How I did it: My sister and I packed almost everything we owned, including a full drum kit, into the back of her Subaru. Sometimes we camped, sometimes we slept in the car, sometimes we stayed with friends, sometimes we got a hotel. We bought a National Parks pass that let us in pretty much anywhere. We started in Homer, Alaska, and drove through Canada, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.

Lessons & tips: Get AAA. Buy a spiral-bound atlas. Bring lots of music and reading material, and comfortable shoes. Don't pack so much that you don't have room to move! We did the trip in September and October, and it was a bit chilly — except for Death Valley! A bit earlier in the season might have been more pleasant. We kept a written log of our experiences, updated every night, which was very rewarding. Lots of things happen that it's easy to forget if you don't write them down! Get out and move around instead of driving all day. Have a spare tire, great windshield wipers, and strong headlights. Have a cell phone. Bring rain gear.

Resources: AAA, www.nps.gov

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Jun 20, 2009, 02:36PM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers