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How to Book a Pacific Northwest Road Trip

How to · Travel

How to Book a Pacific Northwest Road Trip

September on the coast means fewer crowds and clear skies. Here is how to handle the $2,200 cost without interest for over a year.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,200 before anything else
Across the 0% window $122.22/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,200 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

The Oregon and Washington coasts are best in early September. The summer crowds head home, but the warm weather usually sticks around for a few more weeks. You get the deep greens of the rainforest and the rugged cliff views without the bumper-to-bumper traffic. It is the ideal time for a slow drive down Highway 101.

A solid two-week trip for two people usually runs about $2,200 once you account for the car, gas, and oysters. To make the math easier, we can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi). It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets us split that $2,200 into manageable monthly payments while we travel.

This plan is about timing, not free money. If you still have a balance when the 18 months are up, you will be charged the standard interest rate on whatever is left. We use this window to keep our cash in the bank, but the goal is always to hit zero before the deadline.

The steps

  1. 01

    Map your route south

    Start in Seattle or Astoria and drive south. This keeps you in the lane closest to the ocean, which makes pulling over for photos much easier. Plan for at least ten days to see the Olympic Peninsula and the Oregon dunes without rushing.

  2. 02

    Secure your rental early

    Car prices can fluctuate wildly in the Pacific Northwest. Book a standard sedan to save on gas, as the main coastal roads are all well-paved. Check if picking up and dropping off in different cities adds a hidden fee to your total.

  3. 03

    Use the 18-month window

    Put the big expenses like lodging and the rental car on the card to take advantage of the 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you spend $2,200 on the trip, you only need to pay $122.22 per month to clear the balance before any interest kicks in.

  4. 04

    Find small-town stays

    Skip the big chains and look for vintage motels in towns like Yachats or Cannon Beach. These spots have more character and often cost less than the resorts. September is popular, so book these a few months before you head out.

  5. 05

    Budget for the tank

    Gas is expensive on the coast and stations can be far apart in northern Washington. Keep your tank at least half full. Use a dedicated app to find the cheapest fuel stops before you hit the more remote stretches of the highway.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is the water warm enough for swimming?

Not really. The Pacific is cold year-round up here. September is great for hiking and beach walks, but you will want a wetsuit if you plan on doing more than dipping your toes in.

What happens if I miss a payment?

This card does not charge late fees, but missing a payment can still hurt your credit score. We always set up autopay for the $122.22 to make sure the balance goes down every month without us thinking about it.

Do I need an SUV for the coast?

A standard car is fine for Highway 101. You only need all-wheel drive if you plan on driving deep into the forest service roads in the mountains. Stick to a fuel-efficient car to keep your $2,200 budget intact.

How do I avoid the interest at the end?

Mark your calendar for 17 months after you open the account. Aim to have the full $2,200 paid off by then. This gives you a one-month buffer before the 0% window officially closes.