November '10: From Raleigh/Durham to....where?

[mikeSnare]

hello there,

I just stumbled over this great site and here's my first post concerning my upcoming road-trip.....
My plan consists of two layouts....each of the cities would be a sleepover spot.

A: Durham->Greenville->Atlanta->Meridian->New Orleans->Baton Rouge->Houston->Dallas->Oklahoma City->Springfield->St. Louis->Chicago. (12 days)
I would then take the "California Zephyr" from Chicago to San Francisco.

B: (starting identically up to Oklahoma City)
Durham->Greenville->Atlanta->Meridian->New Orleans->Baton Rouge->Houston->Dallas->Oklahoma City-> Amarillo -> Albuquerque -> Las Cruces -> Tucson -> Phoenix -> Palm Springs -> Bakersfield -> San Francisco
(17 days)

Note: I left out San Diego&Los Angeles on purpose.

general questions: are these useful routes? Would you favor one of the two? Why? Any road experiences on one of these routes?
how is the weather like in late November on both of these routes? What kind of rental car would you suggest A Jeep? I'm driving on my own with a navigation system on board.
Is that a realistic time-table? I could easily add 2-5 days.

Thanks for your advice, I appreciate that!!

David

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA forum!

Both of your ideas look perfectly acceptable, but the big question that remains from you is the "why?"

Why did you come up with these routes and cities, Why are you making this trip, Why are you considering a train on one leg, but driving all of the other?

I guess I'd also say - especially on your all driving option - that there's a lot more to this country than just cities, and the plan you've currently laid out doesn't appear to include much if any stops at National Parks or other scenic areas, but that might not be important to you.

As far as a car, a Jeep would be about the last kind of car I'd rent for a trip like this. They're heavy, provide a rough ride, and get poor gas mileage - in return you do get 4 wheel drive, but in a rental car (even a jeep) you are prohibited by your contract from going off-road, which pretty much eliminates any of the positive aspects of a Jeep. A standard sized sedan is usually going to be your best value.

[mikeSnare]

Hello Michael,

thanks a lot for your quick and helpful reply!

Meanwhile I've decided on taking the "Durham ->Chicago"-route from 11th to 23rd Nov, then taking the Zephyr to San Francisco.

Welcome to the RTA forum!

Both of your ideas look perfectly acceptable, but the big question that remains from you is the "why?"

Why did you come up with these routes and cities, Why are you making this trip, Why are you considering a train on one leg, but driving all of the other?

I guess I'd also say - especially on your all driving option - that there's a lot more to this country than just cities, and the plan you've currently laid out doesn't appear to include much if any stops at National Parks or other scenic areas, but that might not be important to you.

I know, though I didn't mention it, there is a reason, 'cause after having reached San Francisco, I have another 2 1/2 weeks of road-tripping together with a friend....and we have decided on focussing on scenic areas during this time....

But, Michael, if you take a look at my present plan Durham->chicago...... are there scenic things you would definitely recommend along the way? I wouldn't like to leave them out!

Thanks for your advice with the car, I think I'll downgrade! I thought of taking a Jeep due to the wintery conditions that might occur around the St.Louis/Chicago area? Any experiences with that?

Thanks a lot!
David

[glc]

A standard sedan is all you need. If the weather is bad enough to require 4 wheel drive, you shouldn't be driving anyway. The road crews over here aggressively keep the highways clear. November is well before the height of winter and although possible, I doubt you will see any snow at all between Raleigh and Chicago.

Rental sedans will be front wheel drive and have "all season" radial tires.

[mikeSnare]

Great to hear. Thanks for the quick hints.
I'm looking forward to hitting the road.....be it a sedan....... ;-)
D.