driving cross country
 

Hi all,
This August myself and two friends are planning to driving cross country beginning in CT. We are hoping to go the northern route to the west coast and take the southern route back. We want to see as much as possible, but remain on a budget. As we start to think about planning our trip, do you have any suggestions on cheap places to stay, attractions that are definitely worth visiting, driving tips, or any other travel related ideas that might be helpful as we plan our trip?
Thanks so much,
Kate

Since there are several northern and southern routes, we could probably be more help if you let us know which routes you are planning.

Consider camping, assuming that you have done it before. The cost of the equipment (if you don't have a tent) will be minimal if you consider that you can save a tremendous amount on accomodations and food. Last summer we camped going up to Oregon, and I can assure you that it did not cost us the $100 for the day that we stayed in a hotel and ate out that evening on the way back.

I agree with the idea of camping. There are many beautiful national parks to stay in once you get out west, and the best sights are in those parks.
For cities, check with universities along the way. When I made a cross country trip years ago, we were able to stay inexpensively for a couple of nights in the dorms at the UW in Seattle.
Also, check at YWCA's or YMCA's along the way. If you get up to Vancouver BC, the YWCA used to be great and probably still is.
I'm sure there are books available on crossing the US on a budget. I'd invest in one of those, as well.

I "third" the idea of camping in the parks...that seems like a GREAT way to see America.
Some places I would HAVE to see if I were traveling the country would be: Mt. Rushmore, Golden Gate Bridge, the Great Lakes, Yellowstone, the Las Vegas Strip (if you have never been here before) and Hoover Dam, Yosemite, Beverly Hills (starwalk), San Antonio (Riverwalk), New Orleans, Niagra Falls, Panama City Beach (just to sit on their pretty beaches), NYC, Mall of America (sorry, people...but I would stop there :) ) Williamsburg (see the Civil War re-enactments), St. Louis to see the arch.
It does depend what routes you will be taking and what your interest are...do you want to see nature, stadiums, cities...
Have fun, I have always wanted to do this! Maybe when my kids are a little older...wouldn't be fun driving cross country with 2 four-year olds and a two-year old!! :)

You might be interested in my trip report for the area between San Francisco and Mt. St. Helens. Scroll down a couple of responses, and you can also see what the area looks like:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...p;tid=34540668

One option on the way out (until you get to National Parks) is stopping at KOA's to camp. When traveling with kids, I've opted to just rent a Kamping Kabin so we can just toss our bedding (sleeping bags or quilts, sheets and pillows) on the mattresses, grill some burgers, take a swim in the pool and roast some marshmallows before tucking in for the night.

A one room Kamping Kabin has a double bed and two bunks. Other options are available. Saves setting up the tent every night when trying to make time cross country.

Check out the prices of those KOA cabins. My son and his wife found it cheaper to stay in motels.

Otheriwise camping is a good way to go!

Utahtea

This may help you plan your trip www.recreation.gov...As was mentioned, there are many highways and byways to cross the great country. Pick your routes and then decide what you would like to see. Check Wal-Mart out, they offer a Rand McNally Road Atlas for $4.97, if a member of an auto club such as AAA get their maps and any other travel related info. The NPS web site may be of help, www.nps.gov. Everyone looks for something different when they travel. When we travel we like to stay off the interstate highways you can see much more, this only will work if you have the time.

hi kate, if you drive through colo when you leave denver you will be on I70. about 20 miles? out there will be a sign announcing the buffalo bill overlook. at the top to that hill is a "spanless" bridge over the highway. SLOW DOWN. as you go under the bridge you will get your first real view of the rockies. it is a remarkable and magnificent sight. and you can get off at that exit and see buffalo roaming about {fenced}.
further along you would go through the eisenhower tunnel or you can exit and go over Loveland pass which will knock your socks off. proceeding further west you will go through glenwood canyon. take your time through here. the road itself is an engineering wonderment and the canyon is beautiful. glenwood springs would be a great place to stop overnight. go to the glenwood hotsprings and soak - you will love it after days in the car!