XxAxX said:

okay. how about hanging out in the allegheny mountains? there have to be campgrounds and./or B&Bs. they're lovely, and sometimes a view that goes for miles can help perspective

[Edited 4/6/11 17:05pm]

[Edited 4/6/11 17:06pm]

whut she said...

XxAxX said:

Get a cooler (if you don't have one, borrow one). Go to the grocery store and buy staples like water, milk, juice, sodas, drinks, cereal, yogurt cups, nuts or trail mix, fruits, etc.

Try to buy as much food as you'll need for when you're traveling and/or for snacks. That will help cut down on food/restaurant costs.

I was going to suggest hostels, too. You could do some research and find some along the route you'd like to drive. You may be able to save a bit of money on food that way, too (depends on what the hostels you stay at offer and what sometimes what you contribute).

Also, depending on how much you REALLY like to drive, you could research and find inexpensive motels/hotels to stay at and make those you're destination for the end of each day. Just start out in the morning and check out whatever you find a long the way, or research and plan the things you want to see. Either way, (depending on where you'll be staying/driving) the internet has made it pretty easy to find safe, clean and affordable places to stay.

Sweething's cooler tip is a must, too. I've been doing it for so long I wouldn't even have thought to mention it. Take a cooler (along with a bag of no prep edible dry goods) and change out your ice once a day ($2). That along with staying at hostels would probably cost you less than the gas for a long road trip.

ColAngus said:

I live in Pa - and I would NEVER even think of driving to FLA ... i realize you think you will save some money staying with auntie but I really think you are UNDERESTIMATING the drive $$$ ....

I would hit Baltimore or DC or some city ... and hang ... both are fun towns ...

the beach sounds good too if it is warmer by then ... it tis cold today here ...

good luck . i envy you !

I've driven to Florida twice (hell, I once drove all the way to Texas!)...I think that the gas is an obstacle but not a roadblock. I don't know for sure.

I need to be as far from NY as possible on May 3rd...not warm enough for northern beaches...but hell if DC is as far away as I can get, then maybe that'll be fine.

Thanks!

XxAxX said:

okay. how about hanging out in the allegheny mountains? there have to be campgrounds and./or B&Bs. they're lovely, and sometimes a view that goes for miles can help perspective

Nice! But I'm not sold on the whole "camping" thing yet...

KingBAD said:

just do upstate n.y.

all kinds of things to see (beauty)

wonder pic ops

great fresh foods

but don't fukitoff

by goin to buffalo

or anywhere close

Maybe ALL THE WAY upstate to Niagara?

sweething said:

Get a cooler (if you don't have one, borrow one). Go to the grocery store and buy staples like water, milk, juice, sodas, drinks, cereal, yogurt cups, nuts or trail mix, fruits, etc.

Try to buy as much food as you'll need for when you're traveling and/or for snacks. That will help cut down on food/restaurant costs.

Absolutely!

Cerebus said:

I was going to suggest hostels, too. You could do some research and find some along the route you'd like to drive. You may be able to save a bit of money on food that way, too (depends on what the hostels you stay at offer and what sometimes what you contribute).

Also, depending on how much you REALLY like to drive, you could research and find inexpensive motels/hotels to stay at and make those you're destination for the end of each day. Just start out in the morning and check out whatever you find a long the way, or research and plan the things you want to see. Either way, (depending on where you'll be staying/driving) the internet has made it pretty easy to find safe, clean and affordable places to stay.

Sweething's cooler tip is a must, too. I've been doing it for so long I wouldn't even have thought to mention it. Take a cooler (along with a bag of no prep edible dry goods) and change out your ice once a day ($2). That along with staying at hostels would probably cost you less than the gas for a long road trip.

Yeah...the internet makes these things easier (or at least it SHOULD)...who knows.

is it expensive to rent an RV? (I have no idea...but it is waaaaay better than a freakin tent...bugs etc.)

If I were you, I would head north instead of south. One of my favorite places on earth is in Vermont. Also, Portland Maine has some really beautiful bread and breakfast spots that sit in the mountains, and since its not peak season, you might find some great deals on rooms. I hear there are lots of great restaurants there and outlet shopping is not far away. You can also do the whole nature and hiking thing.

Have you been to the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth? I think there are cheap hotels nearby.

(Sorry, I know you've made it clear that you want to go south and you want to leave New York, so this is probably no help. )

_____

StillGotIt said:

is it expensive to rent an RV? (I have no idea...but it is waaaaay better than a freakin tent...bugs etc.)

If I were you, I would head north instead of south. One of my favorite places on earth is in Vermont. Also, Portland Maine has some really beautiful bread and breakfast spots that sit in the mountains, and since its not peak season, you might find some great deals on rooms. I hear there are lots of great restaurants there and outlet shopping is not far away. You can also do the whole nature and hiking thing.

They are expensive.

The more I think about it, the less I'm inclined to go for hiking/camping. That's more of a "family" activity in my mind. Took the kids hiking up in the Poconos last fall. I want to find some solace and peace of mind, not a tempting ledge to jump off of.

Efan said:

Have you been to the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth? I think there are cheap hotels nearby.

(Sorry, I know you've made it clear that you want to go south and you want to leave New York, so this is probably no help. )

_____

See my reply above.

..although..that picture is amazing...maybe I should consider it.

i think going to florida sounds nice, i say go for it! like others said you can pack a cooler full of ice and snacks, and eat off $1 menus at fast food drive-thrus, and motel 6 is cheap. i've done this before, and it woks out cheap. i hope you find the peace of mind you're looking for.

Also, mapquest has a "cheap gas finder" link. If you plot out your itinerary, you might be able to locate a few cheap stations on your route...sounds like work but it might be worth the effort.

kimrachell said:

i think going to florida sounds nice, i say go for it! like others said you can pack a cooler full of ice and snacks, and eat off $1 menus at fast food drive-thrus, and motel 6 is cheap. i've done this before, and it woks out cheap. i hope you find the peace of mind you're looking for.

Very true, but hostels sometimes offer shared meals, activities (for kids and adults) and you may end up meeting people that you really like or connect with for even less than motels. I think the motel idea is a good one, but if money is a major issue hostels could really help with that.

kimrachell said:

i think going to florida sounds nice, i say go for it! like others said you can pack a cooler full of ice and snacks, and eat off $1 menus at fast food drive-thrus, and motel 6 is cheap. i've done this before, and it woks out cheap. i hope you find the peace of mind you're looking for.

Now I've got friends at work plotting a roadtrip for me as well!

Although my buddy wants do a weekend in Vegas instead.

...if I wind up getting punched in the face by Mike Tyson...

sweething said:

Also, mapquest has a "cheap gas finder" link. If you plot out your itinerary, you might be able to locate a few cheap stations on your route...sounds like work but it might be worth the effort.

That sounds good, thanks!

I tend to use Google maps, but mapquest is also good.

Cerebus said:

Very true, but hostels sometimes offer shared meals, activities (for kids and adults) and you may end up meeting people that you really like or connect with for even less than motels. I think the motel idea is a good one, but if money is a major issue hostels could really help with that.

I think that one or two nights at a Motel 6 wouldn't be THAT bad.

I'm in no frame of mind to interact with people right now...solitude & peace of mind is my goal.

PurpleJedi said:

kimrachell said:

i think going to florida sounds nice, i say go for it! like others said you can pack a cooler full of ice and snacks, and eat off $1 menus at fast food drive-thrus, and motel 6 is cheap. i've done this before, and it woks out cheap. i hope you find the peace of mind you're looking for.

Now I've got friends at work plotting a roadtrip for me as well!

Although my buddy wants do a weekend in Vegas instead.

...if I wind up getting punched in the face by Mike Tyson...

i think a roadtrip to florida would be a lot more peaceful & relaxing than a trip to vegas. and vegas is going to really cost you money, you can't go there with just a few hundred.

kimrachell said:

PurpleJedi said:

Now I've got friends at work plotting a roadtrip for me as well!

Although my buddy wants do a weekend in Vegas instead.

...if I wind up getting punched in the face by Mike Tyson...

i think a roadtrip to florida would be a lot more peaceful & relaxing than a trip to vegas. and vegas is going to really cost you money, you can't go there with just a few hundred.

Yeah I realize that...he's just messing with me anyway...his wife isn't gonna let him do it even if we did have the cash to.