Results 1 to 24 of 24

Thread: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

  1. #1
    Kaiyla
    Guest

    Default Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    My bf and I are moving out to L.A. and planning to live there (possibly permanently) starting next month. We are driving (his Ford Explorer is pulling my little sportscar on the tow dolly we bought). We plan on the trip taking us about twelve days since we are stopping in D.C., Texas, and Vegas. We are going to stay at a few cheap -but CLEAN- hotels/motels for a few nights, and stay at a few campgrounds the other nights. Since we do have a budget and are both new to cross-country trips (and L.A), I was curious if anyone had any driving/eating/new to L.A. tips for us. Any "to-do's" or "don't do's" maybe stemming from your own personal road trip experience?
    Much thanks!

  2. #2
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    DON'T stop at rest stops, especially in the South. Even in the daytime. People are murdered, raped, robbed, etc. all the time at rest stops! It's worth driving just a little farther to the next fast food restaurant or gas station.

    I take cross-country road trips all the time, so I'll try and think up some more tips...

  3. #3
    Kaiyla
    Guest

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    Oh my, Yekhefah..
    I am glad I started this thread already.
    Thank you for the input. I had no clue..

  4. #4
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    Hm, what else... never let the gas gauge dip below 3/4 tank, or half if you're in a very rural area. This goes triple in the desert, where you can go 100 miles or more in some places without passing a gas station.

    In Texas the speed limit is lower at night. Texas absolutely SUCKS to drive through. Don't speed there at all; they have a very enthusiastic highway patrol. (One time a cop was going the other direction and I was going about 8 mph over the limit... he did a sudden U-turn across the median to pull me over!)

    Bring water and healthy snacks. You don't burn many calories sitting in the car, and road food is nothing but junk, so it's easy to let yourself go on a road trip if you don't watch it. Carrot sticks make great snacks. If you like, bring a cooler full of celery sticks, carrot sticks, and fruit... also crackers and string cheese. You can buy this stuff on the road but it'll cost more, and you'll be tempted by the junk. Better to not be hungry at all when you stop for gas or bathroom breaks.

    If you feel sleepy, pull over and take a nap. You'll only sleep about 10 minutes or so but that catnap will leave you refreshed and could save your life. And don't drive at night - highway hypnosis is REAL, I've suffered from it. I've even hallucinated from driving too long.

    Hope this helps, and good luck in L.A. You're really going to need it. Life is very hard here!

  5. #5
    Featured Member The_Oceans's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2003
    Location
    SoCal, Valley of the Antelopes
    Posts
    1,522
    Thanks
    36
    Thanked 30 Times in 28 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    Oooh, great thread. Thanks to Kaiyla for starting it and Yek (o wise one) for the good advice

    One of my Lotto dreams is to take a year off and zig-zagging from the West Coast to the East Coast and back. I figured with stopping for two or three days in the major cities, it'd take me a good 8-9 months to touch most every state in the Union.
    "Women, not girls, rule my world" - Prince

    "No parking on the dance floor" - Midnight Star

  6. #6
    Yekhefah
    Guest

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    Pfff, the USA isn't very good for roadtripping. I once spent several weeks driving around rural Australia by myself, with a couple days' stop in Melbourne... now THAT was a roadtrip! Spent a whole week just in Tasmania alone. Went hiking in the mountains in Tassie, shopping in Melbourne, hanging around middle-of-nowhere outback pubs with characters straight out of Crocodile Dundee, the works! Met the most fascinating people and saw the most amazing things. And it's such an undiscovered, wild country that you never know what you'll find. If you like roadtrips, that's the place.

    It also has the benefit of some VERY rural areas in which the main highway is a dirt road with no speed limit. No one ever goes that way, so you can do whatever you like. I was fond of stopping every once in awhile just to stretch out naked under all that big blue sky! Lots of times I even drove in nothing but a T-shirt and panties. It was hot out there!

  7. #7
    madmaxine
    Guest

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    1. Buy Triple A road insurance & tune up the car(s). Double check with a mechanic to make sure you will not put excess wear on the SUV by hauling another car..even a small sportscar...I wanted to tow my Camaro with our van on a long trip, but was told it would damage the engine. If you do tow anything, don't go above 55 MPH, since the vehicle is heavy & unwieldy. Maybe you should rent a U-Haul. & There are shipping services for cars....
    2. Make a solid Trip Plan- research the towns you will be stopping in. Some towns make better pit stops than others.
    3. Buy a big thermos, icebox or travel fridge. You can save a lot of food budget money by having sandwich fixings & your own bottles of tea or coffee. Some people even cook food by placing it on top of the engine in aluminum foil.
    4. Take driving siestas during the hottest part of the day (mid-day) you don't want to overheat the engine in the middle of nowhere.
    5. Go ahead and buy some No-Doze- falling asleep behind the wheel is a common if under-reported cause of auto accidents.

  8. #8
    Veteran Member
    Joined
    Nov 2004
    Posts
    302
    Thanks
    3
    Thanked 21 Times in 18 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    Everyones experience is different, but a busy rest area is as safe as any stop. A quiet rest area can be a different matter - day or night. Mapping out your trip and providing yourself hotel/motel/camping/restaurant info ahead of time can be quite useful when your day is winding down and your in a more remote areas.Burning some music to cd, or copying a couple of Books on tape (or the cd version) can provide entertainment. You can find a lot of stop option info ahead of time on various websites - one being tripadvisor.com. Happy trails.

  9. #9
    Banned cherry_sin's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2006
    Posts
    1,708
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    If you go through Arkansas/Oklahoma/Kansas DO NOT under any circumstances spend the night at a pull in campground. There have been several cases (some as recently as memorial day) of women being abducted, raped, or killed. I live in Tulsa, and so it is all over our news all the time.

    I also agree with Yekhefah - - no rest stops under any circumstances if you value your body parts all attatched at the right places.

    I hope all goes well for you.

  10. #10
    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Home
    Posts
    13,598
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 28 Times in 23 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    Also, if you're going through Texas, I'm assuming you will be going through NM and Colorado. My dear, they are VERY mountainous (especially coming into NM through ABQ). Take it slow towing that car...and watch the ride down...it tends to be very curvy and you don't want your speed to get too high on those curves.

    Stock up on healthy snacks. Eating snacks high in salt can be very, very bad on road trips. Buy a case of water for the trip. Do get your car completely checked out and OK'd to drive that distance and tow another car. Do NOT carry cash...only use a debit card...if you do carry cash, make it a small amount.'

    I don't care what anyone else says about those rest stops...don't stop at them. The rest stops in the south are NOT as busy as they are more north. There were times I went past a rest stop and there was ONE car in the lot. Fuck that...go to a restaurant...gas station...and I think Yek meant don't let the gas tank go BELOW 1/4 of a tank. Bring a gas can with you when you are going to travel in the desert. Drive through the desert at NIGHT...NOT during the day (can overheat your car). Bring lots of good CD's. As much as I love our TX gals, driving through the fucking Panhandle of TX sucks monkey balls and you will want to shoot your boyfriend if you forget the music (you'll also become extremely suicidal as the only songs those radio stations play only have lyrics that go with losing the truck, the wife, the best friend, and the dog...the story may be different and the music may be different but it's all the same).

    The most important thing you can bring is your cell phone, the car charger and map out a detailed plan of every place you are going to visit and the approximate time you will be there. Give to your family members. Call and check in when you hit each destination. That way, if you go for too long without checking in, they can know that it's time to worry. Don't chat too long on your cell phone as your minutes will rack up maddenenly fast. If you are going to detour off your pre-planned route, call someone and let them know and tell them the new plan.

    Take lots of pics. It's going to be a great time!

  11. #11
    God/dess Mr Hyde's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Tampa
    Posts
    4,035
    Thanks
    278
    Thanked 586 Times in 346 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    sounds like a blast!

    if you're into sightseeing, plan on some stops along the way.

    Take lots of pics, especially of you in front of every state sign.

    Have sex in every state, even if you're just driving through a short part of one.

  12. #12
    God/dess Mr Hyde's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Tampa
    Posts
    4,035
    Thanks
    278
    Thanked 586 Times in 346 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    Quote Originally Posted by rockie
    Everyones experience is different, but a busy rest area is as safe as any stop. A quiet rest area can be a different matter - day or night. Mapping out your trip and providing yourself hotel/motel/camping/restaurant info ahead of time can be quite useful when your day is winding down and your in a more remote areas.Burning some music to cd, or copying a couple of Books on tape (or the cd version) can provide entertainment. You can find a lot of stop option info ahead of time on various websites - one being tripadvisor.com. Happy trails.
    Yeah, I was gonna say...I have not heard of a spate of crazed murderers hanging around rest areas.

    In Florida, they're safe as churches. They all have 24 hour state troopers in them. I'd sleep in one with a rolex watch on and feel safe.

  13. #13
    Veteran Member
    Joined
    Apr 2006
    Location
    houston
    Posts
    513
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    well if you dont stop at rest stops this may not be useful but they have a stack or book of motel coupons which are usually the best deals. Combined with a cell phone and map can make getting a cheap, convenient room very easy (holiday inn, motel 6, ...).
    Perhaps because i'm a guy never had an awkard moment at any rest stop. have never got speeding ticket in Texas (80-daylight in west texas now). heard in louisiana, a few years ago, they like to stop out of state plates on the freeway. needless to say cell phone is nice, gas tank in trunk so no worries about gas, US atlas, water for the desert, budget in a speeding ticket so you dont have to worry about speeding, check the spare tire for pressure, make sure all tires are properly inflated before trip. dont drink too much in car. many people do not make the connection. record comedy shows, music, radio shows on cds. all i got.

  14. #14
    Newbie
    Joined
    May 2006
    Posts
    14
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    One thing I always do before a road trip is rent some books on tape(or cd). It sound like you may be gone to long to rent them from a library, but Cracker Barrel resturants will let rent them for free with a deposit.

  15. #15
    God/dess sassysummer's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Vancouver, WA/Portland, OR
    Posts
    2,165
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    ahh, roadtrips..been there, done that...tooooo many times! lol

    if you have a laptop, get some current mapping software..it will be your best friend. my last trip (to tx with me another girl and 4 kids all under 5!!), we had a laptop...WAY better than paper maps.

    also, with a laptop, you can play movies, games etc... (not while driving of course!) don't forget the charger for the laptop..

    get a converter so you can plug in the laptop (or anything else with regular plugs)..i got mine for $20

    get a double cigarette lighter thing..makes one plug into two

    also something very helpful for food..they have plug in car "fridges" now. they even have ones that will keep food warm also. perfect for fruits, vegis, sandwich stuff, drinks etc...

    i'll try to think of more..





    Now selling Platinum Stages Poles!
    Order through me & get a FREE instructional video!



    "Normal is not something to aspire to, it's something to get away from." Jodie Foster

  16. #16
    Veteran Member Eques's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    205
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kaiyla
    My bf and I are moving out to L.A. and planning to live there (possibly permanently) starting next month. We are driving (his Ford Explorer is pulling my little sportscar on the tow dolly we bought). We plan on the trip taking us about twelve days since we are stopping in D.C., Texas, and Vegas. We are going to stay at a few cheap -but CLEAN- hotels/motels for a few nights, and stay at a few campgrounds the other nights. Since we do have a budget and are both new to cross-country trips (and L.A), I was curious if anyone had any driving/eating/new to L.A. tips for us. Any "to-do's" or "don't do's" maybe stemming from your own personal road trip experience?
    Much thanks!
    Ship the SUV, drive the Sports Car. But thats just me...
    Never stand begging for that which you have the power to earn.

    The truth lies in a man's dreams... perhaps in this unhappy world of ours whose madness is better than a foolish sanity.

    Miguel de Cervantes (1547 - 1616)

  17. #17
    Senior Member Pinup Girl's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Portland, Oregon
    Posts
    184
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    Stop in Austin and drink some Lone Star for me.

  18. #18
    Featured Member blondi553's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2005
    Location
    ?
    Posts
    1,515
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    ewwww lone star?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! gross! =(~

  19. #19
    Veteran Member JennyDahl's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Florida during the winter !
    Posts
    320
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    Ok I can't PM the person who posted this thread BUT they should PM me because O personally have driven from Cape Cpd to Seattle and from Seattle to Tampa ....One time it was July and I had no A/C and the other time I was 7 months pregnant .......PM me PM me PM me PM me PM me ......
    Don't you just love me ?!?

  20. #20
    Banned Katrine's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2003
    Posts
    13,855
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    I've stopped at rest stops many times, and I have driven from Tx to Florida and Tx to Cali many times, which constitutes the south. Perhaps if you are alone its a bad idea. But if you are with a guy, it should be fine.

    "Have you ever been to American wedding? Where is the vodka, where's marinated herring?" - GB
    "And do the cats give a shit? No, they do not. Why? Because they're cats."-from The Onion

    Quote Originally Posted by Mia M
    If a cupcake was tossed at me... well, I'd only be upset if it missed my mouth

  21. #21
    God/dess Bridgette's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2002
    Location
    Gettin the fuck outta Dodge!
    Posts
    14,241
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    Since this thread was originally posted in June and OP said she was planning the trip next month, AND since her account is apparently closed, I'd say it's safe to assume the trip has already been made.

    Quote Originally Posted by pheno View Post
    When you lead a nontraditional life don't try to measure it with traditional milestones.

  22. #22
    Featured Member blondi553's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2005
    Location
    ?
    Posts
    1,515
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    sorry that was my fault for reviving it! oops....didnt look at the date for once sorry?!?!?! =(

  23. #23
    God/dess Bridgette's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2002
    Location
    Gettin the fuck outta Dodge!
    Posts
    14,241
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    No big deal Was just sayin...

    Quote Originally Posted by pheno View Post
    When you lead a nontraditional life don't try to measure it with traditional milestones.

  24. #24
    God/dess fancygirl's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2005
    Location
    California
    Posts
    3,776
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Driving Cross-country!..Tips, Anyone?

    Since you have a car on a tow dolly I'd consider putting a full gas can in the trunk of your towed car. Yeah, yeah, you're not supposed to carry gas on you-- but since it's in a diff car, I think it's fine.

    also, I've taken small sleep stops at McDonald's or any other all-night open places. Denny's are great for this as long as you're parked Right in front of it (rather than an outlying aisle.)

    the Triple A thing is a must. As well as always having a charged cell phone (or two.)

    I've put in as much as 16 hours in a straight haul-- and I'll only stop at a hotel if the weather is so bad that I know I won't be able to travel for several hours. Otherwise-- I'm perfectly fine (as a single female traveler) sleeping for an hour or two in front of an all night restaurant (with my alarm set and everything, and phone in hand.)

    Some other tips:

    1. have a list of all the ford dealerships along the way so if you have car trouble you can take it to the nearest mechanic who WON'T screw you (hopefully.)
    2. have a list of all the motel six's along the way (including phone numbers.)
    you might also consider having a list of all the Denny's.

    That's the one nice thing about franchises. They're all over.

    Plus-- play the networking game. Put out over myspace or mass email to your friends that you're going through x states and if they have any contacts you could stay at. You'd be surprised. I've had random high school friends do this and I've offered them a place to stay.


    OOPS! Sorry-- just read bridgette's notice. oh well. tips for other travelers then.

Similar Threads

  1. Driving cross country TIPS….
    By AudrinaN in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 03-07-2011, 09:42 PM
  2. CROSS-COUNTRY STRIPPING, anyone?
    By emily405 in forum Club Chat
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 11-12-2009, 03:09 PM
  3. Stripping Cross Country?
    By Chainsaw Chelsea in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 02-12-2008, 09:24 AM
  4. Moving cross country?
    By Cally in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: 10-09-2006, 09:45 PM
  5. moving cross country
    By Jillian in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 04-26-2006, 08:47 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •