Man, I sure wish the second plan would work...
Unfortunately I doubt we could make enough to pay for everything. And I may not have enough vacation time to drive.
But...it just seems like it'd be such an interesting adventure!
Catch is that busking is really frowned on in some states, and in some places you have to have a license (!) to do that.
Tell sibs they can come along if they chip in gas money. It's summer, so take tents and camp out at campgrounds - would that actually be cheaper? Or just all share one room. Surely you wouldn't need more than one night in a hotel each way...
I am also considering driving, since my car gets such great mileage, but I could make it to g'nad's in a single day.