1) if you really have the time, if i were you, i'd go across to the grand canyon, north to yellowstone, and up to vancouver for your adventure. sounds like you're going big, and those two places are must-sees if you've not seen them.
2) yeah, you can rent vacation condos on the cheap. i spent two weeks in south beach for less than half the cost of a hotel in a fully furnished large apartment. check out http://www.vrbo.com/ -- you can negotiate with the owners on price, especially if you're taking up a huge hole in their calendar.
3) i have no experience for you.
4) sounds like you've got it covered, and you can always buy stuff on the way. car charger for the cell, maybe.
5) i'd worry less about the cities. you can find out the must-see stuff in a city with a quick google search. a substantial amount of the best stuff on your trip will probably be in between bigger cities. especially on the way to the west coast.
6) everything is more expensive. especially compared to clemson.
7) take the time to stretch your legs and experience the stuff in between your destinations if you can spare it.
i'd have some beers before you leave, i'm also in SC :)
1) definitely go to the grand canyon if you haven't been.
2) i hope there is, because I'd like to do the same thing soon.
3) i have a tethered modem plan on my blackberry with Verizon. It provides EVDO for only $10 a month on top of my voice plan. Pretty sure its unlimited(but I also thought SMS were unlimited for $10/month, and its actually only 500, so don't take my word for it).
4) Maybe you can wait on the new blackberry or iPhone? GPS, EvDO, camera--all in one package.
vbro is a little pricey, but like i said, it will put you in contact directly with the owners of the properties, with whom you can negotiate directly. find one you like and is available and contact the person and ask to see if you can get a discount for occupying for an extended length.
2) yeah, you can rent vacation condos on the cheap. i spent two weeks in south beach for less than half the cost of a hotel in a fully furnished large apartment. check out http://www.vrbo.com/ -- you can negotiate with the owners on price, especially if you're taking up a huge hole in their calendar.
3) i have no experience for you.
4) sounds like you've got it covered, and you can always buy stuff on the way. car charger for the cell, maybe.
5) i'd worry less about the cities. you can find out the must-see stuff in a city with a quick google search. a substantial amount of the best stuff on your trip will probably be in between bigger cities. especially on the way to the west coast.
6) everything is more expensive. especially compared to clemson.
7) take the time to stretch your legs and experience the stuff in between your destinations if you can spare it.
i'd have some beers before you leave, i'm also in SC :)