is traveling across the united states by foot or like on an adventure a bad idea for me im 18?

when i graduate i will be 19 and no one in my family nor my girlfriend either i think knows that i have plans to take some time off and go on this big trip it has been what i have always wanted to do so i dont know im hopeing so much that i go thru with the plan but i dont know i might chicken out by think WHAT ARE MOM AND DAD GOING TO SAY

Mom and dad are going to say " Have you lost your freaking mind? On foot? Shoot you'll be a prime target for a drive bye!!!! I'm a mom, I'd lose my mind !!!

make sure you tell people where you are going, take a cell phone with you, and it would be best if you were to go with a friend. also, if you want to see the country, I would suggest becoming a long haul trucker, that way you would get paid for it. if you want to see the world, then you can join the military.

You shouldn't think about what your parents are going to say. If you want to do the trip, then go ahead and do it, you shouldn't have to please other people with your life, after all it is really your life and the only person who can live it is you, so it is really up to you what you want to do with it.

good luck.

Other people are just mentioning your parents reaction...which is a good thaught. You really need to consider yourself though.....this will only result in a tired busride home when you reach the state line of wherever you live. It is roughly 2900 miles from coast to coast, of you were to walk on foot you would more than likely only move for 12 hours a day at a walking rate of 3 mph. thats 36 miles a day......given you are able to walk all 12 hours. This would take you roughly 81 days to walk that far. IF YOU WALK THAT FAST FOR THAT LONG A DAY!!!!


It would more than likely be 4 hours a day at 2 MPH. which would take almost a year.

Good luck though..... HA

Do it! What an amazing journey. You should check out Peter Jenkins' book "Walk Across America." He walked from New York to New Orleans, then from New Orleans to the Pacific.

Some advice: Not only do you need to be in shape physically, but mentally as well. Stay open-minded but cautious. Have a plan! Budget your finances, and prepare for all kinds of terrain and weather. Having a plan will ease Mom and Dad's minds and help you to not worry about the small things - this will give you a greater sense of freedom.