Ideal Accommodations:

Condo/Beach Vacation:

There is a tremendous amount of condos available that can be rented for a trip.  These condos are ideal for beach vacations and can make your life extremely simple.  You can bring all of your food with you as well as any other household item that you can not live without.  Large groups or families make this an affordable option.

The drawback is that you are living in someone else's property and are never 100% sure what you will walk into.  Most of these places are quite nice and it is well worth looking into.

 

Camping Excursion:

A camping adventure is an excellent low-cost option available for your upcoming road trip.  You are able to bring all of your food and supplies with you and this saves you an enormous amount of money. 

The disadvantages are that you do not control the weather.  A prolonged rainstorm, snow, or worse can really ruin your trip so plan accordingly.  You will need to plan for several activities to keep your trip interesting.

RV Rental (Land Safari):

Renting an RV is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life-it is an absolute blast.  Once again, you get to bring all of your food and essentials from home (or you can stop at a local grocery or convenience store to stock up).  An RV gives you complete freedom of where you go and where you decide to stop for the night.  This option will allow you to save an enormous amount of money if you are traveling for five days or longer.  This is an absolute must to consider for the Adventure-Oriented traveler.

The only drawback you will run into is draining the septic system in these units.  When you pick up the vehicle, they will go over all you need to know in orientation and the actual process of draining the septic is not difficult.

Hotel Adventure:

Hotels are the most common and most convenient way to plan your road trip adventure.  There are tremendous deals that are available every day of the week at 3-4 star hotels.  Staying in these rooms at unbelievable costs is a lot of fun and something you should seriously look into.  Once you land a nice deal then it is easy to find all sorts of local activities that you can do in that area.

The drawback of this option is that if you get one of these deals online, typically your payment is non-refundable.  The simple solution is to move forward with your road trip at all costs. 

Ideal Travel Options:

 Party Bus

$    (Score = 3)     Although this is one of the greatest ideas ever invented, prices are reasonably expensive.  Large groups will make them more affordable

Ж   (Score = 10)  This is a party on wheels

Φ  (Score = 10)    Sit back, crack open a few beers, and enjoy the ride

∆    (Score = 7)    These are becoming more and more available

ψ   (Score = 7)    This requires a decent amount of planning

Rental Car

$    (Score = 5)    This has a larger up-front expense than using your car but you do save on all of the wear and tear on your own vehicle.

Ж   (Score = 10)    You can take this car anywhere!

Φ    (Score = 7)    You will need to put up with other drivers on the road.

∆    (Score = 10)   Car rental facilities are very easy to find

ψ   (Score = 8)   There is much less planning involved than heading to a bus station, train depot, or airport.  They will often times even pick you up at your house!

 

If your personal car is a truck or large SUV, then a rental car might actually save you tons of money on gas!

 Driving Your Own Car

$    (Score = 5)    Generally this is a great option but gas prices can really put a hurt on your wallet. 

Ж   (Score = 8)    When you are in your own vehicle it gives you complete control of where you end up.  It is your most flexible option.

Φ    (Score = 4)    Unfortunately when you drive for long distances you have to put up with terrible drivers, road rage, tolls, traffic jams, etc.

∆    (Score = 10)   Your car is waiting for you right now and is almost always ready.

ψ   (Score = 10)   Because your car is always ready to pack up a spontaneous road trip is right up this alley

 

By far this is the most common way to begin your road trip.  If this is your first time that you have embarked on a spontaneous road adventure then this is your best starting point.  One thing that you need to keep in mind is that the wear and tear you put on your vehicle can never be undone.   If you are concerned about the long-term effects then you may want to look into renting a vehicle.

 Carpool

$    (Score = 10)    Your only expense will be to split the gas evenly between you and your fellow riders!

Ж   (Score = 10)   This journey will be shared by like-minded travelers

Φ    (Score = 1)    In addition to dealing with all the same annoyances from your own car, now you have to put up with your passengers. 

∆    (Score = 3)    Arranging a carpool can be a challenge when you have to consider other's schedules.

ψ   (Score = 1)   Getting everybody together takes time and therefore this is not an ideal last minute option

 

There are great resources online for arranging a carpool.  You can check out this website for availabity in your area.

Train

$    (Score = 9)    Tickets can be very affordable for long-distance travel.

Ж   (Score = 8)    Because you can go a further distance at a low cost...your trip is now open to expanded possibilities.

Φ    (Score = 10)  You are in cruise control

∆    (Score = 4)   Trains generally leave from the larger sized cities.

ψ   (Score = 2)   You may need to make some special arrangements to get dropped off and picked up from the train station (or leave your car)

 

Checking into this option is an absolute must for the adventure-minded travelers!