Man...thinking about this trip has become a bit of an obsession the past couple of days. Initially, I wanted to graduate from college, jump in the car and just go. But reading this forum has really made me see the bigger picture -- what's actually possible, how much a long road trip costs, what the stakes are etc.

So here's the deal. I have some money from my Great Grandparents that I was planning on putting towards a new car, or a down payment on a house in the future. But after some serious thought, I would rather put it towards this trip. I have about $4000, but, as I have said, I'd like to really pinch pennies and make every cent count. In other words, I don't want to spend that much.

I'm not sure how helpful this is but I mapped out my plan on Googlemaps. It looks like this: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...26,92.8125&z=4 . But I'd like to keep it loose.


I'd like to spend a few days camping/hiking/backpacking in each park I visit, but I'm young and dumb and wouldn't mind driving for really long periods of time to get the most out of the trip. I go to school in Burlington, VT, and often drive home to Long Island. It's about 6 1/2 hours and never fails to clear my head--it's like therapy. That drive always seems too short and I usually do it without stoping (unless I really gotta go). Not trying to sound cocky, I just really love being on the road.

The last cross country trip I did was with a buddy of mine from Vermont to San Diego--following Route 66 for a good portion--and it was a blast, but I'm really looking foward to doing it solo and seeing some friends and family along the way.

Sorry for posting so much, just trying to figure this thing out. It's pretty clear that you guys are the experts. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.