cpeicott

Hi,
My 22 year old son and his girl friend are leaving in 2 weeks to drive to LA, hopefully to find employment, an apartment, etc.
Any thoughts on the best route to take, keeping weather/time of year in mind?
They need to stop in Chicago on the way, but other than that, they are open to any suggestions. They did a AAA trip tix, which takes them right through the middle of the country. I thought there might be more to see if they chose a different route.
They are in a bit of a hurry to get there, but in reality it will be fine if they spend a little more time and see some interesting things. It seems a shame to drive 3,000 miles and not get to see some of the sights.

Thanks for any advice.

clarkgriswold

They should definitely watch the weather reports daily. They could get slowed by several snowstorms in several states....probably best to head south after Chicago and hit the 40 and then 10.

Apartment search can be rough in L.A. right now, do they have an area in mind? Usually landlords want you to have a job before renting to you.

rjw_lgb_ca

Ditto on everything clark says. As far as renting in the greater LA area, they may have to share a place with other renters at first-- and even with that, they will minimally need to come up with first month, last month and security deposit. Choosing a neighborhood will be key. I guess a good source for housing will be craigslist.org-- but also try laweekly.com.

What do they plan on doing? That might allow us to suggest places to look (and nearby places to live as well).

cpeicott

Hi,
My son just graduated from BU with a film degree. So anything that will get his foot in the door in that field.
He has been doing PA work in Boston, but it is not steady.
They have been looking on Craig's list and there seem to be apartments, but there are so many neighborhoods to filter through.

joesorce

WB just laid off hundreds so it might not be too easy to get a foot in the door...but it's certainly the city to be in for making connections, etc. Studio City is near Universal and WB and not a bad drive over the hill to Hollywood. North Hollywood has some lousy neighborhoods so although they may find some affordable housing there, they should be sure to get to know the neighborhood first. Jolly Roger Hotel in Marina Del Rey might have a decent weekly rate while they get settled. Also the Days Inn Glendale rents by the month I think, for people relocating.

cpeicott

Hi,
Bad news about WB lay-offs!
Thanks for the "neighborhood" hints.
Anymore advice on good versus bad locations? They really are going there blindly!
Any one else have thoughts regarding the cross country drive?
I would really like them to see some sights, as who knows when they might be in some of these states again!

tracys2cents

So many great places to stop and see..but it can be so tough in January because the weather can throw you off for days. Once they decide on a route..I'm sure you'll get lots more advice since we'll know exactly what they'll be passing. I think people are reluctant to post about Colorado or Utah...for instance...if it won't even be on their final itinerary. Also, should be a lot more responses after the holiday frenzy is over and people come back here.

As far as L.A, it really is a vast, wide city and it is best to get to know your way around before deciding where to live. So if budget allows, staying somewhere on a week-to-week basis for a month or two is certainly advisable. Craigslist may have some sublet-type situations available for short term that are worth looking into...but a lot depends on where they find their first employment...it's not a city where you can hop the "T" to work every day.

Westwood near U.C.L.A is where they may find some student sublets, and the old, worn-out Claremont Hotel in Westwood would be a good place to "flop" for a while although parking can be a nag around that neighborhood.

Perhaps someone can recommend a good "life in L.A." or "trying to make it in the Film industry" book to give them...the long drive will make for plenty of time to read and learn. There are so many kids nationwide who make this trek...I think the best prepared ones are the ones who'll stick it out.

tracys2cents

Also I'll add that Fodor's already has tons of threads about L.A., visiting California, neighborhoods etc. And threads about what to see in all states. If you have the time, cutting and pasting lots of interesting comments and informative stuff about traveling the country would make a great little travel guide to give them as they leave on their "journey".

suze

I would suggest they take the most direct route. Because of their situation (no apartment, no jobs) I assume money is tight and the sooner they get themselves to LA the better IMO. As you said they are in a hurry, it's you who'd suggesting the distraction and delay of making it into a road trip and more interesting vacation.

Secondly, I would suggest they find some kind of short term housing until they find a job. Los Angeles is one big spread out city and it would be idea for them to live close to where they end up working.

That said, I'm partial to Venice, Mar Vista, Santa Monica myself.

cpeicott

Hi,
Thanks for the thoughts.
Actually, my brother (son's Uncle) lives outside of LA in OC.
They can stay, on a short term basis, with his family, though I understand that it will be a long, traffic filled drive, back and forth to LA.
At least it will supply the suggested temp. housing!
You are correct, that I think this needs to be a "rd trip" and they just want to get out there.
I just know that they will be passing through places that they might never get back to!

cpeicott

Hi,
Still looking for driving/route suggestions, keeping weather and sights in mind.

bbqboy

For an all Interstate route, they can head west on I-80 to I-15, (pretty scenic), or they can take I 44 to I 40, then head west. That's the high Desert route. Also scenic.
Hitting I 70 at St. Louis and heading west thru KC to Denver and on to I 15 is the best eating route, and also the most scenic, especially thru Colorado
and Utah, but also is higher, so more chance of weather delays.
I say take the I 70 route; with the option of cutting down at I 25 to NM.

tracys2cents

We took the 70 years ago in January and were struck by the snow covered beauty of Colorado and Utah, but had many delays/road closures etc. Kansas was nothing but following the snow plows for 8 hours and drove us nuts.

I like the 40 through Nashville, Memphis(see Graceland)...I think you pass Little Rock (Clinton library), and can hit Las Vegas or Laughlin for a really cheap room on weeknights. Hint: Airport area hotels in big cities are usually half price or less on weekends. And if you take the 40 and pass Salisaw, Oklahoma..eat at Lesley's Cafe, the world's best pie!

cpeicott

Okay, the route has been determined.
Boston to Chicago via route 80. They hope to get from Boston to Chicago in 2 days. Is that reasonable?

South on route 55 to 44 to route 40.
Route 40 across the US.
Route 15 to LA.

Any more suggestions on interesting things that they can see withouut going too far out of the way?
They are thinking that they will drive 8 hours the first 2 days to get to Chicago and then they will allow for a little less driving, maybe 6 hours per day, to allow some stops.
Any ideas on logical places to stay over night.
Cheap, but safe motels?
Thanks

rkkwan

It's very reasonable to do Boston-Chicago with one overnight stay. Unless weather is bad, of course.

The route you chose are the best this time of the year. They can easily drive more than 6 hours a day between the two of them. I can drive 10+ hours a day on my own.

No need to decide on motels this early on. If a place is not safe, they will know it before they check-in. Not booking or planning ahead means more flexibility. They won't have problem finding rooms this time of the year.

The only thing I can suggest, if they can contact you easily on cellphone, and you have lots of spare time in front of a computer, is to get the same day hotel using Priceline. Priceline accepts bids up to 6pm local time. That can either save some money or getting better hotel for the money.

cpeicott

Hi,
Thanks for the input.
They are actually driving in seperate vehicles, which is why they are looking into less driving hours per day. Also, to give themsleves time to stop and see things as they go. They hope to drive 6 or so hours a day, and maybe sight see for a few hours a day.
If there is nothing that they wish stop at, they may drive more each day.
It is helpful that you feel that they don't need to make hotel reservations in advance, so they can just drive until they want to stop.

bbqboy

They should take the slight detour to see Santa Fe.
It's also enjoyable to head down to I 10 on I 17, stopping along the way at scenic spots along the way to Phoenix. The lower Sonoran desert is really a stunner the first time you experience it, and they can head right in to LA through the Saguaros.

cpeicott

I like the detour to Santa Fe idea.
Anything that "should not be missed there?"