B. BOOMER wrote:

bigred1cav

We definitely do the "tourist travels" with our {truck}camper -- AND before that with our "35' fiver" ... Over the years, we've found that for us it's actually easier to be "tourists" with a smaller set-up

We do a lot of "seeing the sights while we're on the road" -- so for us, we mostly allow for FOURS HOURS OF TRAVEL A DAY MAX = four hours travel and 2-4 hours sightseeing. Usually we've checked for places that sound exciting on the route we're headed BEFORE we start out ... but sometimes we're driving down the road AND see something that looks interesting AND our truck just seems to "head in that direction"

THEN when we get to one of our major sightseeing destinations -- We CAMP out for awhile

We've found that one of the most helpful items to have while you travel is GOOD MAPS and GREAT UP-TO-DATE TOURIST INFO - {not trying to push AAA but that's what we use -- I believe others use Woodalls and find that equally valuable}. There are others BUT regardless of which you choose they are an invaluable resource for the "traveling tourist".

So BEFORE you leave home, lay out a map of America/Canada. Circle the points of interest and places you definitely already want to see/go - then you have a better idea of a route. AND you already have a wealth of terrific suggestions/replies to get you started!!

Be flexible ... leave the freeway for side-trips - and IF you don't have a set schedule or rigid time frame, you can make lots of "detours for those interesting sights you spy along the way". PLUS allow for plenty of extra "days of just plain rest which may also be called 'camping'"

Your Golden Age/Senior Interagency Pass gives you half off at most Fed/Gov Campgrounds -- usually comes to $10 or less a night to stay. The more popular places you may want to RESERVE ahead of time

http://www.recreation.gov/

Some are first come - first serve -- and that is where planning to arrive earlier in the day is a good idea.

The above link will also give you good info on National Parks/Monuments and Federal Recreational Activities.


Lastly pack a light rain slicker {which can be worn over a jacket}. The Pacific Northwest can be beautifully dry and sunny in May/June - yet also wet and chilly -- AND sometimes all in the same day!! Schools don't usually get out until mid-June in the PNW ... so you'll get a head start on the "rest of the tourists"

Have a great trip