We would like to take a cross country trip, how do you get the plan started?

Answer 1

Plan where you want to go; check hotels online and see what's available around the time you will be there; check weather and driving routes and save lots and lots of money! Have fun!

Answer 2

Are you going to drive? Take a bus? Walk?

If you're driving a car, and want every detail planned (highways, turnoffs, etc.) - go to the local American Automobile Association (AAA) and ask them to plot your course. They will do this very efficiently, and give you a print-out. You can also adjust the trip for "tourist attractions" or "speed" or whatever you want.

If you are planning a trip across the USA, weather is a big factor. You don't want to cross the Rockies in winter, or the arizona deserts in summer. Also know if you're going into the Northern states and along the coast from Virginia to Maine at holiday time, it's going to be icing and snowing. If you are afraid to drive through mountains at ANY time, you might need the AAA people to plot a flatter course.
It's also important to work together, have plenty of maps before you start, and a "navigator" reading the maps and helping the driver on the way. Another important thing is an ice cooler to use everyday for snacks and beverages if you're driving long distances without stops.
Mechanical safety re: the car is paramount, and it needs a thorough checkup before you leave, with all new fluids. Safest and most practical of all is to rent a new car for the entire trip----this way, if it develops ANY mechanical problem, you can quickly turn it into the local rental branch and get a new one to continue your trip with.
Ditto all the typical "travel" advice about Rx drugs you need, extra pairs of glasses, etc.
Safety is very important---the car should always be locked, and family members should stay together at all times. Never give people rides and never go anywhere with locals if you don't know them.

Answer 3

First, decide on your furthest destination. Second, go to AAA (if you have a membership) and get tour books. If not, just go get a map. Mapquest is a great Internet tool to get directions to anywhere. One you have a route established, then you can start picking other attractions and adventures. Don't forget to get all tickets and hotel reservations taken care of before you leave. It eliminates the stress of finding a place to stay on the road. Check out the restaurant options, too. Ask about discounts.

Answer 4

figure out your budget, your resources (do you have your own wheels? how many drivers do you have? camping/cooking equipment you may want to bring?), and how long you can or want to be away.

Take the number of days you plan to travel and add two (padding); divide by your budget to figure your per-day costs -- All your expesnse, lodgings, food, gas, other travel, sites, etc, will all need to come from this.

make a list of the priority places you want to see, and how many days to spend at each. If you're going coast-to-coast, add at least four days' travel time for each direction on top of your visit-time count (it can be done in three, but that's really pushing it). Add or subtract sites based on your budget and schedule; maybe look for places en route from one "must"-place to another.