Prepairing for travel via the internet

[Ron Dickey]

When I am planning a trip I write down what states I want to go, then I find the maps, then see what cities I want to say at, or sites I know of that I want to see.

I start by going to AAA having them make me a trip map (free with membership) and get the mpast for each state I plan to go through.

I then go to
each state on the net and see what I can find. here is a simple site that will get you there
http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/State_and_Territories.shtml
Each state offers road conditions, emergancy conditions etc. too.
I often will pull up the chamber of Commerce in each town to see what business they have in them, that I might want to go to.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=st ... tnG=Search
each state has one then they usually have a break down in that site for each county. Individual cities or town I will pull up by town name and chamber of commerce.
knowing the price of gas even though it has gone down at this time still helps me figure out how much it will cost through several states.
http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/sbsavg.asp
Where I might find free internet wifi hookups along the way help if you do not already have a cell phone, satalite, or such connection. You computer must have a wireless modem to pick up I have Airport.
http://www.wififreespot.com/
During my last trip because I wanted to get there and back fast I stayed at mostly KOA's about 21 a night with free internet. I would email ahead to freinds where I was and if you go to
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=25317
you can see how I did.
If you are going to California this site might be helpful they are not daily but it is big and the size of a 6 or 7 ylou might want to reroute you can click on the dots and they will tell you where and how big. In a car you will feel very few of them. on foot mostly a hikcup movement. I have been all over the state and only been in 2 big ones. and 8.2 and a 10.
I have lived here for 30 yrs. Tornados are worse.
http://quake.usgs.gov/recenteqs/latest.htm

Please add your thouhts and sites for those who are just leaning to travel the net before the real road trip.

Ron Dickey

[rbeemer]

For planning a road trip, I use every available resource at my disposal.

Once I am on the trip, I have to be flexible enough to allow a change in plans because that is what a vacation is all about.....No worries no hurry

[Arne]

I do use it, but not the extent the original poster does.... now that i have a subscription to freeovernightcamping, I will start using it more.

Finding free wifi is time consuming. many online sites are not up to date, so I usually stop at the local library. if they don't have it free, they usually know who does.... but it still takes a couple of hours out of the day to get there, find it, use it and get back on the road.

that's why campgrounds with it are dandy (if free).

I've never been able to average 21/night at koas.

[Miriam C.]

I do use it, but not the extent the original poster does.... now that i have a subscription to freeovernightcamping, I will start using it more.

Finding free wifi is time consuming. many online sites are not up to date, so I usually stop at the local library. if they don't have it free, they usually know who does.... but it still takes a couple of hours out of the day to get there, find it, use it and get back on the road.

that's why campgrounds with it are dandy (if free).

I've never been able to average 21/night at koas.

I sure hope you keep a diary for us.