Fly-drive virgin: suggested routes please!
Replies: 31 - Last Post: Feb 5, 2013 2:47 PM Last Post By: KWanderlust
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Thanks, Vasenka! I'd love to see more of Texas and such, but I know my friend isn't overly fussed with that one. Plus, time constraints obviously mean we'll have to be more selective.I do like the idea of saving on cash if the two hires works out better. Thank you!
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I wonder if the OP plans on coming back.They came back with a vengeance, eh. And OP, there has been a mountain of advice on here over the years that there is very little to see in Texas for the international traveller. Austin gets mentioned (as does San Antonio sometimes), but not a lot of evidence has emerged that there is anything in either that warrants the trip all the way there, or you can't find in dozens of other places along your route.
I can't comment (not having been to Texas) - but that certainly has been most of the advice from people on here who have been there.
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yofletch"Sorry, but there's no point in practising long distances
in the U.K. Please explain more ?"
Sorry, I meant this more with regards to travelling for 5/6 hours. Naturally breaks will be needed, but just so I'm used to driving for longer periods. Don't really get much opportunity when you're to-ing and fro-ing to work/local areas. Also means I can explore more of the UK at the same time.
"Tell us your budget ? "
I was actually just trying to work out what I'd need to save. I'm no millionaire, so it would definitely be a hard year's earning extra monies for the luxury of a month without work. Some of the guides I've read have recommended budgeting for about $150-200 for room and food, but that can be cut down if self-catering and camping/hostels. I'd rather camping to hostels though.
smartcookiee
"Let us know which places are a priority for you."
Boston and New Orleans was a definite for me, and SF for my friend. Your suggested route does sound much more feasible - thank you! I'll have to check out prices of domestic flights...
bzookaj
"I wonder if the OP plans on coming back. "
Lots of busy nights at work, so I haven't been able to get on. I took it for granted I'd just get email updates when someone posted. I only checked on the off chance...
If I've missed your post - I really do apologise! I have read all and taken on board the feedback. Thank you!
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If your prepared to rent a "Full Size" or larger vehicleit will have a "cruise control" switch, great for long distances.
You can get hotels along the interstate for $50. per night
per room for two persons
see.......MOTEL6.COM / ( they are similar to IBIS in the u.k.)
Use a credit card for everthing, its a lot safer than carrying large
amounts of cash around you'll have a statement(s) showing all your
transactions ANYTHING on your statement you don't recognize
query straight away with the card provider.
Make arrangements at home to pay the previous months statement
in time and avoid the hefty interest charges.
Before you depart the U.K. contact your card providers and tell
them your vacation plans.
If you feel like a spending spree, especially towards the end of the trip
the card providers won't put a "stop" on your card.
keep in touch.
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I wonder if the OP plans on coming back.
Lots of busy nights at work, so I haven't been able to get on.there has been a mountain of advice on here over the years that there is very little to see in Texas for the international traveller
I wouldn't say that. I would more say that it's not worth going out of your way for on a first time trip to the US. Maybe even a second trip (depending on what was covered on the first).The OP has a month. In that time, Texas can easily fit into the schedule, depending on route. However, the time of year means it'll be very hot (easily 35+ C).
The main ones are history/heritage, culture, nature, and music.
3 nights Boston4 nights NYC
4 nights Washington DC (one for a day trip to Charlottesville or Shenandoah NP)
fly to
3 nights New Orleans
fly to
2 nights Las Vegas
pick up car
1 night south rim Grand Canyon
1 night Tropic
2 nights Springdale (20)
1 night Lone PIne, Bishjop, or Mammoth Lakes (however far you can get)
3 nights Yosemite
4 nights SF (with a day trip down the coast)
28 nights.
If you have an extra couple, I would detour the route from Yosemite to SF by heading to the coast, like this.
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Hey KW,I'm just hopping back on this thread to remind you that your original itinerary had too many locations in too little time it was kind of like you wanted to see
- the north and the south on the East Coast
- the north and the south in Middle America, and
- the north and the south on the West Coast.
Bzook and the others are giving good advice. Continue to trim your number of destinations or plan on flying, and you'll be fine.
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LongIslandBobYes, I had a meeting with James about it today and we've decided we'll just stick to the West coast this time. We'll probably look at doing a round trip from Wyoming, up to the North, across to SF and downwards through California, across to Vegas, and then make the rest of the journey back to Wyoming through Colorado.
That sound more feasible? On paper it looks pretty doable, though we know we'll most likely continue to chop and change depending on what activities we want to do.
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a round trip from Wyoming, up to the North, across to SF and downwards through California, across to Vegas, and then make the rest of the journey back to Wyoming through Colorado.
Sounds easily do-able. Good plan.
If your flight has a plane change (such as in Chicago or NYC) you could probably even sneak in a few days there without extra ticket expense.
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I'm not up on the lingo but I think it's called a "layover."You can get a closed "layover"
which means you MUST get the next connecting flight,
or an open layover, which allows you a few days flexibility.
That's a 25-year-old terminology though. Heck in those days the internet wasn't invented and we did stuff on paper with carbon copies. (you remember paper right?)
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LongIslandBobOf course I remember paper - I still use it frequently! I'm one of the rare few that loves reading real-paper books. I was given a Kindle Fire for my birthday back in November and I'm yet to read anything on it, and I read quite frequently. It'll come in handy when travelling though (if I have time to read...)
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They came back with a vengeance, eh. And OP, there has been a mountain of advice on here over the years that there is very little to see in Texas for the international traveller. Austin gets mentioned (as does San Antonio sometimes), but not a lot of evidence has emerged that there is anything in either that warrants the trip all the way there, or you can't find in dozens of other places along your route.Ouch. That hurt. Only one Alamo, you know. However, on a fly-drive, I’m tempted to agree with you to a certain extent. Some people really enjoy flying to El Paso and doing the Big Bend/Marfa experience. Having come from the panhandle of west Texas, I’ve had all the desert sand I need for a lifetime, but if you want to see some old west landscapes, that’s the place to do it.
As for Roswell, it’s a 3 hour drive from Lubbock, 3-1/2 hours from Midland, and 3-1/2 hours from El Paso.
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GaylinaThanks for the comment! I'd still love to go for a nosey on a future trip, but the original route plan has been condensed a lot so I'm just doing the West coast. Are there any specific areas you'd recommend to spend time in to enjoy some Texas livin'?
