'Road Trip', USA, summer, 2022, two lads, 23/26. Advice?

[Fordian]

Oh, what a question!

My DS wants to do this.

I know, I know, he has to organise it alone without any parental input, blah blah.

But we live in different times from where I blithely headed off to Germany, aged 17, in 1979.

Has anyone got any input, now, 30 years after I Amtrak'ed across the USA?

No offence but if he's 23 or 26 he doesn't need my advice, he needs to get on with it.
Travelling is a piece of piss in the days of the internet. It's not the test of character it once was and im sure he doesn't need his mum to sort it all out for him.
This is exactly kind of thing i have learned from mn- a fully grown man having a bunch of women doing a load of shit for him he should be doing himself

Ah, thanks, but not really what I was looking for.

I knew nothing about anything. One of my mum's work colleagues (aged 47) told my mum about the work opportunity in Germany, where her DD worked, and I joined her.

A rather older work colleague, when I was 23, told me about Lonely Planet, and thence, I discovered the Amtrak pass. And backpacked across Asia.

I wouldn't have dared leave Heathrow if I hadn't learned about 'how to negotiate India'.

Is it only outgoing, brave, worldly-wise, self-starter ambitious and switched on young people who should seek to expand their horizons?

That wasn't me!

Many MNetters I assume have DC who've explored the USA.

I'm asking them for input, thanks.

Yes. I have explored USA. It is up to your son to do the research if he wants to go. It's a key part of the actual trip. And actually a lot of fun.
If you want to chat about the US - let's do that! It's a fantastic and dynamic place. If you want to go on holiday ask away!
If you want a bunch of middle aged women to plan your grown up son's holiday for him. Well... Erm... Sod off

1. Don't skimp on the travel insurance, you don't want to get sick in the US without it.

2. I know that technically one can apply for an ESTA close to departure date, but I think it's best to actually have it before making any travel plans. Just in case you're the really unlucky one that doesn't get it granted for some reason, and have to wait for an embassy visa interview.

3. Amtrak can be quite expensive and is really popular now, so if they want to do that, book early

4. National Parks are amazingly busy out here since Covid, so if they're planning in staying in or around any, again book early.

You can’t get involved. By all means tell him your favourite places to go but it would be massively lame for you to get more involved.
Having said that I would ensure they have good insurance and neither is likely to have ESTA refused.

Anyone with any helpful input, please?