Senior Road Trip: Advice?

[krazykoolkatie13]

Thanks for the form. I know hospitals do emergency care, and my parents would only be a few hours away, but I suppose it's always better to be on the safe side. I'll definitely get it signed and bring it with me. :)

Thanks for all of the advice. I figure we'll both save an extra $20 to $30 each week until the trip, which would add an extra hundred or so each, and then maybe for graduation we'll get some donations. =P

That would hopefully give us an extra $300 or so, so we could enjoy our trip a little more. :)

[glc]

I have to ask - are both your parents okay with this trip? Do you have cell phones and a reliable vehicle?

[krazykoolkatie13]

My parents and hers are both okay with it. My dad's giving some pointers, i.e. tire changing, don't stop at empty rest stops, etc.

We both have cell phones, and my dad works on cars so he's making sure everything is up to date and ready. We're also going to bring the GPS, but we'll have printed directions too, in case it (as they do) decides not to work properly. :)

[glc]

Excellent. Another couple things to think about would be a AAA membership just in case you need roadside assistance and a credit card for emergency use. You will need at least a debit card to check in to most hotels these days. I would also get a $10 road atlas to supplement the GPS.

[krazykoolkatie13]

We do have a debit card, and a credit card for emergencies. I was actually considering getting an AAA membership. I think it might be a good idea if I decide to take my car to college. It seems like its affordable too; the prices listed are for a whole year? (So about $100 for the Plus membership for a year?)

As far as an atlas goes, hmm. I just did a really quick search, and one of the more popular ones is the Rand McNally 2010 Atlas. Would you know if this is a good one? Do you have any favorites?

[glc]

The Rand McNally is as good as any, and you can get those anywhere. I think I've even seen them at Walmart.

[Midwest Michael]

The Rand McNalley is a perfectly good choice, and you really can't beat the price. You should be able to get it for about $5 at your favorite big box store. Its about as user friendly as maps come, and its cheap enough that you can beat it up an not feel like you're damaging something that can't be replaced.

I used to get one every year, but I got a nice laminated sprial bound Rand McNally Trucker Atlas a couple years ago that I'm still using heavily - although I'm probably due to replace that one too.

[krazykoolkatie13]

Well, $8 later and I have a Rand McNalley atlas on the way. :) Couldn't find one at Walmart; figured it would just be easier to order it online. I have the time.

Now I guess its just a matter of saving up the rest of the money, booking the hotels, getting tickets, packing, and burning the CD's. =)

[travelingman]

Make sure your qouted hotel price includes all taxes and fees. This can really add up.