Ideas/suggestions for a low cost year long trip?

[Beachcomer]

A few days ago, I posted in Fulltimer that I was returning from overseas in late 08, and plan to buy a used truck/trailer to travel for about a year. I had asked for ideas on how to plan.

I had thought that planning this long trip would be the hardest thing, but I recently started looking at some of the different States' Tourist Info with my fiancee, who has never been to the States. We were looking at some of the things that we would like to see and do, and I told her how expensive some things were. It hit me then how much a trip like this could cost.

I know from reading many posts how people spend a lot less when they are not in "Vacation Mode", but that became very clear when I started thinking how much it would cost to go on a year long vacation.

I know about some discount clubs--Passport, Happy Campers, Good Sam, etc. I also know about boondocking, Walmart, and other free/low cost parking. I can also look at seeing/doing things that aren't too expensive, but I was wondering if others can give me any other ideas/suggestions on how to make this trip the least expensive that I can.

Thanks,

Dan

[Beachcomer]

A few days ago, I posted in Fulltimer that I was returning from overseas in late 08, and plan to buy a used truck/trailer to travel for about a year. I had asked for ideas on how to plan.

I had thought that planning this long trip would be the hardest thing, but I recently started looking at some of the different States' Tourist Info with my fiancee, who has never been to the States. We were looking at some of the things that we would like to see and do, and I told her how expensive some things were. It hit me then how much a trip like this could cost.

I know from reading many posts how people spend a lot less when they are not in "Vacation Mode", but that became very clear when I started thinking how much it would cost to go on a year long vacation.

I know about some discount clubs--Passport, Happy Campers, Good Sam, etc. I also know about boondocking, Walmart, and other free/low cost parking. I can also look at seeing/doing things that aren't too expensive, but I was wondering if others can give me any other ideas/suggestions on how to make this trip the least expensive that I can.

Thanks,

Dan

[full-timer]

Dan,you don't always have to pay to see some interesting things.
Like this--Factory Tours

Joe

[John66]

The 'cheapest' way to RV long term is to 'Workamp'. This means you work part time in return for your site. Since the 2 biggest costs are usually fuel and site, this really cuts down the cost. The 'pay per hour' is not that great, but not having to pay taxes on it boosts it significantly.

I think most places would prefer a 3 month commitment, but longer or shorter may be available some places.

[Ray,IN]

John, that may not be 100% true. Most employers that trade a campsite for work, turn the campsite value in to the IRS as business expenses.
Beachcomer, one option is to visit the workamper website and read.

[GaryKD]

Hi Dan,
Don't give up on your trip. My comments are only about the things to see and do part of the trip. The National Parks Service has an annual pass one can purchase that allows admission to all their properties. We vacation with the grand children 2 months of each year. Using the pass we have much more available to us than we can ever hope to do. The National Parks and what Joe posted are a good start to end your trip with a comfortable feeling you have really seen the USA.

It took over 1/2 day just to find the geographical center of the USA. When hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Part at 14K feet, you'll be slowing way down,,,,,searching for air. In Arkansas, there is a State Park that allow visitors to dig for diamonds! Now that is a day's effort right there. Just a few weeks ago a diamond with an estimated value at $80K was found. The rules are finders keepers. There are thousands of miles of hiking trails. When in the Western states, you will be amazed how large and far apart everything is. Seeing these sights takes time. Consider going slow and really appreciating what it is you are looking at.

There are many treasures awaiting you.