I have been craving a road trip for the longest time. Pretty much since my last one ended. But, going on a road trip at 26 is different from going at 23. When I was 23, even though it was only a little over 2 years ago, I was a different person. At least when it came to my financial awareness. I probably had about the same money then as I do now. But I cared so much less. ...
So what if I only have a few hundred dollars in my bank account? I can make that last me. I've got a few paychecks still coming in. I'm just camping out, I'm not staying in fancy hotels. I have a job when I come back. I still live at home. I don't need money to see great things on Route 66.
...
I guess the biggest difference between then and now is that I don't have a job waiting for me afterwards. And I'm not living at home, rent free. I'm now paying rent. Wherever I end up, whether it's in another part of the country or back in New Hampshire, I'm paying rent.
I worry about money constantly at the moment. Perhaps because right now I might be in some kind of debt to various parties. Maybe. And I just want to drive off. But I can't even let myself start planning until I'm out of debt. Even though it's alllll I want to do. But until I have enough money, I continue to put my planning on old. But it's happening. The urge to just drive away from it all is strong, and it will eventually pull me through my fears of being homeless and penniless.
I have to stop worrying. I have to start making it happen. There are ways to travel cheaply. Live off granola bars. If this trip is anything like my last, the things I'll see and the people I'll meet will be nourishing enough; my car snacks and one regular meal a day will be more than enough actual food. Couch surfing. Last time around, I camped out almost every night, which wasn't too expensive, probably averaged $30 a night. I might try couch crashing more this time around. Setting up connections with people from high school and college who live across the country. Talk to friends about if they have family who wouldn't mind hosting a lovely lady like myself for a night. Try out the official couchsurfing website. Camping in more national parks rather than the KOA parks I did last time. Sure, they made me feel safer, but they were often like $20 more. I'll make sure I bring mace this time around. The biggest cost should be gas. And hopefully I'll have a new car that is a bit better on gas mileage and not take premium gas like my current vehicle does now. There's unfortunately not a lot I can do to change that one. The final major cost is the attractions. I did a pretty good job of finding plenty of enjoyment in free/cheap entertainment last time. I can still remember St. Louis being a very successful day for me. Free Bud tour, free zoo visit, free parking just by charging the parking guy's phone for a few minutes, free beautiful walking tour I took myself on of the city. An extremely enjoyable day in the city for only the cost of $5 parking and dinner. Success. It doesn't take a lot for me to find enjoyment in the little things. I'll make note of what one day, if I ever come into some money, I would want to come back and see. Until then, I'm happy with the free museums and parks and attractions.
See, I tell myself, there is really no reason to worry about the money. You went last time for 5 weeks with a little less than $3,000. And there were definitely cheaper choices you could have made. A hotel once a week? Psh, who needs it?!? 2-3 beers at dinner? Get a sampler and you'll be happier and get to try plenty. $3,000 is not a ridiculous amount to save up between. So what if you don't really have a social life between now and then. It'll be worth it in the end, you know it. You can do it!
So, I'm putting aside the worry. I'm putting aside the stress. I'm also putting aside the money.
West coast (and everything on the way), here I come!