So this summer I'm planning on going on a little road trip thing and we want to busk along the way.

First off, I need to get an acoustic. Preferably something cheap, but that plays pretty well. I don't really care how it sounds as much as if it's okay to play (i have a really, really cheap, old acoustic from like the 50s now that plays like crap).

Second, anyone have any tips on busking? I'm assuming I don't need permits in like smaller towns, and we're not planning on going to huge cities.

Alot of towns require permits, but don't necessarily enforce the law on that...  If in doubt, always err on the side of caution and buy the permit... But I think you could do it with little problem without the permit, at most, many towns will just ask you to get the permit, or give you a small fine, equivalent to the cost of the permit, plus 10%..

 as for the guitar, well that is easy.... http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Rogue-Honduran-Mahogany-Dreadnought?sku=519268

If $79 is too much money, try this one:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Rogue-RA100D-Dreadnought-Guitar?sku=511192X


Anyway..  I own a bunch of Rogue's and Love every one of them....  JBP has a Rogue guitar and Mandolin, and can attest to their playability...  Wonderful instruments....

   great price...  My favorite of the ones I own is:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Rogue-Dreadnought-Cutaway-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=519292

    So, there ya go...
 
           JimK

Indeed, I can. Really great, and one doesnot expect them to be that good because of the price, but they are really nice.

Yamaha is always a safe bet
They seem to sound good straight of the box and for a reasonable price you get solid top and good finish

try yamaha CG-171S. im using it rite now.

What's busking?

Playing an insturment (commonly the guitar) in a public location for money.  It's respectable hobo-ing

What's the update on the purchase of your guitar?