First time Road Trippers!!! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[BahamaMamas]

My sister and I are taking our first road trip from southern Minnesota to Fort Lauderdale FL starting on August 4, 2012. We are planning on stoppin in St. Louis to do a little sight seeing and also in Nashville where we will stay the night and also do some sight seeing. We have plans to see the Gateway Arch, Parthenon, and Ruby Falls. We will be staying three days and two nights in Fort Lauderdale then leaving to go to Grand Bahamas Island for a few days. We will then return home. We are trying to do things budget friendly and also safely, considering this is the only time either of us have taken a road trip. If anyone has any advice for us we would really appreciate it. Perhaps cheap things to do in Fort Lauderdal or Miami and also tips on cheap parking when site seeing. Anything is appreciated!

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

How much time do you have for this entire trip? That's going to make a huge difference in how much more things you can see and do, especially on the return trip, which seems like you don't have as much of a plan for? Where in Southern Minnesota are you starting from?

Cheap parking when site seeing is going to completely depend upon the attraction, and the city, and even when you are visiting. There's just no single rule of thumb, other than to keep your eyes open for other options if a particular place is charging a high fee for parking. Also make sure you keep an eye on meters and other restrictions if you opt for on street parking.