer much less at a similar price. We'd purchase a school bus for 3k max, and convert it ourselves. Once again though, we hit the money boundary.
My friends have lost faith in the road trip, believing we'd all have to work through the spring to come up with enough money to pay for supplies, much less the skoolie. This isn't possible for the majority of the group, as they are part of a spring sport. I will be working as will another member of our group, but the other three cannot. The two of us can't make the kind of money we need. Now they think the best idea, would be to jump on a budget cruise and get wasted for a week this summer. That kills me.
Over the cours of the last few months, I have immersed myself in roadtrip culture and realize how rewarding it would be, as opposed to puking overboard on a dinky cruise ship. I am dedicated to this trip. My friends have agreed that if we can find the proper funds, we will take the trip. And that's why I write today.
I've heard of road-warriors receiving sponsorships, grants, and donations through corporate america, small businesses, and individuals. What goes into it? How can one attain such a lucrative deal? If a sponsorship is unrealistic, what's a dependable form of fundraising? Any advice, words of wisdom, comments, questions, help, etc. would be greatly appreciated. I want this trip and I am willing to do whatever it takes. Please get back to me, and thank you for reading.
P.S. I will post our "Bucket List" Asap