American Travel Info

[Calibre]

I was hoping I could get some good information on various things in the USA.

- What is the cheapest method of basically having travel all over the USA for 2 months?  Does anyone know how much this would cost?  I'm more concerned about the costs rather than the duration of the journey,  Is there some sort of travelers train ticket or unlimited coach usage?  Are domestic flights cheap?

- What are the most fun and diverse places to visit?  As in, where are you more likely to find parties, things to do for young 20's people where people are more... umm... liberal... 

- Of these places, are any particularly cheap?  Which of the states are the most expensive and which are the cheapest?

- Does anyone know the average price of the cheapest hostels (cheapest rooms in the hostels) there are around?

- Does $4000 seem a reasonable amount for 2-3 months staying at the cheapest places there is and having to travel with that money once we are there?

- I read somewhere that recently they made it difficult to get into Mexico from America, is that true?

- Can under 21's go to nightclubs and bars in any states?  Even if they can't drink?

 

[shiroun]

I was hoping I could get some good information on various things in the USA.

- What is the cheapest method of basically having travel all over the USA for 2 months? 

It depends, if you want aesthetic, then definatly (sp! damnit! Idk how to spell it!) rent a REALLY small car, or even a motorcycle. Gas here sucks ass at $4-$5 a gallon.

Does anyone know how much this would cost? 
Well, with a cheap light vehicle, maybe 400 dollars total for a month or two.

I'm more concerned about the costs rather than the duration of the journey,  Is there some sort of travelers train ticket or unlimited coach usage?
No.

Are domestic flights cheap?
Depending on the time of year, yea. But I never found them worth it unless going from Florida to California/New York. Even then its fun to stop along the way.

- What are the most fun and diverse places to visit? 
New York City.
As in, where are you more likely to find parties, things to do for young 20's people where people are more... umm... liberal... 
Well, we have night clubs here. And all sorts of things. Some good suburbs too
.
- Of these places, are any particularly cheap?
NYC is relatively cheap compared to other areas, but not in gas.

Which of the states are the most expensive and which are the cheapest?
California. 5 bucks a gallon.

- Does anyone know the average price of the cheapest hostels (cheapest rooms in the hostels) there are around?
a.) Hostels is a nice way to spell hotels, you did it twice.
b.) Get a medium class room in ANY HOTEL you go to, its worth it. Mariotts and Hiltons are worth it, especially if you get their travel cards.

- Does $4000 seem a reasonable amount for 2-3 months staying at the cheapest places there is and having to travel with that money once we are there?
$4000 is ok, but it depends on the currency. Consider this:

$1000 for the ho(s)tels, $400 for gas on a really light weight car/motobike,

thats $2600 left over. Add in food costs, which can easily be about ANOTHER $1000 if you eat out each night, and you have $1600 spare to use however you please.

Now it comes up to personal opinion. Do you think thats enough?

- I read somewhere that recently they made it difficult to get into Mexico from America, is that true?
Other way around, hun.

- Can under 21's go to nightclubs and bars in any states?  Even if they can't drink?
They check IDs after a certain hour (usually 7 o clock I hear), just hide in the bathroom pretend you have to take a dump, and you'll be free to stay.
Certain bars don't allow kids though.

Check the quote for answers.


~Shiroun

 

[Calibre]

Ok thanks for that.  I think it may throw up a few issues though.

I think you need 3 years on your driving licence if you're not from the US and we only have people with 1 or 2 years.  That's why I was thinking more train / coach / flights.  I'd be perfectly happy to hitchhike but they'll be three of us so that may be troublesome.

Hostels, across Europe at least are nothing like hotels.  They are much cheaper, as in $10 a night in some places where you share a dorm room with mixed genders and the showers and kitchens are communal.  Like a travellers pit stop.  There's no way we'll be able to afford Hilton, it will hit our budgets to hard.

Nightclubs are open at 7pm!!?  We're all over 21 btw, it's just if other people come or we meet people that we know in America that are 19.

As for their being no universal travel thing... I've just seen something called the Greyhound discovery pass, that seems to the trick, just have to check how much it costs.

 

[iceplosion]

Travelling to the US during the summer Calibre?

I'll be there as well (while going to random places all over the world) in Hawaii and L.A. So I should pay attention to this topic.

 

[Cruelty]

As for their being no universal travel thing... I've just seen something called the Greyhound discovery pass, that seems to the trick, just have to check how much it costs.

I wouldn't recommend anyone take the hellhound. anywhere.

 

[Venetia]

Don't listen to shiroun. He's just a lil' baby

- What is the cheapest method of basically having travel all over the USA for 2 months?  Does anyone know how much this would cost?  I'm more concerned about the costs rather than the duration of the journey,  Is there some sort of travelers train ticket or unlimited coach usage?  Are domestic flights cheap?

Cheapest method of travel is the bus. There are cheap charter buses (like Greyhound) which have special deals and things. It's still not terribly cheap, and the prices are going up with the gas prices, but that's your best bet to start. It's HORRIBLE though, unless you LOVE dirty conditions, smelly/fat people wedged up next to you, and crying babies everywhere.

Domestic flights are a laugh. It costs ridiculous sums of money, even on AirTran, which is like the WalMart of the skies. However if you're looking to make it across the country, it will be cheaper in the long run to take an airplane, considering stops for food and necessities.

Trains are a more feasible method, however passenger trains sometimes have absurdly long layovers and you sometimes have to make some wacky connections (there are more trains, nationally, running W > E and E > W, but not very many running N > S and S > N, so you have to go well out of your way sometimes to get to where you need to go.) You'd have to plan REEEAAAALLLLY carefully for the train to get the most out of your money, however it's far, far more enjoyable/comfortable than the bus.

What are the most fun and diverse places to visit?  As in, where are you more likely to find parties, things to do for young 20's people where people are more... umm... liberal...

New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, South Tampa (we actually have the largest party subdistrict in the U.S.), Las Vegas (my favorite). I've also heard Minneapolis, New Orleans (before the flood), and San Francisco are fun. Don't bother with most of the southern states outside Florida and MAYBE Louisiana, and the midwestern states are mostly a waste of time and space unless you LOVE farming.

- Of these places, are any particularly cheap?  Which of the states are the most expensive and which are the cheapest?

California and New York are the most expensive. You can have a hell of a time in Florida for pennies on the dollar, most of it totally and completely wasted/lying face down on the beach. If you book tickets for a date when nothing's happening, in a hotel off the strip, you can do Las Vegas for fairly cheap, too, since there are a lot of ways to scam free drinks, and there're lots of free things to do (nude pools, dance clubs, exhibitions/outdoor shows etc.).

Does anyone know the average price of the cheapest hostels (cheapest rooms in the hostels) there are around?

Hostels in America generally work a little differently from those around the world. They're usually meant for longer-term visits. They are also incredibly few and far between. For a listing:
http://www.hiusa.org/
Otherwise, you can't go wrong with Motel 6. They're clean, absolutely everywhere, and generally cost $30-$60 a night, depending on where you go and for what nights (weekends/events are more expensive, but it usually doesn't get any higher than $80). That's always my pick on a road trip. That or Red Roof Inn, but they sometimes are more expensive, and are only really in the south/mideast.

Does $4000 seem a reasonable amount for 2-3 months staying at the cheapest places there is and having to travel with that money once we are there?

I certainly couldn't get by on that little, but technically, if you did the VERY cheapest of everything, and subsisted entirely off fast food, you might be able to pull it off. It'd be real tight, though. Travel is expensive as a bitch nowadays. Plan on ATLEAST 1/2, if not 2/3rds, of your budget being spent solely on travel.

Public Transportation is a headache. In New York they have a lot of cheap methods, and in a few other cities, but for the most part, it's the occasional bus (which usually costs about $2.50-$3.00 a trip) which only run sporadically, vans which will run you to hotels from airports (most are free, but some will pop you for about $6-$10 a trip), and taxis (expect to pay approx. $5-$9 a MILE.)

I read somewhere that recently they made it difficult to get into Mexico from America, is that true?

No, not really. Just have your Passport, Birth Certificate, and some other identification ready. They probably won't give you a hard time. Mexico wants you there. It's just harder to get back into America. But as long as you don't look Mexican and you're traveling in a light vehicle, no one will give you a hard time.

In Mexico though, watch your ass. The Federales DON'T mess around. They are corrupt, and WILL put your ass in the slammer. And Mexican Jails ... Hoh, boy ....

Can under 21's go to nightclubs and bars in any states?  Even if they can't drink?

No.

Some bars, which also serve food, will let under-21ers in. But the key is that you don't sit at the bar, you sit at a table.

ONCE in a while you can find an "18-and-up" nightclub. You have to ask around. There, you'll get a neon wristband that identifies you as a major loser.

Fort Bliss, TX is the only city in America which will allow folks under 21 into bars. I can't remember why. I just remember my friends used to go there. It's a shithole of a military town, though.

In Tampa, Miami, and Las Vegas, you might be able to get away with not being carded if you look old enough. I'm only 23 and I wasn't carded the entire time. But my friend is 22 and she was carded constantly. I guess because she looks/acts young. Just keep to yourself, act uninterested in everything, and you're good most of the time.

In most places, you'll find we're pretty friendly to foreigners. If you go to nicer nightclubs/bars, however, be aware that there're usually pretty strict dress codes. Southerners will poke fun at your accent, while you quietly poke fun of their idiotic twangs. If anyone in your party is not white, I'd suggest avoiding Alabama and Arkansas altogether. My apologies to people who live there, but every damned time I pass through there, my (very nerdy/white-acting) Puerto-Rican husband gets death-stares, and people talk about us behind our backs. It's creepy as shit.

BTW - Gas is not $5 a gallon.
It's over $4 in some places, like California and New York, but in most places, it's in the upper $3's. Around here, it's about $3.60/gal. The national average now is $3.90.


Enjoy the U.S.! :D

 

[Calibre]

@ Iceplosion - That's the plan Iceplosion... we are pretending we can extend that money down to Mexico and then eventually Brazil even though I know that's never going to happen.  Once we reach Brazil though (hypothetically) things cost nothing there.  £2.50 for a room and 40p for a beer.

You're just going to globe trot all over the world wherever takes your fancy?    Is your last name Gates or Branson?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wow thanks for that Venetia, and all too support us snobby, tea-drinking Brits on to your shores!

I know Gayhound is notorious for being horrible but it's the only viable option I see to make sure we stretch out money.  The plan was to start at Boston, then go to NYC and then maybe Washington / Baltimore or New Jersey before making the long-ass haul to Chicago where we have somewhere we can stay.  What we do then between that and the West Coast I have no idea.

I want to go to Florida, I grew up there as a pup for 6 years but it's a massive detour and it's the only good thing within a long distance.  Even the themeparks seem to be a total ripoff in comparison to Six Flags.

This is what I found from Gayhound... http://www.discoverypass.com/discoveryp ... step1.aspx

750 dollars for 2 months supposed unlimited travel.  I have yet to research trains so I don't know about the costs in comparison.  Maybe there is a chance we can get a hire car but the fact we're under 25, outside the US and the fact the only licence holder looks like a menace to society I'm not so sure.

I've noted the good places you mentioned... i just hope America is prepared for the binge-drinking monsters that are Brits, we don't go out to have fun, we go out to get in a state of comatose.  :P  And that's genuinely true... we should be okay with the Irish in Boston.  In all seriousness though, is it commonplace for you guys to get really drunk in clubs?  Like falling asleep, tripping down stairs etc or is that frowned upon?  I'm not suggesting bouncers wouldn't kick your ass out over here but peers wouldn't consider it bad behavior.

I did notice hostels seemed to be scarce.  I have never heard of this Motel 6... are the prices you mentioned based on per person or per room?  We wouldn't mind cramming three in a single room if we could get away with it.  Sorry if this question seems naive, prices in Europe are dramatically different.

Considering food, if we managed to get a hostel with kitchen facilities, then we could do some home cooking if needs must.  I remember from when I was little buffets are pretty cheap at Ponderosa.  Maybe I could fill up there then burn it off for a few days!

Regarding Mexico, I assume you are taking the stance of being an American, would a European find it any harder?  Considering how horrible both US and UK customs are to one anothers tourists, I'd half be expecting the same just with more chance of getting shot.

A lot of Americans tell me the Mexicans are hard too, that seriously concerns me with the way we act.  We're usually fine without drink, with drink, pretty awful.  I'd never be able to convince them otherwise though so... Would sticking to the tourist parts help I suppose, like Cancun.

Your drinking laws are kind of ridiculous, over here we're bored of clubs by 21 and you guys can only start then.  What do 18 - 21 year olds have to do in the evenings?  Used to the strict dress codes, I assume clean jeans, a designer T-shirt and proper shoes will suffice?

Oh and we are all ethnically white so Arkansas and Alabama are still possibilities.  The 19 year old girls we know I was referring to is from a place like that... or was it Oregon?

 

[arcthemonkey]

Seriously, I wouldn't recommend drinking anything in Mexico. I mean, there are places where you'll probably be okay, but for the most part anything that could even possibly be exposed to Mexican water should be suspect. Montezuma's Revenge and all that. Something like 50% of people who go down there get it.

I was trying to think of things to do in certain west coast states north of California (Oregon, Washington) but really, unless you're into Shakespeare (in which case, Ashland may be for you), Portland and Seattle would be a bit samey for you.

 

[Calibre]

Being completely honest it's nice to see sights and I wouldn't want to miss the major ones like the Grand Canyon but the whole idea is more focused around partying and socializing so they are the key places for us in reality.  I mentioned Oregon but i got that wrong, I think it's Nebraska come to think of it where I know someone.  When mentioning Washington I meant DC.  I don't think we'll be going North of California.

The toughest part of planning the journey is the route between Chicago and the West Coast.  I really don't have any ideas for that.

 

[OS]

Hey, Venetia, what's wrong with the rest of the southern states, eh? Texas is the greatest! We have...um...clean fields...and...um...WalMart...uh...well...there's a...hm...oh, yeah!

The Magic Time Machine down in San Antonio. Captain Jack Sparrow and Shaggy (from Scooby Doo) were our waiters and there was a Cave Man, and Roman Orgies! As far as I know, it only exists in San Antonio*, so that means you have to go there, Calibre.

Very Important Notice about Motels/Hotels: Wherever you decide to go, be very careful. Just because a place is cheap, does not mean it is sanitary. I've seen some pretty terrible places (I won't mention which particular group of people were running these hotels, but I will drop a hint: they weren't whites or Mexicans) that try to get you with their ~$10 prices (always per person).

Oh, and 18-21 yo people tend to do what everyone else does. Whatever they want.

*I refuse to fact check this.

 

[Calibre]

Nothing I have ever done in my life is sanitary so I don't care as long as its cheap.

Oh, and 18-21 yo people tend to do what everyone else does. Whatever they want.

 

Like go to casinos and play some roulette and then go and have a Budweiser in a lapdancing club before moving onto a club to fulfill the urges given to you in the lapdancing club?

 

[kaze950]

As for Motel 6 Rooms, they are generally the cheapest national chain of hotel rooms. Generally, only higher priced hotel rooms will have things like a fridge or microwave. Few hotels that I've been too have kitchens because, generally, people stay at hotels for short term vacations. Nowadays, most hotels have Wi-Fi though if you are planning to use/bring a laptop.

Most rooms have 2 double beds (not queen size, but big enough for two people), so if you don't mind sharing beds/sleeping on the floor 3-4 people could share a room. From all the hotel's I've visited, the price is generally for the room. If it isn't, just have one guy pay for it and sneak the rest in >_>

And if you don't mind dollar menus, food isn't much of an issue >_>. Besides, its tradition: When you come to America, you eat McDonalds lol

I think the national age for drinking/gambling is 21, but it *could* vary state to state.

Gas is expensive, but from what I heard, gas in england is the equivalent of like $8 or $9 American dollars a gallon, so....

 

[Calibre]

Yeah our nation has given up driving, the only thing we drive is large trucks to block the fuel depots ironically as a strike.  Some of drive hoverboards.

When I was talking about kitchen amenities I was referring to the few HOSTELS you have as opposed to hotels though it seems the idea of them is much more European.  They are pretty cool basically like college dorms but for travelers and you meet other travelers there.  Usually has a party atmosphere.

If we could get a motel room for 20 dollars between 3 that would be awesome though.

 

[OS]

I really meant they do what they can without getting caught, usually through fake IDs, connections, or the sneakier sneaking into places. Or through Parents that don't care if their kids are doing things illegally.

 

[Calibre]

Yeah I know, I feel for you guys... I mean jeez, 19 year olds are old enough to act as mature as they are ever likely going to get.  Especially men.  I don't think my behaviour has matured much from 19 and nor has my dads.

On the upside, you have to place more emphasis on those cool parties where you all have those red cups and drink from kegs and seemingly no one has to pay for it and the host isn't concerned their house just lost all market value.

 

[kaze950]

Yeah, I agree. If you're an adult at 18, why make it 21? In fact, where did the number 21 come to begin with?

Countries with drinking ages at like 16 don't seem to have any negative effects because of it, at least not moreso than the consequences of people drinking in America.

 

[Venetia]

Some cities are stodgier about upholding age laws than others. Casinos are all VERY VERY stodgy. And they card you every time you win something, so there's no point in gambling illegally. You can only gamble in the state of Nevada (Vegas), Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Tunica, Mississippi. You can also gamble on Native American Reservations. All of them strictly uphold 21 as the legal gambling age.

Down here in Florida, in the bars, we're very, VERY lax about carding for booze. Especially in parts of Miami and South Tampa (Ybor). A good portion of our economy is from drunk frat kids spending vacations with us, so we're a little lenient. Everyone in California will card your ass, until you look like you're 30--however beach keggars/bonfires/luaus are easy to find and crash. Everywhere else, it's 50/50.

Likewise, different areas have different opinions on lewd behavior. In FL, you can get completely piss-faced and pass out on the sidewalk and it's acceptable. Same with Vegas, and from what I hear, Boston. But in California and New York, you can get shit-deep in trouble if you drunkenly meander too far from the crowd. Generally (not always), the more money an area has on average, the more sticks are rammed up their asses.

I don't think you'll catch any guff at all going into Mexico. Half the time, all they do is just look to see if you're not-brown. If you're not, then please! Come on in! Spend your money! I had some Brit friends who owned a condo on the beach in San Diego and would go town to Tijuana for some wild times, and they never had problems.

Speaking of Mexico, yeah, just stay in the tourist areas. In the tourist areas, being white is like a magical beacon which screams to all: "Come! Sell me something!". But being white outside tourist areas screams, "Come! Steal all my shit, then report me to the federales!".

If you're looking for spending $20/night, you're sorta SOL. Unless you can dredge up a youth hostel on your tour that won't mind a short crash, plan on it being more like $30-$70/night. Most places charge per-person, but just sneak your buddies in and you'll be fine.

On the plus side, food is cheap as shit here. You will come to know McDonald's and Taco Bell as your greatest allies. $3/person buys enough food to stuff you until you're rolling out the door. At actual restaurants (not fast food joints), expect $6-$30 a plate.

 

[Ellie]

BTW - Gas is not $5 a gallon.
It's over $4 in some places, like California and New York, but in most places, it's in the upper $3's. Around here, it's about $3.60/gal. The national average now is $3.90.

Considering Calibre's British (right?), and my local garage (a cheap one) works out at $12.43 a gallon...

 

[Venetia]

jebus!

sucks for you D:

 

[iceplosion]

You're just going to globe trot all over the world wherever takes your fancy?    Is your last name Gates or Branson?

McKnight
And I've got more money than both of them :wink: (J/K)


I've actually got a budget of £5000 ($10,000) for around three months, I'm going with some friends (Who left ahead of me while I finished school) and I'll be meeting up with them in Australia at the end of the month, from there I'll be going to a few other places and I'll eventually end up in Hawaii and then L.A. (they planned the trip so I don't have all the details)