SabiaJoy

Dear fellow travelers,

I need some advice; I am 26, recently divorced, and no kids, no debt...May 1st, 2016 I want to drive across country to Washington State with my dog and spend four months or the entire summer learning, living, exploring and finding new things. I am downsizing all of my belongings, donating, and selling. I feel like I need to take a journey to rediscover myself. If it doesn't fit in my SUV, I don't want it. I need to find out what I want in life. Maybe I'm writing this because I need some reassurance...I'm a little scared, but also excited. I don't have a crazy amount of money saved, but I was hoping that you all out there could give me some tips on what to bring? What to watch out for? What about staying in Hostels? I've traveled many times, but never for the same reasons or being prepared.

Thanks, everyone!

happytrailstoyou

You don't need to bring much of anything other than clothes and whatever else is important to you. Watch out for what you watch out for in other US cities, paying special attention to where you park your car because parking laws are enforced.

I don't know about hostels, but there are others who do and they will probably chime in.

HTtY

tomfuller

HI hostels tend to be better than the other hostels.
https://www.hihostels.com/en?linkid=...FatxQgod9TEA1g
Most hostels will not allow you to have a dog in your room with the possible exception of a handicap aid dog.
You might want to get a teardrop shape trailer that has the kitchen on the back.
Do you know whether you want a small town in Washington or a large city? Good luck on your cross country trip.

Sassafrass

Have enough money saved to do this comfortably.
Have two credit cards in case one is refused if doesn't work.
Make sure your car is in tip top shape and get a regular tire as a spare.
Make sure it has air in it and you know how to change it yourself.
Get AAA service and towing insurance.
Have two cell phones in case one is lost or gets broken.
Have a set schedule to get in touch with a family member every day and give them a plan of where you will be every few days.
Have real paper maps. Check them against computer directions.

Make a list of relatives (even ones you have never met), friends, friends of your parents, friends of friends, friends of church members, friends of past teachers, etc. along with phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, etc. all along your possible route. My DD did a big solo trip at about your age. She started out seeking alone time, but ended up feeling a welcomed part of a very large, living, accepting family. When she got tired of being along or felt unsafe, she just called whatever family or friend who was closest. She stayed with some of our dearest friends in Atlanta, that she had not seen since she was a little girl, a great Aunt and distant cousins in NOLA, she had never met, and other Aunts, Uncles and cousins all over Florida, Arkansas and Michigan. She went from Key west to the Grand Canyon and some Indian reservations where she has family connections. You may not need or want it, but create that social and safety net just in case.

Consider looking for something unique to do for a few days someplace along the way. You will have to search ahead. Throwing out some ideas to start. See if a habitat for humanity house is being built some place you could work for a week. Do you by any chance paint or draw. Some state parks with a lodge let you stay for a few days for free if you give them your paintings and drawings of the area. Do you sing or play an instrument? Restaurants will often let you perform for tips, perhaps even dinner. Take a pie making class in the Midwest.

There are lots of websites about women traveling solo, which places to stop, how to be safe, etc.
Get as much advice as possible to prepare to deal with loneliness, safety issues, etc.
This sounds like a lot, but it really isn't.
Keep a journal.
Have a good camera or a good one on your phone.
Enjoy the freedom to wake up every day with new fresh things awaiting.

Gardyloo

Useful site (one of several similar) - http://www.dogfriendly.com/

Your pooch can serve as a terrific icebreaker; find dog parks and dog-friendly places to eat and you'll find yourself among kindred spirits pronto.

Where are you starting and what (tentative) route are you using? It's a big and amazingly diverse country.

Good luck and keep in touch.

nytraveler

I would be very hesitant to take a lot of belonging in an SUV. Strongly suggest that you just take the clothes, toiletries, etc that you immediately need and put your other belongings in storage until you need them.

Leaving an SUV filled with stuff parked in public places for months at a time is very dangerous in terms of having it either broken into or stolen.

Also if traveling with a dog you need to search for places where you will be allowed to stay with your dog (many - most? - hostels will not allow dogs) so you really need to find some resources to sort this out in advance.

Also be aware that many national parks don;t allow dogs off the leash or outside of parking lots.

I think this is perfectly doable and if it will help you clear your head that's great. But you do need to do some planning if this is to work.

suze

I'm confused, if you are not moving permanently to the PNW, why bring all your belongings with you? Why not put them in storage somewhere?

suze

Hostels are OK but I wouldn't want to live in one for 4 months. I'd try to rent an apartment somehow.

SabiaJoy

I'm from the PNW; I just haven't been home since my dad passed. I am not putting my stuff in storage because I don't know if I'll stay or come back to where I am now. I know people out there, and I will have options when there are no pets allowed or funds are low. I have no family there anymore, but I feel like I am being pulled there.

I am most interested in the trip there and how it will be a journey. I wanted advice because usually I travel the family in times of need. However, this time, I am traveling for myself, so there is much more planning involved. I don't plan on packing my car full and leaving it parked some place. I don't care for a lot of things, material things I should say. So, I have no problem giving them to people who need them now verse letting them sit somewhere, where I have to pay or in someone's garage. They can be purchased again.

I plan on doing a lot of camping on the way. Things I know for sure to bring thanks to everyone's advice, a first aid kit, sleeping bag, tent, cooler, flashlights, layers for the change in climate which I already know and am looking forward to as well.
Spare tire, jumper cables, and chains.

I've never stayed in a hostel, so I just wanted some knowledge about them. I've driven long distances before, but never one where I could enjoy the journey. I have some ideas as to what I can do there, just wanted more information about the way.

Thanks, everyone who left feedback!

SabiaJoy

Thanks Gardyloo for the website, I will check it out. I feel like the best people are animal lovers.

marvelousmouse

Motel 6 and la Quinta are the two "sure bets" I've found with dogs. Hostels just won't be possible unless you find a place to board the dog, which would only be convenient if you wanted to sightsee in a city. Hostels are great in cities- 30-40 dollars for location that matches up to 200-500 dollar hotels. But look at it this way: 40 for dog boarding, 30 for hostel, at least 20 for car park. So 90, and that's a low estimate, just to sleep on bunk bed and share a shower!

Also look at koas, as those are set often in urban areas, are dog friendly, and often have lodging that is cheaper than a hotel.

I'd still store your material belongings somewhere given the price you'd have to pay to replace basic stuff like a mattress and kitchen supplies.

I'd also say that be aware that high season means high prices, special events, and no room at the inn (or usually, popular campgrounds) so I would book places you know are popular and you want to hit, ahead of time.

suze

I moved to Seattle from Vermont, when I was about your age, and under similar circumstances. Brought only what would fit in my car, my cat, and drove cross country. Since I knew it was a permanent move, I had an inexpensive apartment rented here in advance. Personally I'm not comfortable camping solo.

edjim

Enjoy the journey. You'll do fine, and I'll bet America will welcome you with open arms.

SusanM

Make sure your dog is chipped in case he/she gets lost in a strange city.