Help me plan my summer vacation!!!

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

So, my husband and I want to go cross-country and end up in Seattle, before heading back. We are thinking about doing this in July/August. We would like to take our two dogs with us. We obviously cannot take a lot of time off (we were thinking 2 weeks at most).

We live in NJ, right across from New York City. How long would a leisurely drive to/from Seattle take (considering we'd like to stop and see the sights)? Any suggestions for traveling on a budget with two medium-sized dogs?

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

1. Anyone?

:shrug:

[XemaSab]

2. All I can say is

that's a LONG LONG LONG way to go round trip in two weeks and not have it feel like a mad dash.

[greendog]

3. 3015 miles...

...is probably the shortest distance between you and Seattle.

At 60 mph:

If you drive 10 hrs per day (600 miles) you'll reach Seattle in 5.25 days.

If you drive 8.3 hrs per day (500 miles) you'll reach Seattle in 6 days.

If you drive 6.6 hrs per day (400 miles) you'll reach Seattle in 7.5 days.

Most of the drive will be through the midwest and the plains states (boring). The last 1000 miles will be spectacular (Montana, Idaho, and Washington).

A better bet would be to fly out west (or take the train) and rent a car for a few days.

[yvr girl]

9. AND you have to drive back

You'll be exhausted after a vacation like that.

[GalleryGod]

4. Go Dead South, instead.

[In_The_Wind]

5. Be flexible. Not all motel chains will accept pets.

Are your dogs under 40 pounds?
That seems to make a difference :shrug: like a 50 pound puppy is any more trouble.

[XemaSab]

6. Have you spent a lot of time in the Northeast or Canada?

That might be a really nice trip that time of year... Quebec back around to the maritime provinces.

Or if you're dead set on Seattle, fly out and rent a car.

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. I live in the very middle of the country and I have driven to both coasts

It's a good 2 day drive for me so I would think it would be a 4 day trip for you and then 4 days back so plan on 8 days driving.

Along the way, I would recommend West Virginia - it is beautiful. So is Pennsylvania. South Dakota is gorgeous around Mt. Rushmore but the drive across the state to get there (it is about as far west in that state as you can go) is pretty boring. Then Wyoming is not much to look at until you get to Yellowstone in the upper NW corner.

Have a great time. As for accommodations, we like Motel 6. You can also get a Trip Rewards card and stay at lots of motels at a discounted rate.

[EstimatedProphet]

8. Check out Glacier National Park

Seriously!

[Benfea]

10. You could always do volunteer work in New Orleans for vacation.

:)