Route through the Americas before flying on to New Zealand
Replies: 9 - Last Post: May 13, 2012 2:34 AM Last Post By: WanderingBrad
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Route through the Americas before flying on to New Zealand
Hi guys, it's my first 'real post' so go easy on me if you've come across this question before! However I did search extensively but never came across enough specific information!My girlfriend and I will be embarking on our second 'RTW' (kind of) trip at the beginning of July of this year, leaving from our homeland, the UK.
The plan is to travel the Americas for around 9 months to a year, originally only including the States, Central and South America, however we're now considering using our working visa in Canada for extra funds. (If anyone is stupid enough to employ us!) Then heading off to New Zealand for our working visa there.
Budget for the trip isn't something of a major concern, but the most cost effective route is. Originally we wanted to fly into the east of the States, drive Route 66 to the west, then head down into Central and (fully aware of options for border crossings etc) South America and flying to New Zealand from there. Geographically this makes complete sense and you'd think it would be the easiest way, but as you're probably aware, flying from South America to New Zealand isn't exactly the cheapest or simplest thing to do!
The cheapest option for getting to New Zealand would be flying from Los Angeles with a nice relaxing break in Fiji in-between which we took last time round, and we've seen that for about £400 with Pacific, so this is what we're likely to take. But this means changing the itinerary for the rest of the trip so we can finish in LA, or possibly flying to L.A from wherever we finish.
I have looked at flights to L.A from Brazil and Argentina but these seem to be pretty pricey too.
Does anyone have any experience of a similar trip or any recommendations of what we can do?
I hope I provided enough information!
Cheers guys!
Mike
1
Can't you start in South America and go north?2
Like anillos says...start in Argentina and go 'up'seems the logical way to do it........you will need at least 4 months for SA (going pretty much straight up)and 2 months for CA....a month to go up through Mexico...that leaves you near to LA or with time to go up the East Coast and then across the centre to LA.3
Thanks for your replies guys, but I forgot to mention that we have plans in New York in July, hence why we wanted/needed to start in the States. Though to be honest I think we may have to reconsider those plans for the sake of a few thousand dollars, and do the logical thing by starting in South America.From your experiences, what is the likelihood of us being asked for our forward plans at borders throughout Latin America? And in which countries?
Thanks again.
4
Overland.........0-1% possibility.And even if you are,your final ticket out (eg LA to NZ)will suffice.Flying,it has been known that the airline will ask for proof of ticket out (so they can sell you a full price return ticket)...Spirit air has been mentioned and I saw someone saying that Aerolineas Argentinas tried the same trick.
5
Since no one else has mentioned a couple very critical points, I guess I will.How are you going to drive throughout the US? Are you planning to purchase a car once in the US? If so, this is very difficult to do without a permanent address in the US. You must get it registered, licensed and insured. Not an easy thing to do unless you live here.
Also, there is no longer a "Route 66". There are bits and pieces of it remaining, but not the whole thing.
Next, how do you intend to get said car from Central America to South America? You do know you can't drive it, right? You can ship it, but that costs a pretty big wad of cash.
Just a couple questions to think about.
Good luck.
6
Hi Lake, cheers for your response.I should have been more clear in the O.P! We're not driving through Central and South America, we'll be using the trusty bus network. The only driving we'll be doing will be in the States using a rental or possibly a friends car!
As for Route 66, yeah we know it doesn't really exist anymore, but the old path is still do-able and very much used as a tourist trap with the odd re-route. We did contemplate doing it as a dreaded 'tour' or package but it's ridiculously pricey, no matter which company you use.
Thanks for your advice anyway.
9
Old thread, but just my 2 cents,Come to canada!
Check out Banff, jasper, Lake louise.. and while your in AB you will easily be able to find work, we are pretty much the employment hotspot, thanks to our oilfield economy, you can get great tips in the service industry, pretty decent minimum wages, it was like $9 a hour, and with our dollar being par with US lately its a good way to see some incredible wildlife, great mountains, friendly people and make a buck!
