Looks like I am not going to California anytime soon

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I have not been to California since I have been to Disneyland/Universal Studios at the age of nine. Since that time, I have been obsessed of going back to California. The thing is that I have been trying to save money to go on a road trip with a few friends of mine for next year, but there is this other dilemma that is keeping me from saving my life savings to a halt....my dental plan.

I know my teeth are real important, but I never get to go on any real adventures/vacations that doesn't involve my parents (which is a bad sign if you are heading into your late 20s). Plus, I work at a minimum wage job for many years and of course live with my parents. I have try to sign applications to get a second job and have yet to get even a phone call. If I am coming off as selfish or coy, it is because I have worked my ass off and I deserve to go on a trip that I wanted to go with my friends and my friends only.

My older brother and sister (both NTs BTW) get to go on trips and adventures in their 20s, while I could barely afford to pay rent in the household (I am on Social Sercurity Income because of my "disablity"). I just wanted to get this off my chest before I get real hysterical. I know that there are more important things in life than going to California, but I just want to have fun for once in my life so I can remember that moment forever. Who knows maybe the woman of my dreams could be in California which is one of the many reasons why I would like to go on a trip to the Golden State.

I am currently single and I feel like I am not living my life for the fullest but rather on auto pilot. I just want to have a little adventure before my tenth high school reunion (which is two years away for me). I have been to Hawaii, Oregon Coast, Ocean Shores in my state of Washington, and as mentioned Disneyland/Universal Studios, however, I traveled with my parents. At least I have college and my job to fall back on, but they are in the under the "requirement" category.

I just want to achieve something of going to my favorite state of all-time, but it is going to be delayed for quite awhile.

If anybody has something to say whether you would agree or disagree with me, reply to this post. Remember reply some intelligent thoughts so I could actually learn from my problem and respond to your comments.

Born and raised in CA and having been on a number of road trips, I can say from personal experience that road trips can get expensive real quick if you're not careful, and of course CA is a rather expensive place to visit. However, I'm sure that you can cut costs in many ways, for example if you're ok with getting groceries from supermarkets instead of eating at restaurants and so on. Heh I'm also a big fan of Motel 6 for the cheap lodging, but I suppose you could also try hostelling for lodging arrangements, if you wouldn't be staying with friends who already live in the areas you'd be visiting. CA is a big place with a lot of diverse things to offer visitors. Are you leaning towards urban stuff, like revisiting Disneyland and Universal Studios, or towards more nature-oriented stuff like National Parks and beaches, or a mix of the two? If you're going on a road trip you're already paying for gas, but lodging is cheaper out in the middle of nowhere. I had some great experiences with my brother going on road trips to parks, worrying about gas (not much you can do to get around this), food (supermarkets), lodging (Motel 6 or camping), and parks entrance fees (which are generally low with an annual pass especially for the less popular parks). I also prefer nature over the cities but that's just me.

One of my favorites was a road trip to Lava Beds National Monument. Out in the middle of nowhere, fantastic lava tube cave system that you can go through. There's even a cave in the middle of the visitors parking lot, heh. No entrance fee when my brother and I went 10 years ago, and we stayed in Klamath Falls, OR. Also since it's by the Oregon border it's not as far a drive from WA compared to driving to southern CA. Cheap cheap cheap but fun fun fun.

I think you should totally go on a CA trip! It's a great feeling venturing out on your own and getting that sense that you're in complete control. Plus seeing and experiencing new things, at least for me can be quite energizing and help me put my life in perspective. This trip can offer you so much, but at the same time you should of course vacation responsibly and within your budget. If you find it too difficult to save up for a big CA trip, would you be satisfied with going to somewhere cheaper and closer in the meantime? Something you can do without your parents? That might help you get some of the benefits a big trip would provide, while not breaking the bank... and meanwhile you can still save up or plan for the big Golden State trip down the road. At least you'll have a goal to work towards.

Good luck!