Community Chat

[Tinkrbl44]

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@Sue98 wrote:

Is this something you would ever consider doing?  It has been a life long (almost) dream of mine to go to the Redwood Forest.  There is no way I will every fly.  I just can't do it, so I was wondering how crazy it would be to drive cross country.  It could be a problem talking my husband into it, but it might be worth a try.

Has anyone else ever driven cross country?  Any thoughts?

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Sue, I was born and raised in Buffalo NY ....  and now live in Los Angeles.   I have driven cross country 5 times ....  and loved it!!   While freak storms can always happen, do consider your route based on the season and the weather.   If you go in summer, have a cold weather outfit, just in case, and be sure your air conditioning (and car) are in tip top condition.

You'll have a lot of time to view the scenery and wonder about the lives of people who live in those places.  I always speculated about how hard (and dangerous)  it must have been for settlers moving west in covered wagons and how much they must have suffered.   

I found it to be a beautiful experience, but make sure you are properly prepared for the trip.   I think you'll love it. 

[terrier3]

When my son first started working on projects in LA, he did it a few times...first time in an ESCORT! After that, he rented an SUV.

My suggestion - rent a nice size brand new vehicle from a nationwide car rental company. If anything happens, they will pick you up and put you in another car.

He drove straight through the first time. He also planned a nice route once and took 5 days to get there (my suggestion to you). There is lots to see along the way, including some beautiful national parks.

Have fun - sounds like a great experience!

[terrier3]

Buffalo's nice now too...we are getting ready for the Garden Walk (over 400 gardens), the last weekend in July.

[Marienkaefer2]

I have driven cross country many times from NJ to AZ, as well as regionally from AZ to WA, OR and CA (I-5 up and down the west coast.)   20 years ago it was nice.  Now I think the interstates are more crowded with big trucks and semis, everyone seems to tail you even on a bucolic country road, and the hotel/motels along the way are hit and miss in terms of cleanliness and comfort.  Also, we don't eat fast food, so we spend time at grocery stores buying food along the way, and that can get complicated and time consuming as well.  All in all, I now find it stressful.  Personally, I'd rather fly to my destination and rent a car while there.  These aren't the days of "See the USA in your Chevrolet" anymore.   However, it is an experience, and you should go into it well planned but with flexibility.  ETA:  If you travel by RV, it might be nice.  You have your own place to sleep and can take and prepare your own food.

[hckynutjohn]

Depends on what I was driving and who was paying the bill.

[MaggieMack]

Rent a nice motor home, you can cook some of your own meals, stop for the night practically anywhere, have a restroom available at all times, plus you only have to load and unload your clothes at the beginning and end of the trip, not every night. It is my favorite way to travel. I have friends who have done cross country trips on motorcycles. Not for me.

[Q4u]

Yes, we've gone across country many times, always driven.  I personally have no problem with navigating and planning the trip and we both will drive.  Familiarize yourself with the highways and the roads you plan to take. Always be open to stopping somewhere and poking around.  It's the only way to see this great country!

DH and I started out in his 75 Volvo.  Then we rented a pop up from the Navy.  We married and had a son and scratched together enough money for a used 18" Nomad trailer.  Spent 30 days in that one, came back and traded it in for a used 26" trailer and also made room for baby #2....

Eventually traded that one in for our first brand new trailer with bunk beds for the boys! Used and abused it, took that one up to the Redwoods (something everyone should see, they are magnificent!)....

Boys grew up going across the country, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Black Hills, the Redwoods, the Death Valley, Hoover dam... etc etc.

They no longer want to go with us on our exploring trips (although they've  met us along the way a few times, and DH and I have graduated to a bonafide Motorhome (hey... I think the 35 or so years of  doing this has warranted it!  I need my Keurig!).....

If you can do it.... DO IT~!  You and your DH won't regret a minute of it!!!  

[feline groovy]

[Sue98]

Thanks so much to all of you for your thoughts and helpful suggestions!  I thought it would be out of the question when I brought it up to my husband, but he actually thought it sounded like fun.  We shall see.

[jaxs mom]

I've done it the opposite direction. CA to FL and then up to MA. On the way back we took a more central route ( TN, CO). Wd did that one when I was a teenager. As an adult I've done a couple 2000 mile each way trips. I think it's a great experience. I'd like to do the Northern route and see Maine, Vermont, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Montana and Wyoming.