Planning phase of Cross Country RT in July 2016

[lmking1224]

* We plan to rent a car (just so that we can share expenses equally) but we are open for other or better options. Our reasoning to rent a car is that the car can be replaced if there is a problem with the car by the rental company. I was researching and saw $10 per day from enterprise.

This is not necessarily a bad idea. I haven't rented a car in a while, but $10 a day sounds really cheap. If you're able to snag that price with no strings attached, it might be worth the peace of mind. Our car is newer and is under warranty, so we feel comfortable with it, and it gets good gas mileage, but if your car is older, has issues or isn't under any type of warranty, I certainly understand the desire to rent something reliable. Plus, in some cases, I imagine you can actually save money by renting a smaller car vs. driving an SUV or other gas guzzler.

I would carefully examine the fine print, though, because something does not sound right.

* We are nature loving ppl. My friend camps all the time and thus we do plan to camp a lot. I was reading on this websites from many ppl that we can get National Parks membership for $80 and then each night we stay at national park or camping site it might only cost us $20-$30 per night where as Ramada Inn, Clarion INN, Days INN and such would be $40-$60 per night. What would you guys suggest. and any tips on camping - I have never camped and thus would like to get more honest opinions.

I am not a camper and would never suggest camping just because I'm not into it. That doesn't mean it's not a good idea. Plus, you wouldn't want my advice anyway, since I don't know what I'm talking about. ;)

Try Priceline's Express Deals to find even cheaper rates on hotels, though. They can be cheaper than you think if you aren't picky. We've stayed in cheaper hotels and have overall been fine with it.

* What would you suggest on Meals and snacks? We are trying to keep minimal budget on food - however, we do want to have coffee with the locals and have beer at local pubs and brewery.

Stock the car before you go. What kind of stuff do you like to eat at home that's easily portable on the road? Granola bars, cereal bars, applesauce cups, fruit cups, pudding cups, etc. are good because they keep well even when they aren't on ice. Bringing a cooler with bottles of water, sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks or whatever you and your crew drink.

Stop by grocery stores and get rotisserie chickens, fried chickens, etc.

* We also thought of having a running grocery list (PBJ, bread, Sandwich ingrediants, cereals, instant coffee, ramen noodles, water kettle that we can use at rest areas) and plan to stock up on fresh fruits and snacks (granola, trail mix, some chips and dips)

Not a bad idea.