east coast to west coast aug 2006

[melis18]

hey guys! I am new to the forum and I am planning to take a solo roadtrip this august from NY-? I
would love suggestions in all areas. I have taken "minor" roadtrips before, but nothing like this! These are some of my goals: cover many places (mostly ones I haven't been)(been: new orleans, san francisco, napa, vegas, pennsylvania, maryland, rhode island, florida) see many cool and quirky things, see beautiful sights, learn a lot, meet interesting people.

I would like to do this in 2 weeks and i am on a tight budget. I am okay with cheap motels as long as I am safe and there are no bugs!! As far as food--I am a sucker for great restaurants--but i am willing to rough it mostly-but also eat at cool local places too!

I am also concerned for my safety. I would love to try camping--but i am afraid. I am a young woman traveling alone--I am afraid I will seem vulnerable. Any tips would be great. Also if anyone has any places they know of to steer clear of please let me know!!


my interests include:
museums
music
bicycling
sightseeing


my main questions:
routes
safety tips
places
restaurants
motels
routes
routes
routes!
is 2 weeks long enough?
how much $
how often to sleep?
book motels in advance?