mackerous

So with a newfound taste for adventure in my mouth, I've contemplated my next venture. Backpacking South America and living in Australia have both come to mind, but I believe my next shall be one every American here has thought of for a while: the Ultimate Road Trip.

With my mind all over the world, I've forgotten about how many experiences are too be had right here in my own country. How many things I've yet to see here. Hell, I've seen almost none of the typical American things like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite.

I didn't see a specific thread for this kind of thing, so here I go. I'm talking, let's say, 2 month roadtrip here, done in roughly the same way a lot of backpackers travel: rough outline of what you want to see, no set schedule or time, lots of adventure and surprises along the way. Do most of America, head up into Canada a bit, hopefully even get to Alaska. If I can, start with going to Burning Man. Anyone here done the Ultimate
Road Trip?



My first problem lays in the companion. I enjoy backpacking alone, but a roadtrip doesn't seem like the kind of experience I would want to tackle by myself, though I know a lot of people do. Other than the fact that the road trip seems catered for 2, other roadblocks (pun intended) such as not having a car factor in.

Requirements for a travel-buddy:
-Has the money
-Has the time
-Has a car that won't die too soon
-Has the right frame of mind (aka - is willing)
-We're able to stand each other for that long


VEHICLE
There's also the car to think about. I have none myself, so I'll be leeching off another. The other option is to rent a car. Not an option for me, it seems. If you're under 25, most places won't even rent to you, but ones that will (Dollar, Enterprise) charge a fairly hefty fee. The other hitch is mileage. Unlimited mileage is often available for free in the state, but once outside of it, 20cent/mile. Pass.

One interesting way is a 'drive-away'. Companies that setup drivers for cars that need moving far, far away. Companies that are relocating and need their company cars brought over. People with multiple cars who are moving. As long as you're over 23, have no criminal record and a valid license, you can get a free car. There are certain stipulations, such as how far you can drive a day and if you can drive at night, but hey, it's free.
Just not the best for a road trip.

So, I just need to make some cool friends with cars and money.



PREPERATION
Cost of preperation shouldn't be too bad.
-Camping stove
-cooler
-Car tuneup
-A few mp3 player accessories, such as car charger and FM transmitter (broadcasts the music on an FM channel to be received on any radio).
-Battery jump-pack (already have one, but they run about $40)
-Few jugs of water (for overheating)

Should be under $100.


The expenses on the road shouldn't be too bad between 2 people.

GAS
Let's say we go 20,000 miles. We'll estimate 35mpg on the highway. Overshoot the gas price a bit at $3/gal. That's still only about $850 per person.

ACCOMODATION
I'm big into Couchsurfing and plan to use Couchsurfing.com to get around. It has plenty of people all around the US and Canada and I have nothing but good references. Shouldn't be too hard but if it is, I have no problem sleeping in the car here
and there. $0

FOOD STUFFS
I believe there's an old adage about being able to eat on $5/day. I definitely believe I can do that as I really don't mind eating the same, cheap things over and over again. And
truly, I cannot get sick of peanut butter. I say, big cooler and a camping stove (with the various accessories). And let's double to account for a regular diner meal here and there. So 60 days would be $600.

BOOZE
Well, we'll just make sure to bring plenty of disposal cash. Really, how often do you spend less than what you set for alcohol?

THE UNFORSEEN AND POSSIBLE NICHES
The breakdown is, of course, the biggest setback. Luckily, I have a credit card with a limit far higher than I deserve that could handle that, but I'd say set aside maybe $500 each if that's not an option.

Another problem I would have is insurance. Haven't had it for a while, and though I do drive without it, probably not the best idea do be going A LOT of driving in someone else’s car without it. Reinstating it would require a hefty deductible, though I
believe I should get that back when I cancel it upon return. Any advice on that?


TOTAL COST
The bare bones cost is only around $1450. If we say $2000, we should be golden. Plenty of leeway for good food and tipping the elbow. If I didn't have the card for emergencies, we'd say $2500.

What do you guys think?

__________________
-Mack
(Newly impassioned traveler)
(Couchsurfer)