Travelling help - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

Hawk · 01-18-2006, 05:54 PM

Hey all. I'm not sure where to put this question, so sorry if its in the wrong spot.

Me and a mate really want to see the US in June/July this year. We have budgets of about $6000 AUD.

We have sort of figured that it would be about $2000 to fly return to New York. From there we are not sure whether to do a contiki tour from there all across towards the west to LA, or take the back paking option.

THe Grand Northern Contiki is $3600, so that option is pretty much out of the question.

Is it cheaper to back pack, stay in hostels and spend a week in NY, then fly to LA for a week and see Vegas and San Francisco? How much are hostels generally per night in the states, and how much should i allow for food, drinks, extra activities e.g. admission prices per day?

We want to see NY, LA, Vegas, San Fran and possibly Hawaii, but i think internal US flights are fairly expensive and it might blow our budget. Is there a safety issue with back packing through the states?

Thanks for any help you can supply!

**kingcrazylegs** · 01-18-2006, 09:13 PM

Internal flights can be very expensive within the US. You might be able to manage it by booking from major city to major city on SouthWest. Might also look into a bus pass on Greyhound.

There are lots of great places to see outside of the cities - National Parks being at the top of the list in my mind.

eSper · 01-18-2006, 09:41 PM

I've done it alot, but backpacking in the US is ALOT harder then the places that are more accepting of it. You won't find to much help niether. "Greyhound" buses aren't to expensive. I payed $160 from SD/California -to- NYC back in March 05. If you need any tips look me up! Anything you need to know about NYC... I'm the guy 4 that, so ask away!

**Joker** · 01-18-2006, 09:56 PM

Hmmm, I'd say the best way to see the country is to drive... specifically on a motorcycle, but I'm biased a bit. :D (Dad is talking about Oz on a bike... got me thinking...)

Actually, it ain't very cheap. The one thing about the States is there are relatively cheap flights available on Southwest or Airtran, but they usually require advance booking to get the cheapest flights...

Now, at the same time, you could rent a vehicle relatively inexpensively, say, around $25 a day and go wherever, too... Figure on about 6-7 days to drive cross-country...

As for tours, like I said, Harley-Davidson has some tours on their website you can check into... they call them "Fly and Rides" IIRC. I think next time I head out west I'm renting a bike and cruising the Painted Desert... :D

**ScarlotteDorian** · 01-19-2006, 12:04 AM

yeah, if i were going to do it...(which i have many times) i'd definetly just rent a car. if you have the time to spend, it's way cheaper and you'll experience more of the states that way. like joker said, it's only around $30-$40 US a day to rent a car and it will take about 6-7 days if you're taking your time, but you can drive right through in about 3 days. and if you get a fuel efficient car it should only be about $300 US in gas to get from NYC to LA. i've never stayed in hostels here but we have cheap roadside motels for $30-$50 US a night right off of all the major interstates. a plane ticket will cost you anywhere from $300-$500 roundtrip. and like KCL said, if you fly from major city to major city and buy your tickets early, you can get cheap plane tickets from southwest airlines for $180 - $200US. going to hawaii can be REALLY pricey. if you're on a budget, it probably won't be that likely.

anyhow, ask away if you need anymore help.

**worldwidemike** · 01-19-2006, 07:49 AM

I agree on renting a car. With the exception of a few cities, American public transportation is pretty bad and inconvenient. Rental cars, though, are relatively cheap (depending on where you rent it). Not sure of your age, but many companies require the driver(s) to be 25 or older, otherwise, you may bet slammed with more expensive rates, if you get one at all. Just hit the rental car companies' websites and check rates in different cities with different companies...Alamo Rent-a-car is the one I use most. Also check out Enterprise, National, Thrifty -- basically as many as you have time for. Make sure you get one with unlimited mileage, which will be important for all the driving you're going to do.

worldwidemike

**voyd** · 01-19-2006, 08:41 AM

Yes, you can get a decent rental car for ~$30/day. HOWEVER, that is typically only for self-returns and in-state. Many do NOT even rent one way or out-of-state.

Or may charge you a high premium if you do go one way or out-of-state. Especially if they happen to be a "licensing" center and must retrieve all their own vehicles...

So, be sure to check if you can rent the car ONE WAY out-of-state (if that's where you're headed) before you book it.

Otherwise, the bum express (bus) ain't all that cheap - and is incredibly slow with frequent stops. And once you get to a town, you're still stuck at the station.

Flights are pricey, and trains even moreso (and far slower).

So yes, a rental car is probably still your best bet.

mangojuice · 01-20-2006, 05:22 PM

I have driven from (essentially) SF to Milwaukee Wisconsin a few times. Renting a car is a good option because of the great landscapes you'll be able to see (Iowa, however, has a lot of corn). I personally think that 6 days is pushing it to drive across the country, namely because there are surprising things that you may want to do on the way. On the other hand if you just want to see the major coastal cities it will be enough time. There is a good restaurant (if you like steak) about 4 hours south of the sf bay area, on the way to LA, called Harris Ranch. I live across the bay from SF (where I go to school)...and can suggest a few fun things to do in the city if you need. Good luck with your travels!

**tumblezweedz** · 01-21-2006, 02:46 AM

Another less used option is Amtrak - check out www.amtrak.com for the details on their fares. They have passes for US/Canada travel (you must cross the border at least once) - peak fare is $766 ($689.40 with ISIC card), off peak about $200 less, also the USA Rail pass (for non US/Cdn residents) peak fares for 15 days travel $440, 30 days $550, off peak about $150 less. Also, the Explore America fare is a flat rate for travel within up to three geographic zones, you can travel for up to 45 days and can have three stops along the way. You have to check the site for prices.

I bought a fare similar to the Explore America pass (it had a different name then), and basically travelled in a large circle from Phoenix to Savannah, GA, up the east coast and then north and west through Chicago and across the northern states to Washington state, then south and east again through Colorado and the prairies to Chicago and down to New Orleans, finally ending my trip in Tuscaloosa Alabama. Over 10,000 miles altogether, and it cost me about 250$.

You could travel from New York to say, Flagstaff Az (to check out the Grand Canyon, c'mon now!), then up to Vegas (check, but I'm pretty sure the train stops there), then to San Fran and finally down to LA. As long as you don't actually stop over, you can take as roundabout a route as you like, so you can catch a glimpse of Chicago or head south along the east coast and through TX (be warned, that's a LOOOOOOOONNNNG lot of not very much to see - I slept a lot there) or you can head north across the plains and through the spectacular Rockies then down the west coast.

Though it's more direct, I wouldn't personally choose to go through the central midwest, as Kansas, Nebraska and eastern Colorado do tend to go on and on rather undramatically. But whichever way you go - north, south or central, rail, bus or car, you're going to have to face a whole lot of monotonous going to get through the central US.

If you do decide to drive, I would definitely get off the interstates for at least part of the journey, they tend to have structures built alongside which totally prevent you from seeing anything of the country you're passing through, and there really is more to America than the filling stations and fast food joints lining the Interstates! Of course, the secondary roads will take you a lot longer, but if you have the time, you'll end up with a much better sense of what the country actually looks like.

On a practical note, the coach seats on trains are generally pretty spacious (much more comfortable than a bus or plane) and you can usually buy an overpriced sandwich from the cafe car without having to spring for the much more overpriced dining car meals. But it's fun to eat in the dining car once in a while. And you'll meet a very diverse cross section of people on the train, it's by far the most social way to go. Just have a deck of cards along and hang out in the bar or observation cars.

**omisan** · 01-22-2006, 10:47 PM

Just in case the thought ever crosses your mind...

Greyhound = fate worse than death.

That is all.

**Joker** · 01-23-2006, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by omisan@Jan 22 2006, 11:47 PM
Just in case the thought ever crosses your mind...

Greyhound = fate worse than death.

That is all.

[snapback]99620[/snapback]

Agreed. And this coming from the guys that took Costa Rican buses for 5+ hours while still drunk from the night before. Hell, I won't even fly Southwest Airlines for more than 2 hours at a time

aftrek · 01-26-2006, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by omisan@Jan 23 2006, 12:47 AM
Just in case the thought ever crosses your mind...

Greyhound = fate worse than death.

That is all.

[snapback]99620[/snapback]

I can not agree with this statement more. I have had several experiences on the greyhound. Now, if you like riding 3000 miles at an average of about 40-45 miles per hour next to a 400 pound illegal immigrant who has not showered this month, go greyhound. The cheapest and easiest way I have found is Amtrak. I have taken several week vacations to New York. One way from kansas to new york costs just under $100 and it is far more comfortable than the greyhound. One thing I can warn you about renting a car, you must be 21, have a valid license and a clean driving record. I have an exibition of acceleration ticket from 3 years ago, and no rental company will rent vechicles to me. Hope this info helps, and if you happen to get stuck in the middle of Kansas, look me up!!

Jason

**Somnambulation** · 01-27-2006, 12:08 AM

Id recommend a Contiki tour personally for someone just wanting to experience the US without a lot of time on thier hands. They will take you places that you likely want to go and make things a little easier for you.

xanthuos · 01-27-2006, 10:28 AM

The only way I tolerate Greyhound is if it is the only option for a trip (such as getting in and out of Evansville, IN since flights are QUITE expensive)...or if I have the unlimited CanAmerica pass - because the more you use it, the cost per trip or per mile drops of course. I traveled 12,424 miles on Greyhound in a 60 day period early 2005.

As far as Southwest goes, I absolutely LOVE it. Matter of fact, I just earned yet another Rapid Rewards ticket. Especially with DING!, it's incredibly affordable. I mean, I can't even compare the cost of a flight between Chicago Midway and Long Island Islip (as low as $24 ow on SW) to any other airline, even flying into JFK, LGA, or EWR. Most people think Islip is not convenient to NY, but in the end, it's a $5 quick cab ride to the train station and a $10 train ride into the city. That's quite comparable to traveling into Newark and I think JFK (I can't remember how much the AirTrain is to JFK, if it costs anything).

Anyways, enough of those ramblings...Som actually had a good suggestion with the Contiki tour because they'll handle the more difficult logistics. Otherwise, renting a car is the best way to really see the US in depth, but most companies require you to be 25, not 21 (Enterprise is an exception). Some states, like NY, allow 18+ to rent, but you have to pay a LOT in underage fees.

Hawk · 01-28-2006, 11:44 PM

Thanks for all the replies.

I would love to go on the 24 day Grand Northern Contiki tour, to have everything planned and too meet some new people, but its far too expensive, when you add flights and spending money on top of it.

My mate and I sat down today and sorted out how long we want to spend in certain places.

Fly to NY and spend 5 nights, then fly to DC for 2 nights. Fly onto Florida for 3 nights. Then onto Las Vegas for 3 nights. To LA/Anaheim for 5 nights and then fly to Honolulu for a further 6 nights and then back to Melbourne.

I'm taking this itinerary to the travel agent tommorow for prices on internal flights etc.

Can someone share some experiences on Hotels in those above places. Like prices, what they offer. We were thinking hostels, but thought that staying in a hotel is a bit more secure.

Thanks

**U2fan** · 01-29-2006, 12:41 AM

I have not personally stayed in hostels in the US, but I have heard several foreigners who have say they are VERY nice, esp. those in NYC.

And they almost always have lockers so you can lock up your valuables. I would say definitely stay in hostels if you can in the places that have them, like NYC and DC (don`t think there are any in FL but I could be wrong on that). You will save quite a bit of money and easily meet other people!

Hawk · 01-29-2006, 04:51 AM

Just another question. When hiring a car, is there an age limit within the US? Also, what is the excess if you are in a car accident?

Cheers

**Joker** · 01-29-2006, 10:39 AM

Legally, anyone over 18 can rent a vehicle in any state in the country.

The rental agencies typically will refuse rental, or make it rediculously expensive for someone under 21, and sometimes 25 to rent.

However, given the circumstances of your trip, you may find it easier to rent than a US citizen. You need to check with the major US rental agencies: Dollar, Budget, Avis, Enterprise (may be the easiest if you are under 25), National, Alamo, etc etc.

As for insurance, each agency offers insurance coverage as well, but its best that you check with your own insurance company at home to see if their coverage extends. It could likely save you a few bucks.

Minimum coverage varies state to state. FWIW, Maryland is a must-have state, so all drivers must have insurance, at minimums of 20/30/20 i believe (20K property, 30K total damage, 20K medical). But each state is different.

**bookofkels** · 01-29-2006, 07:46 PM

ok, heres my 2cents,

If you really want to see america then rent a car, you can rent from buget, enterprise bigger car rental companies will let you rent in one state and drop the car off in another, but it has to be a company that is based in all the big citys, they don't need you to leave the car back to the place you got it. About 5 years ago i rented a truck from Budget in Philidelphia to move to Florida (i was and still am a non american citzen), it is a 1400 mile ride, i can't remember, from philly to faut lauderdale but what they charged was just the mileage, they gave me 7 days to do the trip, leave the truck in the florida base, i did it in 5 days, but took my time, all i had to pay was any extra miles, now if you put that trip into mapquest it tells you it takes 21 hours, but they gave me 7 days!, any big company will just charge you the milage of the trip. So if you where to rent a car in New York and tell then you where going to leave the car in las vegas they will give you a set price, and extra miles you take will be paid for at the end.

But if your going to New york then DC, i would take the train to DC don't fly, its only 3 hours on the train, the airfare would be killer as DC is a busy place, but you can get cheap tickets to vegas, you need to decide if you want to drive it or fly it, as for hostels, i can't help ya there as i always used hotels cos they are so cheap

If you have more questions about america then pm me
Kel

Hawk · 01-29-2006, 10:27 PM

Thanks again for the replys. We have been to a travel agent today and they found us a flight from Melbourne to LAX at $1500 return + taxes. I've been on the net the last few hours checking out united.com for USA domestic flights and found:

LAX to Vegas = $85 AUD
Vegas to Miami = $263 AUD
Miami to DC = $201 AUD
DC to NYC = $119 AUD

So that's about $668 for internal flights. A lot easier then rail/car and quicker and not that much more expensive.

Is united the best airline, price wise etc for domestic flights, or are there cheaper options?

I've looked at some hostels and found: AUD prices

NYC - Big Apple at $47 a night
DC - Hostelling international at $33 per night
Miami - The tropics hotel $61 per night (twin room)
Los Angeles - Venice Beach hostel at $47 a night twin room
- USA hostels hollywood at $37 per night
Las Vegas - Hooters hotel at $872 for 6 nights
- Luxor hotel at $1002 for 6 nights

Has anyone had any experience at any of those above places. Or can you recommend something more appropriate, like closer to the action (tourist places, nightclubs).

A few more questions!! Most hostels talk about security lockers and luggage storage. Are these safe options?

Also, we will be there for 4th July, which i've found out is a massive celebration. I think i will be in DC at the time. ANy places worth checking out for parties etc?

Appreciating the help.