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The problem with pets is that you can't leave them in the car, period. If you are 2 people, one can stand outside with them, but solo its very limiting in terms of food or anything you might need to buy. And you really need to plan ahead to find pet friendly hotels/camp grounds.
I haven't driven cross country or traveled as extensively as some here but I've done some multi state drives, never felt threatened.
I couldn't figure out why this guy was looking at me so strangely and then I went outside and there were 2 thug looking guys - one walking toward my car and one walking toward me. I kept walking (my dogs were in the car) and they both turned and walked away. I may have scared them -
I have done five drives between Midwestern cities and the Tucson area in the past eighteen months. I have to say that my next few trips will be by air.
After these trips, I know which cities have decent accommodations and which ones have lousy hotels. I know roughly where the gas is cheapest and where the good, inexpensive and accessible restaurants are located.
I have found that 650 miles is about my maximum for a day ... and that I cannot do that for more than two days straight.
I have found that using rental cars is the way to go. Any issues and you dump it at the next town.
I've not retired yet, but have done several long distance road trips on my own. Not quite cross-country, as I start in the middle, but have done Chicago-Boston, Chicago-Maine, Chicago-Boulder, Chicago-Florida. No weapons, although never considered something like wasp spray. Only twice was I slightly concerned.
Once had the car break down on the Ohio turnpike on a Sunday afternoon. I had been resisting getting a cell phone, so had to walk back to the closest rest stop to call a tow truck, and ended up staying in a sort of scary motel for the night until the local car repair place opened Monday morning. Got a cell phone immediately after that trip!
Second time was just a few years ago. Driving back to Chicago from Denver, I had planned to stop in Omaha for the night, but still felt wide awake and thought I could go a few more hours. When it started getting dark, I realized I hadn't figured out where the next best place to stop would be and found nothing (other than a Bates Motel lookalike) until getting to Des Moines, which was longer than I really should have been driving. Note to self: Have a plan B! And maybe even C or D...
My preference for solo vacations is cruising, but road trips can be fun, too. Just be prepared, know what options you have for places to see/stay/eat/stop/etc. and remain aware of your surroundings.
My preference for solo vacations is cruising, but road trips can be fun, too. Just be prepared, know what options you have for places to see/stay/eat/stop/etc. and remain aware of your surroundings.
If you wouldn't mind, would you tell me how solo cruising works for you? Why you prefer it?
I have been on two cruises, first with two other gals, one of whom complained loudly about my snoring. Well, since I was the only one who had never cruised before it was decided I should take the top bunk. Very crowded up there (just me!!). I once pushed a pillow over and it landed on her..... oh boy did she get mad at me!! Not exactly a fun trip.
My second cruise I went with a more tolerant friend (just her and me). It was better than the first.
But really would like to hear more about going solo.
Thanks.
Last edited by NYgal1542; 06-22-2015 at 01:22 PM..
Reason: grammar
I have done five drives between Midwestern cities and the Tucson area in the past eighteen months. I have to say that my next few trips will be by air.
After these trips, I know which cities have decent accommodations and which ones have lousy hotels. I know roughly where the gas is cheapest and where the good, inexpensive and accessible restaurants are located.
I have found that 650 miles is about my maximum for a day ... and that I cannot do that for more than two days straight.
I have found that using rental cars is the way to go. Any issues and you dump it at the next town.
I cannot find anyone I know who wants to do a custom-designed trip in certain parts of Italy via France. I wish I could/would travel alone. Being walking-impaired, I'd want to have someone with me.
~6,000 miles (RT Tucson - Cleveland). $475 for a monthly rental
~2, 300 miles (Tucson-Yosemite-Reno-Las Vegas-Tucson) $265 for two week rental
I cannot operate my personal ride for that little.
I have done 650-700 miles about five times. Fortunately, not one of them has involved a drive trough a metropolis (think LA, Chicago, or Toronto) during rush hour. Also, all of them have been mostly freeway and most of them in excellent weather.
Recently, I have been booking my hotel room 2-4 hours before arrival so that I can cut some of my drive days short.
jlawrence - I cannot find a rental vehicle for that price. Please PM me if you have a good rental agency.
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