Questions about towing/storage

[thelionsof]

I am planning a two-week, cross-country roadtrip this summer, but I'm having a bit of trouble deciding on a few things. I am most likely to be traveling alone.

First of all, I am driving a 2003 Mazda Protege 5, which has a Class 1 hitch on it. I have a factory luggage rack in the garage that I never installed that I could use, as well.

I am fine with sleeping in the back of my car since my seats fold down to provide a twin-bed size area to sleep. I've catnapped there on smaller roadtrips in many different weather conditions; it's actually quite comfortable. I love my hatchback.

However, being that I will be on the road for two weeks, I'm concerned that I will need that space for my photography equipment, clothes, cases of water, food, camping supplies.

So here are the options I am weighing:

1. Buy/rent a small luggage trailer, sleep in car/tent/hostel.

2. Buy/rent lightweight pop-up camper, use car for storing supplies.

3. Buy a cargo box for the luggage rack, sleep in car/tent/hostel.

I would also like to bring along my bicycle for any trails or getting around in small towns, can I still have a bike rack and pull a trailer/camper? Are the top bicycle racks more aerodynamic than the rear-mounted ones?

I appreciate any advice or experiences you can share! Thanks!