Practicalities and hitting the Road (ABF, towing, cheap, ship)

[TwoYearsMax]

Hi, I'm new here. Thanks for everyone who has shared their stories and provided so much helpful info.

I'm considering getting in my car and driving. I have never done this. I don't like to drive a lot of hours per day, I have a lousy sense of direction and get lost. However, I'm also mature, courageous, autonomous, and free.

With the exception of one older brother, all my family has died. The living brother left home after high school and has rarely kept in touch during the decades since. I'd like more, and we get along fine, but the fact is, he's not interested. So I am without living family and my second cat died last year.

Ok. I realize the freedom I have now, and want to use it. I could move anywhere in the world perhaps, with no one to answer to or worry about me. (My mother used to try and stop me from traveling, she was possessive.)

These forums are helping me downsize what I have left, after downsizing to 10 percent of what I used to have--bigger house, homeowner, antiques, china, spare bedrooms, etc. etc. Now I'm renter scum and love it.

You all have given me the notion I could perhaps drive off in my car.

Now here's where I need your help. I do have things I want to keep. I'm at a point I can part with the few remaining family mementos, but I do need to keep my writings, papers, books, clothes, basics.

Also, I'm a university student by correspondence. I must keep the relevant papers and books with me, to maintain my studies, and have access to computers either by buying a laptop or hitting libraries/cyber cafes.

Queston 1: Is it possible to put things in a POD or storage place, and have them ship said POD to me months down the road when I decide where to stay for the next couple of years?

I have a small car and towing isn't an option. Even if it were, I wouldn't do it that way, don't want the hassle.

Question 2: Are there hotel/motel chains that offer sequential or package deals for travelers? I know how to look this up and will but you're all so smart and experienced, you'll probably just know!

Question 3: What about snail mail. I kow RV-ers have this all figured out. I've never taken a trip like this, I'm a novice at it. (I'm well traveled, just not the way I'm considering now.)

Any feedback welcome, yeah or nay or say. Thanks a lot.

Tip I learned today: To destroy paper w/o a shredder or burning, simply put in water. It'll turn to mush, can be stirred into bits. So obvious, can't believe didn't think of it. (don't want to buy a shredder since am downsizeing.)

Thanks!

[Wicked Felina]

So I am without living family and my second cat died last year. I'm sorry. But they can learn to travel well and be happy!

(My mother used to try and stop me from traveling, she was possessive.) Moms are like that

Queston 1: Is it possible to put things in a POD or storage place, and have them ship said POD to me months down the road when I decide where to stay for the next couple of years? Yes, it is possible. I've posed the same question in the past to both ABF and POD. POD - $150 per month for storage; ABF - $99 per month for storage of 2 cubes.

Question 2: Are there hotel/motel chains that offer sequential or package deals for travelers? I know how to look this up and will but you're all so smart and experienced, you'll probably just know! I think so, but there're very spendy. Better to rent temp or vacation housing.

Question 3: What about snail mail. I kow RV-ers have this all figured out. I've never taken a trip like this, I'm a novice at it. (I'm well traveled, just not the way I'm considering now.) Don't know, sorry ~

[TCMlover]

Question 1-Yes it is possible. I've known people who have done this. Its not cheap though.
Question 2-Google extended stay motels, lots of them around the country, about 150-200.00 a week.
Question 3-Go to post office and have your mail forwarded to general delivery of final destination. People do this all the time when travelling for extended periods.
I hope this helps you out! Have fun!

[TwoYearsMax]

Thanks for teaching me the lingo "extended stay motels" and such. PODS has a special right now, we'll see how the timing goes.

As with many things, throwing money at them brings ease.

Can't believe I didn't think of General Delivery, I've done that in Mexico and it worked fine,

Yesterday I gave away more of that little bit I have left, even my last Victorian antique that I loved...the more I give the happier I feel, it's far beyond the freedom from possessions and hassles, it's awareness that nothing matters except the joy of good friends. Losing my family while young taught me this and I'm grateful.

When asked if I have family, I say "They're all on the Big Vacation"

Thanks! Will follow up on all your suggestions.

[Alaskapat528]

For your lousey sense of direction (don't feel bad, mine is horrible), buy a GPS. We traveled across Country last year and they are wonderful to have. Good for you going on an adventure...enjoy! .

[Jaggy001]

Originally Posted by Alaskapat528

For your lousey sense of direction (don't feel bad, mine is horrible), buy a GPS. We traveled across Country last year and they are wonderful to have. Good for you going on an adventure...enjoy! .

What he said

Very practical. Help you find gas stations, restaurants, hotels, etc. as well as get you to your destination.

I have a Garmin . Very easy to use. Check prices on Amazon.

[TwoYearsMax]

I'm into the GPS! Read the city-data automotive/gps thread, and asked a few friends.

Yes Amazon is pretty much tied w Costco, will also compare to Best Buy. Prices are coming down.

I drove around Spain w a friend who had GPS and it found short cuts, and got us around traffic jams in Barcelona. I am preparing to be totally spoiled.

Hey, do they know where the bookstores are? That's the first thing I check out when I consider moving to a new place.

[TwoYearsMax]

A friend called and told me of the POI site, Points of Interests. Y'all probably already know that one: POI Factory | new & interesting places for your GPS

he also alerted me to buy lifetime maps for around 100 bucks rather than pay to upgrade periodically. Evidently the 3 major GSP co.'s in competition. I've noticed prices are coming down.