Newbie requests help on solo trip across the U.S.

[Lifemagician]

I imagine experienced RVs have their route planning down to a science.

This line really stuck out to me, because I really think it's at the heart of your problem: Planning your route isn't a science, and in fact, most people don't plan everything out to every last detail. There are people who don't make their plan until they wake up that morning - or change their plan because they feel like turning right instead of left.

The beauty of being on the road is the ability to discover what's out there. People frequently come on this forum and ask things like, "tell me where to find the hidden gems," when by their very nature, anything that people would respond with is no longer a hidden gem. The hidden gems are what you find by allowing the road itself to be your guide, and stopping when something catches your attention - even if it wasn't in your original plan. If you are focused on scheduling out every last detail, you're going to miss a whole lot.

Openmind, that sentence jumped out at me too. As Michael explained, some of us just get in the car and head for the horizon, just to see what is beyond it. Countless are the gems and sights upon which I have stumbled without any planning. In fact, whenever I have planned any leg of my many trips across the US, something always happens to make that plan go awry. I too travel solo in a small RV, in the form of a conversion van.

Part of the adventure is to get out there and take it as it comes, See how you cope with difficulties. That is not to say that I would deliberately head into a huricane or tornado. Keeping the radio on will alert you to any weather issues. Then you can decide whether to detour or stop. When carrying good paper maps, you should always be able to cope with weather and road closed, and find a detour.

I like your user name, and with an open mind you should be able to cope with everything you come across. Document everything, it will help you in future trips.

Lifey

[openmind]

Thank you again, Michael. Now that I've got usable WiFi again I've re-read your reply. It contains many useful points which I will apply once my mission is accomplished.

[openmind]

Thanks again for this post, Michael. My first rule is don't do anything stupid. It goes well with my second rule: Don't kid yourself. I'm competent to drive in good weather. I have no experience towing my rig in rain or snow. I've been told that common sense and slowing down will take care of the rain but snow and ice are different. I don't have chains yet and don't plan on needing them for at least a year. When I'm ready to tackle those conditions I'll take it slow and easy. I'm nothing if not patient.

- - - Updated - - -

Thank you so much for that, GLC. Safetravelusa.com is exactly what I was looking for.

[openmind]

Thank you Donna,
Those are all good pieces of advice. I've used some and will use the rest.

openmind

[openmind]

With the help of many RTAers I've made it most of the way across the country. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Next week I will arrive at my destination just outside of Boston. I'll do what I came to do and then, it will be vacation time. I want to see places I'm told RV's aren't permitted to go to: Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket in particular.

Are there any RV Resorts on Cape Cod you'd recommend as must see's?

I'm interested to know where I'll be able to park my rig for a week or two while I'm on The Vineyard and Nantucket. I'll want it to be someplace safe and secure. Any thoughts?

Thank you,
Michael

Moderator Note: Please keep all questions about the same trip in the same thread.

[openmind]

Hi,

I'm traveling in an RV. I have no campground reservations. Haven't needed to make any in advance. Calling a few campgrounds a few hours ahead till I found a good fit has worked out just fine.

I'm just outside, Rapid City, SD. My next stop on the way home to CA is Orem, UT. I plan to take off tomorrow morning, 8/16 and arrive in Orem on, Tuesday, 8/22. I've been to Mt. Rushmore and the Sitting Bull memorials.

If you were me, what route would you take?

Thank you in advance,
Michael

Moderator Note: As previously noted, Please keep all questions about the same trip in the same thread.

[Southwest Dave]

Is Orem a must ? Whether it is or not, with 6 to 7 days I would drop down into Colorado and Southern Utah for it's many scenic routes and attractions but your options are many. Have you looked at the map and seen anywhere that you would really like to see ? Once you have a couple of markers a route will begin to form and we can certainly help to fill in blanks.