How to Drive Cross-Country
As spontaneous of an adventure as a cross-country drive may sound, there are some necessary preparations to make. Once you get these basics down, you'll be well on your way to becoming a true pioneer. Many great American writers have packed up their belongings and gone for a good old-fashioned "I-need-to-find-myself" drive across the USA. Jack Kerouac, Hunter S. Thompson, John Steinbeck - they've all hit the byways of America and brought their memories home for the rest of us to experience.
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Instructions
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Choose Your Vehicle
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If you don't own a car, you do have other options. Here are some other ways you can get your hands on a car:
Rent an RV
Catch a ride
Drive someone else's car
Rent a carRent an RV: Some say that if you've got a crew of 6 or more, renting an RV (recreational vehicle) is the best way to make a cross-country journey. Prices vary greatly depending on the size and amenities of the rolling motel; for an average Winnebago, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 a day, depending on the season.
Catch a Ride: Many people just want a little companionship (or someone to chip in for gas) when going on a long drive. So check the bulletin boards of your local college or the classified sections of the newspaper. Chances are, there'll be some wandering soul seeking to find a partner for his/her next trip.
Drive Someone Else's Car: There are people out there who are moving from one coast to the other, want to bring their car along with them, but don't want to drive it themselves. Agencies known as "drive-aways" hire people to drive other people's cars to specific destinations. Here are the general requirements:
* Prove that you are trustworthy (if you have a criminal record, don't even bother applying).
* Pay a sizeable but fully refundable deposit.
* Get the car there within a certain number of days.
* You must be at least 19 years old.
* You must have a valid driver's license.
* Usually, you've got to pay for the gas.Rent a car: If you want to drive across the country on your own schedule, there's always the reliable option of renting your fantasy car. The main benefit to renting a car: it's not yours! That means you don't have to worry about wear-and-tear. With rental cars, as long as the car isn't returned damaged, you'll be covered for minor problems. Keep in mind though that many rental companies only rent to drivers at least 25 years old. Some car companies have dropped their age requirement to 21; however, these companies usually charge an additional fee for younger drivers .Renting a car can also be pretty expensive. But if it's freedom and irresponsibility you're looking for, this is the way to go.
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Next: Prepare Your Car
