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I am reasonably sure what my answer is to this question, but I would like to hear from others and what their opinions are. This could just be my fantasy but it does give me something to look forward to and therefore interested in living life.
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to drive all around our country and see all the places people have talked about, the National Parks, Landmarks, cities/towns. I live in central NY state and have traveled at times to reach a particular destination. But this time, it would be many destinations. Stopping overnight in one place, maybe for a week/month in others.
Drawback is not well off financially, but don't live an expensive life and think I could make it with my budget. A couple of big bills will be paid off by age 77 which would give me better financial freedom. So if my health holds, why not take the trip.
What are your opinions on the B&Bs that seem to be the hot thing this year.
Nygal, I'm planning on using national parks while I travel to Tennessee & then Florida. Not sure if I'll sleep in my car or at a cabin, then just get a motel room when I need to clean up. I'll stop at grocery stores as opposed to restaurants for food, rest stops as needed.
It will still cost but not half as much. Haven't looked into B&B's but it's a good thought as I plan on staying in the towns I'll be visiting for at least a week each since it will be a life changing decision for me.
You are never too old to live your dreamed-of-adventures. You just have to figure out how to do it within your physical and financial limits.
If driving, try to find a travel companion to share the driving and cost. If going solo, you may want to use public transportation. Solo coast to coast driving is physically demanding even for young people.
How about traveling by rail? Check out Amtrak's USA Rail Pass
If going by train is something you’ve always wanted to try maybe its time to look into what Amtrak has to offer. Travelers 62 years of age and older are eligible for a 15% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains.
For even bigger bargains, and you have time to plan ahead, you may want to shop around in the Amtrak Hot Deals section, where you can find reduced fares up to 30%, special offers, and other bargains.
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What is a USA Rail Pass? - A USA Rail Pass allows you to visit any destination in Amtrak’s system and you decide how long you want to travel. Passes are available in three travel durations and travel segments (15 days/8 segments, 30 days/12 segments and 45 days/18 segments) through out the entire United States.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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If your health is good enough to drive...
1) get yourself a 'Roadtrek' or similar campervan. Very ez to drive, fits in std parking, economical, you can take a nap / 'stealth' camp most anywhere. Fridge, stove, heater, shower, generator I use hospital, funeral home, fairgrounds, libraries...eZ to leave this type vehicle near an airport if you need to fly somewhere. (Such as home to feed the pets / plants)
2) join AAA premium
3) join a few of many excellent hospitality guest homes. Hospitality exchange - Wikitravel Been doing it for 25 yrs +. Over 100 stays in 2016, Each were a treasured experience. free to $20/ night world wide. Much, much better than Air B&B. Hospitality hosts have a passion to host, Many are retired teachers, profs, lawyers...
4) fly/drive to the places that are hard to get too / too far. Salt Lake City is a great hub for mtn state National Parks We get rental cars on Hotwire, Priceline, Enterprise. ~$10/day.
Sacramento is very handy to several western parks
5) consider a travel friend for long drives. Kid or sibling or good friend. They don't have to stay with you. My spouse and I often help friends / family drive long distances, we just get on, and drop off at an airport and head somewhere else.
Wow, I am reading some really great ideas/suggestions here. Thank you for sharing with me.
Unfortunately, flying is not an option. Not afraid of it, just do not like it. I have flown many times in the past. Vowed I would not do it again, sticking with that.
Had not thought about the train.... neat idea. I'll look into that Amtrak link.
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