Solo Cross-Country Road Trip from Florida to California in November 2020

I took another solo cross-country road trip with my dog, Kuma, in November 2020 from Florida to California. This time, I decided to try some new stops on the road including Baton Rouge, San Antonio, Van Horn and Phoenix. It took me 5 days to drive from Tampa to Los Angeles and it was a total of 2,533 miles, which took about 37 hours to drive.
Car Vlog Setup: • Best Road Trip Car Vlo...
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
8:11 Day 2 - Drive to San Antonio, Texas
11:49 Day 3 - Drive to Van Horn, Texas
15:49 Day 4 - Drive to Phoenix, Arizona
21:14 Day 5 - Drive to Los Angeles, California
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[@frenchie4882]

I’m driving from MI to CA alone for the first time with my dog next weekend and loved this video. You seemed so chill and it helped my nerves!

[@travelpockets]

I'm so happy to hear that this video helped you! You and your pup are going to do great😊 Safe travels!!

[@dannggg]

That’s the reasoned I watched. I’m traveling with my dog too.

[@leahhugo6085]

Yay! Heading from California to Florida this summer! Can't wait!

[@travelpockets]

Awesome!! So excited for your adventure :)

[@madambutterfly7513]

Luv your little Corgi, the cutest walk & such a good doggie ❤️❤️❤️ I've been on three cross country road trips, but I'm due for another one, it was years ago my last road trip . Have fun & stay safe, you & Kuma 😊😊😊

[@travelpockets]

Thank you so much! Yes, Kuma is the best road trip buddy for sure! :) You're definitely due for another cross country road trip! I just love road tripping this beautiful country.

[@dannggg]

I’m going from Los Angeles to Orlando for my new job. Can’t wait.

[@travelpockets]

That's awesome! Congrats on the new job and safe travels!!

[@dannggg]

@@travelpockets thank u!

[@irenekim287]

Great video, Crystal. It looks like it went pretty smoothly, which is great. You’re making me want to take a road trip somewhere! Also, Zooey’s welcome at the end was adorable! 😍

[@travelpockets]

Thank you, Irene! Yup, this drive was pretty easy because not much happens on I-10😂 I'm hoping to do a road trip on the east coast soon too.

[@michaelwood9266]

I loved your drive cross country. You started in my favorite town of Tampa and also stopped in my second favorite town of Phoenix. Bet you had a blast and love the Corgi. Awesome scenery. Awesome job. Thank you for the video.

[@travelpockets]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! Yes, it was a great time driving cross-country with my baby corgi. She's such a great companion. I love Tampa and Phoenix too😊

[@Rknowles813]

Great video! I can't wait to drive from Tampa to Denver in January!

[@travelpockets]

Thank you!! Your trip from Tampa to Denver is going to be amazing! Have a great time :)

[@MortgageMike305]

Safe trip back to Florida! I love road trips 🏡

[@travelpockets]

Thank you so much!

[@melissaanndeguino9779]

I love your video! I'm driving from florida to california in march with my corgi too! I was nervous but you made this look so fun! :D

[@travelpockets]

Awesome!! Corgis are the best☺💕 I'm glad this video helped. Safe travels!

[@nasharrabaee2896]

This was awesome to watch as I live in Tampa as well Im going from Tampa to Colorado Next months you are inspiring

[@travelpockets]

Aww thank you so much! I love hearing that💕Enjoy your trip to Colorado!! That's going to be such a beautiful drive.

[@southsidemike90]

I did this same drive in 2013 I definitely would do it again i saw so much watching you do it brought that nostalgic feeling back

[@travelpockets]

Awesome! Cross-country road trips are always exciting. Hope you'll get to do it again soon :)

[@jaimeslife2953]

So happy to find somebody from tampa driving to California! I’m driving from tampa also and heading to central Cali to visit my family this summer! Have a good year! 😊

[@travelpockets]

Yay for Tampa! Are you going to be driving solo as well? Or will you have a driving partner? So excited for your cross-country road trip!

[@jaimeslife2953]

@@travelpockets I plan on doing it solo also!

[@adammelero9901]

Dope. Very informative and entertaining

[@travelpockets]

Thanks Adam! So happy to hear that it was entertaining :)

[@bigtig2008]

Thank You so much for the video. I learned a lot

[@travelpockets]

You're so welcome! Glad to hear that it was helpful :)

[@thekushness]

Epic journey! About to embark on my trip from so flo to Cali!

[@travelpockets]

Yassss!!! Have an epic and safe trip!

[@jimflanagan6029]

Just seeing this now. Great trip .Good for you. When u coming to Northern NJ . Stay safe.

[@travelpockets]

Thank you so much! I do want to make a road trip to northeast soon! There's a lot of places I'd like to explore on the way up.

[@siddharthsinghjayaswal8454]

hey I'm so exited I'm gonna land California in march to continue my film making studies LA is so beautiful /// love your videos and appreciate your work 💙youre gem

[@travelpockets]

That's so awesome! Thank you for your lovely comment and good luck in California!

[@alf6259]

Your trip was that nice I watched it twice !!!🚗

[@travelpockets]

That is so awesome to hear! Thank you so much💕

[@noracarvalho8323]

5:33..lol..”Wiggle Butt”🐶❤️..sooo cute!

[@travelpockets]

I can watch that wiggle butt all day😊😉💕

[@scottlarock9661]

I take this trip atleast 3 times a year its so fun people think im nuts but i love it glad you had fun.

[@travelpockets]

Hahaha I've definitely had friends tell me I'm crazy, but I love it so much! It's really not as bad as people think :) Glad to hear someone else thinks this is fun!

[@scottlarock9661]

Ive taking i10 alot but if you have more time take the northern way up to omaha then west on i80 its so awesome going through Utah and Nevada then California im thinking about going end of july drive to reno then northern California 😆 safe traveling ))..

[@travelpockets]

@@scottlarock9661 Yup, I did that drive with my sister on the way back from Cali to Florida. It was a wonderful time. We did an entire series on our road trip adventures :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmeZXmaBh89so7s

[@nemesis656]

me too, i've driven cross country twice now for moves and the drive was the most fun part for me. my whole family thinks i'm psycho because i want to do it again! it's such a great way to see the country. it feels meditative for me.

[@travelpockets]

@@nemesis656 Yesss!! Exactly. It's very therapeutic :)

[@beebeesfuntasticadventures6110]

That looks like fun.

[@travelpockets]

It's so much fun!! You should try it :)

[@mikeypalmice9628]

subscribed I thought about doing this trip randomly same situation also with my dog not sure if wana use my regular commuter car or jus buy a reliable used car specifically for road trips idk .. I gots lots to think about , kind of excited definitly glad I came across your channel so I can get an idea of how it will be will support ! thank you

[@travelpockets]

Awesome! Glad you came across our channel and thanks for the support!😀I'm so excited for your upcoming road trip!! Let me know if you have any questions😊

[@mikecoldman2837]

you have the seat belt in the lower position, raise it up, the closer the neck it sits the safer it is, if you have it too low then the risk is that it slides off your shoulder during an accident, and then it can hurt you instead

[@travelpockets]

I will keep this in mind on my next road trip. Thanks!

[@kjhuang]

I love watching your road trip videos! Especially for the Interstate 10 corridor since that's the part of the country I'm most familiar with. I actually did the drive along Interstate 10 from Texas to California in December 2020, just a month after this drive of yours! I was in the same boat when it came to El Paso: I was thinking of staying overnight there but then I learned about all the covid cases and decided not to. I originally was going to stop at Van Horn like you did but I didn't make it that far so I stopped at Fort Stockton instead (which I think you stopped at on a previous trip?). I'm looking forward to watching more of your road trip videos!

[@travelpockets]

Thank you so much for watching all my road trip videos! There's definitely more coming up :) Yup, Fort Stockton is where I've stopped at a couple of times. It just works out on the road trip and I like it there better than Van Horn.

[@Anonymous-ji4sb]

I’m in the process of relocating from Indiana to Oregon, I and to go to Oregon for business purposes and the flight prices were insane so I made the 2,300 mile drive.. It was nice having all the alone time in the car but it was exhausting. I used to make this drive with my kids all the time. When my kids turned 16, we always just took turns driving straight through and never stopped at hotels.

[@travelpockets]

Yeah, cross-country road trips aren't for everyone. I feel like more people dislike long drives than enjoy it like I do. Driving straight through must be exhausting for sure! I don't think I can ever do that😅

[@BritAcrossThePond]

Great video! I’m driving from Orlando to Sacramento this week, really looking to it

[@travelpockets]

How exciting! Have a great time :)

[@BritAcrossThePond]

@@travelpockets it was great fun. Orlando to Houston, Houston to El Paso, El Paso to LA, LA to Sacramento. Would like to take the i40 for the return trip but it just depends on the weather

[@travelpockets]

@@BritAcrossThePond Awesome!! I-40 would be really fun for your return trip. We drove through I-40 in November and stopped by the Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest. Highly recommend! But of course, it depends on the weather if you're driving back in the winter.

[@donjuan914]

How was that trip?

[@offtozanzibar4814]

We’re going from central Florida to San Diego California so happy I found your you tube I hope it helps . I know the first time we took a cross-country trip we didn’t have the dogs and we stayed in New Orleans the French quarter it was amazing I’m gonna look for a hotel that will let us take the dogs there too you have to go those places are like 300 years old or something like super old super fun and Texas has caves that you can go in there like 2 miles deep so much fun San Antonio Texas has a Riverwalk and you can rent scooters White Sands is an amazing place it’s just right off the major highway and then you can either rent or buy a saucer go up to the top of the sand and slide down. And of course the Grand Canyon we were almost to San Diego and then we saw the sign for the Grand Canyon and we were like we have to go we stayed in the cabins up there and they gave us a little toy on our bed it was adorable for the kids they might do that for a dog! We have German Shepherd’s is there a weight limit at these hotels?

[@travelpockets]

Yay! So happy you found our channel too :) Sounds like you had quite the cross country adventure yourself! I wanted to stop by White Sands on of my trips, but I was on a time limit, so didn't make it, but I'll make it happen one day. There are some hotels that have weight limits and breed restrictions, so I would make sure to check with each hotel you stay at because they all have different rules. Safe travels!!

[@Petelaosound]

Awesome vdo

[@frankiec5997]

I love how the time change didn’t effect you at all lol

[@travelpockets]

Haha, yeah, didn't really bother me much😁

[@Petelaosound]

Columbus Ohio to Las Vegas august 15 in my 2007 Honda can’t wait. Solo

[@travelpockets]

Yay!! That's awesome! Have a great time and safe travels!

[@rayo1371]

thanks for posting, great video ... thinking of doing the same from Miaimi to San Diego .. how's the trip back on these adventures ? I am figuring the anticipation and excitement on the way there is allot easier than return trip..

[@travelpockets]

The trip back is just as fun for me. I try to stop by different places just to see the different sites of the US. Last time I drove back, I stopped by some additional places and that was a great time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/in_QlHiQqtmhbJo

[@davidlawson4281]

Druzy inn is a great hotel for the price. Usually great breakfast

[@travelpockets]

It really is! I've stayed at a Drury Inn several more times after this and absolutely love the value.

[@thekushness]

Hey love your videos! What do you do for a living and what was your purpose of travel to California? I’m intrigued and about to embark on this new journey!

[@travelpockets]

Hi there, thank you so much! I'm a video editor and my job lets me work remotely. I travel to California and back often because my sister lives in Cali and I want to take my dog with me, so I just drive. I'm sure she can go on the plane, but I feel like I would get stressed out, so driving is the better option for me. Where are you going for your new journey!?

[@ronnierandolphmusic6636]

Great video and trip, I would love to blog my next trip what dashcam do you use? The video is crystal clear

[@travelpockets]

Thank you so much! You should totally vlog your next trip because it's so much fun!! I use the GoPro HERO 8 for the dashcam. Here's my full car vlog setup in detail if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpbEpYJjjZV8na8

[@ronnierandolphmusic6636]

@@travelpockets thank you so much 💖💓💗

[@rikayangu3833]

Wow, this is something I really wanted to do back in the day, but that was back then, way before YT and social media.Thinking of it now, it was a crazy idea especialy as a black woman traveling solo all the way from Europe, but I must admit I loved it. It`s not something I`d do today. So I have subscribed to your channel to follow your journeys and enjoy the scenery with you.

[@travelpockets]

That's amazing that you traveled solo from Europe!! I absolutely love traveling solo. There's just something liberating about it. Thanks for following along!💕

[@ymReal]

What's the problem if you travel solo as a black woman? Nobody can touch you or bother you. Stay safe!

[@Roropromt1]

Does anyone knows, this route or any from Orlando to LA is there internet connection on the road? My friend works remotely but wants to join us

[@Sam0rama]

What a mission! First video I’ve watched of you so I’m curious What makes you wanna do so many cross country trips like this?

[@travelpockets]

I just love taking road trips. It's almost therapeutic for me and I enjoy driving through new places :)

[@maggiemaple789]

When you are going on a cross country road trip are you using an app to see what gas stations and rest stops or near?

[@travelpockets]

I didn't use an app on this road trip, but on the way back, I found a great app called iExit. It'll give you all the details on gas stations, rest areas, restaurants, lodging and more. It's a great app for road trips! iexitapp.com/

[@faith1650]

Hi thanks for this great video! May I ask how many miles you got on your car? What did you check before leaving. My concern is more of having car issues since it has lots of miles 😬

[@travelpockets]

Thank you so much! I had about 30,000 miles on my car when I started the cross-country road trips. I definitely had my car checked first at the auto shop (21-point inspection) before I started the long journey just to be sure that everything was good.

[@faith1650]

@@travelpockets thanks for your response 😊

[@PowerstrokeSynd]

What do they do at the inspection stations? I'm in Florida we don't have inspections.

[@travelpockets]

They don't really do anything. You just slow down, they take a quick glance at you, and they wave you on by.

[@bunnyboi-mu4zi]

I have an upcoming road trip , and the vehicle i am going to use is dodge challenger superstock . but my concern is about the toll pass and i may avoid tolls but i want to have toll pass transponders .. not sure what transponders i need to buy for my road trip from seattle to atlanta .. any suggestions ? my first cross country trip ...i need to help ..one transponder isnt going to work across all the states .so help needed

[@travelpockets]

I rarely pay tolls on my cross-country road trips, but there's always a cash lane if you don't have the correct transponder for tolls. I would just have cash handy.

[@palomahealing5073]

I'm doing Las Vegas to Miami!😳😳😳

[@travelpockets]

Awesome!! Have a great time and travel safely💕

[@himyaccoubt6738]

When u go into New Mexico and they stop you on the road do they just ask for your I.D or do they search you?

[@travelpockets]

No, they don't ask you for your ID or search you. You just slow down and they wave for to drive on.

[@Gyllezio]

Brilliant video! I'm about to do the same roadtrip in a few weeks, kinda nervous since I'm from Europe but you make it look easy haha! Do you have some useful tips to share?

[@travelpockets]

That's great that you're going on a road trip soon!! I think you'll find it pretty easy especially compared to he roads in Europe because there's just so much more room in the States. So excited for your trip!! As far as tips - I can't remember if I mentioned it in this video, but downloading the iExit app is always helpful. It shows you exits ahead on along the interstate.

[@Gyllezio]

Cheers!@@travelpockets

[@DominoDaisy]

Did u already do the roadtrip? If so, how was it? Did u go alone?

[@-_-809]

I'm going from Nebraska to California 😱🤪 how long would I take if I only stop to put gas & maybe sleep like in rest area like an hour or something?😜🤫

[@travelpockets]

That'll probably take 2-3 days. 2 days if you really push it and drive 12-14 hours each day. Safe travels!!

[@Petelaosound]

Just subscribed

[@travelpockets]

Thanks for your support! :)

[@langeswaran5294]

May I know, what car you are using and how old.? Thanks

[@travelpockets]

Sure! I drive a 2018 Ford Escape.

[@cyclonesky1988]

Just wondering what's car you use for this amazing road trip?😅

[@travelpockets]

I drive a 2018 Ford Escape and absolutely love it!

[@yogainflight]

Where did your love to drive cross country come from? I saw your video by accident because I'm moving to Phoenix for a new career from Florida by myself, so I'm dreading the drive, what are your tips for long distance driving? is it your car or a rental?

[@travelpockets]

I just love road trips in general but when I did my first cross-country road trip, I just loved the adventure of it. It's also very therapeutic for me. Congrats on your new career! As far as tips, downloading the iExit app is super helpful as it gives you detailed exit information while driving on the interstate. Downloading your podcasts (and music) ahead of time will be great too; especially series podcasts that you can get sucked into. I am driving my own car - 2018 Ford Escape.

[@yogainflight]

@@travelpockets - much appreciate the information, so out of the two towns you had a layover at, Fort Stockton is more of a chilled vibe then San Antonio? Look forward to responding when I have done the drive, seems like so much landscape to experience. Getting my car serviced before taking this trip, seems like you can learn a lot about yourself when doing these trips.

[@travelpockets]

@@yogainflight Yup, Fort Stockton is a much quieter town. San Antonio is more hectic. Getting your car serviced before the trip is definitely a good idea!

[@whatznew8008]

Is there an app where you can find rest stops?

[@travelpockets]

Yup! It's called iExit and it's fantastic. Works on all interstates.

[@ladybugmom10]

When you leave so early do you still get the free breakfast?

[@travelpockets]

No, I usually can't take advantage of the free breakfast because I leave so early. I'm usually not hungry that early in the morning anyway, so I always have snacks with me on the road like granola bars.

[@javierrendon9967]

I have a big question what do they ask for when your entering California? ID? License plates tags?

[@travelpockets]

They don't ask me anything. I just approach slowly and they do a quick glance and wave you on by.

[@javierrendon9967]

@@travelpockets thank you for answering!!

[@thefabuloushebrew6313]

When I moved to California in 2011....they stopped us at the border to check our trailer. They were making sure we weren't transporting live stock.

[@allancortes5716]

What’s the song at the end ? The whistle song

[@travelpockets]

It's stock music from Artlist.com - I'd have to go back to the project file and see what it was called. I'm not sure if I have that file with me now, but if you're still interested in the title of the song, just let me know and I'll try to find it later :)

[@chely407]

Silly question, but did you take your pup with you when you had to use the restroom?

[@travelpockets]

Not a silly question at all! I actually get this question asked a lot. I leave my dog in the car while I use the restroom. I usually park in a shaded spot (almost always at the gas station) and use the restroom quickly.

[@chely407]

@@travelpockets thank you for responding ☺️ mine is too big to go on road trips lol and I’m scared of the long drive by myself.

[@juanacosta8593]

I'm making a drive from Naples Florida to Los Angeles in two weeks 👀

[@travelpockets]

That's so exciting!! Will you be making any fun stops along the way?

[@juanacosta8593]

@@travelpockets Definitely grand canyon! Hitting north toward Atlanta then Memphis and straight over to Amarillo too then Torrance to my air BNB ☺️

[@blakedior7203]

How much was the overall trip in expenses ? Gas, food, lodging etc?

[@travelpockets]

It will usually cost about $800 depending on where you stay. I break it down in this post: www.thetravelpockets.com/new-blog/ultimate-guide-to-a-solo-cross-country-road-trip-with-your-dog

[@blakedior7203]

@@travelpockets thank you !

[@junla6504]

How fun! What did you like most about your California road trip? I love to travel as well and invite you to follow my journey!

[@travelpockets]

I love everything about any road trip! It's just a good time getting to see different parts of America :)

[@donjuan914]

I love the Western half of the US

[@travelpockets]

Right!? It's so gorgeous out west!

[@jonathanxxx9992]

how did you get such great deals on hotels?

[@travelpockets]

I usually look on Booking.com or use my travel and hotel points. Most of the cities I passed through had great deals on hotels.

[@sophiafunworldatthepark6740]

it isn't solo road trip, it is a road trip with your doggy.

[@travelpockets]

Yup, I always try to bring her if I can :)

[@beloskhanania5645]

Your lucky. I can't drive 5 minutes without my dog crying.

[@travelpockets]

Aww, haha. Yeah, I do feel like that Kuma is so chill :)

[@mauroorellana382]

How much gas did you consume throughout the trip?

[@travelpockets]

Not sure how much gas I consumed, but I filled up 12 times in my Ford Escape. I go into a little more detail in this post: www.thetravelpockets.com/new-blog/ultimate-guide-to-a-solo-cross-country-road-trip-with-your-dog

[@mauroorellana382]

@@travelpockets Thanks but I want some advice. I want to take a road trip from California to Chicago any advice

[@infringinator]

I'm in love but I could never wake up at 4am I'm sorry!

[@travelpockets]

LOL I know, 4am is pretty insane😂

[@Lalinha21]

Tell us how much you spent on you trip!

[@Blessedproverbswoman]

I wish I could drive 😭 is there any one I can drive me cross country is there a buissness/company that does that ?

[@travelpockets]

I'm not sure if there are services like that, but there are groups out there that are looking for travel partners. Maybe you can find someone to drive with in one of those groups or sites?

[@Blessedproverbswoman]

@@travelpockets do you know what the sites are called and are they safe ?

[@DominoDaisy]

​@hannahg3366 did u already make your trip? From where to where were u wanting to go? I'm planning a trip from Florida to Texas but I'm afraid to go alone. Im a girl by the way, Domino is my cats name. I'd be traveling with 2 cats

[@playgroundofsound7683]

U look like Nichole Richie n this vid

[@travelpockets]

LOL really? I've never been told that before.

[@robwagnon6578]

Why on Earth from Florida to California, I get the reverse:)

[@maza9191]

Is that inspection at New Mexico for illegal immigrants???