Touring About: Finding last minute <$50 lodging: Thoughts?

[Tom and Vipers]

I plan to drive cross country Carson City, NV to Pittsburgh, PA with no definite itinerary. I may do it in 4 days or 10 days depending on my mood.

But I do confess neither GPS nor Internet maps are capable of planning an interesting tour. The roads of interest "go away" when you zoom out so you "can't see the forest for the trees." The State Gazette's are the best and simply big State road maps. Even a Rand McNally Road Atlas has value. But when looking for windy roads, the Gazette is the only one that reveals them. So I'll probably have a list of optional excursions I can choose depending on how badly I want to get home.

I have two strategies so far:

• Use GPS to find lodging in the direction I'm going. Start with nearest and work my way out until I find a good $$$.
• Seems like Kayak might work. It's 8am and I looked for something under $50 at Colorado Springs and found a 4 start for $47 that was discounted 50%.

CONSTRIANTS (so far):

• DO NOT DRIVE I-80
• NO sleeping overnight in car (naps maybe)
• ONLY cheap <$50 Lodging
• No major or moderate out-of-the-way excursions - always be closing on target (destination)!

WAYPOINTS/EXCURSIONS:

• Pike's Peak (maybe, see below)
• I-70 Colorado
• Interesting windy "spaghetti" roads

Some people are terrified to travel w/o reservations.
I'm terrified to travel with reservations. (So you can imagine how I TOTALLY ABHOR FLYING!)

Was also wondering if there might be some possibility finding other Vipers planning to do a cross country and get together. My schedule is completely flexible and the only thing that might be a "must do" is Pike's Peak. But I've heard its infested with **** Part Ranger Kill Joys and there are more cool roads to drive. So its probably not practical since I want to improvise on the trip. Pretty hard to hook up with someone else who would want to do the same.

I've also invited friends (especially Nadine) to come along but the logistics are a nightmare especially when you consider how air travel has to be booked so far in advance.

I wonder if there is any kind of "travel insurance" sort of like a super AAA that would cover lodging while car is getting repaired! One would think with the hysteria about safety and insurance, there is a product like this.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Did I miss the time of the year that you plan to make this drive?

You can try AAA and/or your auto insurer for alternate transportation plans...especially if you have a real problem with your Viper as few dealerships stock any parts.

Without a convoy of fellow travelers, I would encourage you to hook up with active Viper owners along your general route as a backup.

For instance, if you plan to drive on I-70 through Indiana, I would suggest that you let me know...just in case something comes up that requires assistance. I am certain there are many other folks along major routes who would also be able to assist you in other states.

Keep us posted !!

 

[jdeft1]

I've done a couple similar low budget road trips from the other direction. (DC-Yellowstone, Grand Canyon etc) You'll have a great time! Stay off the interstates, also, Motel 6 is everywhere but not <$50... Gas station maps are good find! Mom and Pop motels are always a wonder; some are great, some ****! (if the clerk has BAD teeth, slurs and smells like tobacco, turn around).. Good luck!

 

[Tom and Vipers]

Rough itinerary is back roads to I-70 in Colorado. That's the only Interstate I specifically want to drive on - they say its spectacular.

There isn't much I'm aware of trying to see in the Mid-West so probably Interstates there too. However state highways are probably straight and fast too. Want to avoid local cop speed traps though.

If I get tired or my back starts acting up, I'll want to get home ASAP. So that would mean Interstate all the way.

 

[whatthe]

Highway 50 out of Carson City is great, very little traffic but not without Nevada Highway patrol not many curves, a couple of small passes and the rest is pretty straight Austin,Eureka and Ely are all pretty cool little towns. Ely is famous for there sporting girl houses. The National Hotel is in Ely its worth a look for an overnighter. Ditto on Highway 70 in Colorado its great also would recommend staying in Colorado as long as you can and going over their passes but weather can be a factor depending when you go.

 

[Viper98912]

Even though a "classic American" out-west road trip sounds awesome, I feel uncomfortable parking my Viper at (and staying at in general) a creepy, less than $50/night off-the-path motel.