Good Evening SB,

Lived in Portland in 1990-91. I suggest they get a few NW travel books. There are great ideas in them for economical travel. Especially economical lodging and food. I have one put out by U-Cal Berkeley. Forget the name but it was a great resource for me when I was there.

Some more ideas:

1. They should buy as much gas as possible in the U.S. I don't know the present price of gas in Canada, but historically it is about 50% higher than in the U.S.

2. Check internet travel sites to find the best long term car rental deal. Maybe a bundle with the airfare?

3. Camp as much as possible! There are many wonderful places to camp in the NW for very little money. Wonderful national and state parks. Avoid expensive downtown hotels. Vancouver, Seattle and Portland all have some great neighborhoods where one can stay in a B+B, hostel or a smaller hotel/motel. Some ideas: In Vancouver they might try Kitslano. Very cool, cheaper and safer than downtown. Seattle - there are many choices - West Seattle, University District, Fremont, Ballard. Portland - Hawthorne and N.W. Portland (aka Nob Hill). There are plenty of others.

4. Don't eat...:)

Enjoy, it's a great part of the country.

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Current - 95 855 GLT Sportwagon 255k, Formerly - 90 244 DL 300k, 93 854 GLT 108k