A year from now, my friend and I will be graduated from high school. Freedom! I think the perfect way to celebrate is with a road trip in my old 1999 Ford Escort station wagon, no? And the fact that we graduate just in time for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to open as part of Universal Studios makes Orlando the PERFECT destination! (Don't judge.)

I estimate a week long trip: 3 days there, 1 day in Orlando, 3 days back. The time there and back will be sprinkled with forays off the path to interesting places. (The actual trip is as important as the destination.) With rough calculations, it will be about $500 each person (gas, food, admission into park, etc.) We have a GPS to help guide us, but we definitely need more assistance!

Our search has just started, but I'd like to know: What would YOU suggest we visit along the way? We would not shy away from shtick like "World's Biggest Ball of Yarn." We EMBRACE the corny. Travel, as far as I know, will be done mostly on I-95.

Also, there's an issue as to where we would sleep each night. There's room in the back to sleep, but is it safe to sleep in a truck stop? I am skeptical if this is safe for two 18 year old girls. I was thinking of hostels along the way (and I've found a few) but I don't know if this is really safe either. Motels/hotels are an option, but a more expensive. Suggestions?

Our trip is still in it's baby stages, but we are FIERCELY committed to it. Not for the teenage-rompery that is expected of us, but because we want a defining journey. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!
-paintthetown