Whether we do take the 7 month trip in January 2008 depends largely on whether Jimmie's school will keep his place open for him. They are meeting to discuss this next week. Until then we are trying to hold back on planning too much, or getting too excited. But this is difficult.
After much discussion we have decided that a tour of America will be the best for us. It's maybe not as exotic as the far east or scary as Africa, but it will be the best trip for us to undertake as a family with children. It will be the cheapest trip for us too.
Last night we tried to work out where we would visit and how long it would take etc. We know nothing about America really and so our initial plans could be way off and could change drastically. But taking into account the weather in the USA and Central America we decided that it would be best to arrive in Florida (see the blue dot on the map) in January, and travel around the southern states and central america before it gets to the heat of summer. So last night rough diagram shows our suggested route (honestly, we don't have a clue what we are talking about - so would greatly appreciate comments from our American blog readers!) Travelling from Florida (visiting the Everglades) we would go up to Georgia and visit my death row penpal, and then westwards through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana (possibly up a bit to Arkansas and Oklahoma) into Texas. From Texas we would travel down south to Mexico, Guatemala (I might pick up an orphan or two there!), Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, not heading any further into South America. We would then head back northwards into California (plus Disney World), and then spend some time in Nevada, Arizona and Utah (visiting the grand canyon for a week). Then we would travel up into Wyoming and from there eastwards through either the top of America, or the middle, until we got right back to the east coast. Then we would travel down into Virginia, North and South Carolina and back down to Florida.
So that was the first attempt at a travel route. As I said that plan could change, and we would appreciate suggestions from anyone who knows what they are talking about. 
Is there anything in the USA that we just should not miss? We will obviously buy lots of books to plan with, if we get the all clear from the school.
Is there anything in the USA that we just should not miss? We will obviously buy lots of books to plan with, if we get the all clear from the school.
You are an inspiration. I am going to do likewise before I get too old
ReplyDeleteyou need to stop at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo....and tell me when you're coming so we can be there too! Or just come see me on the weekend and we'll take you there! Summer time is the best time to visit.
ReplyDeletenow that i have seen it drawn out like that i really wanna go, big time!
ReplyDeleteWhatever you do, make sure you plan a stop in Bakersfield, CA to see me!!! I'm really excited at the possibilty of meeting you guys. If you can't make it here, we can make arrangements to meet you somewhere, like at the beach or something.
ReplyDeleteIf you want any travel books or brouchers on anything, just let me know. Sometimes places will only send to a usa address, so I'll send for things, and then send them on to you. Most tourist-y cities have really great info, and books that they will send.
My husband has done a lot of traveling, so I'll talk to him about this, and send you some must see places.
it sounds like an amazing trip, you should see if you can fit in a skiing trip as well, i went to vermont and the slopes are just beautiful. it also looks like you will be going through ilinois, make sure you visit chicago, it is a lovely city, you can sit in jazz bars and listen to the city sing. laura.
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