So planning a massive road trip for this summer. I plan to travel from Seattle, WA to Seattle, WA (duh need to get home). (http://binged.it/1stgz3r) the file is apparently so big it crashes now when I added stops to Tillamook, OR; Brent, FL (Just so I can say I was in Florida.) and a stop at Sandusky, OH.

So reason I am posting is;
1. I am planning on recording the whole journey via GoPro dashcam!
2. EATS! amazing finds, I will be watching Dinner's Drive-ins and Dives (had some amazing food before with guy) but please do not keep secrets :3
3. Places to stop I.E. scenic/fun (I do like taking awesome photos) but not Yellowstone don't care so much.
4. If people want to meet.
5. Adventure

Major stops (more than a day or so) will be in Michigan, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas and maybe Virginia.

This will be only me driving. No co-driver.

If you comment with suggestions please provide a address if at all possible :3 Really wanting to do this trip this summer but it may change to be "reasonable" but highly unlikely. Plan to start in June? End in August? in time to go back to school in September.

Trip is calculated already at ~$440 just on gas with an average of 550miles/$30 fill, this clearly will change. so to be safe $700 for gas. Adding food will be $300 probably more? I don't seem to be eating much lately. Sleeping I do not know how much it will be if I do sleep in a hotel; Michigan, South Carolina, Georgia and Texas will be free (family and friends) So ball park of around $1100 going to sleep in car as much as I can, I know that is weird but being 19 I don't like coughing up large sums of money for a bed for one night. Plus I can keep my baby safe or well she'll keep me safe xD Money is not an issue in any way, this will more so scratch, but not dent my bank account, but at the price of an amazing adventure, great times, good food, family/friends and whatever I will happily fork over $1100+ :3 I need some fun in my life. Plus telling your kids that you traveled 25 states at 19 will be cool too

 

I hope you're taking a new Camry.

1. I could not imagine sleeping in this car.

2. I'd be worried it would have some major failure.

3. If you're having to budget, budget for a major failure.

4. Go though South Dakota, there's pretty much nothing to see in No Dak I94 until you get to the western end of the state.

 

 

I forgot to add this, sorry I moved a lot but I am a native Michigander, I am going to Mackinac Island with a friend. My bad for not adding that since well it is key but hey xD

Also 131,XXX I know it is a lot but it's been taken care of and I do not abuse her. Never taken her past 5500 RPM when shifting even though she goes to 6,750.

 

If you haven't done it yet replace the crank damper with an ATI. At your mileage the oem one is on borrowed time.

 

By camry you mean mini? xD nah I don't like camrys at all.

I've slept in the car (my mini and several others) being a hatchback is all the better. The passenger seat laid back all the way isn't all that bad.

Well to be fair, yes I totally understand your point and yes I am but at the same time no. It is in the back of my head, I'll have it checked before a massive 8000+ mile long journey but highly highly unlikely it will fail, but yes it is always important to take that into factor.

duly noted, thank you for the tip I didn't think there was too much to see in ND xD

 

Since you're heading to Mackinac Island, try to time it so you'll be able to participate in Minis on the Mack. August 1st. In 2013 there were about 850 Minis that all drove across the Mackinac Bridge. Lots of fun. FB page "2015 Mini on the Mack" or contact Mini of Grand Rapids for details.

 

We would offer you a night of lodging for your trip, but we are located too far off your planned route. I hope others see your post and can offer you places to stay as well as tips on interesting side trips.

One bit of advice I have to offer is to consider using some back roads rather than staying on interstates. You will see more interesting sights, meet more people, find those out-of-the-way-local restaurants, and just have more fun. One author wrote a book about traveling around the country on back roads - Blue Highways, William Least Heat Moon. His route is not far off the route you have planned. And, the MINI is a handling vehicle, not an interstate cruiser.

May you have a grand adventure, a safe trip, and collect many memories.

 

For your SLC stop, I very very strongly recommend eating at Red Iguana. http://www.rediguana.com/

They make several (five?) different moles--the ones I've tried were all excellent! The Mole Negro is the classic cocoa, nut, and spice mixture, but the others are just as yummy.

 

Few things for ya:

1. Plan a budget, then double it. You can plan a tank @ 500+ miles, but if you really want to enjoy the trip, take the time to get away from the interstates and highways. I drive a lot and my this has helped with budgeting money for fun, unexpected adventures, ****-luck, etc... You always want to plan w/ disaster in mind. Chances are, you'll be fine. But Everyone says that until they're in trouble.

2. Don't discount national parks and scenic byways. Every city/metro area offers the same things with a few local landmarks but the natural made landscape is something you'll learn to appreciate.

3. From WA to WI, I recommend taking Billings MT, down through South Dakota and drive through the Black Hills (search MT Rushmore). Lots of fun roads and some great scenery. I was stationed in ND, and there's not much to see there. If you insist on going through ND, (I read your other Mustang thread... you're a stubborn one. We all were once hahaha) take the time to drive the South Loop of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Lots of roaming bison, wild horses, goats/rams, etc...

4. When in the Carolina's, drive through the Appalachians. Visit US 129 if you want but most of the roads in the general vicinity is similar. The Cherohala (sp) highway is very fun and will take you a few thousand feet above sea level overlook the rest of the area. You could easily kill a day driving through the area.

I've lived/driven through most of your route. Most of them have military bases and therefore, friends that I crash w/ and visit. Good luck and hope some folks can help you offset the cost by giving you a couch for an evening.

Couchsurfers is a cool app/program that helps folks who roadtrip.

PDX is my second home- My best friends live in PDX/Vancouver and one in SEA so I'm bouncing around the area once every 6 months to a year.

 

Here are some from South Dakota and one from ND.

RC-14 Don't remember this either by Utta87, on Flickr

TR14 - Buffalooooooooooo by Utta87, on Flickr

RC14 - Harney Peak by Utta87, on Flickr