[PhoenixAzul]

Holy mackeral....50%!? It can be hard to get 50% of any chapter at any one event, let alone one that's cross country. BUT! To save on lodging, and I know this might not be the most *attractive* option, but there's always hostels, and especially on the west coast, hostelling can be cheap and efficient (some even offer group rates!). Is it possible to ask a local chapter or a couple of local chapters to house your girls for a few days? That could mean carpool opportunities too. If you're willing to plan ahead and spend a few days...Greyhound bus tickets can be a viable option. It takes a while, but it's vastly cheaper than air fare.