Where should I go....? {major vanity}

1-5-03 | ME

[Dog Gone]

Bangladesh is nice this time of year.

Bangladeshi women dry cow dung cakes in the sun in Dhaka on January 5, 2003. The poor gather cow dung from different cattle markets in the city and turn them into cakes for use as cooking fuel.  REUTERS/Rafiqur Rahman

[EggsAckley]

no thanks.

[Dog Gone]

Germany may be a little more to your liking...

A man carries his dog through a flooded street of Wertheim in the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, January 4, 2003. Up to 50 liters of rain per square meter (1.2 gallons per square foot) fell in western and central Germany in 24 hours, the German Weather Service said. REUTERS/Ralph Orlowski

[martin_fierro]

As ever, I am concerned for the friggin' peacocks.

<|:)~

[EggsAckley]

Oh, not to worry about the peabrains; they'll be fine. As a matter of fact, they'll be in the breeding mode by the end of February, so I'll be spared their swan songs. ;o)

[Dog Gone]

Pakistani women are pretty hot!

Pakistani women burn a mock U.S. flag during a protest in the Punjab provincial city of Multan on January 5, 2003. The Women Action Committee organiZed the event to protest against any possible U.S. action against Iraq.  REUTERS/Asim Tanveer

[EggsAckley]

are you having fun?

[Howlin]

Are you a member of AAA? If you are, go to their web site or call their office. They'll be glad to help you.

If you aren't a member, and are planning on driving, this might be a good time to join for the road services they provide......plus the discounts!

I'm jealous. It sounds like a great trip.

[Dog Gone]

You just aren't thinking of the fun places to vacation.

[neutrino]

Go by car. Get some good maps, and get off the interstate. Go into some of the smaller towns, eat at little non-chain restaurants...the ones with the pickup trucks driven by working men parked in front. Have a cheese burger and fries...and a chocolate malt! (Yeah, I know, you'll have to hit the gym when you get back...but it's worth it!)

If you're the sociable type, stay in a few bed and breakfasts - if you prefer your own company, stay in independent hotels/motels if you can. Get off the road early, take a nap, and read that book you've been wanting to get into (not professional reading - go for something enjoyable!).

Have you walked through any of the War of Northern Aggression battlefield parks? Seen any antebellum mansions? Gone to small town museums? I believe you'll find them to be well worth your time. In fact, visit a tourist trap or two...they can be fun! Do you have a favorite hobby or organization? I'd bet there are events that you'd love to see, all within easy driving distance.

Physical distance driven isn't important - emotional and psycological distance is. Make your vacation a real change of pace....you'll be glad you did!

[tet68]

It would help if we knew where you were coming from.

[Skooz]

I-40 through Albuquerque to Amarillo, Texas. From there take the HWY 287 to Wichita Falls.

287 turns into HWY 81, take this all the way to FT Worth and Dalls. Get on I-20 and go through LA and to Jackson, MS.

From there take the road that goes to Hattiesburg (HWY 49 South). Go through Mobile, Alabama. Stop at Destin, Florida and enjoy one of the nicest beaches anywhere.

You can find your way from there.

PS If you don't mind driving a few more miles, taking I-10 through El Paso to Dallas is more picturesque.

[cricket]

Have to thank you Dog Gone for the hysterical travel tour :^) . . .I need to get away too.

[Willie Green]

500 miles per day is kind of rough, especially when traveling with a pet that'll need frequent rest stops. My guess is 400~450 miles per day is more achievable, but even that is monotonous/tiring to maintain every day for the 5~6 days you'll need to cross the entire nation. Stick to the Interstates, you should make good time. Hope you have sufficient time available for the round trip. Whatever you estimate, add another day "just in case" for each direction of the trip.

[EggsAckley]

Pacific to Atlantic

[Rebelbase]

I drove west coast to east coast in 3 days once. I don't recommend that. Make it a 6-7 day trip.

[steveo]

Bangladeshi women dry cow dung cakes in the sun

EEWW! Handprints!

[GOP_Proud]

Unless you want to stop and see sights along the way, I'd consider more miles per day, then more time can be spent with your aunt. Of course, the aunt may be just a place to go. If you're like me, the trip is what is the vacation. In that case, take it leisurely and just have fun meeting people and seeing things along the way. I envy you. I took a similar trip all around New England 4 years ago with absolutely no planning. It's good for the soul. Just stay south. I came thru Oklahoma City in January last year in a bad snow storm so be careful, but enjoy.

[socal_parrot]

Would I get my kicks on Route 66?

Be sure to stay here-

Wigwam Inn Holbrook, AZ

See this-

Monument Valley

But not this-

Meteor Crater