Driving Cross Country. Alone. I'm Crazy, right?

Cities · Nov 4, 2009

Thanks for your responses, guys. I think it's safe to say flying is out of the question now. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of making this a two week trip. Do you think it can be done in 5 days on the road?

Also, I'll be driving my trusty 2002 Volkswagen GTI. It's a blast to drive, and hasn't broken down on me yet, 90,000 miles in. I was contemplating selling it once I get to NY, but I think I'll keep it for the time being if parking doesn't prove to be a challenge.

82R100 · Nov 4, 2009

Cities said:
I'll be driving my trusty 2002 Volkswagen GTI. It's a blast to drive, and hasn't broken down on me yet, 90,000 miles in. I was contemplating selling it once I get to NY, but I think I'll keep it for the time being if parking doesn't prove to be a challenge.

Where are you moving to again?

Sam · Nov 4, 2009

Well, reading the posts was fun in itself. Yeah, I say do it. Me, Id plan it around a ballgame or two. Say I wanted to see Notre Dame, just schedule me my trip for a day in South Bend. Bring cardboard, hold up a sign, you should score a ticket (say, I drove from Rhode Island to see the Irish, got an extra ticket? License to prove it). Or the grand Canyon or Hoover Dam. Yeah, drive Route 66 a bit if you can.

Navig8tor · Nov 4, 2009

You can't pass this opportunity up. I drove from New York to Vegas solo a few years ago and had a great time. Somehow passed through Iowa and got to see the farm where they filmed Field of Dreams.
Take a look at the map and see what looks interesting in between.

Cities · Nov 4, 2009

82R100 said:
Where are you moving to again?

Yeah, I know parking in NY isn't fun. We haven't found a place yet, but are looking at Fort Greene in Brooklyn. I've heard of people keeping a car in Brooklyn.

trumpetchris · Nov 4, 2009

Did NJ to Arizona when I moved there for school. Tucson to Miami, and Miami to PA a few times. Do it. Get the car checked before and after. Let them know that you'll be driving for 4 days or so, and rock out!

statius · Nov 4, 2009

Do it or regret it. I drove from Calgary to the Toronto region (about 3400K of driving, give or take). I did it in about 35 hours of non-stop (except for gas) driving. It was a blast, but perhaps not the smartest thing I've done since I decided to drive to Ontario to surprise my family, who'd flown out a few days earlier to visit family. I didn't tell anyone I was coming. I sure surprised them, but good thing I didn't crash in the middle of nowhere in Northern Ontario

.

My only regret is....well, no regrets! I'd love to drive across the States (as we call you in Canada).

ia_james · Nov 4, 2009

Cities said:
Thanks for your responses, guys. I think it's safe to say flying is out of the question now. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of making this a two week trip. Do you think it can be done in 5 days on the road?

Also, I'll be driving my trusty 2002 Volkswagen GTI. It's a blast to drive, and hasn't broken down on me yet, 90,000 miles in. I was contemplating selling it once I get to NY, but I think I'll keep it for the time being if parking doesn't prove to be a challenge.

You can do it in 5 days, but it's going to pretty much 86 all the sightseeing along the way. You'll need to average 581 a day according to Google's mileage if you go via Chicago (I think you mentioned that earlier). Day 3 and 4 it gets tough to motivate yourself for the trip. Day 1 and 2 are still fun road trip adventure, Day 5 is "let's kick this thing on in there". You could probably do it in 4 if you have an *** of iron, and are smart about your rest/caffeine and such.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sou...669359,-90.043945&spn=16.810672,28.256836&z=5

BEAR DEN · Nov 4, 2009

I've done New York to Phoenix in 2 and a half days and it was not all that much fun because of the time constraints. Five days is not that much better as far as sight seeing and quality time alone...YMMV and you only live once. :smile:

valmara1971 · Nov 4, 2009

I agree with all the previous posts. You have what may be a once in a lifetime chance to do it so go do it. Whilst I agree in principle about planning ahead and being prepared, whilst you're young, dumb and full of adventure just point the car East and get the hammer down. Let it all flow by you or document everything it's your journey. Don't expect it to be like all the classic road movies. I don't expect at the end you will crash your dads classic car and not give a hoot or fall in love with the girl who you never really saw for who she was etc. I just expect you will arrive in NY and what happened on the way there will be for you to share or keep as your special time. Remember half the fun is getting there. Best of luck to you for your journey and for the next chapter in your life. We would all enjoy a thread about your journey if you decide to share. :001_smile

rfm2 · Nov 4, 2009

One of my best road trip memories was listening to Beethoven's entire 9th symphony while driving alone through TX between San Angelo and Junction en route back to San Antonio to return to college after winter break. It came on the radio and I was able to keep that station for the whole thing.

I drove from TX to Alaska a few years ago. Quite a trip. I am jealous of your upcoming adventure. Have a great time.

40_Caliber · Nov 4, 2009

Let's go. Road trips are fun.....

"I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend, and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope" - Red 'Shawshank Redemption'

.40

The Nid Hog · Nov 4, 2009

Cities said:
Thanks for your responses, guys. I think it's safe to say flying is out of the question now. Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of making this a two week trip. Do you think it can be done in 5 days on the road?

If you only have a week between jobs, you can certainly blast through. It won't be the most fun way to do it, and it will take away some of the chances for spontaneous side trips, but it's doable.

On the other hand, if you want to keep costs down, throw a cheap sleeping bag in the back, a tent if you have it. Take a small cooler and a thermos. Stop in grocery stores to stock up on chow. It isn't hard to find places to camp--plenty of legit parks and campgrounds, to say nothing of just claiming a spot yourself. If you have a little more money to work with, there are lots of cheap motels too, especially if you are off the main interstates. If you squint your eyes just right, they don't look too bad.

ia_james · Nov 4, 2009

The Nid Hog said:
If you only have a week between jobs, you can certainly blast through. It won't be the most fun way to do it, and it will take away some of the chances for spontaneous side trips, but it's doable.

On the other hand, if you want to keep costs down, throw a cheap sleeping bag in the back, a tent if you have it. Take a small cooler and a thermos. Stop in grocery stores to stock up on chow. It isn't hard to find places to camp--plenty of legit parks and campgrounds, to say nothing of just claiming a spot yourself. If you have a little more money to work with, there are lots of cheap motels too, especially if you are off the main interstates. If you squint your eyes just right, they don't look too bad.

Good advice. Avoid KOA at all costs, it'll cost more than a motel room by the time you get out of there.

azmark · Nov 4, 2009

Cities said:
Edit: Post your solo road trip stories!

I'm moving from Los Angeles to New York next week. I'll be packing up my car and doing the drive myself. My girlfriend has to stay in LA until the end of January to finish up a project she is currently working on. I've asked friends to come along, but none can take the days off work so close to the holidays.

I could always ship my car and fly home, but I've seemed to romanticize this journey as a time to reflect on both the past and the future. I kind of see this move as the end of my youth, as for the first time in my life I'll be putting down real roots, with this coming year bringing me marriage and home ownership (well, co-op ownership).

Am I crazy to do this drive alone? Have any of you done this before? I've done this drive a few times before, but never on the solo tip. I'm hoping some of you can recommend a route and number of days on the road, or convince me that I'm crazy and just fly home.

Thanks!

I drove from so cal to Boston alone. 5 days could have done it in 4 but went to DC. I took I10 to Phoenix, went north to Flagstaff and jumped on I40 and made my way to DC. I would avoid heading to Flagstaff in the winter because of winter weather that you'd hit but depending on the exact time you might be good. Probably head I10 to I25 to Albuquerque to get I40. That's your only real option coming from so cal. Unless you take I10 through Texas and OMG there is nothing from between El Paso and San Antonio. Use to take the route when I was a kid.

It's a lot of fun hitting the casino's and munching on the road.

_JP_ · Nov 4, 2009

Cities said:
Am I crazy to do this drive alone? Have any of you done this before? I've done this drive a few times before, but never on the solo tip. I'm hoping some of you can recommend a route and number of days on the road, or convince me that I'm crazy and just fly home.

Thanks!

Go for it! The best way to make the trip is to be flexible on your time and route. That way you can enjoy the things that you come across.

ia_james · Nov 4, 2009

Cities said:
Edit: Post your solo road trip stories!

I rode my Harley Road Glide from Central Iowa, to Sacramento, CA, to Richmond KY this summer. Broke down in KY and had to ride with the Mrs. home. Solo going from IA to CA, 1 guy in a truck from Ely NV to Central TN. Solo from TN to KY to the in-law's. Without taking up 2 hrs. of typing, I would do it again in a minute. Every man should do something like this.

Jesus of Baghdad · Nov 4, 2009

I've driven from South Florida to Montreal and back 7 times solo, each time having little adventures, side trips, and visiting friends along the way. I found them all very satisfying and to be very introspective growth periods.
I highly recommend it. GPS, solid cell phone and car charger, fresh wiper blades, and AUDIOBOOKS.
And get your car serviced a couple/few days before the trip.
Good luck to you. I always wanted to do the east/west route but could never quite get it done.

bigred90gt · Nov 4, 2009

I drove from Houston to Bridgewater, NJ by myself. It was actually very relaxing to be on the road alone. It was a total of 26.5 hours (15 the first day and 11.5 the 2nd). It was hotter than all get out the first day. It was late august, which is famous for being very uncomfortable in the south. I made it to Knoxville, TX, got a hotel, and got a few hours of sleep. When I got up the next morning to continue, it was quite cool out. I never had to turn my AC on the entire 2nd day. Drove the whole way with my windows cracked about 2". Aside from my honeymoon, it was probably the most relaxing 2 days I have ever spent in my life.

TimmyBoston · Nov 4, 2009

Be very, very careful. The last time I attempted a cross country road trip we ended up upside down in the middle of the desert in Arizona.

And whatever you do, WEAR A SEATBELT. I wouldn't be alive if I wasn't wearing one.

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Driving Cross Country. Alone. I'm Crazy, right?

Cities

82R100

Sam

Navig8tor

Cities

trumpetchris

statius

ia_james

BEAR DEN

valmara1971

rfm2

40_Caliber

The Nid Hog

ia_james

azmark

_JP_

ia_james

Jesus of Baghdad

bigred90gt

TimmyBoston

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