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Personally I would suggest getting a moving van and flying if your budget allows. It just seems the safer option. A woman of any age traveling alone, across the country is not safe. Can you find someone to go with you if you have to drive? Since you have some time I would save up for air fare and get there alive!
Comments like these amuse me. When I was getting ready to drive across country through the Rockies in the middle of winter, I got lots of people saying, "What if it snows!" "You need chains for the tires!" and "It's cold on the east coast!" and "Take a southern route."
I ignored all of them and did what I wanted. There's hotels on every stretch of I-15 and I-70 and I knew I could easily sleep in my car, which I did on a few occasions. I loved my drive and hope to head out on another adventure soon.
I have done this several times, with a 14' UHaul truck and dragging a car behind me! And over the Rockies too. I wanted to take the "scenic route", so just went slowly (hard for me to do) and with a cat, but all went well. I made sure to get in the better motels, well lit parking lots, took 3 long days. It is so important to do the planning and organizing. I also did my own packing, and found a couple of guys to load up the truck. Last haul was maybe 10 years ago, and felt plenty safe. Just be smart, don't stand out, wear a hat and sunglasses, don't dress to attract attention, act confident and like you know what you are doing. If not married, wear a wedding ring. Carry a cell phone, have AAA, all common sense things. I kept my eye on my truck/car at all times. Ate out of the grocery store, etc. The cab of the truck is very wide and plenty of room for a small pet. My cat was not very happy at first, but got used to the ride, as she was used to traveling anyway. If I had to, would do it again with no problem. Being organized and thinking ahead is key. It is an adventure and inspires self reliance and confidence the more you do it.
I advocate a split ticket--driving across country and enjoying the adventure, and having the stuff come separately.
Nothing wrong with women driving alone as long as they are careful, and as several have attested here, it is rewarding, an adventure and quite a thrill to see the American landscape.
However, hauling a truck with all your possessions changes the adventure, and might add some stress to where to stay, and how long to drive each day. Cost is also a factor, shipping from the East Coast to the West Coast will probably be around USD3000.00. I priced it from NY to NM and none of the quotes came in under US2900.00 for a 10x15 space. Pods, a fairly good alternative also does not go everywhere, and unless you have the space on either end can be a hassle.
Good luck, Nancy, whatever decision you make. Portland is a great town.
Portland was my destination years ago as well. Spent seven years there, very beautiful, friendly, fun place. Just could not deal with all that rain! So made it back to Texas the same way I came all those years ago, in a UHaul truck!!
Of course it does. There's no reason to carry a gun while traveling unless you plan on hanging out at night in a bad area, or you are doing something illegal. I'm 45 and I've been traveling long distances by myself since I was 16, and I have never ever had any sort of problem from anyone. I've been all over the US, Canada, and all the way down into Central Mexico without incident. Yes, I'm also female, pale, and blonde, so I do stand out some of the places I've been and STILL haven't had a stitch of trouble.
Times are changing, especially with all the illegal immigration, so is not a bad idea to have protection. I don't carry a weapon, but would certainly not be opposed to it!
I've never carried a gun, anywhere, but I have frequently carried a knife. In fact, until we had all the airport restrictions, I always had an army knife in my bag.
However, as a frequent traveler (see my name for confirmation ) I don't think more than caution is necessary. In the thousands of miles I've traveled, I believe I had only one single suspicious incident, and it was directed at fellow travelers, not me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lilypad
Times are changing, especially with all the illegal immigration, so is not a bad idea to have protection. I don't carry a weapon, but would certainly not be opposed to it!
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