Best way to get accross the USA?

Question

Hi,

I've posted in another topic but this is more specific.

I'm currently weighing up options for travelling through the US with my mates (all 21). We are undecided whether we want to travel through the states from West to East coast.

If we did this how would be the best and cheapest way to travel- we will all only be recently graduated students.

Would you suggest hiring a car? Greyhound buses? Train? or a using a company such as autodriveaway.com?

Which way would give us the most freedom to do the things we want to do whilst staying safe and working around our budget?

Any help would be much appreciated.

The length of our stay depends on what we do- if we can cross the country cheaply enough then we'll probably stay for 3weeks-1month, if not I think we'll just stay in the West.

Looking at the cheapest ways to get across so we can start pricing it up before we book flights.

Thanks for the answers so far guys- please keep them coming I need all the advice I can get to be honest.

Answer 1

Hi, I take a month long road trip across the US every year. The best way for you to see the country is by car. The bus is OK but, you will not get to see a lot, the stations are usually not located in great areas, and they do not usually run on time. I would say rent a car and cut other things out of your budget. We have driven Route 66 several times and the Pacific Coast Highway (west WA-CA) several times. Both are wonderful drives, I would have to recommend Route 66 and here is why. Route 66 starts in Chicago (you all can fly into Chicago and get your car their) and goes across 8 states with some of the BEST sights you can see! The other good thing is that Route 66 is true America, not all of us live in places like NY. Route 66 is full of history and you can travel it cheap. Some major sites are: everything in Chicago, St. Louis has all kinds of places, the Grand Canyon, the Meteor crater, Bandaro Volcano and Ice Cave, Painted Desert, the Pier at Santa Monica! NM is just amazing and you will get to experience some Native American Culture which is a must when you are here. You get the chance to stand in the four corners (four states touching). The drive it’s self is breath taking! AR has some great sites, the town of Seligman is a must stop. Very small Route 66 town, but very fun! You do have to do some research when traveling Route 66 the orginal Route is not always marked, and the interstate is not Route 66. Route 66 will take you through Major Cities, Small Towns, College Towns you name it! It really is one of the few true American gems and really lets you see a wide range of America! Again I will include some websites with maps below. You will end you journey in CA, Route 66 goes through LA, Hollywood and all that good stuff. I would recommend going down to San Diego! It really is beautiful here and will give you all some great beach time! If you love to surf this is the place to do it! SD has some of the best waves in the world. There is a ton of stuff to do in SD and you can use the BART to get around. Cheap and takes you where you need to go! I am sure that you could also find a departing flight from there and turn in the car.
Okay the Pacific Coast Highway also has some really cool stuff, again great places to camp! There is a ton of stuff to do going down the coast. You do not have to do as much research because the route is very cut and dry. If you go be sure to go to the sea lion caves in Florence OR very cool place! The drive is breathtaking, not for the fait of heart. You get to see the coast as well as the rain forest and redwoods. If you have never spent time on the West coast this drive is for you gives you a taste of everything! Be sure to allow tons of time for WA and the Olympic National Forest wow! This place is the best ever! You will never see anything like this! The whole coast of WA is just amazing, take a jacket it is always cool up there! Also OR has some amazing views and great towns along the way. We did a ton of camping on this leg of the trip, there were places on the beach and of course in the forest. Going from OR to CA you get to see the Redwoods meet the ocean and that is just fantastic! If you can camp in the Redwoods there is a great place if Fort Bragg right on the beach you will love it!
Monterey Bay in CA is one of my favorite places, try kayaking in the bay you can do this cheap and it is sooo cool you get to see whales, sea lions and Otters. Also they have one of the best aquariums in the US. Big Sur is also breathtaking beautiful small town with great views and nature all around….they hippies have gone here to retire. You will also go through Santa Cruz stop at the boardwalk, Tacoma and Everett in WA which are both really cool cities. San Francisco will offer a lot for you all to do, be sure to research you can find cheap hotels with FREE parking. Go to China town! Great place also check out Fisherman’s wharf! I could go on and on with this trip, but PCH is easier to research than 66 so I guess I will end here.
Here are some great sites to help you research PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), I found them very helpful! Also be sure to contact the Chamber of Commerce for the towns/cities along they way. They send free maps, information and COUPONS which saves you a ton of money and being that you are a student saving money does not hurt!
http://www.us-101.com/
http://wikitravel.org/en/Pacific_Coast_Highway
www.westcoastroads.com
Traveling Cheap in the US, here is how I pull off our long road trips. First of all we stock a cooler full of food, water ect. this saves a ton of money. We also make it a point to have a “cooler” meal once a day which means we only have to eat out once a day! For breakfast just learn to survive on leftovers and breakfast bars. Stay at the mom and pop motels, try to stay away from the major chains! If you are driving 66 this will be super easy, they have a ton of motels for as cheap as $29 a night. However places like Chicago, St. Louis San Diego and LA it is a little harder so, in those cases look for a Super 8, Motel 6, Days Inn, Travelodge ect… They are cheap, still can get expensive but, better than the Holiday Inn! Try camping a lot. Even if you have to buy a cheap tent when you get here it still saves money. There are campgrounds on both drives and they can be anywhere from $5-$30 a night. Most have showers (some you have to pay for) each site is different. There are also a lot of State and National Parks along they way that have camping. They both have websites for more info. Find the cities you are going to and contact the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. They have free travel packets that have tons of info, maps and COUPONS! It is a free service that the different cities offer and they can save you cash. They will help you plan your trip if you email them, they know the cheapest places to stay, specials and events in the city. Use Coupons! You can go to websites and find coupons for restaurants, stores, attractions and tours. Do a little research it pays off in the end. Think about it saving 15% at a restaurant does start to add up! Don’t buy stupid stuff. OK I know this sounds logical but, how many times have you been on a trip and been like wow I want that T-Shirt. UM in 2 years where was it? I try only to buy things that I really want and will help me remember my trip…..this sometimes can be hard.
Here is the best way to save money that I can give you, check into COUCH SURFING!! Check out the Couch Surfing Project.
http://www.couchsurfing.com/
I am a member of this and I know several people that are members and do this. Couch Surfing is a website that people all over the world use. What can we offer, a couch, floor, bed, I.E. a place to sleep for FREE for the night or two! There are also other members that do not have a couch but, will meet you and take you out or help you plan your trip. Members are of all ages, some have families some don’t ect. Just remember these people are opening their homes to you, they trust you on the faith that by travel the world and meeting new people we make it a better place. Which means don’t steal, don’t treat your host with respect and clean up after yourself! I have hosted and I have used people’s couches and all I can say is it is a wonderful thing! I have met new friends and have seen some amazing places for FREE!!!! My one friend has traveled the world staying on strangers couches and has loved every minute of it. Check it out!
I hope this helps you, good luck on your trip here are some travel websites that you might like:
www.bygonebyways.com
www.westcoastroads.com
http://www.gasbuddy.com/
http://www.gaspricewatch.com/new/default_V3.asp
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/
www.randmcnally.com
www.aaa.com
http://www.roadfood.com/
www.national66.org
www.route66patrol.com
www.route66magazine.com
www.oklahomaroute66.com
www.roadtripusa.com
www.historic66.com
www.national66.com
www.route66.org
www.oklahomaroute66.com
www.missouri66.org

Answer 2

Greyhound would probably be cheapest but also the worst possible way to travel the states. Amtrak will cost a nice chunk of change too. The problem you will mor than likely have with renting a car or even the autodriveaway will be age. I believe you have to be at least 23 for autodriveaway. Most rental companies will charge a daily fee for drivers under 23 or 25 I think. Depending on how many you are, renting a car might be the best option.
Maybe you might want to think about renting an RV. Transport and housing in 1 shot but it limits driving in cities a bit at least here in NY.
http://www.cruiseamerica.com/rent/types_of_rentals/

I have never done this myself, but it's just anothe idea to ponder.

I hope you can work it out so you do get to go cross country, that sound like an awesome trip!

Good luck! Have an awesome trip!!

Answer 3

If you're staying in the Western part, there are SO many side trips you can take with a car. Traveling across the U.S. there are fewer sites, (besides, you can't see everything in one trip anyway.) And you would be spending a lot of time just traveling and not seeing some of the highlights as you go East. Whether your "base" is in No. CA or So. CA you should rent a car. As an example, from San Francisco, it's a short drive to Napa Valley, Wine country. (over 250 wineries to visit!) Or a few hours to Lake Tahoe, Reno ,Nevada through the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountains. Or go North and see the famous Redwood Forests. Or SouthEast to Yosemite National Park. There is also Sacramento, Sutters Fort to learn about the discovery of Gold. (On the way to Tahoe/Reno) In San Francisco it's a "must" to get tickets to Beach Blanket Babylon, a musical comedy that changes every week depending on the political climate and other happenings. Plus all the museums, famous neighborhoods: ChinaTown, North Beach , Fisherman's Wharf. Travel about 3 hours South to Carmel on the coast (white sany beach, lot's of artists live there.. If you are golfers there are many courses in any area you travel to. I would suggest talking to an auto club or travel agent to get more info on where you think you would be interested in seeing.
You should check with Auto rental agencies: Hertz, Avis, or Enterprise for weekly or monthly rates. You're going to have fun!
[e-mail] if I can help some more.

Answer 4

Sounds like a pickle. Greyhound would probably be cheapest, but you would be limited on how much time you had, where. Train would give you the same problem. The best thing would be car, but that costs a lot. If you are going across the country, you may want to compare what you would pay to rent a car with all those miles, to buying an old, beat-up, but reliable car. I'd be willing to bet that you could find a older diesel or something that would serve you. Good luck and enjoy.

Answer 5

A friend of mine finished University - went on a visit to the State - used Greyhound buses - she travelled all the way down one side and then back up the other and saw most states. She slept one night on a bus and made sure she stayed the next night in a cheap motel - she did this for very little money by buying a one month unlimited travel with Greyhound - she loved it and said she would do it again - good luck

Answer 6

Rent a car. You can rent one for a certain length of time from point A to point B and not pay mileage. Avis does this. It doesn't matter which direction you go. You rent motels with two beds and double up to save money. ( my friends and I do this) Use a separate bag or wallet to keep shared money in for all car, motel, and other fees in. Start by each putting $300 to $500 in it, depending on how many mates are going. You guys are going to have a great time. What ever you do, don't miss the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.

Answer 7

The cheapest way is Greyhound bus but the fastest way is flying. I don't recommend 'renting' a car to travel the U.S. although it'll give you the most freedom it'll be more expensive in the long-run. Be careful the buses and bus stations here in America are kind of run-down and trashy since everyone here tends to fly especially at long distances, so best be on your guard.

Answer 8

The most flexible way is definately renting a car.

How long are you planning on being in the States?
If you're talking about only a week, you're better off flying into one city.
If you're talking about two weeks, you should pick one or two cities in the same region (West coast, or Northeast, or South)

If you're staying a month, you might drive coast to coast, but it's 3,000 miles (5,000 km) from New York to Los Angeles.

Answer 9

Have you considered getting passes on AMTRAK for thirty days? I am not 100 per cent sure, but you can get coach seats, get off and on again at any stop you wish and any day you wish. But that way, you will probably only see the bigger cities. You can see big cities at home.
Could you sign up for a bus tour cross country?
Unless you ride bicycles and camp out, you are going to need a bundle of money.

Answer 10

You guys should consider renting an RV. The highways are the best way to see everything! You would also save money by sleeping in the RV. No hotel fees! Have fun and stay safe whatever ya'll decide.

Answer 11

Find out how much it costs to hire a caravanette/motorhome/rv vehicle in USA.then drive from the East to West coast,it would be cheaper than bus/hire car & b.b each night.I myself have been thinking of doing this for the last couple of years. good luck hope you get there ok.