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Old 01-29-2006, 11:48 PM   #21
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There are tons of regional carriers that may be able to beat some of United's published rates.

I would advise, though I personally hate flying them long distances Southwest Airlines (www.southwestairlines.com) for some of the cheapest. No frills, crammed into a 737, but relatively cheap.

Also, AirTran Airways is pretty cheap, Alaska is not bad (lots of West Coast flights and codeshares with American Airlines), Jet Blue is possibly the best, but flies only selected routes. The best thing to do is check the specific airports in the areas that you are considering flying to. Then, search out some of the airlines from there.

FWIW: Southwest flies ALL over the country, and again, if you don't mind being crammed into a 737, go for it. If you are familiar with EasyJet or RyanAir, its the airline those two are based on. (with less frills from what I hear!)

Washington is a zoo on the 4th. Plain and simple. And having grown up 45 minutes from it, I've never done the 4th there because of it! (i prefer the Baltimore fireworks, but then again YMMV.)

While in Vegas, you can stay right off the Strip for as little as $25 a night, so check into it. I stayed in a hotel on the other side of the highway, rented a Jeep, and drove around. Plus being able to go out and see the desert, Hoover Dam, possibly the Grand Canyon is worth it. GC is only a couple hours drive to the South Rim.

Only cost me $20 a night in a motel (this was in 2002, BTW). Also, package flight/stay programs exist with many of the major casinos. You may be able to swing a deal on a flight+ x days/nights in MGM Grand, etc. Luxor didn't exactly turn my crank. The real action IMO is the Hard Rock Hotel... And thats several blocks off the Strip.

Let's see, anything else... NYC and Miami are going to be VERY expensive. Beware of that!

As for security, I think a backpacker that doesn't at least travel with a padlock for locking their stuff in their bag is foolish. (i'm rather opinionated I travel with a Kryptonite-style bicycle cable lock for lashing the pack to what ever I see thats really tough to move.

Also, LAX to Las Vegas is only a couple hours drive. Along the way you can quote memorable lines from "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" such as... "We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold. I remember saying something like: 'I feel a bit lightheaded. Maybe you should drive..."

:D

Anyway, the flight is $85 pp AU, $64 US, or $168 US. LA to Vegas is 270 miles, or just under a 4 hour drive. Figure that if you fly Southwest you have to get there 2 hours before the flight to get your seats, and then a 1 hour or so flight, disembarking, etc... If you rented a car, then As your attorney I must advise you that you'll need a very fast car with no top and after that, the cocaine. And then the tape recorder, for special music, and some Acapulco shirts... anyway car rental if you just rented for the day to drive out, is gonna cost you less than $50 US for the top end vehicle in most cases, with $25 being your average compact car price. Gas for about $20-30, and a helluva time reliving Raoul Duke's journey from LA to Vegas...

But thats just me. And I'm really stoned and watching Fear and Loathing right now
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Old 01-30-2006, 08:14 AM   #22
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jet BLUE!
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Old 01-30-2006, 09:51 AM   #23
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i found this list of florida hostels...ive never been to any of them but thought it might be helpful?

List of Florida Hostels
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Old 01-30-2006, 10:32 AM   #24
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Quote:
Originally posted by bookofkels@Jan 29 2006, 09:46 PM
If you really want to see america then rent a car, you can rent from buget, enterprise bigger car rental companies
[snapback]100541[/snapback]
Again, Enterprise generally does not rent interstate one way. From their site:
Quote:
One Way Rentals
One Way Requests

Generally, one way rentals are possible within a metropolitan area. Please consult with the Enterprise office to determine if a one way rental is possible.
Renting in Florida

If you are picking up your rental vehicle in Florida, you may return it to select locations throughout the state of Florida. To reserve your next Enterprise one-way, call (866)-307-1773.

Certain restrictions apply.
Renting in Texas

If you are picking up your rental vehicle in Texas, you may return it to select locations throughout the state of Texas. To reserve your next Enterprise one-way, call (800)-848-9613.

Certain restrictions apply.
AVIS is probably the best place to get interstate one-way rentals. And I think Hertz may also offer them as well.

Also, most rental places do require you to be at least 25.

Well, one other crazy option might be to BUY a car and then sell it when you're done. That's if the travelling costs otherwise might be more than the depreciation you would lose. Or just buy a cheap beater for like $1500. But, that's probably not worth it if you're only going to be here for a month.
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Old 01-30-2006, 11:35 AM   #25
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Quote:
Is united the best airline, price wise etc for domestic flights, or are there cheaper options?
I don't care much for United nor their fares. Check out Southwest.com and AirTran, and compare them to deals found on Orbitz.com for the major airlines.

As far as hostels go.. the Venice Beach hostel is pretty nice - not the best, but there's an excellent traveler's vibe there. If you want something nicer, up the street is the Cadillac Hostel, which is more akin to a boutique hotel.

In Vegas, there are a couple of hostels, closer to the old downtown (and hence further from the action).. Hooters isn't exactly located on the strip, either. You can usually get good room rates at the Tropicana or the Excalibur - not the most luxurious places, but the primary concerns you probably have are getting (some) sleep and being close to the strip.
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Old 02-02-2006, 06:34 PM   #26
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We have pretty much sorted out what we are doing.

Flying to LA on the 13th of June. Then starting the Western Highlights Contiki on the 14th, which takes us down to San Diego, to Phoenix, up to the Grand Canyon and finishing in Vegas after 8 days.

We will stay in Vegas for another 3 nights and then fly to DC. Stay there for a few nights and head down to Miami for a few nights on the beach. Then fly up to NYC and be there for your fourth of july celebrations. We then fly back to LA and spend a few nights at Venice Beach or something near by and then fly back to Melb!

I have a few more questions. We still aren't sure on accomodation in Vegas, DC, Miami, NYC and LA. At the moment we are looking to spend about $60AUD each a night, and maybe a bit more in Vegas. SO can anyone recommend something that is in a great location.

I've been reading a few posts in here about Vegas, and i can't wait to get there!! The clubs sound sensational (rain, ra, ghost bar, studio 54). Just wondering, what sort of dress codes do they accept? What are the usual drink prices for beer, spirits etc? What music do they play, any clubs specialise in House?

Thanks again.
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Old 02-02-2006, 08:48 PM   #27
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I've been reading a few posts in here about Vegas, and i can't wait to get there!! The clubs sound sensational (rain, ra, ghost bar, studio 54). Just wondering, what sort of dress codes do they accept? What are the usual drink prices for beer, spirits etc? What music do they play, any clubs specialise in House?
Dress codes at most Vegas clubs apply toward men, and generally they require a collared shirt, some don't allow blue jeans, so it's best to play it safe and take a pair of black trousers.

The clubbing there can be great, though they can be madhouses on Friday and Saturday night. I love Monday (or is it Tuesday? I can never remember) at Studio 54 - it's an industry night, so mostly waiters/waitresses/bartenders/strippers... kind of a locals night, but no trouble getting in.. And they get down! And yes, they'll play house music there.

Most of the mainstream clubs in Vegas will play a mixture of hip-hop and cheesy dance music. Not to mention a pretty heavy ghetto vibe and/or plenty of attitude. You can find good house, but the nights tend to be inconsistent. I recommend 54 on some nights, Spundae, Drai's after hours (at Barbary Coast), Ice, OPM (at Caesar's).. Of course, things change massively every month, so things may be very different when you get there. Enjoy!
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Old 02-09-2006, 02:50 PM   #28
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So to add my two cents (or maybe more),

I used to go to Vegas all the time because I had friends who lived there ... and I love it! We always stayed at the Hotel San Remo because it was on the Strip (at the end actually) but much more affordable than the big monsters across the street (MGM Grand which has Studio 54, New York/New York, Tropicana). And it just had a great vibe, with good service an nice people. Alas, it is now the Hooters Casino so I can't vouch for it, (hasn't opened up yet as far as I know) but if their prices are the same, it's a good location. (We used to pay anywhere from $29/night off-season to $100+/high-season). Oh, don't stay in "downtown" near the Fremont Experience. Very fun (and way cheap to drink and gamble) but scary part of town and nowhere near the dazzling Strip.

Definitely check out budget airlines (Jet Blue, Southwest, Song, Ted...) but you're travelling during the summer and prices can be outrageous. Of course, if you buy now, rates are still relatively cheap. I would avoid scary Greyhound if I were you and stick to planes, trains, automobiles.

As for places in New York, there are tons of hostels, though I would maybe send out a post here if you find one you like so TP's can give you a heads up on good/bad locations. I've reserved a room at this place (www.starhotelny.com) for when my friends come to visit in March, so I can't vouch, but it looks cool and is relatively cheap for NY and for a dorm bed/or room. Very close to Penn Station.

Miami: I've stayed here and it's fabulous for location and really decent rooms, hotel. Best part, free happy hour every day and one block to the beach.
http://www.whitelawhotel.com/ (Also free shuttle from airport)

Good luck and hope that helps a little.
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Old 04-13-2006, 10:32 PM   #29
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Quote:
Originally posted by Hawk@Jan 30 2006, 02:27 AM

Las Vegas - Hooters hotel at $872 for 6 nights
* * * * * * * * - Luxor hotel at $1002 for 6 nights


Also, we will be there for 4th July, which i've found out is a massive celebration.* I think i will be in DC at the time.* ANy places worth checking out for parties etc?

Appreciating the help.
[snapback]100558[/snapback]
Luxor is as cheap as $50-60 USD during the week (MTWTh) and while I have never been there, it looks incredible. DC is probably among the best place to be for the fourth. Expect it to be HOT though. DC is a parking lot with cool stuff to see. Brutal. Also if you know anyone here, see if you can weasel your way into a barbeque. This is the most American day of the year. Think we are obnoxious with our flag waving during the olympics? HA! :-P Seriously, I am not sure any other country has an independence day as celebrated as us.

Also check out jetblue, southwest, airtran et al. for cheap flights. Travelocity and sites like that will search out cheap connections. You can get to Vegas and DC from pretty much anywhere in the US.

Good luck man, you'll have a great time here. I hope I can make it to Australia one day myself

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Old 08-22-2006, 03:46 PM   #30
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For your stay in vegas, you may wanna consider something like the smaller regional chains such as Best western, Days Inn, Holiday inn, Express, Etc. Saves you a bit on your travel expenses. And just think, with the money you save, you can go and do more (dronk/gamble/shop).

PS for god's sake just dont go to one of the seedy 'love motels"
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Old 09-22-2006, 10:25 AM   #31
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hawk @ Jan 18 2006, 09:54 PM) [snapback]99193[/snapback]</div>
Quote:
Hey all. I'm not sure where to put this question, so sorry if its in the wrong spot.

Me and a mate really want to see the US in June/July this year. We have budgets of about $6000 AUD.

We have sort of figured that it would be about $2000 to fly return to New York. From there we are not sure whether to do a contiki tour from there all across towards the west to LA, or take the back paking option.

THe Grand Northern Contiki is $3600, so that option is pretty much out of the question.

Is it cheaper to back pack, stay in hostels and spend a week in NY, then fly to LA for a week and see Vegas and San Francisco? How much are hostels generally per night in the states, and how much should i allow for food, drinks, extra activities e.g. admission prices per day?

We want to see NY, LA, Vegas, San Fran and possibly Hawaii, but i think internal US flights are fairly expensive and it might blow our budget. Is there a safety issue with back packing through the states?

Thanks for any help you can supply!
[/b]

I would definetly recommend a Contiki if you are travelling. They know the good places to go, plan the accomodation and travelling for you, and offer a lot of great excursions that you may not of known of (or saw on your road-trip but are too expensive). They also hit a lot of the hot-spots that you definetly wouldn't want to miss!
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