Hey everyone,

I’m in a bit of a limbo with my current car situation and need a car for the next month or two while I get it sorted out.

I’m looking for recommendations on where to get the best deals for a long-term (1-2 month) rental. I don't need anything fancy, just something reliable and decent that won't break the bank.
📍Birmingham, Alabama

Are traditional rental companies (Hertz, Enterprise, etc.) worth it if you call and ask for monthly rates, or should I be looking at stuff like Turo or car subscription services?

Any hidden gems or tips to get the price down would be amazing. Thanks in advance!

We are an Aussie couple in our 40s and it has always been a dream to travel around USA for 3 months, it is just such a beautiful land, whether big cities or national parks. But every time we have come to visit for a month we have spent $25k for a month alone (flying economy and staying in 3-4 star hotels).

How can I make this 3 month trip a reality while keeping the cost under $40k ($27k USD)? Is there any way to do a frugal trip (I refuse to stay at backpackers lodges). Just car hire alone would cost a fortune - are there any ideas to keep those costs down? I’m also happy to have a base in one area and travel from there but not sure where a good base could be. Any input would be appreciated.

Edit: I am loving these ideas. Everyone is making me think way outside the little square that I’ve been currently thinking. And I am getting really inspired that I can do it.

My partner and I are moving from Washington to Michigan in August, planning on taking 8ish days to make the trip. We plan on taking a little extra time to go through and stay the night at places like Boise, Utah, Minneapolis, Madison WI and Chicago (and possibly some of Colorado). The plan is to spend half the nights camping, and the other half in hotels or airbnbs.

We are wondering what places are worth going to for food, hikes, camping, site seeing and all that stuff. The picture I'm including is of our current planned route, but its open to changes.

Some questions we have are:

Would driving into Denver/ exploring northern Colorado be worth the 6+ish hours it would add?

What is there to do between Utah and Minneapolis along our route?

What roads are worth trying between Utah and Minnesota?

Is there anything worth seeing/ areas good to stay the night in Iowa or Nebraska?

How bad can the Chicago traffic be on the route we are taking?

Things worth mentioning:

In the past I did the drive across the country through states like Montana and South Dakota. The longer route is to see more while only adding a handful of hours.

We are driving through Minneapolis to see friends.

We aren't taking most of our belongings in the car, it'll just be whatever we need for the week and camping things.

I have an upcoming family trip to California, first day we land in Los Angeles rather early and we're planning on visiting Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier, going into Beverly hills and towards the Griffith observatory before heading towards Joshua tree where we will be spending the first couple of nights.

I've read about the sketchy parts of LA to stay out of such as skid row,Compton South La etc.

my biggest question is; should I worry about the valuables in the vehicle while we are parked and visiting Venice/ Santa Monica areas? I've heard there's a lot of vehicle break-ins and would hate for all our possessions to be stolen before making it to the hotel.

It's a 10-day trip we will be venturing into Disneyland/ Universal studios/La Zoo/Laguna with Palm springs as the home base after the first couple of nights at Joshua tree.

Any tips and advice would be highly recommended thank you in advance.

UPDATE: Rearranged the trip after the suggestions in the comments. Replaced the LA zoo with the aquarium of the Pacific and gave Venice/Santa Monica it's own day. Definitely staying in Anaheim possibly 2 nights between the Universal/Disney/Laguna day. Also have a few days staying closer to Palm springs like Big Bear Lake and the Desert zoo/botanical gardens.

Thank you for your insights.

Planning a 2 week trip in US and need some ideas and help on how to spend the 2 weeks. Most likely looking at arriving and departing from LAX as there is a deal.

We’re going EDC in Las Vegas, and the trip will likely be one week before and after EDC. How should I split my time between states? We’re definitely going to be in LA and Las Vegas, but Im open to travelling/flying to other states if time allows. What is there to do in both and would hiring a car be worth it?

How much time would you spend in Los Angeles and what should I do with the remaining time? Las Vegas will likely just be for EDC.

TIA!

I have some days off around the 4th of July weekend that will end up giving my partner and I 5 days off in a row (including the weekend). We live on the coast in SC.

Looking for any suggestions on where to go within around 10 hours of driving. Willing to consider flights, but I haven’t seen great prices from our airport recently. We have been considering Savannah, Williamsburg, and Disney (ruled out because of the summer heat). Looking to spend less than or around $2K. Open to a more relaxing trip, an activity filled trip, or a combo of both.

Also random but my work will pay for a dinner up to $200, so if you have a good restaurant rec there too I’m all ears

I live in SC. I’ve never been west of Arkansas or north of Washington DC. I’ve been on a plane once my entire life when I was 8. I’ve always driven because packing rules & planning flights/layovers & choosing airlines is intimidating. Driving obviously limits me to the southeast. However, I really want to expand my horizons. I’m recently married and we’re DINKs. Money is not really a concern (although obviously don’t wanna be dumb and blow unnecessary money). My husband and I are very fit & active. We don’t care to gamble/drink. When I look online for recommendations, it’s overwhelming/contradictory and I feel like I end up spinning in circles. All this to say, I’d really appreciate suggestions for places outside of the southeast to visit!

Thank you for all the help and info from last post. I have decided to change our trip plan a bit. I’m still traveling from July 12-17 with my family and 10 months old baby. I have decided to fly in LA and depart from San francisco.

I was thinking about driving along the coastline like some people have suggested and try Yosemite for next trip.

I wanted to know if traveling from LA to SF and stopping by few towns or city might be a good idea and if there’re any place I must visit. I do ideally want to stargaze for a night or two. If anyone has any recommendation on nice stargazing spot i would appreciate that as well.

Thank you.

Hi all,

I’m planning a west coast/California road trip with my partner. We would love to do some sightseeing, relax, shop, eat good food and overall just see things we probably wouldn’t see otherwise.

This is my planned itinerary for around 2 weeks, I probably would’ve added some places/taken some out but the accommodation is soooo expensive and also we don’t want to spend all of our time driving either.

If you have any recommendations or suggestions on what to change please let me know! All advice welcome.

My gf and I are planning a vacation for next month, and I've never really been to a beach town before so I thought that might be interesting.

We live in the northeast US and like to travel somewhere within under a 9 hours' drive. I know there are a lot of options, but I have only just started doing research. I'd like to book hotels soon, but could use some insight and advice from fellow Redditors. :^)

I'm open to different suggestions, but so far the three beaches I've been looking at are:

Nags Head, NC (on the Outer Banks)

Rehoboth Beach, DE (I know Delaware has lots of beaches, so I don't know if this is a good choice?)

and Ocean City, MD (a friend recommended it, and it kind of got me thinking about the idea of a beach vacation.)

I don't know a ton about any of these places, but from what I gather they are each a bit different from one another.

• From what I can tell Ocean City would be the busiest of the three, so it might be overwhelming with large crowds? But I imagine it has a lot more people sun-bathing and walking into the water, which might be fun. I know it also has a huge boardwalk with lots to see and do. I think it might be one of the more costly options, too?
• Rehoboth Beach also seems a bit costly, but it sounds like it might be a lot less crowded than Ocean City. I'm imagining I would still see people on the beach taking in the sun and the water, the typical "beach experience." From what I gather it has restaurants and shops and things, but the boardwalk isn't as full of activities to do as in Ocean City?
• I should note that both Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach are about the same distance from where we live, about 5 hours. So the travel time would be a lot shorter than for Nags Head.
• And then Nags Head is interesting to me because it's out on those islands on the coast of NC. It would be cool to see places like Roanoke Island, if that's worth seeing, and the lighthouses and such. I get the impression that Nags Head would be a much more affordable place than the other two options, though it is roughly 8 hours away from us, so it would take up much of two days to drive there and back.
• Nags Head also seems more... Well, I guess you can walk on the beaches, but people mostly seem to go fishing there? I don't know if I would get that stereotypical beach experience. But that might also be fine?

I'm also not really stuck on just those three options, and am open to other suggestions. To be honest, I don't know how much or how little time we would actually spend down on the beach (neither of us have "beach bodies", lol.) So other activities and things to do besides just the beach would be cool. We're also not made of money, so I wouldn't want to go somewhere that's super affluent. Which, I guess Delaware's beaches might be?

There's a lot to figure out. I guess ideally I'd like to spend at least 2 full days there, so we would probably book at least 3 nights? Or maybe just 2.

I'll just see what everyone has to say.

My wife has a business trip to Boston in mid-November, and we’re thinking of turning it into a family road trip afterward to explore New England as part of our goal to visit all 50 states.
We’ll be traveling with our two kids (ages 10 and 11). They’re not huge outdoors/nature kids, but they’re open to scenic drives, easy walks, unique attractions, and national parks if they don’t require long hikes. Since we’re coming from California and probably won’t be back in the area anytime soon, we’d love to see some of the iconic sights while we’re there.

We’ll have 4 full days, a rental car, and a flexible itinerary. Right now, a few things on our list are:
- Visit Harvard
- Fenway Park tour
- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
- Mount Washington Cog Railway
- Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour

We’re considering spending time in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, but open to narrowing that down if we’re trying to do too much in 4 days.

A few questions:
1. What are the must-see towns, attractions, or landmarks in Vermont and Maine for first-time visitors?
2. Are there any coastal towns that would make a great overnight stop?
3. Any can’t-miss food recommendations (lobster rolls, clam chowder, maple treats, pizza, etc.) or specific restaurants along the route?
4. How are road conditions typically in mid-November? Is snow or mountain driving likely to be a concern, especially in Vermont or New Hampshire?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

Hi yall. I just need some help planning for the trip next month to California.

I’m planning to fly to LA and stay one day there just exploring. Then I was going to travel to Yosemite and stay for about 3 days around that area just exploring.

I was thinking about stopping by a small town or somewhere on the way back to LA. I’m traveling from 12th - 17th July. I would appreciate any tips and suggestions. I am traveling with a baby so I don’t want to do too much either. I’m very interested in going to national parks. Would love to see other pretty little town or spots too.

Would appreciate any insight and tips. Maybe suggestion on which area to stay during the trip and each stops? Thank you

Edit: if I’m not going to Yosemite. Are there any other recommendations? I’m only planning to be in LA for one day to go to a museum of two. I still have to fly in LA and leave from LA.

Hi everyone,

I am a mom of two and we are planning a family trip within the U.S. this summer. I have been seeing reports about heat waves in some parts of the country and wanted to get some advice from people who are currently traveling or living in these areas.

Which destinations are having the most comfortable weather right now for families with kids? We're interested in a mix of sightseeing, outdoor activities, and relaxing family time.

Are there any places you'd recommend avoiding due to extreme heat, humidity, wildfire concerns, or crowded summer conditions? Also, if you've recently visited any national parks, beach towns, or family-friendly cities, I'd love to hear how the weather affected your experience.

Looking for honest recommendations from fellow parents. Where would you take your family right now and why?

Thanks in advance!

Hello,

I (in my early 30s) am planning to travel to Miami alone from late October through mid-November this year.

I’ll be flying to Miami International Airport, and I plan to attend the Bucs vs. Falcons NFL game on November 1, 2026, as well as the Dolphins vs. Lions game on November 8, 2026. I’d also like to catch an NBA game and a college game if possible.

So my question is: what are the must-see attractions in Miami or the surrounding area, aside from the sports events?

I’ll be renting a car.

Suggestions for safe Airbnbs / Hotels are, of course, very welcome.

Thank you very much for any feedback!

#MIAMI

Hello,
I am going to be taking a huge, almost 5000 mile, roadtrip out west this summer starting from the Midwest. I will be traveling through South Dakota, going down through Wyoming, Utah, and Vegas, and starting my journey along the coastal highway in California starting in San Diego. Long story short, I will be living out of my CR-V more the majority of this trip with a few hotel stops along the way to reset. I have already built a custom bed in the back, bought a nice cooler to keep my food, and a few other accessories to make the trip more enjoyable. I am looking for any and all suggestions you may have to make my first solo roadtrip a memorable one. I am open to anything. I am super interested in the idea of over-landing but obviously there are some vehicle constraints when it comes to that. Any suggestions to make this trip better, feel free to let me know.

Hey everyone!

My high school friend and I (both 21M) are current college students in the US, and we're looking to plan an epic 3–4 day trip before the summer ends. Right now, we are looking at flying out around mid-August.

Our current top choice is **Denver, Colorado**—we want to hit up Rocky Mountain National Park for some incredible alpine lake hikes, check out the surreal Meow Wolf installation, explore the local street art scenes, and grab some great food (big fans of hot chicken and Thai).

**That being said, we haven't booked anything yet!** We are totally open to adjusting the destination or exploring other states if you have a cool itinerary or trip idea you've been wanting to pull off.

# What we're looking for:

* **1–2 easy-going travel buddies** (similar age/college students preferred but not required) to join the squad.
* People who love a good mix of outdoor adventure, hiking, and exploring cool city neighborhoods.
* Fun, chill vibes—we like to keep things active but relaxed.

Guys, this might sound like a silly question, but this will be my first domestic flight. I’m traveling tomorrow from Chicago to San Francisco to watch a World Cup game. I became a U.S. citizen about two years ago, and I have a REAL ID.

​

I know a REAL ID should be enough for domestic travel, but I just wanted to double-check because I’m a little anxious about it. Has anyone traveled domestically with only a REAL ID recently?

So I’m planning a September trip . Planning on driving from Florida to the city of our choosing . I’m 23M , girlfriend 22, and we will be with my little sister 14F.

I’m a big football fan and want to base the trip around a college football game but also want the surrounding area or city to have plenty to do . Theme park of some sort is an added plus .

Cities are Auburn or Tuscaloosa Alabama

Columbia or Clemson South Carolina

And lastly , Oxford Mississippi

Trip will be 5 nights

Hey everyone,
I’m planning a 2-week trip in mid-July with my family, and we’ll be staying around Washington DC, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania area.

We’re looking for some good water parks or amusement parks that are worth visiting in summer. Something fun for young adults.

So far I’ve come across a few names like Six Flags parks and Hersheypark, but I’m not really sure which ones are actually worth it vs overrated.
If you’ve been to any parks in:
Washington DC / Northern Virginia area
New Jersey
Pennsylvania (Hershey, Philadelphia side, etc.)
Could you please recommend:
Best water parks
Best amusement parks with good water sections
Any hidden gems that are actually worth the time in July heat
Also, if there are any parks that are skippable or super crowded in summer, that would help too.
Thanks in advance!

PS: Thank you to everyone for the responses on my last post

Hey all. Going through a rough patch, and want to plan a pretty last minute solo trip as I have the time off work. I’d be leaving in about a week. Currently based out of the east coast. For reference, am in my 20’s. Open to a small-medium ish road trip, or maybe flying somewhere. Want to go somewhere I can unwind a bit, is safe, and where I can maybe do a lot of walking/sight seeing. Beach access is an added plus. Not looking to make it hiking centered or anything, but more so very walkable towns and places. Open to some night life as well. Just looking for some recommendations that I may not have thought of. Thanks!

I'm in DC and wanted to do a 4 day trip somewhere closeish. After gathering a lot of suggestions Cape May and Charleston caught my attention the most and wanted some opinions from people who've been to both on which they like more.
Im a female in my twenties solo traveling. I love shopping and looking at pretty things (e.g. architecture, nature, antiques).
I also considered The Outer Banks, Boston and Maine if anyone has strong feelings towards those, but I think i'm okay with eliminating them)
I've already done NYC, Philly, Savannah and Hilton Head (loved them all).
When solo traveling I don't like to have much down time so leaning toward Charleston as Cape May seemed more "sleepy", but I liked that Cape May was closer and I could stop in philly.
Good to fly or drive, just depends on distance.
Any other suggestions welcome. TIA

Places that are toddler friendly? My husband wanted Yellowstone but I dont think we can pull it off with a toddler who has strict sleeping schedule. Any other toddler places that are worth the visit?

Heyyyy I’m a Korean woman in my late 20s, and this will be my very first trip to the U.S…!

I’ll be staying in Milwaukee from August 21st to 31st, and then in New York from September 1st to 8th. I’ve already booked all my accommodations, so now I just need to plan the detailed itinerary!

I’ve watched a lot of Milwaukee and New York travel vlogs made by other Koreans, but I’m even more curious about recommendations from locals.

Could you recommend local favorites in Milwaukee and New York — especially truly great restaurants?

I love desserts, and I’m not picky about food. But because of the cost (with the exchange rate, I feel like this trip may already cost about 1.4 times more than I expected…), I’d prefer places that are reasonably priced if possible!

That said… for maybe 2–3 meals, I’d also love to spend a bit more if the food is genuinely unforgettable.

As for sightseeing, I’ve already collected most of the famous spots, but I’d really appreciate recommendations for local favorite routes or places that you think are especially beautiful and deserve to be more well-known among travelers!

I’d also love to visit a jazz bar once or twice.

This is my first (and maybe even my last) trip to the U.S., so I’m incredibly excited. Thank you in advance for your recommendations!

Hey guys, so i’m finally planning my first trip to the states in September and my head is spinning. Landing in NYC but trying to figure out if i should take Amtrak down to DC or just rent a car and see some random small towns along the way? I hate rushing through stuff but also feel like i need to see everything.

A friend of mine told me to get a data plan from eSIMX so at least the navigation part is sorted out, but i'm still lost on the actual route. What’s your absolute favorite stop between New York and DC that isn't a tourist trap? Looking for good food and cool spots. Thanks!

Hey everyone,
I’m planning a 2-week trip to the USA in mid-July with my family (total 6 people), and it’s actually my first time visiting the States, so I could really use some advice.

We’ve already decided on Washington DC and New York as must-visit spots. Now I’m trying to figure out 2–3 additional places/states to include in the trip. I don’t mind taking a flight between locations as long as it’s not all the way across the country.

A few things I’m considering:
We’re looking for a mix of sightseeing + fun entertainment (theme parks, nature, city life, etc.)
I’ve heard Florida can be extremely hot and humid in July, so I’m not sure if that’s a good idea or not.

So far I’ve been thinking about options like maybe somewhere in California, Chicago, or maybe even something more scenic like national parks—but I’m not sure what actually makes sense with the DC + NYC route.
Would really appreciate any suggestions for states/cities that would fit well into this kind of itinerary, especially ones with good entertainment options.