Winter Cross Country in 2 weeks

[Midwest Michael]

I'm still very confused by your insurance question. If this is a one way trip, then what are you doing for a car? Unless this is a move, taking your own car on a one way trip doesn't really make sense, especially for a trip this short. If you're not taking your own car, then getting "a national insurance provider" doesn't really make sense either.

[Lifemagician]

Has anyone used hostels on a consistent basis?

For a long time, my trips were routed according where hostels are situated. In those days I rarely stayed anywhere else.

Hostels are like all other accommodation, you need to do your research. Don't go by price alone. The cheapest I ever stayed in ($8 in 2001) was among one of the best I have ever stayed in. And one of the most magnificent hostels you could ever stay in is no where near the most expensive.

This is probably the most comprehensive site to find and research hostels. But keep in mind, most people are more likely to complain, than praise. So read the reviews with an open mind.

However, when there are two or more of you, it may not be your cheapest option. A hotel room will accommodate two, where as in a hostel you pay per person. The benefit of a hostel is that you have kitchen facilities, common areas and other travellers who may be able to tell you about the road ahead.

Whatever you do, do not stay in hostels where sleeping bags are permitted, as these are the main cause of bedbug infestations. And make sure that a locker for your valuables is provided for each bed. A locker which you lock with your own padlock. Make sure you carry a medium sized padlock.

Bottom line is... hostels are a fantastic lifestyle, and probably the cheapest accommodation for a solo traveller. With two or more, it may not always be the cheapest way to go.

Lifey

[jasmindt]

Thanks for the hostel advice!
Yes, this trip is part of a bigger move to Hawaii. We're driving the car across country b/c its much cheaper to ship from Cali than from the East Coast, hence the insurance question, lol. Sorry for the confusion.

[glc]

Assuming your vehicle is registered in PA, your PA insurance is valid all across the country. You won't have to buy new insurance till you register it in HI.

[Midwest Michael]

Ahh, that makes much more sense.

But it also makes the insurance question pretty simply. As GLC, mentioned, Every insurance company's policies are valid nationwide. Each state has its own regulations, requirements, and rates, but the basics of the policy are valid in every state, and typically Canada as well. If you do have a claim while on the road, you're likely just going to be referred to a National Claims Center who will contact an adjuster in the area to handle your claim. So just use whatever insurance he has now, and don't worry about changing it until the move is complete.


One upside with hostels that Lifey didn't mention can be location. Often times hostels are located in the middle of an major city, where hotel rates would be highest. So with 2 people, it can be the cheapest way to stay "downtown," although it may end up being more expensive overall than staying at a budget motel in the suburbs. Although, hostels often don't have much for parking, and/or parking could be expensive so keep that in mind too.

[Lifemagician]

So with 2 people, it can be the cheapest way to stay "downtown," although it may end up being more expensive overall than staying at a budget motel in the suburbs. Although, hostels often don't have much for parking, and/or parking could be expensive so keep that in mind too.

And all that information can be found on the site linked above.

Lifey

[jasmindt]

Thanks all!