Debriefing - TOP lists

Starting with TOP lists, shoutout to the top road trip resource web sites:

1 - Road Trip USA (www.roadtripusa.com)

Really good maps and descriptions of the locations, sights, restaurants and other places of interest which you can print out free of charge. Described for 10 different trips across the continent. Our main resource for stopping information on US50 (the loneliest road), I-40 (Route 66) and Hwy 1 (Pacific Coast Highway). Well written and comprehensive.

2 - Roadside America (www.roadsideamerica.com)

Best site for comprehensive listing of weird attractions, the true americana in our books; responsible for pointing us to Mike the headless chicken, Mystery Spot, Pez Museum of California to name just a few. Bonus points for a very good 'Electric map', the sights mapped on Google Maps user interface. Really convenient. Also special thanks for all the information on Colorado's own Alfred Packer, the maneater.

3 - American Byways (www.byways.org)

Official site listing all scenic and historic byways in the States, with excellent pdf-printout capabilities. We had >20 byways printed out along our route. Good maps, less information on the locations.

4 - Lonely planet USA discussion forums (http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/categories.cfm?catid=26)

Excellent FAQ concerning road trips, tipping and other stuff. Also good road trip information especially from user Willysnout and a couple of other frequent posters there. All the basic information comes up there if you search the archives a bit. And do believe them when they say that you cannot go coast-to-coast in 4 weeks!

5 - Chowhound (www.chowhound.com)

Discussion forums for best restaurant information and suggestions, great for on the road.

6 - Priceline (www.priceline.com)

Best site for booking hotels on the road (and the only one with the web site managing to work in our mobile phone browsers!).