Utah | Arizona | Nevada | California | Oregon
PENNY TRAVELERS See the world for less!
RoadTrip Special
A Perfect Day at
Arches National Park, UT Discover the 8th Wonder of the World
Antelope Canyon, AZ
5 Things to do in
Las Vegas in 48 hours
14 Day Itinerary
From Dessert to Ocean!
Photo: Dino Reichmuth / Arches National Park, UT
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In this Issue 2
Trip Checklist
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Day 1 // Farewell Bend, OR
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Day 2 // Antelope Island State Park, UT
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Day 3 // Arches National Park, UT
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Day 4 // Capitol Reef National Park, UT
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Day 5 // Antelope Canyon, AZ + Lone Rock Beach, UT
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Day 6 & 7 // Las Vegas, NV
Penny Travelers / July 2019
Editor’s Note
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Day 8 // Fresno, CA
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Day 9 // Bodega Bay, CA
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Day 10 // Humboldt Redwoods State Park, CA
the passenger seat?! That’s right, not a lot.
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Day 11 // Port Orford, OR
it off with breath taking stops to make it an
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Day 12 // Lincoln City, OR
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Day 13 // Portland, OR
venture was tried and tested by your one
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Day 14 // Abbotsford, BC
to fit your schedule and interests you are
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Money Talk
With every issue we try to bring you ideas for trips that will amaze you without breaking your bank. And this time is no exception! What’s better than cruising down a new road, windows down, singing along to Queen with your best friend in Summer is a perfect time for a road trip and that is exactly what we did. We scoped out some of the best camping and hiking spots, threw in a few luxuries and topped unforgettable experience (and yes we still stayed on budget!). From the desert to the ocean, you will be amazed at every turn on the road. Furthermore, this month‘s adand only, Penny Travelers editor. Whether you follow our itinerary to a T or deviate guaranteed to have an adventure of a lifetime!
Front cover photo: Tracy Porter / Delicate Arch, UT
Jenia Siemens
Back cover photo: Jisu Han / Antelope Canyon, AZ
Trip Checklist T
he bellow checklist is meant as a guide but of course you can leave behind any things you don’t think you will need or pack extras that you find useful. Ultimately, it is your adventure! For this road trip we used a two door Toyota Yaris which is a very compact car. To solve the space issue we used plastic storage bins to organize food, camping gear and personal belongings. Traveling in a smaller car was great for saving on gas and pulling unexpected u-turns, because you are bound to have a few of those!
Car safety check ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍
Check tire air pressure Check all fluids Learn how to change a tire Bring jumper cables Bring a windshield sun reflector Consider getting a BCAA membership
Camping Gear ❍❍ Tent ❍❍ Sleeping bag ❍❍ Sleeping mats or an air mattress ❍❍ Favorite pillow ❍❍ Blanket ❍❍ Camping chair ❍❍ Headlamp ❍❍ Extra flashlight ❍❍ Camping stove if you want to make tea/coffee or cook meals ❍❍ Cooler ❍❍ Water bottle ❍❍ Small backpack for day hikes ❍❍ Eye-mask and earplugs
Toiletries ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍
Toilet paper (just in case) Towel x2 Wet wipes Hand sanitizer Tooth brush and tooth paste Face wash
❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍
Face lotion Make-up (if you must) Lotion Chap-stick Shampoo and conditioner Hairbrush Basic first aid kit Sunscreen Bug spray Advil/Tylenol Prescriptions
Food ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍
Paper towels Reusable plates Reusable cutlery Cutting board Knife Mixing/salad bowl Large Ziplock bags Roasting sticks for S’mores! Can opener Travel mug SNACKS!
❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍
Rain coat x1 Dressy outfit x1 (for Vegas!) Swim suit Underwear Running shoes x1 Flip flops x1
Other must have’s ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍
Passport and driving license Travel insurance Cash A good play list, pod casts and Audio Books Phone charger for the car Portable phone charger DSLR camera + tripod Maps.Me. app (to use your GPS without data) A good book or an e-reader Roaming/data package
Clothing/shoes ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍ ❍❍
Sunglasses Hat Jeans x1 Yoga/hiking pants x2 T-shirts/tanks x4-5 Shorts x3 Sweater x1
July 2019 / Penny Travelers
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2 FRIENDS 14 DAYS 5,670 KM
Abbotsford
Seattle Photo: Zack Spear / Portland. OR
Endless Memories... W
ith so many roads to choose, “why this particular route?”, you may ask. This trip is meant as a sampler of six different states: Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California and Oregon. While each state truly deserves a trip of its own, we believe this route will give you a quick introduction to each and wet your appetite for more! Driving through Idaho you will realize that it has far more than potatoes. Utah, a home to nearly every other Western film ever made, will make you feel like a cowboy riding his stallion chasing the bad guy. And did you know that movies like Indiana Jones, Thelma & Louise, Planets of Apes, Hulk and Gravity (just to name a few) chose Utah
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as a filming location for its out of this world beauty?! Although you will only spend a few hours in Arizona, exploring it’s world famous Antelope Canyon, you will be left wondering what other treasures this state hides. In Nevada you will spend two nights in Las Vegas enjoying the sun and the pool, people watching and if you are up to it a little gambling. California is so diverse that it’s hard to capture its essence. The artist, the foodie and the hiker alike will find a thousand reasons to fall in love with California. Oregon will woo you with its majestic coast and craft everything. So fill up your tank, you are going on an adventure!
13 Portland
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Lincoln City
Oregon 11
Port Orford
Humboldt 10 Redwoods State Park Bodega Bay 9
San Francisco
Photo: Josh Felise / Red Woods, CA
The magnificent Shoshone Falls span 1,000 feet and are actually comprised of a series of falls.
Canada Washington Photo: Jenia Siemens / Shoshone Falls, ID
1 Farewell Bend State Park
Water and ice, extreme temperatures, and underground salt movement are responsible for the sculpted rock scenery of Arches National Park.
Idaho Shoshone Falls
2 Antelope Island State Park
Nevada
Utah Lone Rock Beach
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Millerton Lake State Park
California
Las Vegas 6-7
Photo: Jenia Siemens / Windows Trail, UT
Arches National Park
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4 Capitol Reef
Don’t forget to look up at the sky at night, you just might see the Milky Way!
5 Antelope Canyon
Arizona Photo: Jenia Siemens / Red River Lodge, UT
July 2019 / Penny Travelers
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Day 1 // Farewell Bend, OR
Photo: Jenia Siemens / Road
Driving time: 8hrs Distance: 845km Stop: Farewell Bend Campground Cost: $46 CND
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his is the first day of the trip and it’s going to be the longest drive. Make sure to have water and snacks handy, also make frequent stops to stretch out your legs. Once you get to the campground, set-up your tent, make dinner, roast some s’mores and enjoy the lake view!
Day 2 // Antelope Island State Park, UT Driving time: 6.5hrs Distance: 670km Stop: Bridger Bay Campground, Antelope Island State Park Cost: $38 CND
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ou have an exciting day ahead! First thing in the morning you will cross from Oregon into Idaho. Make sure to add the City of Twin Falls to your GPS route. The city has a fantastic overlook of the Snake River Canyon and is just a couple miles away from Shoshone Falls Park. These beautiful waterfalls plunge 212 feet into the lower Snake River, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the United States and is totally worth a visit. For only $5 per car you can access the falls and the Dierkes Lake Park where you can have a small picnic, have a quick dip (in very cold water) and stretch out your legs on the
2.7km trail around the lake. Then carry on to your final destination of the day, Antelope Island State Park. This is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake, which offers camping, wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Make sure to drive around the island and explore some of the trails. In the evening enjoy spectacular views and have another s’more! Note: This campsite doesn’t have power or water.
Have your camera handy, there is a good chance you will see some bison - the island’s most famous residents.
Photo: Jenia Siemens / Salt Lake, UT
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Photo: Tim Petterson / Bison
Day 3 // Arches National Park, UT Driving time: 5hrs Distance: 447km Stop: ATC Campground, Moab Cost: $42 CND Park Fee: $30 USD per car
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ne can’t visit Utah, without visiting Arches National Park. The park entrance fee is worth every penny and is valid for 7 days. Although you can see much from a car, the special aura of time, silence, and scale will elude you if you do not get out to explore for yourself. There are several hikes, different in length and difficulty. You can stop at the Visitor Centre to ask for recommendations. We did two hikes on our visit. The first one was the Windows Trail, which is only 1.6 km long and is very easy. Then we did the 4.8km Delicate Arch trail (front cover). This hike will certainly get your heart rate up. Make sure to bring plenty of water, this trail offer very limited shade. You might also want to consider doing this hike during the sun rise or the sunset to get some spectacular shots. After you finish exploring the park head to Moab for a well deserved dinner! But first you might want to check-in at your campground for a nice shower. The ATC campground has amazing amenities, clean showers and a community room with a large, well equipped kitchen. If you want to stay on budget cook your meal at the campground and relax on the couch with a book for the rest of the night.
Photo: Jenia Siemens / Balanced Rock, UT
Photo: Clarck Tibbs / Windows Trail, UT
July 2019 / Penny Travelers
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Photo: Tracy Zhang / Torrey, UT
Day 4 // Capitol Reef National Park, UT Driving time: 3.5hrs Distance: 284km Stop: Lodge at the Red River Ranch, Torrey Cost: $300 CND Park fee: vary
Highlights: Spectacular views from above of Colorado river flowing through an ancient canyon. ›› Goblin Valley Park fee: $30USD per car Highlights: Strange and colorful valley, which is unlike any other in Utah. The landscape, covered with sandstone goblins and formations, is often compared to Mars.
›› Capitol Reef National Park Park Fee: Free Highlights: For a moderate and not ay four will present a lot of options of places to see! At about every very crowded hike, do the Hickman turn of the road there is a park or a Bridge trail, with a cool rock formahike worth stopping for. Due to the tion at the end. time constraints we suggest you just pick one or two stops. Here are our ›› Bryce Canyon recommendations: Park Fee: $35USD per car Highlights: Bryce Canyon is a series ›› Scenic HW 128 of natural amphitheaters or bowls Park Fee: Free filled with irregularly eroded spires Highlights: drive for as little or as of rocks called hoodoos. Out of this long as you like and enjoy a windy world views! Full day recommended. road through a canyon along the Our choice of stops included: HW128, Colorado river. Dead Horse Point Park and a hike at Capitol Reef National Park. This ›› Dead Horse Point State Park allowed us some extra time in the Park fee: $20USD per car
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Photo: Jenia Siemens / Red River Ranch, UT
evening to relax at the Red River Ranch where we were staying for the night. This place can’t come with enough praise! Make sure to use the hot tub and star gaze if you are stying there. In the morning you must have the blueberry pancakes at their restaurant! The small town of Torrey, surprisingly, has a great selection of restaurants to accommodate any taste. We chose La Cueva, Mexican Restaurant and ate there twice!
Photo: Christian Pugsley / Bryce Canyon, UT
July 2019 / Penny Travelers
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The Eighth Wonder of the World
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Photo: Martina Misar / Antelope Canyon, AZ
Photo: Jenia Siemens / Antelope Canyon, AZ
Day 5 // Antelope Canyon, AZ + Lone Rock Beach, UT Driving time: 5hrs Distance: 431km Stop: Lone Rock Beach, UT Cost: $60 CND (No reservations) Canyon Tour: $60 USD (Per person)
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f there is one thing you will remember from this trip, it’s Antelope Canyon. This must-see, stunning canyon, is loved by all who experience it. The canyon is on Navajo land east of Page, Arizona. It includes two separate, scenic slot canyon sections, referred to individually as “Upper Antelope Canyon” or “The Crack”; and “Lower Antelope Canyon” or “The Corkscrew”.The canyons are accessible by guided tour only. We visited the Upper Canyon with a tour company called Antelope Canyon (antelopecanyon.com), but really, you can’t go wrong with the tour provider. The Navajo are gracious, friendly & helpful. Do book ahead of time, spots fill-up quickly. There are few things you should know before you go however. Be aware of the time difference! If you are following the itinerary and traveling from Utah, the time will change at the border to Arizona (Utah is an hour ahead). You are also not allowed to bring any kind of backpack, so get yourself a tiny shoulder purse or a fanny-pack. Make sure to read and follow the instructions on the email from your tour provider. Once you get to the canyon, be prepared not to be the only person roaming around. Millions of people flock to this breathtaking canyon every year, but the tour providers do a really good job of organizing all the tourists, and staggering the entrance times to
avoid mobs. We booked the second last tour of the day at 4:30pm and found it not too busy. Most people try to go at specific hours in the morning when they can catch those magical light beams. Don’t try too hard to get “the best” photo. You will spend too much time doing that versus enjoying the splendor of the place. Of course take a few snaps, the tour guides will even point out the best locations and help you with your phone settings, but then put your phone /camera away and actually look around and take it all in. The tour only lasts 60-90min including the drive, but you are guaranteed to have a most wonderful and magical experience! Once you are done, head back to Utah, which is only minutes away, for another night of camping. Lone Rock Beach on Lake Powell will provide you with a rustic experience. This is a wild style camping, you will be literally camping on the beach. There is no power or water, but they do have pit toilets. The fires, swimming and star gazing are also allowed. Don’t be too worried about driving on the sand but do drive with caution. We got stuck for a minute and it was petrifying but thankfully little Yaris was able to make it out!
Photo: Jenia Siemens / Lone Rock Beach, UT
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Cool off at a pool
Day 6 & 7 // Las Vegas, NV Driving time: 4.5hrs Distance: 434km Stop: LUXOR Hotel Cost: $500 CND (for two nights)
Vegas gets VERY HOT and the pavement might feel like lava. Thankfully the city knows how to bring the beach to the desert. With pools at almost every resort you are sure to find an oasis to chill off at for and hour or ten.
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People watch
Like everything in Vegas, people-watching here is next level! As you stroll from one hotel to another admiring all the architecture, basking in AC and window shopping, don’t forget to look at the people around you. You’ll see so many different kinds of people coming to Vegas because everyone can have fun here!
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Do an all day buffet
This might not be for everyone, but if you are looking for a lax day of minimal walking and chilling by the pool, an all day buffet might be the way to go! Look for a hotel that has both a pool and a buffet (like Luxor, Excalibur or Flamingo). The price for a 24hr pass varies from $25 to $50USD depending on the day of the week.
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Photo: Juliana Malta / Las Vegas, NV
5 Things to do
in
48 in
Las Vegas
hours
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Try your LUCK!
And of course you can’t leave Vegas without little gambling. Be smart about it, give yourself a limit whether it’s $5 or $50 dollars and stick to it! While you are enjoying your penny slots or a poker game you will also get a free drink, just make sure to tip to keep the drinks coming!
Ride the Coaster
If you are looking for a quick and inexpensive thrill right on the Las Vegas Strip, make your way over to NY NY and take a few rides on their 203 ft. roller coaster. This 67 mph speedster has drops as deep as 144 ft., and is known for the “heartline twist,” which simulates a jet fighter’s barrel roll. A single ride can be yours for $17USD.
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Photo: Wikimedia / Millerton Lake, CA
Day 8 // Fresno, CA Driving time: 6.5hrs Distance: 677km Stop: Millerton Lake State Park, CA Cost: $58 CND
Millerton Lake campground was lovely and had coin operated showers it would have been great to visit iconic Yosemite. Learn from our mistake and book your campsite at Yosemite in advance. Driving time from Las Vegas ou are half way through your to Yosemite is also a bit shorter (it will trip. Today you will be traveling not affect your route for day nine). through California. On your way you There are numerous resources for will pass Mojave National Preserve with activities to do at Yosemite National its singing sand dunes, cinder cone Park. Check out yosemite.com for volcanoes, and Joshua trees. This might information about entrance fees, be the hottest section of the drive as you lodging, hiking, festivals and more. really get in to the dessert. Do a quick Keep in mind that summer months car check before you leave Las Vegas to are the busiest at the park and driving make sure your tires and fluids are in through the main valley may take order. It’s also a good idea to replenish several hours but it will be totally your ice and water supply. worth it! We chose to camp at Millerton Note: most campsites in California Lake State Recreation Area, because and Oregon have coin operated we were too late in the game getting a showers, so you will need to stock up on spot at Yosemite National Park. While quarters if you want to stay clean.
Y
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Photo: Jordan Pulmano / Taft Point, Yosemite, CA
“Yosemite is home to soaring granite icons such as Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls, and some of the world’s biggest and oldest trees, the giant sequoias, as well as a wide range of natural monuments, vineyards, and historic Gold Rush landmarks.” — Mariposa County website
Day 9 // Bodega Bay, CA
Photo: Jenia Siemens / Bodega Bay, CA
Driving time: 4.5hrs Distance: 398km Stop: Westside Regional Park, CA Cost: $60 CND
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oday you will finally see the coast! As you make your way to Bodega Bay you can choose to stop at San Francisco’s Premium outlets like we did or San Francisco itself. There is a lot to do in SF (as the locals call it) so be mindful of your time. If you do venture into the golden city and it’s your first time we suggest these things: A walking tour (consider wildsftours. com), Golden Gate park (rent a bike if you can), and grab a coffee at one of the gazillion amazing coffee shops! Once you make it to Bodega Bay you will enjoy a campsite right on the water and several breathtaking trails nearby. Photo: Alexandra Gorn / Clothing
What’s better than a little break from driving? A shopping break! With 180 iconic brands and designer names, you will definitely find a deal that you will love at San Francisco’s Premium Outlets. July 2019 / Penny Travelers 14
Day 10 // Humboldt Redwoods State Park, CA Driving time: 3hrs Distance: 249km Stop: Burlington campground Cost: $58 CND
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hadowy, cool, and cloaked in a misty repose, the giants of Humboldt Redwoods State Park preside over a lush world. The 32-mile “Avenue of Giants” tour along Highway 101 features plenty of shady groves, trails, and picnic spots
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along the way, giving you opportunities to ride or hike as much as you choose. The 53,000-acre park includes 17,000 acres of old-growth coastal redwoods, making it the oldest such stand of redwoods in the world. This forest features trees that stand over 300 feet high and are thousands of years old. Stop by the Visitor Center between the towns of Weott and Myers Flat for maps and brochures. You pay no entrance fees, and only one day-use area charges a small per-car fee. The rest of the day-use areas are free, including the Women’s Federation Grove, which includes a sandy beach on the Eel River, picnic tables, and restrooms.” — Tripping.com Photo: Kenrick Mills / Fire
Photo: Caleb Jones / Red Woods, CA
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Day 11 // Port Orford, OR
Day 12 // Lincoln City, OR
Driving time: 4hrs Distance: 342km Stop: Air BnB Cost: $140 CND
Driving time: 3.5hrs Distance: 282 Stop: Pelican Shores Inn Cost: $180 CND
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T
elcome to Oregon! Today’s drive will take you from inland back to the ocean, through a beautiful winding highway. Enjoy the scenery and don’t forget to get out of the car. For the night we stopped in Port Orford. Although we had a lovely stay at our Air BnB, the town was really small. We recommend driving an extra half our to Bandon for a better selection of accommodations, places to eat and activities. On the drive from Port Orford to Bandon you can stop at Cape Blanco, featuring a 19th-century lighthouse and an early Irish settler’s home. You can have a tour of the light house for only $2, everyday from 10am to 3:30pm. When you get to Bandon you will have a delightful selection of restaurants, coffee shops and gift stores. Make sure to visit Cranberry Sweets for an overwhelming amount of free candy samples, artisan soaps and Cranberry wine. If you enjoy golfing there is a great course as well.
Photo: Jenia Siemens / Light House, OR
his is your last day traveling on the coast. Make the most of it. The drive is short so you will have time for lots ice cream and coffee breaks. Use one of many rest stops along the coast as a picnic opportunity, or grab your camping chairs and hang out at the beach reading that book you brought. Lincoln city has many amenities including an Outlet Mall in case you didn’t stop at the one in San Francisco. The best part however, is your hotel, if you choose to stay at the Pelican Shores Inn. It’s a hidden gem, right on the ocean! You can save money by booking a room facing the pool and the parking lot. You can enjoy the ocean view from their common room balcony! They also provide tea and coffee throughout the day and a complimentary breakfast in the morning.
July 2019 / Penny Travelers 16
Day 13 // Portland, OR
Photo: Johnathan Meyer / Portland Rose Garden
Driving time: 2hrs Distance: 143km Stop: Air BnB Cost: $115 CND
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h Portland! You stole our hearts. Vidianis itiist, as sit exces sed mi, alique voloreh endebit, andipsunt quis iusdandiate re alitis eossition nessequae net ulpa core, occaboribea voloria quas arum atus iumqui dolor aut inum fugiati offici to expeles sincil mod que laborep eribus, oditist inctur sus experciae ad quia si dolupta turest ate lacienduciis restrum qui ommos volore videllab illest eos dia invelent am eum am qui conse sit imolor apiene apienem vendam sent aut laut aspernatus evendam fugit volorro consedit as ant optatusa cusandi sciento eumquas etus eium el in rerum quaero consendaes volut occus si dolupta net eos aut eatiatur am veliquo omniet eicaborpos eos is eosanim invelent volore pora persped et aliquaepuda il in recto. Photo: Anna Holowetzki / Portland, OR
Photo: Christiann Koepke / Portland, OR
Day 14 // Abbotsford, BC Driving time: 5hrs Distance: 462km 17 Penny Travelers / July 2019
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ast day of the trip. You are now headed home. If your home is like ours in Vancouver or Fraser Valley, you will pass through Seattle which is worth a stop if you have time. If you are headed in a different direction we wish you a safe and pleasant trip!
Money Talk
Photo: Josh Appel / Coins
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ow you are saying, “this sounds like an awesome trip, but how much is it going to cost?!”. Luckily for you we kept track of every penny so you can have a proper budget for this adventure. Keep in mind though, that this trip can be done even cheaper if you choose to camp all the way, stay in Vegas during the week and minimize eating out. On the contrary, you can choose to spend a little more and stay at hotels if camping is not your thing. Your vehicle will also determine how much you will spend on gas. Please note, all costs have been converted to Canadian dollars at an average rate of 1.35 and all souvenirs, BCAA membership, cell phone charges and shopping are extra.
Financial Summary Expense
Total
Per Person
Final “TIPS”
Gas & Parking
$460
$230
1. Depending on the time of year you are traveling,
Camping & Lodging
$1,630
$815
Camping Red River Ranch Weekend in Vegas Beach front hotel Two Air BnBs
$380 170 $300 150 $500 250 $200 100 $250 175
Food
$760 $380
On average, we spent $20USD ea on meals per day
Activities
$350 $175
Arches National Park Deadhorse Point Park Antelope Canyon Roller Coaster Monorail Vegas Gambling
$40 $20 $26 $13 $162 $81 $46 $23 $36 $18 $40 $20
TRIP TOTAL:
$3,200
$1,600
booking your campsites ahead of time is highly recommended. It’s easy do as most parks have an on-line booking system. The $5-8 reservation fee is well worth it, to avoid the headache of scrambling for a place last minute.
2. This might sound lame, but unless you are a
real chatter box, printing out some conversation questions on-line or buying one of those “question” games on Amazon will help you and your travel partner to have the funniest and most unexpected conversations!
3. Clean your car before and after the trip. Well for obvious reasons...
4. Remember that this is a road trip. This is YOUR
road trip! Even though having a plan can elevate stress and save money, don’t be afraid to deviate a little, spontaneity is what makes the whole road tripping experience. A road trip is all about the unplanned stops, quirky little shops, the views, the chats… simply everything. Try to enjoy the trip and the moment. July 2019 / Penny Travelers 18