Ok, so I'm graduating college next week, and I've been saying to myself that I want to do something fun this summer. I'm originally from south Florida and ever since I was 6 years old, I've been flying back and forth down there every summer by myself, but I've never done the whole road trip thing. I'd really like to get to see the parts of the country that I've been flying over for the last 16 years-but there's more incentive for me in the anticipated fun I'd have making that trip in the Mini. I'm planning on having a friend join me so the haul isn't too lonely. I was wondering if anyone had any suggested routes to take. I've heard a few, but I figured another mini fan would know the most fun roads to take (trying to stay away from just taking I-95 all the way down). Also, since my car is leased, I'm pretty sure I remember something in the lease agreement about letting the leasing company know if/when I'll be taking the car out of state-is this true? And I'd definitely want to get it inspected/checked out at the dealer before I left, just to make sure all is working the way it should, would the maintenance plan cover something like that? Any input is appreciated

 

I expect you will need to pay out of pocket for the inspection. IMO for such a new car it is probably over-kill unless you suspect something is wrong.

We might be driving South from Toronto Canada to Florida next winter and I hear that US41 (Chicago to Miami through Memphis?) and US1 (starting at Canadian border in Maine) are great highways to take. No idea if they are on the way for you!

 

Depending on whether you are looking for mountains or coast, you can try one of the routes found at roadtripusa.com. One of them follows the coast, the other opts for the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway. The book has a lot of details about all the unique little attractions you can find along the way by avoiding the Interstates.

If you opt for the more westerly route, you might want to check out thegreaticecreamrun.com for some routes that will would get you from NJ to the start of the Skyline Drive (just reverse what they have posted).

 

Thanks for this! Looks like the books were updated this year and my local library has them on order.

 

I personally meet the area manager of leasing company and ask for permission letter to drive within USA for business. It may be helpful about any question or issue.