Hey Guys! Nadia and I are planning on travelling around the states for a month after our program ends, but I'm trying to get a rough estimate on how much it'll cost. I'm scared I'm going to underestimate how much it'll cost us and then run out of funds. We want to go to Miami, New York, Utah and LA definitely, and wherever else the road will take us from Jan 28 to Feb 22. How much do you reckon is the minimum we'd need for that long? Just trying to work out my finances. Is anyone else planning on travelling around the states afterwards? Cheers! Jules
Well, cheapest way to do it is to take the bus (Greyhound) http://www.greyhound.com/home.asp though when you get into the big cities the bus stations are usually in the seedier places in town. If you want cheap airlines, try Southwest or JetBlue, or Independance Air. As for where to sleep, try hostelling: http://www.hiusa.org/. It's the cheapest way to go, ESPECIALLY in places like New York, Miami, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Once you are in these places, I'm sure you'll want to go and do things, so I'd estimate at least $100 for food and touristy things (and that's if your 'food' is cheap fast food, and not a nice restaurant. As an example, must husband and I went to NYC for our 1st anniversary, and cover charges to things like the Guggenheim, the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, a Broadway show...that all adds up FAST! Then you have throw in meals and shopping (it IS New York!) so it adds up REALLY fast! Faster than expected! We were there 4 days, and NOT counting airfare from Ottawa and our hotel, we easily spent $700-800. And that's just New York. I underestimated when I went to Las Vegas a few years ago with friends. I only gambled about $20 the entire time there, and I still spent $200 in the 3 days we were there (not counting hotel and transportation to get there). I can't give you an extra dollar amount (AND I'm a travel agent!) but if you are looking for cheap, bus would be the way to do it to get places, and hostelling when you are there. You could do these places for cheaper than I did, but keep in mind all 'the little things' you'll want to do, and before you know it, $20 here and $10 there adds up really fast! God, I hope that helped! LOL!
Thanks SarahJane! That was really helpful. You're right, this whole trip will end up costing me quite a bit I reckon. But perhaps if I strategise and spend frugally I can do it for less. Is there any must see destinations in the US? Re Emma - Yeah my program's only 2 months long unfortunately. It works out well with Uni but I still wish they could extend it a bit longer. Do you know if it's possible and how easy it is to get a program extension? What's the weather like in Florida from now until end of January? Cheers, Jules xx
Thanks SarahJane! That was really helpful. You're right, this whole trip will end up costing me quite a bit I reckon. But perhaps if I strategise and spend frugally I can do it for less. Is there any must see destinations in the US? Re Emma - Yeah my program's only 2 months long unfortunately. It works out well with Uni but I still wish they could extend it a bit longer. Do you know if it's possible and how easy it is to get a program extension? What's the weather like in Florida from now until end of January? Cheers, Jules xx
