MA to CA

[Midwest Michael]

I find for cities where I know I'm going to be parking, that its worthwhile to research the cities subway/mass transit system. You can usually get quite complete information online that will at least give you a good background on where each train/bus route goes and stops and how that fits in to where I want to go. If I have at least that, then I'm more comfortable when I'm traveling and am in a better position to make changes if I find somewhere else I want to go - with a little help from a route map and/or asking someone along the way.

As far as your specific cities go, NYC and DC are really the only two places where you won't want to have a car, and in DC most of the major sites are within walking distance of each other.

The other cities you'll probably want to have a car. I looked into using mass transit in Dallas and it was not a user friendly system, and its a pretty easy place to get around in by car. I have used mass transit to get around Vegas, but only as a money saver because I didn't want to rent a car. I've also driven there and found it to be a very easy place to drive.

One other note, Route 66 was decommissioned 25 years ago, so trying to drive it can be a bit of a challenge. There are sections of the road that simply don't exist anymore, so at times at least, you will have to use I-40 (the road that replaced it in that area) some of the time. I'll also mention that the 22 hours spit out by an online mapping computer is very optimistic, to the point it doesn't reflect real world travel times, which will push the time up to about 25 hours. Although, I thought you were going to Vegas, which is going to add another couple hours as a detour from the route.

[CalOldBlue]

If you are a member of AAA, go get maps of all the places you will be visiting. They too can help with questions as to how to get around most cities.

Go load up on maps and tourbooks. It's included in your membership (and subsidized by the advertizing in the tourbooks, so don't feel shy about getting these).

You can also order online (there are limits to how much you can order at one time, and MAY depend on which AAA club you belong to) through their website... and shipping (10 day delivery) is free.

I'm just loaded up for a trip to DC l'm planning for September.

Also don't forget to use your AAA discount if and when you book motels or visit attractions.

[AmyAndrina]

Just ordered one of AAA's "Trip Tiks"! Thanks for the tip! I feel silly I just bought 3 books (a road atlas, one about route 66, and a guide to scenic routes) but I guess the more the better.

I am stopping in Las Vegas. We are staying with a relative and spending a few days going to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. I guess what I meant was, it takes roughly 25 hours to go from Texas to Los Angeles on the interstate, would it be a much much larger amount of time taking what is left of Route 66 instead? So instead of allotting 3 travel days, one would need to allot a lot more? I saw the website and a lot of it is gone and some points you do have to take the highway, but I've been told that Route 66 was made instead of a highway so does it have a relatively fast speed limit or is it the equivalent to taking slow back roads through cities?

Sorry I keep thinking of questions sporadically like this, and I know a lot of things are researchable, I have just been doing so much reading and get overwhelmed.. and it is more of asking experienced adults for advice to college student on how to manage money. How do you protect your finances? I have never gone on a trip without a parent. One uncle said to have at least $2000 cash on me at all times (sounds crazy!) and that travelers cheques are obsolete, and another said to have all travelers cheques. I plan on transferring money to my debit card, and storing the number to call incase it gets stolen somewhere safe, establishing an online bank account incase I need to access a large amount of money in an emergency (my bank isn't nationwide)- but I know it is important to have cash as well. I am terrified of having a stash of cash and being robbed, and really don't know much about travelers cheques to begin with. This might sound silly too- like my "are strange places in the US safe" question- and I know these are people's homes, I just want to be responsible and lack this sort of common sense.

I keep saying this too but I am so grateful for this site, it really really is easing all these pre-trip anxieties. I just want to be safe and get as much out of it as possible. Most of what I am asking is probably common sense/irrational fears, thank you all of you for being so helpful :)

[Mark Sedenquist]

I am stopping in Las Vegas. We are staying with a relative and spending a few days going to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam.

Going to Hoover Dam from Las Vegas is a day trip (about an hour) but Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon is five hours at top speed -- so that requires an overnight trip. Coming from MA, it makes more sense to stop at the Grand on your way to Las Vegas!

I guess what I meant was, it takes roughly 25 hours to go from Texas to Los Angeles on the interstate

I'm not sure what you're considering Texas to LA to be -- but Dallas to LA is about 1400 miles and if you never stopped for fuel, fool, restrooms and ever slowed for traffic delays, it could take you 25 hours. In the real world, it takes nearly three days traveling 8-10 hours per day to cover this distance.

, would it be a much much larger amount of time taking what is left of Route 66 instead? So instead of allotting 3 travel days, one would need to allot a lot more?

OK, well on that basis you'd need to factor in at least another full day. Here's an excellent online guide to the Route...

I saw the website and a lot of it is gone and some points you do have to take the highway, but I've been told that Route 66 was made instead of a highway so does it have a relatively fast speed limit or is it the equivalent to taking slow back roads through cities

For all intents and practices -- you can't expect to achieve much more than 45 mph average while following Route 66...

One uncle said to have at least $2000 cash on me at all times (sounds crazy!)

That is totally crazy! Here's some tips on traveler's cheques.

I am terrified of having a stash of cash and being robbed,

$200 cash on hand is the most I would ever recommend. Here are some tips for safety on the road.

mark

[glc]

$200 in cash is all you would need. Travelers checks are obsolete. Use your debit card, almost everyone takes plastic these days and ATM's are everywhere.

When I need more cash, here is a trick I do to avoid paying ATM fees - I buy something at Walmart and get cash back. You can get up to $100 back at the register with a debit purchase, no fee.

[Midwest Michael]

I certainly agree with the above about money, carrying $2000 cash at all times is a pretty silly idea and certainly does put you at risk of theft. Its rare when I'll have even $100 cash on me at any time. Its good to have a small amount in case you stop at the occational restaurant or store that doesn't take plastic, but that certainly doesn't require any large sums.

I too use GLCs idea of getting cash back to save on ATM fees. In addition to Wal-Mart, most grocery stores and pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, etc) are other good places to get cash.


Back to Route 66, if you are following the old road, its going to be slower than most back roads in many cases, because many sections of the highway aren't in the best shape, and they certainly will go right through towns. I'm not sure what you mean that "Route 66 was made instead of a highway" - back in its day before interstates it was a main highway but it was still a 2 lane road -, its since been replaced by Interstate Freeways which is why it was decommissioned.