I’m dreaming up a summer adventure for my parents and me—a scenic road trip from Seattle down Oregon’s Highway 1 and California’s Highway 1, all the way to San Diego. Then, we’ll head back through some of California and Oregon’s breathtaking national parks. But as I dive into the planning phase, one big question keeps me awake at night: Should I use my own car or rent one?
Here’s the scoop on my ride:
✅ **My Ride:** A shiny 2023 CX-5 SUV with a clever trunk cover that keeps luggage out of sight from prying eyes. It sports a Washington state license plate.
✅ **Passengers:** My parents are over 55 but in great shape—healthy and active. All three of us love driving, adore nature, and aren’t huge fans of cultural landmarks (sorry, museums!).
But here’s where things get tricky:
1️⃣ **Car Safety Concerns:** I’ve heard horror stories about rampant car break-ins in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Would my out-of-state license plate and SUV make us stand out? Sure, my trunk has a cover, but should we still empty it every night just to be safe? Ugh, so stressful!
2️⃣ **Breakdown Worries:** If my trusty CX-5 were to conk out mid-trip, wouldn’t it be easier if a rental car company could simply swap it out? Dealing with repairs far from home sounds like a nightmare.
3️⃣ **Cost Considerations:** If I rented a car in Seattle and dropped it off in San Diego before flying back, would the cost eat up too much of our travel budget? 💸
So, I’m turning to you seasoned travelers for guidance:
🔸 Would having an out-of-state license plate increase the chances of being targeted along Highway 1?
🔸 Is sitting in the back seat of a CX-5 on a long haul likely to leave someone sore and exhausted?
🔸 Is renting a car truly the better option, or is using my own vehicle worth the hassle?
🔸 Any other tips or tricks you’d recommend for this kind of trip?
Please chime in below—I’d *seriously* appreciate any advice! And hey, I’m totally open to tweaking the route if it means smoother sailing. 😅👉 [Crying emoji][Crying emoji][Crying emoji]
