28 March 2010, 12:10 pm
I'm an international exchange student. Before leaving US this summer from JFK, I wish to drive around all 48 states. I live in West and have covered all West states. Since I dont own a car, I intend to rideshare from West, across the Rockies to Chicago. Rent a car from Chicago and do a loop across 25 states in 6 days. Day 1: Chicago - Minneapolis - Fargo (North Dakota) = 650 miles Day 2: Fargo - Kansas City 580 miles Day 3: Kansas City - Texarkana (TX) = 525 miles Day 4: Texarkana - Pensacola(FL) - Montgomery (AL) = 650 miles Day 5: Montgomery - Jellico(TN) = 480 miles (via Carolina states) Day 6: Jellico - Cincinnati - Chicago = 615 miles *Distances are approx and include deviations to and stops at state borders I intend to drive between 500 - 650 miles per day, and cover as much states as possible, also take pictures of welcome signs at state line borders. E.g. 'Welcome to Florida' My budget is limited. I just want to drive all states, and cover attractions if any, along this route. My concerns are: (1) Is it legal to pullover the car and sleep in the car atleast every alternate days, and save money? Maybe at some truck stops? Is it wise? Any other good place I could pullover and sleep for the night? (2) Do you think this drive is ambitious.. driving 600 miles/day for around 3500 miles? Do rental agencies allow unlimited mileage? Which is the agency I could approach for lowest prices? (3) Any good spots or places to visit along this route? (Im driving trough Smoky Mountains) A Google Map is attached to show route. http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/4072/chicagoloop.jpg (4) Will an old car (buy one at West Coast, sell it at East coast) survive while attempting this endeavour.. or will that end up in woes? Im good in frugal travel, living in cars, surviving on minimal food, without soda, etc. Do you think there is any better frugal way to complete this endeavor? My allowable budget is low, even prefer living in car than spending on motels. Any suggestions to help reduce the expenses would be great, including suggesting new routes, alternatives, public transit, car lease, one-way rentals, etc. Cheers Mmm. I wish to spice up this trip rather than having a monotonous drive ;-) Any sort of suggestions.. Good pitstops along the way.. like cities, National Parks, must-visit spots.?... Read More »
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