Traveling to USA & Canada for 4 weeks

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  Pumpkin_rrr on 08/02/2014 - 11:21

  We are also going to US too but in April. Some places might be pretty cold when you get there esp Canada….Will be nice if you can post your experience when you come back.
  Have you looked at TripAdvisor and LonelyPlanet? I find them very good; have had many good research and answers.
  Just quickly going thru some of your questions which I have a bit of knowledge:
  -Vegas: if you are thinking of internal flights, try SouthWestern Airlines. They have lots of good deals on flights+hotel.
  -Driving to Vegas from LA is possible. Just that it gets very busy over the weekend. I had been trying to see if they have trains….
  -Shopping- try register with Premium Outlet.
  -Driving in USA- from what I heard so far, it seems driving on free/highway is easier as it is really one-lane. The harder bit is in smaller streets.

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  Almost Banned on 08/02/2014 - 11:27

  +2

  We did a family tip in March/April last year. It was a fantastic time.
  1. sounds like you have been listening to various posts about it being easier to get through Immigration in Texas than LA. While it was a bit slow I didn't find LA that bad.
  2. I used the 28 degrees for credit purchases and the Citibank for ATM withdrawals - worked great (and it was awesome because the dollar was at around $1.03-$1.05 while I was there - I smiled everytime I went to the bank.
  3. We used a GO LA card thing when we were in LA. I think it was from Smart Destinations. We also used a place called aRes to buy our Disney tickets but the discount is pretty small. I heard there is a cheaper but riskier way of doing it. Some places buy multi-day passes, then 'rent' them out to different people for different days. Disney has been trying to crack down on this so I wouldn't try it. For hotels we just used Expedia mostly.
  4. We outlet shopped in California and Nevada and found no huge difference between them. It just depended on what you were buying. Probably best you do a quick search of state taxes - that ought to give you some idea.
  5. Dunno
  6. congratulations
  7. have fun??? Try not to leave the little one behind anywhere?
  8. Both are great from what I can tell. I'd definitely do both if it was an option
  9. If Disney is your thing Anaheim is probably a better option. If Universal is more important stay in LA. We spent three days at Disney and got a hotel right across the road from the main entrance. Walking home with a child asleep on your shoulders helps you appreciate the proximity of your hotel. We also stayed in Anaheim when we weren't going to Disney just because there are so many family hotels there (we went with 4 kids so you don't have the same issues).
  I drove from LA to LV for a couple days, then to SLC, then turned around a few days later and drove back again from SLC to LA, stopping only in Vegas for lunch. There was no problem with the drive - it went fine if you are used to long drives. The traffic was fine for us except there was a roll-over near that crazy road - something like Zxxyxz Rd or something (you'll know it when you see it) - so the traffic was really backed up there, but before it and after it there were no problems. The interstates are usually pretty good.
  10. I found driving the the US no problem except a) when I first arrived I was knackered from the flight so the first drive from LAX to our hotel in Anaheim during morning peak hour was a bit iffy, and b) I had to keep reminding myself not to drift over in the lane - being so used to having the lane marker close on my right I kept sliding towards the right side of the lane. Gave the wife a heart-attack a couple of times. Just keep thinking about your lane position.
  11. I certainly did no problem.
  12. see 1 above
  13. I got travel insurance through TID and didn't claim (almost did - we all seemed to come down with a rash on our last couple days which we just pushed through) so can't really comment. Some people have suggested the travel insurance that comes with credit cards has some draw-backs but I can't really comment.
  Good luck.

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  Holysmoke on 08/02/2014 - 20:50

  Just out of interest, what would a trip like this cost or how much are you budgeting for?

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  Unified on 08/02/2014 - 22:50

  Hi Pumpkin_rrr, we are going in early april and returning in early may. I will definitely post our experience here when we come back. I have not done much on TripAdvisor but will do that now for sure. Thanks for the other tips. LA is becoming a question now due to time but still a plan. in USA/Canada the plan is Texas - North Carolina - Washinton DC - Calgary - Vancouver - Toronto/LA - Texas. Trying to work out the best possible in terms of fare as all these places I have no issues in accommodation except LA.

  • 

    Pumpkin_rrr on 15/02/2014 - 16:23

    Wow, we might bump into each other there, almost same timing!
    Looks like you are doing Beijing and US together? Which one first? What an extreme opposite.
    LA-b'cos it is so easily accessible, I am trying to skip LA and fly straight into Vegas.

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  Unified on 08/02/2014 - 23:55

  Hi Blaircam,

  Thanks for all your tips and I really appreciate. Actually texas is my main point of stay, rest are short stay. This is the reason I chose Air China which came out the cheapest and decent flight.
  2. I will definitely try 28 degree and keep the CitiBank ATM in mind. Do you think travelers card is better than 28 degree?
  3. Thanks for the LA tips. This is a great insight into the attractive tickets and what to avoid.
  4. Quick search says California got more taxes than a lot of states. I may end up shopping in Texas.
  7. Thanks for the tip for Kids and this is one big worry for me still. My kid is 5 year old and hyper active at times.
  8-12. Thanks for the tips.
  13. I am yet to find out this Credit Card travel insurance drama. Just reading finding that they are notorious when it comes to claims.

  If you have any other tips please feel free to give me.

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  Unified on 08/02/2014 - 23:57

  hi Holysmoke, I'm estimating $3000+ for each person.

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  whodidthat on 09/02/2014 - 12:03

  Hope you have a great trip!
  I was hoping to go this year but problems after back surgery postponed it :(

  1. Texas is a good entry point (I hate LA airport!)

  2. Not sure

  3. Use https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/132062 but first register with http://www.topcashback.co.uk (I have a referral code if you message me, don't think I can post it here). Topcashback has a 12.6% cashback rate with ratestogo! They do say if you use other promo codes you may not get their cashback - but I did the other day, saved 32.6% in total using the 20% plus 12.6%. I shopped around (for days) but found no better deal.
     USA internal flights: try http://www.lowfares.com or http://www.cheapoair.com, if using Cheapoair, first register with http://www.ebates.com/search/all.htm?query=fl&position=submi…, you might also want to checkout http://www.retailmenot.com/view/cheapoair.com?c=5417419

  4/5. Best place to shop is Orlando/Kissimmee!

  1. Vancouver - great place (though only going by friends experiences and seeing from air). Vancouver Island apparently is a must.

  2. USA has a lot of kid friendly places/things to do.

  3. Both LA and Orlando are good for 5yr old. Haven't been to LA Disney myself but friends & famiy have, they all say it's good but Orlando much better. There is a lot more to see in Orlando! I've been there 13 times so far, always something new to see. You would need AT LEAST 7 full days in DisneyWorld.

  4. Apparently Anaheim.

  5. You will get used to USA driving (especially if left handed) but when you land then drive, be careful. Partly because of tiredness but also not being used to driving conditions.

  6. Yes

  7. Entering and leaving can be a long process but easier in any place except LA.

  8. Th most important things with USA insurance is to make sure you have ample cover for medical and car insurance. Always try to cover car insurance without taking car rental companies cover. Their cover is expensive! Always refuse the upgrades offered when picking up your car. Chances are you will get a free upgrade anyway. ALWAYS check the car thoroughly and mark down/report problems before leaving the car lot. If the car has too many problems (mine had on last visit) complain and they should give you another car (they gave me a great replacement car when I complained).

  Don't know if other places are the same (sure they are) but Orlando area just about lives on coupons. There's a couple of good brochures you can either print off the internet or pick up over there, along with many many other coupons. http://orlandomapguides.com/ & http://enjoyfloridamagazine.com/

  There is so much choice with accommodation in Orlando/Kissimmee. I have timeshare there so don't know prices, etc., but look to booking either near the US192 or Lake Buena Vista areas as they are closest to Disney without booking into Disney places (which are pricey).
  Best area in Lake Buena Vista is between Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores and up to Palm Parkway.
  Best area on US192 is between Walmart (corner of N.Bass Road and junction of I4.
  However, I do recommend the Lake Buena Vista area for ease of access to both Disney and the rest of the area. I4 is the main access road.
  Let me know if you decide on Orlando, have many more tips for you.

  • 

    maximum on 09/02/2014 - 16:33

    Hi who did that,
    We are going to Kissimmee on a family holiday - 14 of us all staying together for 9 nights. Just wondering have you ever done a shopping trip like extreme couponing? If so are the coupons easy to come by? My sister is hoping that she will be able to find some coupons and buy multiple unnecessary items like cat food and body wash for next to nothing. Thank you.

    • 

      whodidthat on 10/02/2014 - 16:55

      +1

      You will have a great time over there!

      I don't know anything about extreme couponing, I just pick up every single discount brochure and coupon I can get my hands on!
      Even in places like Walmart. You can pick coupons up in their shop as well as off their website.

      Check out all the tourist information places in Orlando/Kissimmee as they don't all keep the same brochures, etc.,

      For attaction tickets, http://www.floridaticketstation.com/store/ usually have some of th best prices. Costs more to buy at the different attractions.
      For Seaworld, keep a look out on the internet for special deals on offer.

      I'm not that big on takeaways (such as McDonalds) but really like http://www.chick-fil-a.com/. Their nuggets and milkshakes are, well, Mmmmmmm with a cherry on top.

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  whodidthat on 09/02/2014 - 12:05

  Here's a map of Lake Buena Vista area, shows some of the places to stay: https://www.google.com.au/maps/preview/place/Lake+Buena+Vist…

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  RockyRaccoon on 09/02/2014 - 20:16

  Looks like you are committed to your trip, which given the scope of where you are going seems a little spread out. Meaning you will spend a lot of time transiting between places.

  Generally I advise sticking to one side of the continent or the other.

  But if you are committed, then you need to watch where you stay. Being too far away from any site like Universal studios, Disney will just add to the stress and you do have a 5 year old who wont appreciate long commutes. Also given you schedule, I would suggest that while some like Florida for Univ and Disney, traveling to Florida will probably add a day in travel time, so why add this stress.

  Personally I would drive to LV from LA, but again you will find this just adds time which I think you will find will be hard. Also keep in mind your "outlets" for shopping are more suited to car travel, so your purchases of bargains will probably be dictated by where you have a car.

  Now if you rent a car look at the travel wiki here at ozbargain, there is some important information on car rental insurance. IT works differently in the US and if you get it wrong, you can spoil your hols and bank balance.

  As for the cards, as advised above, 28 degrees is the only credit card for fee free purchases. Hell you can use it for a $2 macca's and no fee. Other cards will mean the $2 macca's doubles or more.

  Also as much as I hate Citibank (their credit cards suck), the Citibank ATM debit visa is a great way to access your cash overseas. In the US many 7/11's have a citibank ATM. Now there is no fee to open or keep this account open and the exchange rate and no transaction fee is the best way to get cash out in the US.

  So dont dismiss these two cards as Blaircam advised. You will just be throwing your money away with every transaction you make.

  Also if driving in LA, make sure you get away from the airport in non peak times, and try to plan any travel outside these times anywhere in LA, likewise Las Vegas is also getting busy at peak hours.

  But if you do end up traveling, keep in mind the transit lanes, with 3 of you in the car you get a benefit, as most in the US only have one in the car. But watch the entry and exit points off the transit lanes, you have to plan to get off a few exits ahead so you can merge.

  And the only thing you should watch and keep alert on while driving is to watch when you turn into a street especially those multi-lane roads, you can turn into the wrong side if you are not being alert. No big deal, but it's a danger if you are aware of you will be ok.

  Enjoy your trip and you have been given some pretty good advice from others here.

  Oh and avoid Las Vegas fri/sat nights if you want to save money

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  MITM on 10/02/2014 - 19:17

  Hire your USA car through a UK website to save $ and added benefits like insurance and additional driver. Buy/dont hire a satnav. Get one delivered free to Aus prior if you can. Driving is no problem. + for transit lanes.

  Walk into Disneyland (ie stay near by) Look at Southern California Pass (SoCal) for tix.

  Look at Southeast air for cheap flights during their sales -eg. LA-LAX to save time.
  Mix up air and car hire to maximize time - LA-LAS roadside scenery soon gets boring.

  We flew into LAX, then domestic to LAS, then to SNA (Anaheim) where we picked up the car. (domestic with Southwest)

  I'd give Universal a miss if it's the only reason to go to downtown LA.

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  donga100 on 15/02/2014 - 09:48

  Yes you can rent a car with an Australian license but it's probably a good idea to confirm with the car rental company before booking as some might have different rules.

  Shopping - Premium Outlets in Las Vegas was fantastic and they have stores in other cities too. I also went to Westfield in LA and found the prices at department stores there to be really good too.

  Accommodation - Try using airbnb and vrbo.com. You are renting directly from the owner so it is a little different to a normal hotel booking but you can get some great deals. We stayed in a 3 bedroom yacht with kitchen and open bar (beer, spirits, wine) for about $140 per night in LA/Marina Del Rey. Also MGM Signatures 1 bedroom with spa and strip-view balcony in Vegas for $100 per night (no resort fee either).

  Insurance - Most travel insurance are pretty good for medical cover but you should check. Any medical issue/injury in the US could easily bankrupt you. A friend of mine broke his leg skiing and it cost $8000 (no overnight stay) but claims over $100k are not uncommon.

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  petersumpters on 03/03/2014 - 19:19

  Grab your paddle and canoe across one of the Canadian Rockies pristine glacier fed lakes on an overnight wilderness canoe trip.

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  JackMarrves on 25/03/2014 - 00:57

  Sorry a bit late to the party just a couple things,

  For Disney as I'm sure you researched, Orlando is a lot bigger. Orlando has Disney World which contains the parks, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, and Hollywood Studios. LA has Disney Land and California Adventure. The LA one was the original but the Orlando has more parks. Sorry I'm not sure of the exact prices of the individual parks or the park hopper prices but as mentioned I'm sure you can get a coupon.

  The drive is not too long between LA, LV, and GC if your comfortable driving from 4-8 hours. The views of the country side are pretty amazing. Also if you do decide to drive stop by the Hoover Dam, its not too far from Las Vegas and is pretty interesting if your interested in huge construction projects.

  For shopping we used to shop at the outlet malls as these seemed cheaper for designer clothing. I have heard a from a friend that the clothing lines in the outlet malls are not exactly the same as the full price shops but i really can't notice a difference in quality. Here are some locations:

  http://www.premiumoutlets.com/centers/

  Unfortunately as mentioned above the outlet malls are easy to get to if you have a car. If you don't have a car in a particular city or just don't want to travel too far look for TJ maxx, Marshals, and Nordstrom Rack (not the regular Nordstroms). These all have clothes from the medium to sometimes high end stores that couldn't sell, usually last season items.

  Lastly, when in Canada remember to try poutine, mmmmm poutine:
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poutine