Dear flist,

A very dear friend is throwing herself into the midst of the United States in the next couple of weeks, travelling around for about 3 months. But interstate ground transit is perplexing. Can you help?

Do you have an tips/links/ideas on the following:

- Cheap, safe hotels (dorm room stays are out) in New York and Baltimore that allow easy PT to CCNY & Maryland Unis

- On-ground transport from the eastern states (see above) to Virginia (namely, Virginia Tech/Danford (?)). Apparently the Amtrak schedule is limited.

- On-ground transport from Virginia Tech to Lafayette, Indiana. Tips for this one would be especially appreciated - what options are there for train and bus? Is it best done in stages, if so, what route? Any recommended places to stop/stay along the way?

- In general, tips for interstate transit such as what bus and train companies there are would be greatly appreciated. Any tips for cheap, reliable car hire companies that will accept interstate pick up/drop off are very welcome too!

THANK YOU, O FLISTY ONES!