Road trip to all 50 states (+ 13 Canadian provinces/territories)?!
Jul 6th, 2012, 01:49 PM
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Road trip to all 50 states (+ 13 Canadian provinces/territories)?!
Hello!
A dear friend has recently purchased a beautiful RV, and 6 of us have secured the time off of school to go on a 62 week roadtrip going to every province/territory and state (except Hawaii, for obvious reasons
.
I have a route in my mind, kind of, but I was wondering if there was anyone else who had completed a similar trip to this before? We're all from Central areas of the country, but have decided to begin the trip in Newfoundland&Labrador and work west.
If anyone could give me advice as to what cities (or things to do) in any/all state/province, or, if I'm lucky, if anyone has been on a trip similar to this and wishes to share a loose itinerary, I would be oh so happy!
Thanks so much!
A dear friend has recently purchased a beautiful RV, and 6 of us have secured the time off of school to go on a 62 week roadtrip going to every province/territory and state (except Hawaii, for obvious reasons
. I have a route in my mind, kind of, but I was wondering if there was anyone else who had completed a similar trip to this before? We're all from Central areas of the country, but have decided to begin the trip in Newfoundland&Labrador and work west.
If anyone could give me advice as to what cities (or things to do) in any/all state/province, or, if I'm lucky, if anyone has been on a trip similar to this and wishes to share a loose itinerary, I would be oh so happy!
Thanks so much!
Jul 6th, 2012, 02:22 PM
#3
Here is the map to hit 48 states some of them very briefly.
http://tripcart.typepad.com/tripcart...ek_and_50.html Flying from Hawaii to Alaska and then driving across Canada from Alaska to Nova Scotia and PEI would work. Isn't Labrador an island?
http://tripcart.typepad.com/tripcart...ek_and_50.html Flying from Hawaii to Alaska and then driving across Canada from Alaska to Nova Scotia and PEI would work. Isn't Labrador an island?
Jul 6th, 2012, 03:34 PM
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Strongly advise you to look at a couple of things in your planning:
1) time of year/weather/route - you won't want to do the northern parts in the winter or the southern parts in the summer - and do realize that some mountain passes are closed from oct through May
2) major national parks - lodging options often fill up a year or so in advance - so do build this into your schedule
3) RVs won't work in large cities - esp in the east - so definitely figure out where you will park it while you visit them. I know there is a park across from Manhattan in NJ with public access to the city - but it costs $80 per night and can fill up. So find out where you can stay and how to travel to any major cities yu want to see.
4) Not sure what the rules are where you live - but I know in some places RCs re allowed to park in big box store parking lots overnight. that isn;t so everywhere - and in a lot of places - esp in the east - this isn't allowed and can result in large fines as well as having to find another place to go in the middle of the night (many store/mall parking lots pay tow trucks to cruise and remove anything parked in off hours
You are certainly brave to take this on (I would be stir crazy in about 3 days) but if it gives you the chance to see both countries go for it. And do read Steinbeck;s Travels with Charley before you go.
1) time of year/weather/route - you won't want to do the northern parts in the winter or the southern parts in the summer - and do realize that some mountain passes are closed from oct through May
2) major national parks - lodging options often fill up a year or so in advance - so do build this into your schedule
3) RVs won't work in large cities - esp in the east - so definitely figure out where you will park it while you visit them. I know there is a park across from Manhattan in NJ with public access to the city - but it costs $80 per night and can fill up. So find out where you can stay and how to travel to any major cities yu want to see.
4) Not sure what the rules are where you live - but I know in some places RCs re allowed to park in big box store parking lots overnight. that isn;t so everywhere - and in a lot of places - esp in the east - this isn't allowed and can result in large fines as well as having to find another place to go in the middle of the night (many store/mall parking lots pay tow trucks to cruise and remove anything parked in off hours
You are certainly brave to take this on (I would be stir crazy in about 3 days) but if it gives you the chance to see both countries go for it. And do read Steinbeck;s Travels with Charley before you go.
Jul 6th, 2012, 04:00 PM
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My only claim to fame (hah!) is that I have been to all 50 states, but I did it over 5 years (1976-81). Hawaii was number 49, Alaska was 50. When you only get 3 weeks holidays a year, that takes a bit of focus (stubborn?). I drove to all, but flew to Hawaii. And the Alaska Highway was about 90% gravel, then. You could count on a new windshield when you got home.... if not sooner.
I still have to get to Newfoundland and PEI.... and NWT and Nunavut - but there was no Nunavut then (part of NWT). By the way, Newfoundland is an island (get there by ferry), but Labrador is part of mainland Canada. You can drive to Labrador, but its a long way, on mostly gravel road..... maybe stick to Nfld.
As I understand it, the only road to Nunavut is a truckers-only ice highway, open 2 months a year. Good luck with that one!
Its pretty easy to do 14 or 15 states in a week or so, so you are in good shape, given your available time. And there are any number of ways to knock the states off. In Canada, you will be making a lot of miles on the TransCanada, and then probably go to Edmonton via the Yellowhead on your way "North to Alaska", picking off Yukon and North-West Territories along the way.
I did most of this in 4 trips, all starting in Ontario: to Florida, then west to Louisiana and north; to Colorado and back; to California and back, and to BC and dropping into Washington/Oregon and back. Plus a few shorter trips to eastern states and provinces. This is no use to you, your way is much more efficient, of course.
You will have to be pretty careful with planning gas stops, when you get into the wilderness ares (esp. northern BC and Yukon). You can go a LONG way between gas stations.
And the price of gas.... thinking about it is giving me a stomach ache!
Most of my experience is a bit dated, though I still travel some, but a person could write a book, answering your request. You might be better off giving some details as to what you are most interested in, and ask questions on various forums, breaking it down geographically. As you know, North America is a big place! Then you can adjust your route, to get to the things in which you are most interested.
Good luck on your Dream Trip!
I still have to get to Newfoundland and PEI.... and NWT and Nunavut - but there was no Nunavut then (part of NWT). By the way, Newfoundland is an island (get there by ferry), but Labrador is part of mainland Canada. You can drive to Labrador, but its a long way, on mostly gravel road..... maybe stick to Nfld.
As I understand it, the only road to Nunavut is a truckers-only ice highway, open 2 months a year. Good luck with that one!
Its pretty easy to do 14 or 15 states in a week or so, so you are in good shape, given your available time. And there are any number of ways to knock the states off. In Canada, you will be making a lot of miles on the TransCanada, and then probably go to Edmonton via the Yellowhead on your way "North to Alaska", picking off Yukon and North-West Territories along the way.
I did most of this in 4 trips, all starting in Ontario: to Florida, then west to Louisiana and north; to Colorado and back; to California and back, and to BC and dropping into Washington/Oregon and back. Plus a few shorter trips to eastern states and provinces. This is no use to you, your way is much more efficient, of course.
You will have to be pretty careful with planning gas stops, when you get into the wilderness ares (esp. northern BC and Yukon). You can go a LONG way between gas stations.
And the price of gas.... thinking about it is giving me a stomach ache!
Most of my experience is a bit dated, though I still travel some, but a person could write a book, answering your request. You might be better off giving some details as to what you are most interested in, and ask questions on various forums, breaking it down geographically. As you know, North America is a big place! Then you can adjust your route, to get to the things in which you are most interested.
Good luck on your Dream Trip!
Jul 6th, 2012, 06:35 PM
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1) How big (length in feet) is the RV? This will have some affect on site availability at most campgrounds. As far as lodging in National Parks, it is probably not as hard to come by as some would say for RV sites. For example, I just looked for an RV site in Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon for July 25th and found at least one site in each park - that's not even 3 weeks from now and 3 of the most popular parks have availability at the height of the summer tourist season. Point being, you don't have to make reservations months and months ahead of time. In fact that would be impossible on a trip like this as there will be so much variability and itinerary changes as you go along.
2) What is everyone most interested in seeing/doing? I think it would be most helpful for everyone to make a list of their top 10/20/50 must-see or must-do items, and then work as hard as you can to fit as many of those in as possible.
3) It's really impossible to give an itinerary for a 62 week road trip. Inevitably something will come up and you will have to adjust your plans. Time of year is huge so without knowing that, it's pointless to even suggest an itinerary other than the general "avoid the north in winter and south in summer".
4) 62 weeks sounds like a lot of time, but it averages out to about 1 week per state/province. That doesn't sound like so much when it's stated that way. I would think Alaska (and the drive to/from there) could take 2-3 weeks alone. Most people want to advise spending 2-3 weeks in California. Southern Utah parks could easily take another 2-3 weeks....so that's why I advise making a list of everyone's must-see items as a starting point and exercise some discipline in certain areas. You will have to make choices and some times it's probably better to skip another several days in an area in order to get to somewhere new and different. For me, the point would be to explore the diversity and variety of both countries so I'd be more inclined to try to give each state/province it's fair share of my time. Obviously a tiny state like Rhode Island or Delaware doesn't require nearly as much time as California, but resist the urge to quickly drive through a bunch of states just to get through them.
5) Assuming you are not towing a vehicle behind, there will be times when renting a car/minivan for a day or so will be in your best interest. You just don't want to have to move the RV around every single day if you are staying in certain locations for several nights, and some roads would be difficult if not impossible with an RV.
2) What is everyone most interested in seeing/doing? I think it would be most helpful for everyone to make a list of their top 10/20/50 must-see or must-do items, and then work as hard as you can to fit as many of those in as possible.
3) It's really impossible to give an itinerary for a 62 week road trip. Inevitably something will come up and you will have to adjust your plans. Time of year is huge so without knowing that, it's pointless to even suggest an itinerary other than the general "avoid the north in winter and south in summer".
4) 62 weeks sounds like a lot of time, but it averages out to about 1 week per state/province. That doesn't sound like so much when it's stated that way. I would think Alaska (and the drive to/from there) could take 2-3 weeks alone. Most people want to advise spending 2-3 weeks in California. Southern Utah parks could easily take another 2-3 weeks....so that's why I advise making a list of everyone's must-see items as a starting point and exercise some discipline in certain areas. You will have to make choices and some times it's probably better to skip another several days in an area in order to get to somewhere new and different. For me, the point would be to explore the diversity and variety of both countries so I'd be more inclined to try to give each state/province it's fair share of my time. Obviously a tiny state like Rhode Island or Delaware doesn't require nearly as much time as California, but resist the urge to quickly drive through a bunch of states just to get through them.
5) Assuming you are not towing a vehicle behind, there will be times when renting a car/minivan for a day or so will be in your best interest. You just don't want to have to move the RV around every single day if you are staying in certain locations for several nights, and some roads would be difficult if not impossible with an RV.
Jul 6th, 2012, 06:55 PM
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Hello! Thank you all so much for your wonderful advise!
I am definitely planning on parking in Walmart (etc) parking lots whenever possible! We have two options; I just found out about the second one and I may need some pointers for this! The first is a large RV that can not-so-comfortably house 8 people; very comfortably 6 [which is what we are taking]. The second requires a van or truck to pull it; but has space for about 6 people to stay. My question about this is, are we allowed to have people in the back camper/RV/whatever you wanna call it while the vehicle is moving? Or must they be in the van or truck? I am new to roadtripping with an RV/camper/whatever, I'm used to hitting the road in my car; so please forgive my lack of knowledge! Which one would you recommend for a long period of time?
I feel like having the van or truck would be nice for going into large cities, because we wouldn't need to haul an RV through them, which could be inconvenient (or, as noted above possibly illegal!)
Also, as for what our group enjoys doing: Mostly anything will fly! I'm the only partier, but that being said I don't enjoy drinking, drugs, or clubs. National parks will be major, I have a list of them all and I'm doing due research on each park! Major monuments (that I'm probably not aware of) or anything else that is a must-do would be great to know!
Other then that, thanks so much for all the comments and advice!
Anything you can help us with is much appreciated!
I am definitely planning on parking in Walmart (etc) parking lots whenever possible! We have two options; I just found out about the second one and I may need some pointers for this! The first is a large RV that can not-so-comfortably house 8 people; very comfortably 6 [which is what we are taking]. The second requires a van or truck to pull it; but has space for about 6 people to stay. My question about this is, are we allowed to have people in the back camper/RV/whatever you wanna call it while the vehicle is moving? Or must they be in the van or truck? I am new to roadtripping with an RV/camper/whatever, I'm used to hitting the road in my car; so please forgive my lack of knowledge! Which one would you recommend for a long period of time?
I feel like having the van or truck would be nice for going into large cities, because we wouldn't need to haul an RV through them, which could be inconvenient (or, as noted above possibly illegal!)
Also, as for what our group enjoys doing: Mostly anything will fly! I'm the only partier, but that being said I don't enjoy drinking, drugs, or clubs. National parks will be major, I have a list of them all and I'm doing due research on each park! Major monuments (that I'm probably not aware of) or anything else that is a must-do would be great to know!
Other then that, thanks so much for all the comments and advice!
Anything you can help us with is much appreciated!
Jul 6th, 2012, 07:44 PM
#13
I lived on the west coast of Newfoundland for a couple of years. You could take the ferry from Nova Scotia to Argentia and then drive across the island and take the return from Port Aux Basques. Plenty to see and do depending GREATLY on your interests and I would NOT do it in any month that lies outside of the May/Jun-Sept/Oct timeframe.
Jul 6th, 2012, 07:49 PM
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I would spend minimal time in your home state since you can play local tourist any time. And minimal time in states that can be in day or weekend trips.
What month are you starting in? I'd shoot for spring or early summer so you only travel thru one winter.
It would be cool to get to Miami to visit the southernmost point....but it's out of your way.
What month are you starting in? I'd shoot for spring or early summer so you only travel thru one winter.
It would be cool to get to Miami to visit the southernmost point....but it's out of your way.
Jul 6th, 2012, 08:11 PM
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@ Dukey1: That sounds AMAZING! Oh my goodness! I definitely will look into that and see what the girls I'm travelling with think!
We are all from different states! I'm from Ontario, and the other girls and from New York, Illinois, Illinois, Michigan and Oklahoma! So we don't want to spend much time in our own states, but definitely go see them briefly! We're planning on May of one year, to late August of the next...probably 2 years from a few months ago; to allow sufficient planning! I do like to know as much as I can, so I'm starting my research now!
We are all from different states! I'm from Ontario, and the other girls and from New York, Illinois, Illinois, Michigan and Oklahoma! So we don't want to spend much time in our own states, but definitely go see them briefly! We're planning on May of one year, to late August of the next...probably 2 years from a few months ago; to allow sufficient planning! I do like to know as much as I can, so I'm starting my research now!
Jul 6th, 2012, 08:13 PM
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A lot of the states(like Oklahoma where I live) could be done in a day. I think the same could be said for Alabama, Kansas and Nebraska(and others). I'm not saying there aren't some things to do here and there and some nice places to eat at, but if I had 400 day to spend in the US, I would only allow 1 day for each of those, IMOP.
Generally speaking, I would do Montana, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, Califonia, and Colorado in June thru Sept. I would save Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, Louisianna, Tennessee,Alabama, Mississippi, and Flordia for winter months.
Places like Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, can be done about any time of year
I would be temtped to time my trip with fall foliage for the Northeastern States. Washington DC, could be done about anytime, but might could run into a bit of winter weather there.
What month will you start this?
Just curious. Have you ever Rv'd before? Walmart doesn't have hookups for electric, water, sewer. Some National Parks do have hookups, but most don't. As far as reservations. If you show up at Yosemite, Yellowstone, The Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Glacier,Acadia, Smoky Mountains, Rocky Mountains- there is a very good chance you will not be able to stay "in park" at the campgrounds there as they are likely to be full.
I think you are going to have to do a lot of research on this yourself or just take a week or two at a time. It would be very hard for anyone to just come up with something for the entire US and Canada for a years schedule.
Fodor's has a book called Essential USA, btw.
I don't think you want to pull a trailor with a van either. Maybe an SUV, but not a van. Really, if you do a trailor for a year, you would want to get a 1 ton or 3/4 ton pickup with a dedicated hitch in the bed of the truck itself. This is much easier to navigate for that amount of time.
I think I would kill anyone that I was living with for a year in a situation like this. I hope you all really like each other. And I hope you do when this is over with.
You could also purchase a RV travel book that list many campsites-National Parks, State Parks, Privately owned places.
Generally speaking, I would do Montana, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, Califonia, and Colorado in June thru Sept. I would save Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, Louisianna, Tennessee,Alabama, Mississippi, and Flordia for winter months.
Places like Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, can be done about any time of year
I would be temtped to time my trip with fall foliage for the Northeastern States. Washington DC, could be done about anytime, but might could run into a bit of winter weather there.
What month will you start this?
Just curious. Have you ever Rv'd before? Walmart doesn't have hookups for electric, water, sewer. Some National Parks do have hookups, but most don't. As far as reservations. If you show up at Yosemite, Yellowstone, The Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Glacier,Acadia, Smoky Mountains, Rocky Mountains- there is a very good chance you will not be able to stay "in park" at the campgrounds there as they are likely to be full.
I think you are going to have to do a lot of research on this yourself or just take a week or two at a time. It would be very hard for anyone to just come up with something for the entire US and Canada for a years schedule.
Fodor's has a book called Essential USA, btw.
I don't think you want to pull a trailor with a van either. Maybe an SUV, but not a van. Really, if you do a trailor for a year, you would want to get a 1 ton or 3/4 ton pickup with a dedicated hitch in the bed of the truck itself. This is much easier to navigate for that amount of time.
I think I would kill anyone that I was living with for a year in a situation like this. I hope you all really like each other. And I hope you do when this is over with.
You could also purchase a RV travel book that list many campsites-National Parks, State Parks, Privately owned places.
Jul 6th, 2012, 09:01 PM
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@ Spirobulldog: Yes, I agree many States can be done in a short period of time! We will spend only a few days (probably 3) in some states, while others such as California may require a few weeks. Thanks for your advice on seasonal-travel! I plan to time things wisely, but you can only do so much! Alaska should be happening late May/mid June of our second year...its my biggest concern for winter travel! Although the Canadian territories will be equally terrible I suppose 
We are planning to start around the 20th of May, as soon as university lets out (we are all students!)
I have never RV'd before, and I don't believe any of the other girls have either --- which does greatly concern me! But I plan to put in MANY hours learning how to drive it; and as I will be the primary driver (yay -_-) that's what is most important...
As for reservations; I plan on reserving as far out as possible; which is why I am planning logistics so far out!
I think we will do the full-sized RV, it makes me feel slightly better as it is for over a year; and I don't want to end it hating everyone! hah! I will purchase a few of those books! thanks for the suggestions everyone!
We are planning to start around the 20th of May, as soon as university lets out (we are all students!)
I have never RV'd before, and I don't believe any of the other girls have either --- which does greatly concern me! But I plan to put in MANY hours learning how to drive it; and as I will be the primary driver (yay -_-) that's what is most important...
As for reservations; I plan on reserving as far out as possible; which is why I am planning logistics so far out!
I think we will do the full-sized RV, it makes me feel slightly better as it is for over a year; and I don't want to end it hating everyone! hah! I will purchase a few of those books! thanks for the suggestions everyone!
Jul 7th, 2012, 03:01 AM
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I'm guessing you'll need to return the RV to the country of origin? And I'm assuming you already verified it can be brought into another country?
I would try and minimize border crossings. With an RV, you'll have food. With the restrictions on things like produce, I'd start in Labrador and head west, knocking out Canadian provinces in the summer months. The other issue is the 6 month limit. Canadians can be in the US, and Americans in Canada, for up to 6 months. Not sure how long you have to return to your country before coming back.
I would try and minimize border crossings. With an RV, you'll have food. With the restrictions on things like produce, I'd start in Labrador and head west, knocking out Canadian provinces in the summer months. The other issue is the 6 month limit. Canadians can be in the US, and Americans in Canada, for up to 6 months. Not sure how long you have to return to your country before coming back.
Jul 7th, 2012, 03:07 AM
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I also found that being from Ontario, you are allowed to be outside of Ontario for up to 212 days per year. After that, you could lose your medicare benefits. You have a LOT to consider.
http://travelinsurancefile.com/headl...f-the-country/
http://travelinsurancefile.com/headl...f-the-country/
