Hey everyone I just got this crazy idea a friend of mine and I want to go on a road trip for a really long time for like a year and we have been trying to plan it for a long time and no matter what we try the money thing just isn't working out and also we want three other people to go with us but everyone we recruit bails on us so we came up with the idea to place ads in various magazines and papers saying that there are three positions open on the trip and to apply send a 10 dollar fee and a self addressed stamped envelope from there we would send them
application and then when we have reviewed the applications pick the best three for us and go on the trip with the money we get from the people who apply. What do you all think?

i say nix the fee, 'cause i don't think people are going to be too crazy about sending money to people they don't even know, especially when the only thing you're going to send them is an application. (i know i wouldn't do it) what i would suggest, would be to get a p.o. box, & just have people send in an essay type application & contact info. maybe you could put specific questions in your ad if there are certain things you feel are important to know. also, consider putting ads up on bulleten boards at schools, coffee shops, or places you like to hang out at. not only is it free, but you're more likely to find someone with similar interests.
above all else (i know, this is getting kinda' wordy) be carefull! you don't wanna end up having a "kalifornia" experience.
mad props to you, by the way! road trips rock!

sorry, one more thing!
"the bad girl's guide to the open road" is a great road trip book. it's got all sorts of good info. like how to do basic auto repairs, save money (and make money) on your trip, cars games, and it's small enough to fit into your glove box.
(okay, i sound like a comercial now)
have an awesome trip!

Good luck with your trip..I think the $10 might not work either, since people may not be willing to send that. But what you could do is make up a bunch of art work, you and your friend, paint9ings, collages etc. that represent what you hope to get out of your trip...and you can even look for free materials. cardbaord, wood that people are throwing away, etc.
Make up a bunch of artwork, and try selling it on the street, or at coffeeshops etc. make up a flyer explaining why you are selling stuff (trying to see the whole usa etc.) people are more willing to buy someything then just send $10 for nothing.
Then maybe you will find some people interested in helping you. Also contact the local papers and see if they would do anarticle on what your trying to do, maybe you'll find people that way, or maybe some rich person will read it and send you money...haha

We want to do this also. My husband and I have been talking about it for a few years. Since he tattoos, I think we are going to follow the tattoo convention circut one year, and I will homeschool our boys, and see the usa...I think it would be awesome, and I think it would be great for our kids to acutally see the places they are learning about, Anyways goodluck!!

sorry, but that sounds kinda scammy to me. Maybe you can do odd jobs along they way or sell crafty wares as you go? Find out where all the flea market and fairs are.

yeah, i dont think anyone would send the loot either and you really don't want to be travelling with random people...what if they rip you off or just suck in general? you should buy a van with a kitchen so you can live in that & go with your one friend. i've been traveling around the world for 10 years-since i graduated high school with $200-(not continuously anymore)and it really doesn't cost as much as you think. you'll meet people along the way that will let you shower at their house, cook you dinner, party, whatever... just go right now with whatever money you have! bring a bunch of jewelry supplies and maybe even a small sewing machine (i have a tiny tailor - $40 at walmart) & make stuff &sell it along the way at craft fairs, concerts, stores. if you get into a jam you can always get a job for a week or so! you could pick up a book like the "U.S. on a shoestring" or something. and let me know if you head near colorado! **sorry this is so long but i love traveling-i even married a foreigner (an aussie-the best kind!)**