Charlotte to LA 2015 Trip

[rtripcat]

I'm planning a trip from Charlotte, NC to LA for late August early September 2015. I'm interested in utilizing the bus (mega bus, Greyhound) and Amtrak for this trip.

Some key places I want to explore are:
Atlanta
New Orleans
Austin
Houston
Albuquerque, NM or Phoenix or Tuscan, AZ
LA

To keep costs down, I want to stay at hostels on the days that I don't utilize a train sleeper.
Has anyone ever done something similar? I'm at the early stages of planning and would appreciate any advice, suggestions, feedback and more!
Thanks!

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

I will say if you are looking to keep to a budget, then train sleeper cars shouldn't be on your radar. They are very expensive. You might want to look at multi-ride ticket options from Amtrak or Greyhound (Megabus doesn't offer them.) Of course, if you are sticking to public transit, your options to see anything other than cities will be fairly limited.

Otherwise, what kinds of questions do you have, or advice are you looking for?

[rtripcat]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

I will say if you are looking to keep to a budget, then train sleeper cars shouldn't be on your radar. They are very expensive. You might want to look at multi-ride ticket options from Amtrak or Greyhound (Megabus doesn't offer them.) Of course, if you are sticking to public transit, your options to see anything other than cities will be fairly limited.

Otherwise, what kinds of questions do you have, or advice are you looking for?

*Any suggestions/personal perspective for good hostels ( or inexpensive hotels) in any of the cities that I mentioned?
*Advice on ways to budget for the road trip? (This will be my first time)

[Lifemagician]

*Any suggestions/personal perspective for good hostels ( or inexpensive hotels) in any of the cities that I mentioned?

Checkout hostelz.com for hostels, but keep in mind that those who have a complaint are usually the first to leave a comment. All too few satisfied customers bother to leave feedback. This site is probably the most comprehensive hostel site worldwide. Price does not indicate quality, as I have stayed at some awful $40 hostels and one of the best charged a mere $8 (that was years ago).

*Advice on ways to budget for the road trip? (This will be my first time)

There is a whole forum on saving money and budgeting on a roadtrip. Though I would have to agree with Michael, if you are on a tight budget, sleeper cars on Amtrak should not be in your sights. They are very expensive, mainly because you are paying for two people.... meals and all!

Lifey