Coast to coast trip in October

[ideayang]

This may be mentioned a million times but I couldn't find anything so far on the internet so I ask.....

My friend and I are planning a coast-to-coast trip from Philadelphia to San Franscico. We're thinking "drive there and fly back". Is there this kind of travel package avaliable (covering different-location-dropoff car rental and airfare)? Or even this kind of package availabe, it won't be any cheaper??

[Mark Sedenquist]

There are such packages, and sometimes you can find a good deal, but generally you have to do a lot of searching or use the services of a good travel agent.

Not sure what you are comparing to when you cite "cheaper"

[ideayang]

So far my idea is to rental a car and book the flight seperately, that is, not in one package. For example, Amtrak has "rail there fly the other" pacakge. I don't know if any airliner or car rental company have such combo for car rental and flight. And I wonder whether it will cost less if I buy the package or book them seperately.

[ideayang]

So far my idea is to rental a car and book the flight seperately, that is, not in one package. For example, Amtrak has "rail there fly the other" pacakge. I don't know if any airliner or car rental company have such combo for car rental and flight. And I wonder whether it will cost less if I buy the package or book them seperately.

i've always had pretty good luck flying into one place and back from another on Continental - good luck meaning not so expensive, regular fares (around $300 or less). but you're looking for a one way flight back - so that's something different. sometimes, in that case, the airfare is cheaper if you book it as a roundtrip and just don't use the other part of the ticket.

as far as car rentals go, i've also had pretty good luck with the majors. i've never paid an extra one way or drop off fee, and i've always gotten free unlimited miles. but even without those things, the car rental is usually kinda pricey (relative term). Avis had a mini-lease program, but it might be for one month or longer. at the end of the day, i always end up calling every car company and then come back with one or two do-able options. i think you may have to do the same.

How about the weather condition?

Our plan is to take I-80 to San Francisco from Philadelphia. However, we want to visit Mount Rushmore so I have to detour to take I-90 between Chicago and Salt Lake City. Since I plan to take the north route, now I'm concerned about the weather. I'm not worried about the low temperature but the snow. I'm afraid that some snowstorm is going to hit us on the way. Is it such a bad idea to take the north route in October?

[Mark Sedenquist]

I just reviewed the precip records for the month of October for the Mt. Rushmore area all the way back to 1974. About 90% of the time any storms have been packing rain. There have been about 5-6 (weak) snowstorms in October over the last ten years. The average high temperature for that period has been 65 F with a historical range of 33 F to 94 F.

October is, in my view, just about perfect for roadtripping conditions anywhere in North America. Remarkably detailed weather information for just about anyplace in North America is available on the www.wunderground.com web site. Once you identify the area (city, state) for which you want the data, click on "Trip Planner" and follow the directions.

Snow is possible, but pretty unlikely that early in the season!

[Robert Schaller]

If you did encounter snow, it will likely be a mild enough storm that it wouldn't slow you down -- it'll just add to the atmosphere! I agree with Mark -- October is usually a "perfect" month, especially for traveling. Mt Rushmore would be beautiful with a little snow dusting it. Bob

[ideayang]

Lovely!! Thank you for all your responses.

I think I'll stick to my plan and pray (for) good weather!!

Thanks again.

[imported_andrew]

I am moving from Portland, OR to NYC in mid October. I am driving across country and I don't have a lot of time, but I do have enough time to visit interesting places, my question then is, what would be some of the best places to visit on the way?