Hi, I am leaving my job in April and going back to school in Miami in August. I plan on taking a road trip from May-August. I will be traveling alone, but will be visiting people along the way.

I hope to go Miami -> Dallas (possibly by way of New Orleans), -> Grand Canyon -> Vegas -> Los Angeles (where I have a friend to stay with -> San Fransciso -> ???? (Upper Northwest, but where?) -> Miami.

I have plenty of time, and while I'll have some money, I primarily plan to be spending time at cheap motels.

What should I start looking into? Should I look into camping? Any general tips?