We would probably plan for 2-3 months, and I would much rather see the country rather than spend the whole time driving, so a round trip wouldn't be something I'm too interested in. I'd rather spend time seeing each place than rush through it all.
Didn't think of the extra mileage that would pop up... I think a big car would be the way to go, like Dave said, easier to get around towns and also cheaper on petrol. Seems to be the way to go!
While the US is a big country, you can make it from coast to coast in a week, so over 2-3 months you really wouldn't be spending the whole time driving or rushing through it even if you did do a loop.
Doing a loop would let you see more different parts of the country, so there are some advantages beyond just the money saving. Its certainly not a must, but it would be something I would consider if I were in your shoes.
How many miles could you go in say, 8 hours (generally, taking into account going through cities and whatnot)
Might be different to what we can do in aus!
RoadTrip Guru & Enthusiast
If you take Interstate highways, you can cover about 450 miles in 8 hours including brief fuel and bathroom stops. The speed limits on rural Interstates vary from 65 to 80. In urban areas, expect 50 to 65.
I just did the math, 10,000miles (round trip) would be 22 days of 8hours/450miles a day!
You'd want 3 months to make that worthwhile for sure!
For this route what would a good month to start be?
I was thinking starting in February (3 month trip), and doing the south side first (reverse of the order on the map)
A little later for me.
It really does depend on your travel style. Many would consider the above numbers to represent a relaxed and comfortable trip with a days drive every 4 days or so, but it's what you want that is important. I also think it is a good idea, you will get to see more of the country and saves adding a lot of miles while doing 'zig zags' up and down the country to hit certain spots.Originally Posted by miked
My personal opinion would be to start a little later. It can still feel wintry in Feb and if you are planning on visiting places such as Yellowstone at high elevation you will arrive too early for having full facilities and access to many places open, due to winter snow accumulation.I was thinking starting in February (3 month trip),
So me, I would be looking to travel late in March/beginning of April at this time of year.
Would that be the best time of year for this trip? (not just better than Feb, but best all round)
Personally, my favorite season to travel is fall, and a 3 month trip starting in Late August/early September would be my choice. The only downside is that you're balancing the end of high tourist season in August with the quick onset of winter in November.
A very close second would be spring with a trip from Mar/April into May/June - with the seasonal issues being reversed. The biggest downside to spring travel is that winter does tend to stick around a bit longer in mountain areas, so there will be some mountain passes and other elevation areas that frequently aren't accessable until at least May if not into June.
Mine too.
I too like to travel in the Fall, but as with everywhere the weather is unpredictable, and with such a large scale trip there would be a lot of variables to consider. As mentioned snow at higher elevations can have effects between Nov into June. Hurricane season in Florida from June to November, which I believe mid August to mid Nov being peak hurricane season. In New Hampshire you can See huge visitor numbers in the Fall for the peak of the foliage season, when 'leaf peepers' come from all over the world.
It's all these variables you need to consider, and how they fit into your plans, but the only guarantee is that you can't guarantee what 'Mother nature' has in store. With the loop you have set out in your map, I would say for a Fall trip under "normal" circumstance, starting and ending in Denver and heading Westward from Denver at the start of September could work well. As Michael said it's a fine balance that is unpredictable and you will have to weigh up the pros and cons.
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