Anyone drive out west -- in a car?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I drove to Portland in 2012 and it took us 4 full days, starting at around 830-9am each morning and stopping at night around 9-10pm in a cheap motel (had my dog with me, so had to be pet friendly, so stuck with the Choice Hotels chain, which are not all that bad). Got to Portland around 8pm on the 4th day.

We took the long way on our drive back to Virginia, driving south on I-5 then the PCH (Rt. 101) in California until we reached LA, then headed west until we got to Phoenix, stopped for a night to visit my uncle, drove up to the Grand Canyon and then headed west to VA. That trip back took us 6 1/2 days - we got to our destination in SW VA midday on the 7th day.

Oh, and it cost us about $450 in gas each way, and this was at a relative height of gas prices, around $3.80 in this area, ~$4.20+ out west.

[Anonymous]

I haven't read the replies. When I was a kid, my parents, brothers, and I drove from GA to CO every other summer to visit family. We'd drive about 10 hours one day and 12 hours the other. We stayed in hotels en route but with family at our destination.
As an adult, I've done several trips out west where we flew, rented a car, and camped at various parks. We would occasionally stay in a hotel. It doesn't gave to be all or nothing. I would think you'd need at least 10 days if you are driving-- 2 weeks would be better. We did the flying trips in one week. Whatever you decide, have fun!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks everyone! We might be able to go over $2k budget, but it means we'll have to save more and do it next summer instead of this summer - which is fine - gives us more time to plan. Ok, I'm not really into this drive the whole way there and back and camp all the way thing, but it sounds like the only plan that we'll be able to afford *sigh*. I think the plan was to stay in a few cheap hotels (when the weather's bad, etc.) but not very often.

Here's a few more details:

-We have a relative in Portland, so we would probably stay there a few nights before making the return trip.

-We can take at least two weeks off for the trip (most likely in August) and possibly up to three. Does 3 sound reasonable?

-We haven't thought too much about where we want to stop, but national parks are a definite - so thanks for the tip about the pass!

-Have heard from so many about what a memorable trip this is for families (including DH who did it with his family when he was a kid) - so I'm ready to do what it takes!

Would love to hear more!

OP, I know this is blunt--but are you visiting the relative in Portland because you really want to see them, or because you want a place to stay for a few days? I know that sounds really blunt--but if you don't actually have a strong desire to visit the relative/Portland, you could choose a different destination that might save you more time/money, for example only driving as far as the 4 corners area and checking out the national parks in those states.

[Anonymous]

FWIW in my experience, there are TONS of super cheap motels out in the Midwest/west. Pick up the brochures at rest stops and look for deals - it may end up being as cheap as camping after all and the low-rate chains are also often ones with free breakfast buffets that can add a savings to your food budget. DH and I stayed at a few of those last summer for $30 or under when we were in Utah and Arizona and they were just fine, truly. Of course I was raised in Missouri so undoubtedly my standards are low... But no bedbugs or anything and they all had showers!

[Anonymous]

I drive to Denver every few years. My suggestion would be to front load with a long day/overnight then break up the next few days. (I drive about 13 hours to St. Louis, then spend a good chunk relaxing. Though I would avoid Kansas at all costs, high speed limit but very difficult drive because it's so flat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

OP, I know this is blunt--but are you visiting the relative in Portland because you really want to see them, or because you want a place to stay for a few days? I know that sounds really blunt--but if you don't actually have a strong desire to visit the relative/Portland, you could choose a different destination that might save you more time/money, for example only driving as far as the 4 corners area and checking out the national parks in those states.

OP again. LOL to the above! It's my brother in law - we obviously don't get to see him much, so it's mostly to say hi and also to see Portland. But we can only handle a few days of him anyhow - so it's not a make-or-break to go see him How's that for a blunt response?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I drive to Denver every few years. My suggestion would be to front load with a long day/overnight then break up the next few days. (I drive about 13 hours to St. Louis, then spend a good chunk relaxing. Though I would avoid Kansas at all costs, high speed limit but very difficult drive because it's so flat.

OP here - this is good advice, thanks. Also thanks to PP about cheap motels - I'm totally fine with that as long as there are no bedbugs - don't want to bring any friends back with us!