Advice about a road trip through USA...

I am planning a trip with my girlfriend this winter to USA and was
wondering if anyone could help with the specifics. We have 3 weeks
available and are traveling on extreme budget - would like this trip to
cost less around 1200$ USD per person (for travel and board
expenses).

Ideally, what we would like in those 3 weeks is to drive across
USA - from New York to Los Angeles (or Las Vegas - depending
where we end our tour). We would like to go from New York to
Toronto and then to Detroit (personal reasons). The only other sites
we know we would like to visit are Las Vegas and Los Angeles +
possibly national parks like Death Valley and/or Yosemite and/or
Grand Canyon. We would require elp with in-between sights along
the way - we would like to get a feel of small town America as well,
get to know the traditional as well as the modern. We look for
diversity - from shopping, culture, nature, adventure, food, etc.

We realize our budget is tight, but we are flexible in execution and
will listen to any suggestions.

Do you guys think this would be possible given our budget? 3
weeks to do New York to Los Angeles.... any highly regarded
travel agent or agency out there specialising in prepackaged
tours similar to what we want?

Any help would be appreciated!

bfree (AT) hi (DOT) htnet (DOT) hr

You are marginal on cost but very low on time. Even if you wiggle the
trip from coast to coast you will miss a lot anyway. The drop off
charges on this will kill your budget.

Consider instead visiting just one part of the US and make the trip a
loop instead. If you really must do both the areas you note do a loop
in the east and then another in the west. For about $300 you can get a
pair of coupons for Southwest that will get you between the two. That
may well be less than the drop off charge. Time in NY & LA will be
expensive but in NY at least you will not need a car. There may be
hostels for less.

Tapa wrote:

I am planning a trip with my girlfriend this winter to USA and was
wondering if anyone could help with the specifics. We have 3 weeks
available and are traveling on extreme budget - would like this trip to
cost less around 1200$ USD per person (for travel and board
expenses).

Ideally, what we would like in those 3 weeks is to drive across
USA - from New York to Los Angeles (or Las Vegas - depending
where we end our tour). We would like to go from New York to
Toronto and then to Detroit (personal reasons). The only other sites
we know we would like to visit are Las Vegas and Los Angeles +
possibly national parks like Death Valley and/or Yosemite and/or
Grand Canyon. We would require elp with in-between sights along
the way - we would like to get a feel of small town America as well,
get to know the traditional as well as the modern. We look for
diversity - from shopping, culture, nature, adventure, food, etc.

We realize our budget is tight, but we are flexible in execution and
will listen to any suggestions.

Do you guys think this would be possible given our budget? 3
weeks to do New York to Los Angeles.... any highly regarded
travel agent or agency out there specialising in prepackaged
tours similar to what we want?

Any help would be appreciated!

bfree (AT) hi (DOT) htnet (DOT) hr

You are marginal on cost but very low on time. Even if you wiggle the
trip from coast to coast you will miss a lot anyway. The drop off
charges on this will kill your budget.

Consider instead visiting just one part of the US and make the trip a
loop instead. If you really must do both the areas you note do a loop
in the east and then another in the west. For about $300 you can get a
pair of coupons for Southwest that will get you between the two. That
may well be less than the drop off charge. Time in NY & LA will be
expensive but in NY at least you will not need a car. There may be
hostels for less.

Tapa wrote:

I am planning a trip with my girlfriend this winter to USA and was
wondering if anyone could help with the specifics. We have 3 weeks
available and are traveling on extreme budget - would like this trip to
cost less around 1200$ USD per person (for travel and board
expenses).

Ideally, what we would like in those 3 weeks is to drive across
USA - from New York to Los Angeles (or Las Vegas - depending
where we end our tour). We would like to go from New York to
Toronto and then to Detroit (personal reasons). The only other sites
we know we would like to visit are Las Vegas and Los Angeles +
possibly national parks like Death Valley and/or Yosemite and/or
Grand Canyon. We would require elp with in-between sights along
the way - we would like to get a feel of small town America as well,
get to know the traditional as well as the modern. We look for
diversity - from shopping, culture, nature, adventure, food, etc.

We realize our budget is tight, but we are flexible in execution and
will listen to any suggestions.

Do you guys think this would be possible given our budget? 3
weeks to do New York to Los Angeles.... any highly regarded
travel agent or agency out there specialising in prepackaged
tours similar to what we want?

Any help would be appreciated!

bfree (AT) hi (DOT) htnet (DOT) hr

I am planning a trip with my girlfriend this winter to USA and was
wondering if anyone could help with the specifics. We have 3 weeks
available and are traveling on extreme budget ...

Ideally, what we would like in those 3 weeks is to drive across
USA - from New York to Los Angeles (or Las Vegas...) We would like
to go from New York to Toronto and then to Detroit (personal reasons).
The only other sites we know we would like to visit are Las Vegas
and Los Angeles + possibly national parks like Death Valley and/or
Yosemite and/or Grand Canyon. ...

I have been lucky enough never to need to travel on an "extreme budget",
but it does seem to me that the mentioned cost of $2400 won't allow
for a one-way car rental plus motels and restaurant food. You should
contact the rental companies now and get some price quotes -- make sure
they tell you about all applicable fees and taxes -- and then see how
much money you'll have left for anything else. Alternatively, you
might want to consider bus travel for at least the eastern part of
your trip.

In addition, three weeks is also a pretty short time to cover so much
distance on a pleasure trip where you want to see things on the way.

And besides *that*, bear in mind that winter means winter weather,
which often means slower driving (and riskier, too). Major snowstorms
are a regular phenomenon in Toronto and Detroit -- we get anywhere from
one or two up to about five in a typical winter -- and not that much
less common in New York. You might have mild weather, or sunny weather,
for the week or two you'll be in that area, but then again you might
not. And if a major storm does come, figure on at least a day's delay
with not much to do unless you're in a city.

After Detroit, of course, you can head south before you continue west.
Once you get far enough south, snow will be unlikely -- until you get
into high elevations, like in many of the most popular national parks.
In places like Yosemite, some of the roads will simply be closed for
the season.
--
Mark Brader | "I always pass on good advice. It's the only thing
Toronto | to do with it. It is never any use to oneself."
| -- Lord Goring (Oscar Wilde: An Ideal Husband)

My text in this article is in the public domain.

I am planning a trip with my girlfriend this winter to USA and was
wondering if anyone could help with the specifics. We have 3 weeks
available and are traveling on extreme budget ...

Ideally, what we would like in those 3 weeks is to drive across
USA - from New York to Los Angeles (or Las Vegas...) We would like
to go from New York to Toronto and then to Detroit (personal reasons).
The only other sites we know we would like to visit are Las Vegas
and Los Angeles + possibly national parks like Death Valley and/or
Yosemite and/or Grand Canyon. ...

I have been lucky enough never to need to travel on an "extreme budget",
but it does seem to me that the mentioned cost of $2400 won't allow
for a one-way car rental plus motels and restaurant food. You should
contact the rental companies now and get some price quotes -- make sure
they tell you about all applicable fees and taxes -- and then see how
much money you'll have left for anything else. Alternatively, you
might want to consider bus travel for at least the eastern part of
your trip.

In addition, three weeks is also a pretty short time to cover so much
distance on a pleasure trip where you want to see things on the way.

And besides *that*, bear in mind that winter means winter weather,
which often means slower driving (and riskier, too). Major snowstorms
are a regular phenomenon in Toronto and Detroit -- we get anywhere from
one or two up to about five in a typical winter -- and not that much
less common in New York. You might have mild weather, or sunny weather,
for the week or two you'll be in that area, but then again you might
not. And if a major storm does come, figure on at least a day's delay
with not much to do unless you're in a city.

After Detroit, of course, you can head south before you continue west.
Once you get far enough south, snow will be unlikely -- until you get
into high elevations, like in many of the most popular national parks.
In places like Yosemite, some of the roads will simply be closed for
the season.
--
Mark Brader | "I always pass on good advice. It's the only thing
Toronto | to do with it. It is never any use to oneself."
| -- Lord Goring (Oscar Wilde: An Ideal Husband)

My text in this article is in the public domain.

I am planning a trip with my girlfriend this winter to USA and was
wondering if anyone could help with the specifics. We have 3 weeks
available and are traveling on extreme budget ...

Ideally, what we would like in those 3 weeks is to drive across
USA - from New York to Los Angeles (or Las Vegas...) We would like
to go from New York to Toronto and then to Detroit (personal reasons).
The only other sites we know we would like to visit are Las Vegas
and Los Angeles + possibly national parks like Death Valley and/or
Yosemite and/or Grand Canyon. ...

I have been lucky enough never to need to travel on an "extreme budget",
but it does seem to me that the mentioned cost of $2400 won't allow
for a one-way car rental plus motels and restaurant food. You should
contact the rental companies now and get some price quotes -- make sure
they tell you about all applicable fees and taxes -- and then see how
much money you'll have left for anything else. Alternatively, you
might want to consider bus travel for at least the eastern part of
your trip.

In addition, three weeks is also a pretty short time to cover so much
distance on a pleasure trip where you want to see things on the way.

And besides *that*, bear in mind that winter means winter weather,
which often means slower driving (and riskier, too). Major snowstorms
are a regular phenomenon in Toronto and Detroit -- we get anywhere from
one or two up to about five in a typical winter -- and not that much
less common in New York. You might have mild weather, or sunny weather,
for the week or two you'll be in that area, but then again you might
not. And if a major storm does come, figure on at least a day's delay
with not much to do unless you're in a city.

After Detroit, of course, you can head south before you continue west.
Once you get far enough south, snow will be unlikely -- until you get
into high elevations, like in many of the most popular national parks.
In places like Yosemite, some of the roads will simply be closed for
the season.
--
Mark Brader | "I always pass on good advice. It's the only thing
Toronto | to do with it. It is never any use to oneself."
| -- Lord Goring (Oscar Wilde: An Ideal Husband)

My text in this article is in the public domain.

if a major storm does come, figure on at least
a day's delay with not much to do unless you're
in a city.

Yes, and even if the roads stay open, winter driving can
be slow and stressful.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Remove "NOSPAM" from my address when sending me e-mail.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
-

"Tapa" wrote in message

I am planning a trip with my girlfriend this winter to USA and was
wondering if anyone could help with the specifics. We have 3 weeks
available and are traveling on extreme budget - would like this trip to
cost less around 1200$ USD per person (for travel and board
expenses).

Ideally, what we would like in those 3 weeks is to drive across
USA - from New York to Los Angeles (or Las Vegas - depending
where we end our tour). We would like to go from New York to
Toronto and then to Detroit (personal reasons). The only other sites
we know we would like to visit are Las Vegas and Los Angeles +
possibly national parks like Death Valley and/or Yosemite and/or
Grand Canyon. We would require elp with in-between sights along
the way - we would like to get a feel of small town America as well,
get to know the traditional as well as the modern. We look for
diversity - from shopping, culture, nature, adventure, food, etc.

We realize our budget is tight, but we are flexible in execution and
will listen to any suggestions.


The best sugestion is simply to avoid big cities and major rural
tourist attractions like national parks for stays. Stick to by the
interstate motels in rural areas, either the low priced chains or
independents. Also consider camping out, either at an organized
campground or just wherever.

Buy some no-cook groceries and eat out of that, limit restaurants to
one per day.

As to Toronto, obviously your route would be NYC up to Niagara Falls
and then up to Toronto and then down 401 to Windsor, crossing back at
Detroit. Make 100% sure your paperwork and the paperwork for whatever
car you are using are in order for both the USA and Canada. Remember
that both countries have an undefined requirement that you "appear to
have sufficient funds or resources to support yourself" as a condition
of entry.

"Tapa" wrote in message

I am planning a trip with my girlfriend this winter to USA and was
wondering if anyone could help with the specifics. We have 3 weeks
available and are traveling on extreme budget - would like this trip to
cost less around 1200$ USD per person (for travel and board
expenses).

Ideally, what we would like in those 3 weeks is to drive across
USA - from New York to Los Angeles (or Las Vegas - depending
where we end our tour). We would like to go from New York to
Toronto and then to Detroit (personal reasons). The only other sites
we know we would like to visit are Las Vegas and Los Angeles +
possibly national parks like Death Valley and/or Yosemite and/or
Grand Canyon. We would require elp with in-between sights along
the way - we would like to get a feel of small town America as well,
get to know the traditional as well as the modern. We look for
diversity - from shopping, culture, nature, adventure, food, etc.

We realize our budget is tight, but we are flexible in execution and
will listen to any suggestions.


The best sugestion is simply to avoid big cities and major rural
tourist attractions like national parks for stays. Stick to by the
interstate motels in rural areas, either the low priced chains or
independents. Also consider camping out, either at an organized
campground or just wherever.

Buy some no-cook groceries and eat out of that, limit restaurants to
one per day.

As to Toronto, obviously your route would be NYC up to Niagara Falls
and then up to Toronto and then down 401 to Windsor, crossing back at
Detroit. Make 100% sure your paperwork and the paperwork for whatever
car you are using are in order for both the USA and Canada. Remember
that both countries have an undefined requirement that you "appear to
have sufficient funds or resources to support yourself" as a condition
of entry.

On 9 Oct 2004 22:18:00 -0700, (florian) wrote:


Hi! Price for gas today here in California $2,29/gallon. So, my
suggestion travel combination Greyhound bus/car rental. Buy Ameripass
about $350 for 3 weeks unlimited travel across USA and rent car maybe
for 2-3 days only in Las Vegas airport or downtown to visit Grand
Canyon and Death Valley. Yosemite may be closed in winter. Here is the
webpage to buy Ameripass www.discoverypass.com Please remember in
winter snow, ice in Midwest and driving is not fun. My suggestion take
Greyhound bus, cheaper and safer.

Given the OPs statement of visiting in winter, I naturally assumed
they'd avoid the northern national parks - closed roads, potentially
lousy weather. Northern freeways have large gates to shut them down
depending on weather. Nobody goes anywhere during a major blizzard.

That's why in my other posting I remarked about going south and seeing
some lesser known national parks like Hot Springs & Big Bend. The OP
could even see Mammoth Cave in Kentucky.

Considering it's winter they're travelling in, they've gotta stick to
the southern states.