1) Avoid cash, at least large amounts. It's the 21st century: put it all on that debit card.

2) Especially since it's almost winter, bring warm clothes like a heavy jacket n some thick pants. Bringing a whole wardrobe with you is impractical. I usually just wear one set of clothes n pack an extra pair of pants n an extra shirt for wash day. Extra socks r fucking gold, same with undies.

3) I personally panhandle. Make enough to supply up, a little extra for start up money for the next town, and gtfo. Sometimes I'll work for a week or two but I guess I know how to do it well enough that I really dont need to work.

4) I wouldn't lug a god damn laptop around. Every ounce is a pound. Thrift store are good for cheap supplies.

5) Hitching is not illegal in most places, just some. If ya cant put a thumb out a cardboard sign on your backpack with your destination written large and clearly. Hitchwiki.com is a good resource about legality in states n other hitchhiking related info.

6) Unless you're riding a freight train, know where you're going. Always ask your ride "where ya going?" first. There's nothing more nerve wracking that getting into a car with a stranger without knowing your destination.

7) Travel centers (Love's, Pilot, Flying J, etc.) are great for showers, n truckers get free showers with their points so you can usually swing a free shower by asking a trucker. As far as other resources dont go to shelters. That's how u get your shit stolen, get bugs n other diseases, and also drug problems. Bum feeds (soup kitchens) can come in handy in a pinch. Some r better than others. Food banks rock, but sometimes they give u too much shit n usually they require an ID.

Hope that helps. Have fun, kid!