Planning a cross country road trip

Well the girl friend and myself had got talking her recently that next summer we really want to do something special and take a long trip to places we have never been before.

Now the girl friend has never been out of the NW and myself I have spent much of my time on the west coast except for a trip to Washington DC when I was a kid. That trip actually got me thinking how much I would love to go back to DC and see the museums and all of that again and just be around that history you know? She agreed and we decided that would become our ultimate destination.

The next step was deciding how we would get there and what all we would do. Initially we thought about flying out, however as we talked we thought that maybe a road trip would be more in order, a coast to coast tour as it was. We have discussed heading out through the northern states and seeing all the sites that we can along the way and returning through a southern route (maybe swing further south and hit Florida).

The next decision is going to be what rig do we take? Our current line up is my truck (Ram 1500 std cab short box 4x4) has some transmission issues that would need to be resolved first. Option two is the 2001 Taurus, its in good running order, is ok comfort wise (better than the truck at least) and gets decent mileage. The last option is the Olds I am building. It would not be that difficult to re-purpose it as the long distance cruiser instead of a corner carver. Basically auto trans instead of the manual, leave the 2.73 gearing in the rear end and buy the most comfortable seats I can find to stick in it for the trip. Did I mention if I do the Olds I would still be trying to build it on the challenge budget?

So what do you guys think? Which rig should I go with? What are some "must haves" for the trip and "gotta sees"? We are planning on taking 3 or 4 weeks off to do this by the way. I would love to get some tips from locals for places to stop at and the like.

Assuming there's no change to the auto lineup before then, go with the Ford. Reliable and comfort beat style on that kind of trip, and gas mileage over that length of trip becomes a non-trivial consideration also. If it does break down, there's only a gazillion of them around so repairs ought to be cheap and easy.

Must haves? GPS, a 12 volt cooler box to stick in the back seat to keep food and drinks cold, satellite radio or an MP3 player for entertainment. A laptop with an internet connect card for posting on the road (or an iphone or similar smartphone to do the same).

Are you planning to camp or couch surf with GRMers or stay in hotels/motels? Makes a difference on what to bring as far as clothing and supplies.

Coast-to-coast is kind of a broad area to seek places to see. Swing north along the way east and do Niagara Falls? Then hit the Antique Auto Museum in Hershey (1/2 hour off 11/15 heading straight South through PA, about 6 hours from the Falls), then go see Gettysburg on the way down to DC.

I'd go with the Taurus. Boring, I know, but it's really the right tool for the job. I've done long distances in those and they really are good at it, plus every parts store and junkyard will have anything you might need.

GPS...screw that. The wife and I enjoy using maps and the occasional 'lost' adds some adventure. I've seen people who rely on GPS's and they often go the wrong way, are stressed out and they get nervous tics when they hear the word 'recalculating'.

If I could get enough time off I'd be planning the same trip, but in reverse order.

Yeah my head tells me to go with the Ford but my heart just says go with the Olds. More than likely even if I go with the Olds the fall back would be the Ford.

I was kind of figuring on a GPS and possibly get one sooner than later so that I can know it inside and out before the trip. Any one have suggestions of what would be the best one to get that I could update maps and the like for. The cooler is a good idea I had not thought of that. I have my Blackberry but thought the netbook would be better for running the updates and the like.

We were planning on camping as much as possible but if there are GRMers that wouldn't mind the company we would gladly couch surf I'm sure.

Yeah we are trying to pin down what all we want to see and where we want to go. That is going to actually be very difficult.

I say forget the high tech stuff, bring the Taurus,and an ice cooler and a bunch of good road maps. They will not crash.

If you decide to go to FL, you can take either 95 or 75. thru GA. 95 will keep you near the coast, and 75 will take you straight though the state.

If you decide to come down 75 theouh Macon, give me a ping, and I'd be glad to meet you and give you a tour of antebellum paradise. Plus, I'll take you to a National Monument where Native Americans lived 10,000 years ago. It's only 2 miles from my house, so it won't be a problem.

If it was me, I'd do the coast . It's extermely cool. Definitely get off the I and onto the local roads to the beach.

Hope you like seafood.

I'm not very enamored with technology so I think paper maps are the best bet. But don't rely on maps bought back in 80s buy new maps as roads get changed and expanded and old map can leave you a little confused. I love hearing stories about gps telling people to take a forest service route or go the most remote way.

I would try to get the olds ready for the trip but don't be surprised if you end up driving the taurus, kind of reminds me of me, I always want to drive the mercedes and end up driving something newer and more reliable.

My phone, fax and internet service were all interrupted on Wed when a semi using GPS got off onto a side street a few blocks from my office and pulled down a major ATT line. I have never used one but isnt there a point where you have to question the directions???

Buy the $10 Rand McNally Atlas at your local gas station.

Get a AAA card.

Here in Ohio/Midwest we have SuperAmerica/Speedway gas stations, which have a SpeedyRewards card that entitles you to 3 cents off a gallon and rack up points that are redeemable for further discounts on gas, or fountain drinks/candy bars/nuker nachos etc. You might want to see if there is a national type chain that you can join now and accumulate points.

Take the Ford.You will be invisible to law enforcement. There is something to be said for comfort on long trips.

More importantly, if you are camping, make sure you have a good matress of some type- so you can sleep comfortably. I spend a month and a half camping around the country 20 years ago- what a great trip that was. While staying in the parks was easy, being a member of KOA helped out string the sites together. And an occasional stop in a hotel isn't a bad idea.

Routing a trip is going to be tough. Just SOOOOO many things to see in the US. But pick and choose what you want, and be aware that the most popular parks are packed with people already.

and I would do a "trial" trip- not to see if you'll both like it (which is important) but so you can set up the vehicle to be easy in/out, storage, etc. take a long weekend somewhere.

Eric

Basic road atlas is always good, but I do like to have a GPS on me. Not that I can't get lost with or without one, but the big advantage is that it makes it a heck of a lot easier to find gas stations, ATMs and other useful places. Personally, I like my Garmin 2810 as I can use that on the bike(s) and in the cars; I have one of their 'lifetime maps' subscriptions for both Europe and North America so I do get current maps for it every three months - you can get that for most of the newer Garmins and it is a lot cheaper than buying the map updates separately.

GPSs without map updates are worse than a paper atlas IMHO, but YMMV.

I'd take the vehicle you have most confidence in, even if it's the most boring one you have. And a AAA card...

I got a "free" TomTom Ease from Continental with a tire purchase about 6 weeks ago. It's got easily and freely updateable maps and the maps are updated through a user database/forum. I've used a number of GPS and this is the only one that routes me out of my neighborhood the "right" way. It's very simple to use, has a decent POI listing, and should be very cheap - I bet there's a bunch of ebay from the same offer I got mine from.

+whatever on the AAA card, and make sure to check what else you get discounts on with an AAA membership - hotels, some shopping, theme park tickets, and lots, lots more.

I've gone cross country at least 5 or 6 times...tho admittedly in the '70s and '80s, and I would CONSIDER ditching the GPS (I never carried an atlas with me, just glanced at the thing and got in the car) except for the fact that gas stops are getting fewer and fair between....depending on the route, and occasionally you will want to avoid road congestion/accidents

This past year I've been "commuting" between Tn. and Fl. every few months in a 13 year old sedan....no GPS and (probably not a good idea,) no AAA.....tho I'm thinking of joining as my luck can't hold forever. The last few trips I've gotten off the interstates and travelled on the 2 lanes and 4 lanes of the various Southern states.

Draw up a list of "want to sees" "must sees" and then you will plan your route accordingly..

I have traveled most of the USA with the $5.99 Rand McNalley map book.

I agree to take the crazy routes and enjoy the ride. Remember the trip starts as soon as you leave your driveway.

Which ever vehicle has Cruise control, because CC rally really really matters on hauls that long. I have a drivers seat yoga routine worked out that CC is an essential component of (doh). I think of navigation tools as being pertinent in cites and just a distraction on cross country road trips. Secondary roads are the only option if adventure is desired. Otherwise what is the point?, as it is truly all just the berkeleying same boring place on the interstates. The whole idea is to wander into dives and holes that no cutting edge twitter yelp addict would ever dare look at let alone enter, enjoy, and review, let alone positively.

National Parks
Since you are considering camping, a tour of national parks would be awesome. Pick a direction and go as far as time will allow.
http://www.nps.gov/findapark/

I did pick up a Rand McNalley road atlas today while I was at the store earlier today. I still kind of want the GPS but who knows, Amazon does have some good deals on the Tom Toms with the lifetime maps.

A few places that we know we want to hit are Crater Lake, Yellow Stone, Mount Rushmore, The Crazy Horse Memorial, Grand Canyon, possibly hit Disney World if we head to Florida (neither of us has been to a place like that), museums, Dinosaur National park and I know we want to hit Vegas on the way home. There is more of course but that was just off the top of my head. In DC we want to see all the Smithsonian museums and try to hit all the historic sites, memorials and buildings.

If you guys know any cool sites or historic places (I'm a history geek) let me know and I will look to adding them to the list.

If you do go to the Grand Canyon, head to the North Rim and camp, or at least go for the day, it is much less travelled and gorgeous.

I do have to say I'm surprised no one has mentioned this to be the vehicle of choice for the trip...

I'd say to get to Gettysburg and do a tour of the battlefield. Try and get the tour guide who is doing it as his retirement job, they like it the best.

Also, Taurus would be the best in this case.

The Smithsonian museums are really, cool went there a couple of months ago for the first time when we were visiting my B-i-L in Maryland. Highly recommended.

If you're going to Crater Lake and are planning to go east on I-80, make a detour via Lake Tahoe. It is stunningly beautiful here. PM me if you do and we're happy to pull a couple of cold ones out of the fridge for you .

Yeah when I was in 8th grade we went to DC for like 5 days and it was far from enough time to go see everything. Not to mention we were on a schedule so we hardly spent any time at some of the Smithsonian museums.

Will do Tim. It would be cool to meet up with some GRMers along the way.

I believe you could spend most of a week at the Smithstonian. History is very rich in that area; what about Colonial Williamsburg, and Philly?

I would be up for hitting both actually I am way to big of a history geek to pass up seeing everything I can when out there.

i have been talking about a trip like this with my girlfriend for a long time too, except we want to get something roomy and diesel powered. back on track, for your situation id say taurus

Since you're talking about the Grand Canyon, try to plan ona couple of days in southwestern Colorado - the San Juan Mountains. Drive the San Juan Skyway (google it) which loops through Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride and Dolores. You'll see fantastic mountains, old mines and real ghost towns you can reach with your Taurus, narrow gauge railroad history, cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde and other sites, and friendly people. the Canyon is an easy day's drive from the San Juans.

You won't find more spectacular mountain views than highway 550 between Silverton and Ouray. It was featured on Speed TV' dangerous drives program - it's not that dangerous if you're careful (but it's scary in a rain or snow storm at night).