Road Trip USA
- Samantha Maurice
- Jan 28, 2018
- 2 min read
The best two weeks of my life! It feels like forever ago; in 2016, three friends and I decided to drive across the United States. Our only problem? We were BROKE.
We really had to get creative to think of ways to make this vacation cheap and fun. Traveling, especially a trip like this, requires so much planning. We spent months planning our route, gathering maps, researching and creating lists but when we were driving- we still changed a lot as we went. •The one thing you REALLY need to drive cross country... a car. None of us had a reliable car, so we were forced to rent one. Renting a car, like anything else requires research. Find any programs or memberships you may have to get a discount (USAA, AAA, etc.) Before renting a vehicle make sure you check several places so that you know you are getting the best and cheapest price! •Pack light. Each of us brought a duffle bag, hiking backpack, sleeping bag, and pillow. We also brought a tent that we had split the price on. Once on the road we purchased a cooler and some food that we could keep handy. We usually stopped for coffee, ate PBJ for lunch and cooked dinner over a camp fire. •Sleeping. We planned out our sleeping arrangements as we got to new places. Most days we found a cheap campsite that we could hitch our tent at. We only stayed in 2 hotels while in cities (Chicago and Oregon). We slept at a friends house in New Mexico as well as Los Angeles. Lastly, we slept in the car on 2 occasions when it was too late and difficult to find a hotel.
•Money!!! Be prepared to bring enough money for gas, tolls and food. The tolls (&gas) on the East coast were way more pricey than once we got to the west coast. Coming from New York, this was a pleasant surprise!
My biggest advice for anyone planning a big road trip is to have a flexible mind and schedule. You can not plan every little detail because things are going to change! Enjoy every second and take in every view. Lastly, remember, you can sleep when you GET HOME!
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