USA Trip - Use of Travel Agents

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  RockyRaccoon on 13/10/2014 - 09:50

  +2

  Traveling in the US is easy.

  However the big thing to remember as you have said - IT's BIG. Trying to do too much can mean spending a lot of time traveling.

  The best way to see it especially on the west coast is by car, and it's relatively cheap.

  Are you planning to rent a car? Also what interests you? Traveling around by car gives you more accommodation options, as you can stay at towns a few miles from a sight and save money - whereas if you are using public transport this would add to your cost and may be difficult to arrange.

  Therefore if you are renting a car you have great flexibility, and frankly I cant see much point in a travel agent. Getting a tour booklet, can give you ideas on where to visit, from that you can set your own itinerary.

  As for cheaper flights, I doubt if a travel agent can get cheaper flights than you can do yourself. Last week here on Ozbargain there was AirNZ flights for around $850. But you can always check yourself and then go to an Agent to see if they can match or better the price. If its similar then maybe you can use the agent.

  Personally I would avoid west coast and East coast together, as you waste a day each way traveling across the US, when you factor in transfers waiting time etc.

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    SaberX on 13/10/2014 - 16:00

    Yeap, that's why I'm trying to keep everything in perspective given the "BIG" issue, i.e. stick mainly on west coast and then limit myself to spending a good time in each city than skeeting from one city to the next every alternative day.

    I never considered rental hire, mainly becuase I figures time wise and costs it'd be more expensive to hire a car and drive for the whole duration than flying? Is it cheaper? Going by aus prices it isn't cheap per day of car hire so that's why I figure it would be costly, plus inconvenient of driving the car to return/pickup (unless there's airport hire).

    I'm happy to plan my itinerary within america i.e. where to go, public transport, I just thought the point of the travel agent was supposedly they offer cheaper deals when booking your flights to/from US and back to say Perth. I guess I won't know till i compare a one way flight to US, and one way back by DIY, versus coming back.

    Were there any USA airlines to avoid, e.g. dodgy, or something hidden/nasty for the uninitiated?

    I know what you mean about criss-crossing over between east and west… HOw long would the flight be from say New york to the sacramento side? Becuase the suggestion was I fly into New YOrk (supposedly only new york or LA are the arrival gates to the US), and look around, do a day trip to washington DC etc before going west coast. I guess it's the whole "it's new york city" that you have to go sorta thing.. otherwise I Thought of staying on west coast: sacramento, san francisco, las vegas, LA , then perhaps heading up to vancouver and toronto - would probably then haveto fly one way back from toronto or vancouver and end my trips there (as if i follow the group to calgary, quebec etc there wouldn't be a direct flight back supposedly).

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      RockyRaccoon on 13/10/2014 - 19:45

      Renting a car makes sense the more people that are with you. Also car rental isnt THAT expensive, it depends on the car you rent. Some want the mustang convertible, I choose the economy car - i20 size, its nippy fast and economical, and doesn't shout tourist.

      The point being that if you do the same by Public transport you are limited to doing the downtown areas and or going by tour bus to see the sites. This would make great sense if you are on your own. When your friend(s) arrive then you will save money by traveling together, eg car.

      Now it does depend on whether you are one who likes to see as many places as you can, or want to smell the roses and see how a country lives, and how much you can afford. Plus what your friends want to see.

      If they dont want to do the Southwest, like Grand Canyon, Sedona, Page (look up "slot canyons" on Google), Bryce Canyon or Zion national park, these you could arrange a tour to do. Las Vegas would be a base to see these from.

      Then when your friends arrive head back and pick up a car and all do the driving. Again Flying involves trips to the airport - add that time, Security checks, etc, so you have a 2-3 hour overhead for each flight.

      Airlines to avoid - US carriers especially United, historically they are not the better carriers. May have changed but why bother. Virgin and Qantas are good carriers. Neil (one of the moderators here) had some bad experiences on United last year.

      Leaving from Perth as you said Cathay might be a good choice, their service is always high quality, and the flight time via HK may not be much longer than Per - Syd - LAX.

      AirNZ is also good, but you will have longer flight as it stops over in AKL.

      And do you think you will go back to the US again? If not then of course NYC would be more of a priority. But if you can splitting the east and West trips is a lot more relaxing and frankly almost like two different countries.

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        SaberX on 14/10/2014 - 02:25

        haha true, do you think being touristy gets you taken for a ride (both financially or even in more sinister ways)? Or it's openly welcome that there are many tourists there being America? I should have been clear - my first few days - say a week, I would be travelling solo when I am thinking of hittin gup east coast first - say nyc, washington and if i run outta time then i'd fly back to west coast in time for the rest of the group to arrive. So in that sense I assume car hire for a single person would be alot more expensive than public transport, trains, airlines, whatever else there is there?

        Oh sorry you did then cover on individual travel. I am more an inbetweener - I like my city (think asia) life with shopping centres and chilling at food, bars, little dessert stores. I'm trying to 'get out of my shell' in how everyone says travelling alone really makes you discover yourself. I'd start moderately but would like to get more into sightseeing, I need something interesting, with an activity that doesn't make me feel too 'alone/out of place'. E.g. the thought of hitting up the lively bars or themed bars that i would in say an asian destination doens't sound appealing if i'm going to be all alone , particularly as I can't pickup (gf). I think las vegas and a drive to the grand canyon was on the list already. Actually i suggested helicopter, i'd been in a car when i was 12 and it was a good 6 hour drive from memory (one way). tiring and boring lol.

        I didn't know qantas and virgin fly all over US> Luckily I'm accumulating Virgin australia points while in aus due to my new FIFO job, so if i can get bumped up to silver membership would there perhaps be better benefits of sticking with virgin in US?

        I'll avoid united if it's that bad… alot of south west airlines posts below that seems to talk it up well.

        HMmm i would like to go back to america again… having been when i was 12 with family i don't remember much of san fran, la etc, but it feels strange doing them again. Ideally though I think with my close group of friends im unlikely to get them back to the US for the immediate few years… the gf herself has done US before over 6 weeks and the only reason we're all going is she's seconded there. So to answer your question and my own, I guess ideally I may never be back without a good reason in the immediate next few years. More likely to do "that Europe trip" which we've never done.

        The hardest thing I find is there ar eall these cities on the west coast side -philadelphia, miami, chicago, boston, chicago, atlanta, you hear them in all the movies, other material and I have no idea what landmarks are there and how to fit them in.

        Would you have any comments on these? Or am I still ok (having only 4 weeks including to/from return flights time to travel) just sticking to only nYC, washington, then back to the west coast due to time reasons.

        The hardest part is the last 5-7 days are likely to be in vancouver/toronto, making US time even less! Research is the hardest… with so many names of famous cities you just don't know where to start, or have the time to go city by city seeing what there is…

        Cheers for your advice to date.

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        Lurker on 14/10/2014 - 08:12

        +2

        Don't drive inside SF.

        Traffic jam everywhere.

        And parking is much more atrocious than Perth central.

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        SaberX on 15/10/2014 - 01:30

        @Lurker:
        Thanks for the tip.

        My second question would be regarding taxis. Given RockyRacoon's comments above about public transport limiting you to the downtown/main area you stay in, what are the taxi options like in the US? I assume they will be victims of traffic jams given how big american cities are? Therefore I'd be limited to trains or buses - but im assuming buses wont have priority lanes and will also get stuck there?

        ALthough RR did recommend driving over the overhead of going to airports, checking in etc - I'm not sure how much the costs will add up for one person driving versus flying, and convenience of not having to figur eout your route etc, driving on the right side of the road etc.. haha (jk, i'm sure I'd survive).

        I've done a quick kayak search and it's only $187 from NYC to sacramento via salt lake city. The price otherwise is about the same for Perth-LA, as opposed to Perth-NYC. Costs were around $1100 one way no matter what, rising sharply to 1300-1700's as you scrolled through options and other airlines….

        As part of cost cutting I'm thinking of air bnb, never tried it but there seems to be reviews and pictures show pretty picturesque apartments/cosy living spaces in central areas that a tourist would need quick walking to, so not sure if this will perhaps offset any airline costs and transport costs….

        How's Delta airlines?

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        Lurker on 15/10/2014 - 10:21

        @SaberX:

        No special lane for taxis in SF.

        I don't know about other cities in USA.

        Yes, taxis would be expensive.

        I don't recommend driving inside SF . But for trips out of SF it is not a bad idea.
        I don't know about driving inside other cities.
        But I know LA is famous for traffic jam.

        For Airbnb or hotel locations go to Google maps and see how far they are from the shopping district . Punch in the post code (i.e. zip code) for SF Union square 94108 .

        Don't know much about Delta airlines . I usually take Virgin America.

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        SaberX on 15/10/2014 - 15:43

        @Lurker:

        I guess hiring a car to travel from one city to another is fine - i.e.planning to do the group drive down route 66 from vegas to LA, but within cities i'm better off finding local accomodation near transport links. Are they big on cycling over there like in european cities with their bike hire options all over the place?

        Ok cheers, will have to investigate delta further. Wonder if Virgin America 's travel points etc will co-exist with my virgin australia velocity card to date… hmmm.

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      User78426 on 17/10/2014 - 12:56

      +3

      I am currently in US staying close to Boston for some work. Can suggest following points, might not fit your situation

      1. Hire a car if you could and save some money by getting accommodation out of NYC. Point is you can drive to country side and enjoy fall colours which is highlight of my trip until now. But I was around 4 hours drive from NY.

      2. All the domestic airlines charge you for check in baggage except southwest (2 bags for free) and they are also the cheapest. Trick is you have to book direct through their website. They won't come up when you search through Expedia, webjet or Google

      3. Wherever you eat, always pre plan and search for coupons for that restaurant. All waiters happily accept all coupons because they work for tips.

      4. If you are with Vodafone Australia- get their $5 a day roaming pack which gives you all your calls and data allowance in USA for $5 a day and that is charged only for the days you use it.

      5. Food is cheap and beer is super cheap. You only pay less than half for beer what you pay in Australia.

      6. Change USD from Australia if possible. Using CC is bit expensive as banks charge you 3% per transaction. AUDI is record low at the moment, wait until it hits 90-92 cents again and then change. Or if you don't want to travel with lot of cash, use your debit MasterCard or visa to withdraw cash from ATM in USA. Charges are-$3.50 ATM fee+ $12.10 Aussie bank fee. So withdraw as much as you could in one transaction. Rate through ATMS is pretty good and is in line with global exchange rate of the day

      I will add if something else comes to my mind. PM me if you have any specific questions.

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        User78426 on 17/10/2014 - 13:10

        I could be wrong about the ATM withdrawal fee. Because I only withdrew $200 USD to check how much it was going to cost. My bank commbank charged me aud 12.10, it could be a flat fee or a %age of withdrawal which is nearly 3%
        Anyone here who could clarify this?

      • 

        kobrien456 on 18/10/2014 - 22:37

        Koolbir. Do you find restaurant coupons online? Sounds like most restaurants have them?

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        User78426 on 21/10/2014 - 00:40

        +1

        @kobrien456:
        I normally use following websites
        Dealsofamerica.com
        Slickdeals.net- very similar to Ozbargain
        Coupons.com

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        kobrien456 on 21/10/2014 - 00:41

        @koolbir: great tip! Thanks.

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        SaberX on 21/10/2014 - 15:47

        1) I understand the rationale, being a tourist by yourself though isn't it alot easier being smack central where you can roam around from morning to night? Assuming everything isn't spread out as some cities are, I would think NYC would be quite foot/public transport friendly for tourists?

        You'd have to park your car and I assume parking is even more costly than Aus to tour the main touristy areas in manhattan etc if you do this option?

        2). Would Southwest show up in flight centre and other travel agents searches then? If not then Ill make a mental note to check these flight options for domestic purposes after getting any quotes from an agent.

        I understand the whole baggage thing now - wasn't as clear from posters here but flight centre told me about baggage not being paid upfront, and therefore the $50 charge at the airport. Weird way of doing things… But southwest you can pay up front it seems?

        3). Do restaurants there regularly do coupon promotions? Tipping - worries me, dont' want to be a cheapass or pay too much. Is it usually 10% on top of whatever the cost of your food? And drinks? And a good service = 15%? Or is there no guideline? I'm assuming they're quite disrespectful if you appear to be below the tipping standard? Or do they understand if you're a tourist rather than try to take advantage?

        4). I'm with Telstra unfortunately. Working regional, so getting ripped off is my only choice.

        5). Sounds good. Won't be doing as much beer/alcohol drinking on my own though (keep my wits while solo travelling). Have you heard or recommend foodie or drink tours during the day, or is one able to travel solo at your own leisure and find all the local foodie spots?

        I hear urbanspoon works there? So I'ma ssuming the easiest thing like aus would be to search and just walk based on reviews?

        6). I have the 28 degrees CC. This shouldn't have any FX exchange fees or poor rates. I assume there shouldn't be any issues using this there?

        I have an AMEX platinum edge card too. I don't know much about AMEX - do they charge terrible FX conversion fees and/or offer bad FX rates? Thought AMEX was american based so hoping any america costs would be competitively offered if paid through AMEX.

        I have a debit mastercard too with bankwest. If it's $3.50 atm fee + bankwest's $12 it seems an awful lot as i wouldn't want to withdraw too much at one go (safety).

        Would preloaded travel cards be a rip off? Never used them, CC"s like 28 deg have always done for me.

        Will do (PM) if needed. How is boston? Skip? Doubt I'd have time to make it there, but if I do..?

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        SaberX on 21/10/2014 - 15:49

        @koolbir:

        Great tips. These are the sort of nifty treasures I hope to get out of posts like these.

        If there's any other useful websites keep em coming e.g. for good american based deals for entertainment, sightseeing, transport, or anything.

        Will come back to these before my trip to search for coupons as I assume you need to do it the week before departure to be relevant.

      • 

        User78426 on 22/10/2014 - 06:04

        @SaberX:
        1 I still recommend hiring a car if you afford, saves you lot of time and you can put all what you want in the boot, extra cloths, drinks, bag with all useful items you might need but you aren't sure. To give you an idea of cost- I am paying $65 a day for VW Jetta with full insurance cover and $0 excess fee. It is bit expensive if you are travelling alone.
        For parking- don't drive right in the city on weekdays and park free or cheaper 10 miles out of city and use public transport. On Sunday's there are some free parking spots in the city, where I parked last time. Use following website to find cheap parking with coupons wherever you are
        nyc.bestparking.com
        I think they have ios and android apps, shows you parking and location right on your screen with your current location

        2 book through their website.southwest.com. With southwest bags are included in the ticket price so you don't pay anything separately. With other airlines you have to pay approx $25 for 1st checkin baggage+$35 for 2nd check in baggage and for some airlines it more than that.

        3 tipping:10% is the minimum recommend. But it doesn't hurt because main meals are between $10-15 mostly compared to $20-25 we pay in Australia. You get excellent table service. You end up paying 15-20% happily due to service. $2-3 per meal is what I normally pay as tip, I try to keep my bill around $12 or $17 so when I pay I round it off to $15 or $20

        4 I am using $60 per month service for phone with unlimited calling and data I didn't do any research as its company supplied. All the restaurants and hotels have free wifi. I haven't remember any place without free wifi.

        5 I use google maps for everything- finding accomodation, food or any other service. It shows you address, contact distance and opening hours with reviews right there.

        6 good that you are well planned about your credit cards, unfortunately I don't have 28 degrees.
        I am in NH state, which is around 45 minutes from Boston. I have to stay in country side due to work but I will be in NYC for a week when my wife comes over on 26th, then will go to Vegas for a week and 3-4 days in LA before coming back to Melbourne.

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    travelwiz on 10/02/2015 - 15:50

    there are many USA fares that can't be found on any search engine site.

    Eg. you can fly one airline over & another back & most if not all search engines can't find this type of fare.

    Might not be cheaper in low season, but definitely cheaper in high season in late June/July & late Dec/Jan.

    Travel agents also have access to what are called net fares.

    They are specially negotiated fares, which they get at a certain net price. They then add a small margin.

    Most of not all search engines can only look at published fares that have a set price. Some agents may discount a % or 2 off these, but margins being squeezed, many don't as they don't need to & as not competing with OTA's.

    Also many Australian wholesalers gets deals you can't get online or direct.

    This is how it works.

    AN Australian wholesaler puts a lot of business in one direction, let's for example say to certain hotels in Disneyland area or a ski resort.

    If you look online, the search engine doesn't know whether you're from USA or Australia & most search engines can't factor in, long stay discounts.

    American hotels love Australians as generally they stay longer, especially in ski resorts.

    So the Australian wholesaler asks for & gets long stay discounts or freebees such as breakfast or airport transfers or free whatever.

    If you're looking for a deal, maybe go online, then consult a travel agent, who specialises in the area you're looking at & knows what they are talking about.

    Be up front & say you looked online but what can you offer. Most will quickly tell you if they can do better &it might not be cheaper price but valuable inclusions. eg. y breakfast can be worth a lot !!!

    It's getting harder for the agent who tries to do everything. You simply can't be an expert on everything.

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  [Deactivated] on 13/10/2014 - 11:08

  +1

  Long story short, find what you think is a good itinerary and then give them a chance to review/improve/book. They know tricks and shortcuts.

  Note that the best rates you will see online are non-commission-able, so they will often recommend a similar flight on a different airline which may or may not be cheaper.

  Airline A is trying to fill seats with cheap prices online, Airline B is trying to fill seats with travel agent exclusives and commissions. Same for hotels. Which one will be better?… roll the dice…..

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    SaberX on 13/10/2014 - 16:01

    True… any airlines to avoid going to/from the US, and domestic? I see cathay pacific goes there and a host of other airlines from say perth. Ideally i'm looking to arrive at New york if east coast is feasible, rather than LA (although as a poster mentioned above it oculd be an issue/waste crossing from east coast to west coast just so I can see new york and washington dc on the east coast).

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    SaberX on 15/10/2014 - 01:31

    Ok, so having done some kayak search engine research, I note it's about 1.1k one way and back no matter what… my friends got 1.8k return quoted. We may have certain dates and departure differences, but given the period of time it seems their travel agent quoted price is better, so perhaps I will have to give some time/credit to at least getting a quote from say flight centre to checking…

    One would have thought that DIY would be ultimately cheaper however…

    • 

      hayne on 16/10/2014 - 23:23

      Not necessarily true, surprisingly.

      On domestic fares, no point in getting an agent (Qantas/Virgin pays the agent a %-based commission - this was already trending down to zero about a decade ago). On international fares, Qantas/Virgin sells the fare to agents at "wholesale" rates which the agent can then mark-up to sell at whatever price they want. The more volume the agent can deliver, the better the wholesale rates they'll get. What this means in practice is that if the agent wanted to undercut Qantas/Virgin's price and take a lower margin (i.e. make less money), they can do that - if they want to. Some travel agents (like Flight Centre) run a decentralised business model which allows agents lots of flexibility, which is why you'll get wildly different prices from agents even at the same company.

      From my experience, agents will frequently (but not always) be able to beat the best price you get direct through Qantas/Virgin and through online travel agents like Expedia, etc.

      The other benefit they provide is knowledge - so if you get a good agent, they'll be able to help you with a lot of your questions about which cities you would enjoy visiting, the best way to get from one place to another, etc.

      In short, if you have time, I think the best approach is to talk to an agent to help plan the trip, then ask a few agents for a quote. At the same time, do your own price research (Kayak, Trivago, etc.) and then see if they can beat your DIY fare.

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        SaberX on 21/10/2014 - 15:52

        Great advice. I did this over the weekend. I got quoted 1670 roughly return on an open jaw cathay into NYC, returning from vancouver.

        Interestingly one way gives me about 1.1k each way to DIY - using kayak. haven't tried cathay's site itself, but I assume one other positive of agents is they can book return flight based discounts from two different cities, which the general public can't?

        I think my agent seemed fairly confident but I didn't rack her brains on where to go, so I may see how capable she is when it comes to domestic. So given my return flights to/from the US and Canada are now alot cheaper through flight centre, I may as you suggested try one or two other agents, flight centre agents etc. See if I can bid this down.

        For domestics, from what you said I should just DIY through Kayak or something. Search engines like Kayak will offer you the same price as going direct to the relevant site, right?

        NEver used trivago, but seen the ads haha. Same same functions as kayak?

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  meowmeowmeow on 13/10/2014 - 11:26

  We did this in March/April this year, and are going back at the same time next year. We find it easier to book a return flight to LA, and then book internal flights wherever you want to go. Don't forget southwest airlines (they don't come up in flight search engines). Super cheap fares and two suitcases included for no cost.
  Get the train (AMTRAK) from NY to Washington DC, or the reverse depending on what order you do it in.

  We booked it all ourselves…if you are organised and plan the whole thing out it works really well…make a spreadsheet and make sure your dates all line up, and then make sure there are decent flights between each place.

  Flight centre should be normal price for Australia to LA. Internal flights they don't sell all the airlines so be careful there. The first time we went i got a quote done by flight centre, used their ideas and suggestions for the order of the itinerary, and then booked it myself cos their quote was too expensive (eg $99 for a train ticket that is $45 if you buy direct etc).

  • 

    SaberX on 13/10/2014 - 16:06

    I see, which airlines did you find did the best prices when you went from aus to LA? I was looking at a LA arrival but the gf suggested not missing out on the whole NYC experience and so I was thinking of arriving on the east coast to do NYC, washington dc for a few days becuase I will be solo travelling until the rest of the group arrives on the west coast a week later (they're going sacramento via LA).

    We are pretty organised in our trips, at least when we go east coast we have a whole spreadsheet timetable mapped out of where to even eat, rest, drink, but the US seems a whole bigger piece of cake so the task seems quite daunting. Add in the numerous airlines/transport issues and dozens of cities, i don't know where to start. There's just too little time to research each city to see what's in there and then decide to go there… so I was thinking of just picking city names then setting it in stone then forcing yourself to find out what's interesting in that city… rather than the other way around, otherwise I"d be looking for ages.

    Did you have any airlines (domestic in USA) to recommend? I hear some are terrible and some are decent. I want to do the virgins of USA and not the tiger airways (i.e. cancelled, delayed flights etc that are unreliable).

    I would probably do NY then a day trip to washington DC , then back to NY for a day or two (to break up new york), before flying to the west coast. Would this add too much cost ? Originally going to west coast would have been easier, but i would miss out on NYC which is like one of the most famous big cities there is to see, so i've been encouraged to check it out….

    Ahhh i see, so sounds like you can get quotes but the majority of domestic travel options and flights are more exp than booking yourself? I assume the to/from USA to aus section of flights can be cheaper if you're wise about it, going through flight centre?

    Best still to get quotes from flight centre and compare to a DIY on kayak i assume? Travel agents you get a booking guarantee/help if shit hits the fan though right?

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      meowmeowmeow on 13/10/2014 - 16:19

      We flew Virgin Australia from Sydney to LAX. Very good airline. We're flying them again next year. Qantas are having a sale atm too. Not sure what airlines fly from Perth, or if coming from Perth you have to fly to Sydney first or can go direct?

      It takes just over 3 hrs on the train to get to Washington DC, and there's heaps to do there. I'd suggest at least staying the night so that you actually get to see something. If you don't want to do that then you could get the train from NYC to Philadelphia instead - it's only 1.5 hours or something. Not as cool as DC but a lot of US history happened there too. I'd suggest trying to get a night in DC though, otherwise you'll need to be on the earliest train out of NYC and the last train back to NYC to actually have a chance to see anything.

      Pick the cities you want to see - is there anything specific you want to do? Sports teams you support etc that might entice you to once city over another? Any national parks etc you have always wanted to see? We went to the grand canyon from Vegas, which is really cool, but takes most of the day. Make sure you have enough time in each place. If you have a week in NYC, i'd spend 2 days in DC if that's what you want to do, and 4-5 days in NYC before flying to Sacramento…i assume you're doing a tour or something? Flying from NYC back to the West Coast you'll actually gain time due to the time difference which is cool. You lose time flying from West Coast to East Coast.

      Domestic airlines - i'd go with Southwest, they don't do all routes though, and they don't allocate seats - research the system they use, it works great but you need to understand it before you go. We also flew Virgin America which is the best domestic airline - very good. You pay for baggage with them though.

      Remember that if you get a quote from flight centre you don't actually have to do anything with it - you're under no obligation to accept the quote. The tip we got from flight centre is to go to the east coast as soon as you can manage and work your way back to take advantage of the time difference. Doesn't matter too much, but it's something we didn't consider.

      I wouldn't bother with flight centre if you're confident in booking trips yourself. They don't have any bargains, it's all recommended based on commissions. I don't think they'll be much help if something goes wrong - that's what travel insurance is for.

      So…where to start? Make a spreadsheet of dates and where you want to be on each date. Make sure there's enough time in each place. As you find the flights/trains you want write down the departure and arrival times to make sure you're using your time wisely. Don't forget that the flight from Australia to USA arrives on the same day as when you leave australia due to the time difference (this takes some time to get your head around). Once you're happy with the plan, book the flights/trains. Once they are booked, do your hotel bookings. I often book hotels that can be cancelled with no penalty, in case a better deal comes up.

      • 

        SaberX on 14/10/2014 - 02:48

        I heard to go from perth you have to fly via the east coast anyway, so I presume Sydney also?

        How much would a train ride cost? 3 hours seems like a long time, by flight would you take just as long to check in, wait, fly off etc as a train ride (which would i assume be more scenic and pleasant - i'm assuming trains there aren't like asia and are all sardines like).

        It was the gfs idea to do a day trip. Happy to do an overnight stay if you suggest having that 1.5-2 days to do more? Is it mainly monuments and museums etc in washington dc that are worth seeing?

        I saw Philadelphia on the map - have no idea what you can do there though? Which is part of the problem, i see all these famous/familiar names on google maps on the east coast - e.g. miami, chicago, phila etc. but have no idea where to start, becuase if you research each city in detial you can be here all week, let alone then moving onto the next city, then the next, then finally deciding on which city to goto out of say 3 or 4….I assume there is a central train authority that i can google/search up train times in/out of washington dc, or to any other american cities/ Or like sydney/melb are they run by different operators (in perth only one organisation runs all public transport, making it easier to search up schedules and routes).

        THe issue is i have nothing specific e.g. friends who coming later want to see a LA game etc while in san fran… i don't follow sports to feverishly, so I'm cool with whatever, but aren't dying to see wrestlemania and stuff liek that. I never go sightseeing so haven't the faintest clue of any inclinations to see specific national parks. I figuredI should start expanding my experiences, so looking for something that's still appeals to my captivation of city life, shopping centres etc, but that slowly weans me more towards nature. Things liek museums worry me that i'll be bored stiffless, but i hear they aren't as stereotypical as what you'd get here or imagine.

        I've always just done alot of food and drink sightseeing given i'm always with the gf or someone, so i seem way out of my element as I can't imagine me going to a trendy bar by myself to just have a cocktail… guess i rely on that social side abit. So tourist sightseeing seems more 'single' compatible.

        Are tour groups worht the money they're printed on? Or are they a waste of time as you can be fixed/rushed into following their itinerary?

        As per above I hadn't thought about a tour group. From say the 20th to the 28th i'd be solo, so i was thinking 3,4,5 days nyc, day or two washinton, and somehow squeezing in some other east coast city - don't know if that' stoo rushed. I assume then fly back to sacramento via LA i assume?

        I'm flying alone in that first instance anyway so non-allocated seats isn't an issue. WHen you mention virgin you have to pay for bags , it sounds like its an uncommon thing to have to pay? Funnily enough the gf mentioned you get two check in bags of say 20kg each - is this true? If so that's insane… can't imagine trying to juggle a carry on with two suitcases.. but she did it so I'm contemplating this.

        Thanks, good points re: flight centre. Perhaps I"ll find a rough city plans and then try and get some initial quotes, then go back to researching and find more prices/transport options…. then go back to flight centre, rework, and wash and rinse this same process.

        I'm surprised that you and others have said there is'nt a cost benefit of going flight centre. I'll have to speak to the gf, she did her 6 week US trip lastt time and swore by flight centre/travel agents getting better deals than booking the one way flights themselves…. they did go round christmas, not sure if that made a diff.

        I'm working on as you suggested a timetable grid. The hardest part before working out transport routes and costs is which cities… as for hotel bookings I was contemplating whether air bnb or other cheaper alternatives were avialable, especially on my solo first week of travel, i assume it'll be alot more expensive hitting up NYC or washington DC by myself since any hotel room will be divided by 1 in terms of cost (The great thing about having a gf haha). The headache will then be trying to structure flights/transport that makes best use of time… Tbh though I usually don't seem to come across refundable bookings for hotels, maybe that's just me or I happen to buy them when their at their cheapest?

        Do you use something like Kayak to search engine your accomodation? I"m assuming these days that search engines do the best job for lowest prices searching of flights, accomodation etc than going directly to individual hotels, airlines sites etc.

        Thanks for your information/help.

      • 

        Lurker on 14/10/2014 - 08:09

        @SaberX:

        I used adioso to find flights from Perth to San Francisco.

        That would probably require you to have a stopover at some Asian cities, e.g. Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, etc.

        No Sydney or Melbourne.

        For things to do that aren't touristy check out craigslist.com or meetup.com and join the locals.

        And you would have more fun if you are not into sightseeing like me.

        As far as I know, Amtrak is the national public train service .

        Sacramento is a small town , may be the size of Canberra (at best).

        I have never heard of international flights going to Sacramento airport.

        Usually people fly from overseas into SF then from there go to Sacramento.

        If I were you I wouldn't worry too much about booking for accomodation way in advance for USA for March and even April, if you are not fussy about where you stay.

        The tourist season hasn't started and many hotels would have empty rooms to sell last minute.

        Being flexible with where you stay last minute add to your sense of adventure. :)

      • 

        meowmeowmeow on 14/10/2014 - 09:27

        +1

        @SaberX: $49 each way for the AMTRAK to DC if you can get the sale fare…it's an easy trip and much nicer than airport security etc. In DC you can wander around, check out the white house, do a free tour of the capitol building, go up the top of the washington monument if you pre book tickets for that, and then yes, lots of monuments etc which are pretty cool - lots of stuff you've seen in movies. I'm not a big museum fan but all the museums in DC are free so if you get bored you're not wasting any money. You might like the air and space museum - bit more exciting than the others.

        All domestic airlines in the US make you pay per checked bag - $25 per bag or more. Southwest lets you take two for free. I think there's one other airline that has free bags but not many routes available. Your flight from Australia, if you fly a regular airline like virgin australia or qantas, will give you two free checked bags of up to 23kg or so. This is great if you do a lot of shopping in the US. I'd go with a full size suitcase and a carry on that you check in on the way back, and take a backpack or something to take on board. Two fill size cases and a carry on case is a lot to juggle.

        It sounds like you have chosen your cities for the first week of travel - NY and Washington DC. Unless you want to swap DC for something else, but with only 7/8 days on the east coast the only places you'd be thinking to swap it for are maybe Philadelphia or Boston, or go somewhere more "inland" on your way to San Francisco.

        I use kayak sometimes yeah, and hotelscombined just in case kayak has missed something. My favourite trick is to take advantage of the best price guarantee with a Marriott or a Hyatt hotel - if you find a cheaper price they match it and also give you 20/25% off. This works with refundable reservations, which are usually listed as "best available rate". Advance purchase is sometimes cheaper but means you have to pay upfront and can't cancel if you get a better deal.

      • 

        surm on 14/10/2014 - 18:28

        @meowmeowmeow:

        My favourite trick is to take advantage of the best price guarantee with a Marriott or a Hyatt hotel - if you find a cheaper price they match it and also give you 20/25% off.

        Thanks for that tip. I knew Starwood gives 10% off but didn't know about Marriott/Hyatt give 20%/25% off.

      • 

        SaberX on 15/10/2014 - 01:42

        @Lurker:

        Lurker I've had limited time to research so I've been using Kayak while out on my FIFO swing - I'll check out adioso soon but I was using kayak merely to see what routes and rough costs were. If adioso presents different and/or cheaper options I'll certainly check it out.

        I checked the flight and actually learnt abit becuase say Delta fly from NYC via salt lake city to sacramento, which was cheaper than computing to LA then sacramento. Woudln't have known this combo was possible till I kayak'd. So while there is no direct international flights going to Sacramento, there will be domestic.

        So you're saying that it's worse to go sacramento before san fran? Is it more feasible to fly into san fran before making my way to sacramento? I guess I'm partly influenced by Sacramento (gf will be on secondment) before joining up to San fran when the rest of the group arrives.

        I'm not too fussy about where I stay. but ultimately if i'm travelling solo in NYC and washington, before i goto west coast, I want to stay somewhere that I can feel safe lugging a dslr bag camera around and being a tourist (with certain sense of course) even into the night without getting mugged. Somewhere with good location that makes smart transport/travel time sense to various monuments/attractions, eating places, things to checkout. For that reason I was considering air bnb, I've never used this service ANYWHERE before… so I'm abit sceptical but the picture sand reviews all seem to paint positive pictures of little cost apartments/rooms dotted in say NYC… I haven't seen hotel prices but they range from $80-160 for an average place, with the usual hundreds of dollar air bnb suspects. I assume hotels are more expensive there? I usualyl goto those as I Feel they're "big" and safer.. having always stayed in hotels.

        Will I have any issue booking accomodation closer to dec, january? Do these things run out for the march-april period? Or is that off peak time for the USA? As you said it isn't tourist season yet… but will there really be last minute room sales - my experience with airlines are they no longer discount last minute and i find waiting just cuases the price to go up even more (at least with air asia, budget airlines etc compared to the good old days).

        An adventure sounds great if this will be my first holiday travelling solo. Hence I wondered if those air bnb things would introduce you to a local host who would be a great learning/social experience. Or if i'm stereotyping a horror story of a nazi host with strict curfews, noise sensitivity, and dodgy bed sheets and accomodation haha.

        I've had positve experiences otherwise in shared apartments when travelling to eastern states e.g. through tripz in melbourne.

      • 

        SaberX on 15/10/2014 - 01:54

        @meowmeowmeow:

        APpreciate your tips and places to go. I know this thread seems liek one big giant essay, but it's great to hear little places becuase I will come back to this thread when i get into my research, and these places make more sense and fit better into the itinerary, so just wanted to say thanks firstly!

        SO besides the washington monument, do the majority of washington DC and NYC, or even other american city tourist areas and things to see/do require pre bookings, tickets etc? Will one be up for disappointment if they generally 'rock up' to things, food places etc in america given how many people there are?

        Thanks for the airlines tips. So ideally all quoted search engine prices for airlines on say Kayak would be about $25~ bag short of the true cost? Are there any other additional hidden fees/airport taxes that these search engines don't aggregate? So by $25 a bag are we talking 20 kg bags? So ideally an average free two bags from southwest airlines allows 20 kg x 2? And in addition all airlines give 7 kg carry on?

        Given a carry on is abit small to check in and make full use as a second 23 kg bag, would it make more sense to checkin two suitcases (if one can fit in the other) and carry on a foldable duffel bag. That way if you do or dont end up shopping that much, you can fill and check in the two large bags and then duffel bag/carry on a backpack for the rest. I've never travelled with 3 bags (2 x check in and a carry on), although I have had a check in, carry on, and backpacks, random shopping bags (to carry excess), but i can tell you it was hell. Not sure how the gf explained she managed this.. but if she can I'd hope as a guy I could too?! I heard the shopping is crazy e.g. woodbury outlets at NYC, where she got me a coat and has told me numerous stories of cut price designer wear we could only dream of in aus…

        What would you consider "inland" on your way to san fran? Chicago? Miami? Kansas? I think i would target the end west coast destination as sacramento for now, given the gf is there. So san fran can be commuted to easily from sacramento from what I hear if I do it that way? Is there too much in Philadelphia or Boston to do a day trip or two? Or am i being greedy trying to fit in NYC, washington, and boston or phili in 7 days.

        At first I thought if I fly off fri night, I can get there late sat US time, (35 hours or so flight, transit time per kayak for most flights), counting sunday-friday as possible solo east coast time. then flying either fri late, or early sat to sacramento? Seems like I wouldn't have time to do more than two east coast cities?

        Ohh never heard of that Marriott or Hyatt loophole. So refundable reservations your saying they'll match it by 20-25% off to a non-refundable price quoted on an online search engine like Kayak?

        Have you experienced using air bnb or is any other service that provides non-hotel room rentals in decent tourist areas, at decent quality?

        Re-read your prior replies above and had a few questions off on a tangent: what travel insurance you used effectively for USA travel? Usually go cheap with Travel insurance direct (TID), but those are my typical asia trips, a big trip like this I'd want to be covered for what my worry is a potential loss of accomodation, or flights for missed flights or delays?

        Actually a big question mark is given how tight people schedule america trips to ensure you go from one place to another, are USA airlines and trains/transport usually punctual and reliable? Do they cancel often? It would be a horror to not make it to the next city due to flight issues, and lose my accomodation for the night. I assume travel insurance can therefore cover this…

        Is there a central train/public transport authority for USA, or each city?? Or is it a dogs mess to explore pub transport route sand bookings?

      • 

        meowmeowmeow on 15/10/2014 - 09:02

        @SaberX: There's a few things that need prebooking - not heaps though. The US capitol in Washington DC can be prebooked, and we prebooked it, but there was no need as heaps of time slots available on the day. If you know what day you are going there then sure, pre book, but you should be fine to just rock up. You can get tickets on the day for the washington monument but i wouldnt rely on it, late March/early April is a busy time in DC. In NYC it's just the statue of liberty that you need to pre book, if you want to go there and see it up close. If you dont want to do that then you get the staten island ferry for free and it goes past the statue of liberty. We prebooked tickets to go there, and go the tickets where you climb up into the crown (they only sell 300ish of these per day). Was very cool. Depends what you are interested in though.

        No issues with restuarant bookings, unless you want to go somewhere fancy. We eat fairly casual and never had to wait, or maybe once or twice we waited maybe 15 mins, no big deal. If there's a specific place you want to eat then you could call the day before and book.

        Don't forget that southwest airlines don't show up in a kayak search, so make sure to check their website too. They release prices for the rest of april onwards in a week or two. I think prices at the moment only go up to april 4. But yeah, always factor in baggage costs when comparing flights. If you're taking two checked bags thats another $50 or so on top of the cost of the flight. Southwest give you 2 23kg bags (50 pounds is 20-23 kg i think) for free.

        Do you need to go to sacramento before san francisco? It will be easier to get a direct flight into san francisco but if you need to be in sacramento first then that's fine. There's only a few direct flights from NYC to sacramento, with southwest you'll be going via denver or chicago possibly, which are both fine.

        You could do a day trip to philadelphia i suppose. Boston is 4 hours on a train so i wouldnt bother. Do some research on NYC and see what interests you, and whether you think you'll have time for day trips. Woodbury outlets is a day trip in itself i beleive, it's not in NYC but it's a bit of a drive outside.

        Marriott and Hyatt have an online form you fill in. SO you make the booking (refundable) and then if within 24 hours you find a better price you submit the claim, and they get back to you within 24 hours to say whether its accepted or not. I've gotten some good deals with this. If it isn't accepted then you cancel the refundable booking and try again when you find a better price elsewhere - there's no limit to how often you can try which is great.

        I've never done airbnb. We always stay in hotels, which is expensive but we like it. Ive never really bothered to look into airbnb but it's getting so popular now that i might have to check it out.

        Do you have a credit card with travel insurance? That's what we do, just book whateever you need to book on the card, depending on the card itself they all have different terms. I have the Westpac Earth Black which has good insurance, and the citibank signature that you get for free through the ozbargain friends and family thing has good insurance too. Just check the PDS to see how to qualify, some need you to book the return ticket with the card, and some just want you to spend $500 on your card towards part of your trip.

        I dont worry too much about scheduling things too tight. One thing to consider is the airports though…if your flight is cancelled for whatever reason, are there other flights that go to the same place later in the day, from the same airport. Its good to go through hub airports in that case, so you have more chance of getting on a different flight. We've never had a flight cancelled, luckily. Not sure if all cancelled flight situations are covered by travel insurance…you'll have to read the policy PDS and check.

        Transport is different in every state. AMTRAK has "regions" where all the trains link up, and the website is quite good. Use google maps public transport tab (you can choose drive, walk or public transport) to get an idea. NYC transport is awesome. Washington DC is walkable but they do have trains that work well. San Francisco transport is great too, so you wont have any issues. Use tripadvisor to do your research before you go on how to get around, and maybe get a guidebook or something.

      • 

        Lurker on 15/10/2014 - 10:43

        @SaberX:

        Whether you start the west coast in SF or Sacramento, don't spend more than 1 day in Sacramento.

        If I were you , I would stay in SF and make a day trip to Sacramento.

        I have used Airbnb a couple of times in Hong Kong and I am happy with my host there.

        March April is still not tourist season. You will have a lot of booking options in most , if not all US cities, even during February.

        Go to some hostel booking websites and look at the vacancies of some of the top hostels and see how many rooms or beds they have available for booking to get a rough indication of how tight the room supply of the accommodation in any city is as you approach March.

        One person here said you need to have your first night locked down at a defined address or US won't let you into the country.

        So you might just book your first night in February. Then worry about other nights once you are there , or just before you get there.

        Tourist season in SF start in late April or May .
        I guess this is the same for other cities in US.

      • 

        SaberX on 16/10/2014 - 01:37

        @Lurker:

        Ok your point will be noted re: sacramento duration of stay.

        I have been browsing the air bnb app all day at work given I just installed it on my phone and I have to say it is quite impressive. Nifty… but yeah Makes me curious are these all places people live in one room, and rent out the other in their apartment etc? I'm confused as to whether hosts technically are there too and hence a few reviews mention hanging out with the host(s), getting tips etc, whereas the listings osmetimes say its a whole unit or apartment… which I take it would mean the hosts aren't there during your stay?

        Is there any decent hostel search engine website to recommend - reliable and good for prices and searching, like the kayak/expedia/adioso equivalent for hostels?

        Ok, given I need my first night defined to get in that shouldn't be an issue. TBh you've mentioned taking accomodation closer to the date, but for peace of mind given that's what I've always done, surely it would be just as financially cheap if book by dec 14? Or can you get alot better air bnb or hotel deals, flights, etc etc. if you book early 15 at the last minute rush for them to get rid of it?

      • 

        SaberX on 16/10/2014 - 01:55

        @meowmeowmeow:

        Ideally yes, I'd like to work out which days i''ll be in washington and prebook if available. I guess the advantage is if you can't make it, and haven't booked, then you technically save money… Will prebook monuments such as the washington monument, statue of liberty etc. How much would tickets cost to these monuments, e.g. the statue of liberty, or the washington monument? Does the statue of liberty to go up to the crown charge you an arm and leg? And I assume it's well constructed the hike up (not some ladders/simple stairs - to cater for those less great with heights haha).

        Seems like there's alot to do in NYC. Would you be out of place with a DSLR purpose sling on shoulder carry bag? Hearing conflicting reports that NYC locals you're doing something wrong if you haven't been mugged once, and other reports where its dead safe in the main areas of NYC to be walking around at night with your camera bag, out and about etc.

        If im in NYC probably nowhere fancy. Nots ure how it works like aus but dont mind walking into an ok'ish restuarant and ordering a proper meal, but keen also to try out the local fast food and those "man vs food" style size meals you see on tv (just for the heck of it) haha. Speaking of restaurants, I hear tipping is a much? Something I'm going to struggle with, don't know the formality, and I"ve always been used to a no tipping environment where I can't see why someone getting paid for their job should get paid more just for doing it . That of course is coming from an aus attitude, I hear in the US it's different becuase they get paid peanuts without your tip.

        Haven't forgotten about the southwest airlines thing. Will definitely search on it parallel to kayak etc when doing domestic flight searches. Do seats and specials snap up quick? E.g. if they're releasing the april flights shortly, should I be ready to book? or will Is til be good over the next month to find decent flights and accomodation given it seems many have said it isn't peak tourist time in march-april?

        Is carry on 7 kgs there too on flights? Still dn't know how people could manage with 2 x 20/23 kg bags for check in, but I guess i'll soon find out.

        I thought sacramento first becuase the gf is based there. it seemed flights went to sacramento from NYC so I figured if I visited her that following weekend after I arrive (as that first week will be NYC, Washington etc) then I could spent a day or so with her there, before joining the main group in san fran (as they were gonna start there on sat). Follwoing san fran they were shooting straight off to LA then las vegas, so it seemed easier to do sacramento first, incase I get too tied up following everyone else around. Suggestion was to go sacramento after las vegas as the group plans to go calgary, which I can't make (due to time constraints - probably should see more of US)… instead i'd go to vancouver and toronto which was there next stops.

        If Boston's 4 hour by train it's probably not feasible to do a day or overnight trip there as opposed to washington or Philadelphia. I'll keep it in the back burner incase i see an attraction I really like… otherwise that's about it for surrounding cities/landmarks to visit if using NYC as a base?

        Don't think I can drive to Woodbury, assume there's a bus or something there? Heard you bring a suitcase to carry everything back at the end of the day lol. Where would one stay in NYC if i do hotels or air bnb? Seems there's lower manhattan and upper, been told by the gf to stay away from all the gun totting peoples in brooklyn which can get dodgy, although recent googling shows just as much muggings etc in and around times square and central park etc, which I believe is manhattan. So not sure where is best for safety, walking to/from at night (probably dinner, then aim to be back by a reasonably 9,10pm latest, given im by myself I doubt Ill need to goto bars or night life, that way I can start early the next day on attractions).

        So with Marriott and Hyatt you just search for an online search engine who has cheaper stays than them directly, fill in the form and you get 20-25% off it? seems to good to be true?! I assume it's hard to find this situation though?

        Definitely check out air bnb app, I was impressed by the hipster style apartments, rooms etc on offer in NYC…not sure hotel prices so i can't say how cheap it compares, but for $70-140 there was an array of apartments and places on offer. I'm assuming given the host is reviewed there's plenty of low risk meeting a psycho nazi housekeeper host, so seems ok.

        I have the AMEX issued card which supposedly comes with travel insurance if you book your return flights with it. I assume as long as i have a flight coming in and out of aus it activates. THat's what they've told me. Makes me nervous though as if something happens and they renegade on their words, or misinformed me… versus actually buying a third party travel insurance policy which just seems more 'finalised', if that makes sense. Never heard of the ozbargain westpac earth black or citibank signature?

        What I"m more worried about is all the fine print, and if it covers you for the main things- medical, theft/stolen property or items, fraud, etc etc.

        Good point about airport scheduling. Tip iv'e got is to get one booking through flights which may go through multiple cities, that way you usually have no rebooking fees if one leg is delayed causing you to miss another, whereas if you had piece meal flights pieced together no airlines will give a rats bum about you missing the next connecting flight. I wonder if travel insurance covers you if you decide to book another flight becuase the connection was missed due to delays, less to think about if you can just hop on the next plane that day to still goto your destination, knowing it will be reimbursed by the insurance company.

        Didn't know the google maps public transport tab (you can choose drive, walk or public transport) to get an idea of transport across america would show the different public transport networks - that wuold be nifty if so. Is there no travel app that can colllate various transport routes or better still transport timetables (trains , buses etc) in specific cities, or across america?

        NYC transport being awesome I assume you refer to trains/buses avialability? The only issue is I assume they are subject to heavy traffic jams, from what comments in this post seem to indicate?

      • 

        meowmeowmeow on 16/10/2014 - 09:45

        @SaberX:
        Statue of liberty - like $20 for a ticket…you must prebook
        http://www.statuecruises.com/

        Washington monument, like $3 or so
        http://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm

        US Capitol, i think free or maybe $1 or so
        http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/book-tour-capitol

        Alcatraz, around $30 i think
        http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/

        Don't book through any other website, these are the official ones and the others are more expensive or even fake.

        Didnt have any issues with feeling unsafe in NYC, the only time that was a bit dicey was when we went to alphabet city…wouldnt go there in the night time! Stay around time square or close to broadway a bit further south and you'll be fine. We stay at the residence inn central park on 54th st but this is probably over the budget for a single traveller.

        Book flights as soon as you are ready, the specials dont get snapped up that quickly but once you have your itinerary set just book if you are happy with prices. I try and avoid connecting flights, and then you dont have to worry about missing the connection etc. If there is a connection required make sure you have 2 or 3 hours in between to be safe.

        I dont get too worried about tipping, we just sort of round up to the nearest $10 or so or a bit more if we liked the people. Didn't have any issues as long as we left a bit more than what was on the bill.

        I've never been to woodbury so can't help. There's outlets in vegas and other places too, don't know if i'd waste a day in NYC on shopping at an outlet unless you are really keen.

        I've got best price guarantee rates for all the marriotts and hyatts that we booked…its not diffucult, just takes some patience

        Download the PDS for the travel insrance through your credit card and read it. if you dont like it, find a PDS you do like and see how much it will cost for a separate policy. I've never had an issue that needed insurance anyway.

        The major cities have apps for their travel. You're going to need to do some research yourself - tripadvisor for new york has an awesome forum, and the top questions on the right hand side are what you really need to read. They'll tell you about transport, sights, where to go, how to get to/from airport, and many other things

        http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowForum-g60763-i5-New_York_C…

      • 

        SBOB on 16/10/2014 - 10:41

        @meowmeowmeow:
        I've got best price guarantee rates for all the marriotts and hyatts that we booked…its not diffucult, just takes some patience

        I couldnt find any of these on discount for central LA…they seem to be excluded from pretty much every sale ive seen

      • 

        meowmeowmeow on 16/10/2014 - 13:52

        @SBOB: Not sure what you mean. Have a read of this, pretty much the same process for Hyatt brand hotels.

        http://www.rewards-insiders.marriott.com/thread/15201

      • 

        SBOB on 16/10/2014 - 15:45

        @meowmeowmeow:

        what I meant was I could not find any central LA marriot hotels on any kind of sale (e.g. cheaper than direct)

      • 

        meowmeowmeow on 16/10/2014 - 15:55

        @SBOB: Sometimes there aren't any available for cheaper, as i said you need some patience. Don't forget you can search website with different currencies. Something expedia.com.au has cheaper rates than US, and you can check other regions as well. Search with Kayak and see if anything comes up cheaper. But it just might be a case of nothing being cheaper right now. It happens.

      • 

        hayne on 16/10/2014 - 23:31

        @meowmeowmeow: How much success have you had with getting BPGs honoured? I had a terrible time with Accor last year - the first claim I put in, they just literally ignored. I chased up customer service and they passed me from department to department until it was time for my stay. So out of principle I cancelled. The second claim I put in, they did the same thing but I was anticipating it so I basically sent the claim through every channel including Twitter/FB. Eventually, somehow my claim got to the general manager of the hotel. He wrote to me to tell me that while it was true that I had found a cheaper rate, it was Expedia's fault for putting up a cheaper price so they wouldn't honour it!!

        His email signature had his mobile phone number, so I called it. After he got over his initial shock, I made my case that I didn't care who was responsible for the lower price, I had found a lower price and their guarantee said that it would be honoured. So he agreed.

        I haven't read great things about other hotel price beats being honoured either - a lot of them will find tricks to get out of it. Google "Hyatt Best Rate Loyalty Lobby" for instance.

        So curious to know how much luck you've had with BRGs.

      • 

        SBOB on 17/10/2014 - 07:23

        @hayne:

        Well after meow's suggestion I went looking at the locations we are going… Ended up getting the Fairfield Inn while at Disneyland down from their standard $169 USD a night (plus tax) to about half that… Turned a approx $1000 usd 5 night stay into ~$500usd… Put the claim in last night and it's already approved

        So Marriotts certainly works

        So big thanks to meow…. for his tips

      • 

        meowmeowmeow on 17/10/2014 - 08:48

        @hayne: Never had an issue with Marriott or Hyatt, as SBOB says below it's certainly easy to do if you find a cheaper price. You just need to match up the room type and conditions to make sure it's a comparable rate.

        I found Marriott and Hyatt the easiest. I tried one through intercontinental and it was too hard, they make a lot of excuses and decline pretty much all the claims. Different hotel brands are better than others. I've always gotten a response from Marriott and Hyatt within 24 hours.

      • 

        meowmeowmeow on 17/10/2014 - 08:49

        @SBOB: Awesome…i did something similar for Boston. Booked for $1,000 and got it down to $600. Sometimes you get lucky :)

      • 

        ms_caz on 17/10/2014 - 17:51

        @Lurker:

        <<If I were you I wouldn't worry too much about booking for accomodation way in advance for USA for March and even April, if you are not fussy about where you stay.>>

        Don't forget that it is Easter 3/4/5/6 April, which may or may not mean anything for accommodation/tickets for tourist attractions etc. This tends to coincide with "spring break" as well, although from what I can tell all districts have their spring break holidays at slightly different times.

        Finally, I think I read earlier that your travelling companions had been quoted more for their flights to USA. East coast Australia school holidays begin on March 28 so if they are flying then, flights will be more costly, and may already be booked up. This might influence their plans and they may be well advsed to make a booking now.

      • 

        hayne on 18/10/2014 - 12:20

        @meowmeowmeow @SBOB: thanks guys, that's good to know! I'll give it a go for my next trip.

      • 

        kobrien456 on 21/10/2014 - 09:12

        @Lurker: For things to do that aren't touristy check out craigslist.com or meetup.com and join the locals.
        What kind of things did you do?

• 

  Orion on 13/10/2014 - 13:12

  +2

  Be aware that every Flight Centre consultant earns money on a retainer plus commission basis. With this in mind they will charge you want they think they can get away with. Go armed with some research on how much you think it will cost and see if they can better it, their travel insurance is a rip off, buy it online…

  • 

    SaberX on 14/10/2014 - 02:26

    I have the AMEX card which has travel insurance if your to/from ticket goes in and out of aus.. i am not sure what happens if you technically pay for these flights via a travel agent, ahhh the 'fine print'….

    • 

      hayne on 16/10/2014 - 23:44

      SaberX, you should definitely google the Product Disclosure Statement for your specific Amex credit card's travel insurance. Then look specifically for what you need to do to make sure you're covered. Often there'll be a minimum spend you have to put on your card (e.g. if your minimum spend requirement is $1,000 then as long as you pay the travel agent on your card, you're covered). But typically there'll be requirements for putting airfares and/or accommodation on your card, there'll be time limits on when you're covered, etc. etc. So it's really easy to not meet the requirements, not realise and then go overseas and not be covered at all.

      If there's absolutely one place in the world you MUST have travel insurance, it's the US. Their healthcare system is completely screwed, which means that a procedure can end up costing thousands (or tens of thousands, or - no exaggeration - hundreds of thousands of dollars). Things like a single panadol tablet can cost $25 on your hospital bill (and you could go down the road to a Walgreens or CVS and buy a full pack for $4). When I saw a physio in the US for about 6 sessions, I later got a bill that included the icepacks I used - for $350. And no, I didn't get to keep the icepacks. Luckily my health insurance covered it.

      So if you needed to visit the hospital for some reason, it can be astronomically expensive.

  • 

    hayne on 16/10/2014 - 23:33

    At the same time, Flight Centre is the largest agency so they can deliver the most volume. This basically means they get the best wholesale rates on international fares. So what you've said is absolutely right - they'll charge you what they think you'll pay, but they also probably have more scope to drop pricing.

    • 

      kobrien456 on 21/10/2014 - 09:16

      STA travel is the cheapest. Not to be confused with Student Flights which is owned by Flight Centre. I hate dealing with flight Centre. They will gouge you.

• 

  Lurker on 13/10/2014 - 13:28

  Nothing to see in Sacramento.

  It's even more boring than Perth ,Australia.

  Why go there for sight seeing ?

  2 nights in San Francisco is enough to see all the things that matter.

  • 

    SaberX on 13/10/2014 - 16:09

    Really? I heard it was near san fran so I was thinking a few days in sacramento, and side trip to san francisco. The gf will be on a secondment there so part of the reason a few days there has alternative value, but i thought there is quite a few natural things to see too? Maybe not as big city and 'wow' factor as other more well known atractions across US?

    That way we could cover west coast - san fran, sacramento, la, las vegas . Not sure if i have time, but if it was wortwhile seeing any other west coast cities liek portland, phoenix, san diego, sallt lake city etc? I'm just reading off a map and know nothing about these cities.

    But yeah… my main issue is if i want to say i've been there and done NYC i have to cross from east to west… no time to cover other cities in the east except say NYC and Washington DC on the way into the USA from aus…

    • 

      Lurker on 13/10/2014 - 19:14

      If you want to explore San Francisco Bay Area, spend 3 or 4 nights there and you can take side trips to Sacramento, Silicon Valley, Napa Valley, San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, Yosemite.

      Nothing to see in Berkeley and Oakland and Silicon Valley (Google headquarter tour ? ) also.

      To save money , stay in Oakland, or near San Francisco airport.

      But March is still not quite summer yet so you can still get good prices in hotels in San Francisco.

      Stay in a hostel. They have private room and you also get the student dorm atmosphere where you meet people from other countries and share information.

      Stay in a hotel and you stare into 4 boring walls at night.

      I recommend Adelaide Hostel in San Francisco.

      The owner PJ is a great guy.

      If you really want to stay there, PM me and I will ask PJ to take care of you.

      Yes, nothing to see in Sacramento, as far as I am concerned.

      You can see Sacramento in less than half a day if sightseeing is your thing.

      It is about 2 hours drive from San Francisco, if I remember correctly. Or 2 hours train ride. I don't remember.

      You will have to pay me to stay overnight in Sacramento. Boring town.

      A town built for political administration. Like Canberra.

      This is advice coming from a man who lived in San Francisco for 14 years.

      If you are into alternative lifestyle things, like naked yoga, wife swapping, gay culture, etc , San Francisco is your town.

      If I were you, save 1 week to spend on Burning Man in late August in Nevada desert.

      Buy the Burning Man ticket online in February.

      San Diego is only 2 hours drive from Los Angeles. More interesting than Sacramento.

      So not gonig to Disneyland or Disney World?

      • 

        Eivad on 14/10/2014 - 16:54

        Nothing to see in Berkeley and Oakland and Silicon Valley (Google headquarter tour ? ) also.

        While I agree that Berkely and Silicon Valley can be nice inexpensive places to stay, I personally would double check the location of a hotel/inn at Oakland before booking it. Same with LA - safety is priority.

      • 

        Lurker on 14/10/2014 - 17:44

        Agreed.

        Parts of Oakland is murder capital of USA.

        If I were you spend a bit more money and stay in SF.

        Because staying outside SF requires you to take the local train (BART) which can be US$5 one way from Oakland to SF, and SF is where the nightlife and the many tourist sites of the region is.

        In a country where there are more handguns than people, I think it is always a good idea to find a safe neighborhood to stay in wherever you are in USA and to visit and not stay out too late and carry a second wallet to give to the robbers and be aware of your surrounding.

        Just a caution for those who have never been to SF.

        You may find the homeless people on the street overwhelming.

        Some of them could be aggressive in asking for change (money).

        Just ignore them as best you can and walk on.

      • 

        SaberX on 15/10/2014 - 02:12

        Silicon Valley, Oakland, Berkeley - never heard of anything interesting about these so had no intentions to visit. Of course I've heard of Silicon Valley but besides tech companies and largesse i couldn't think of a reason to go there?

        I was thinking more of one or two days in sacramento before making my way to san fran to meet others. If you really think it's do'able in a day trip, and I should base myself in San francisco otherwise, then I can take that on board.

        Ideally I want something central e.g. where the main transport links and tourist destinations/hubs are… I don't think it has to be a hotel necessarily, so I've been looking into alternatives like air bnb which seemed more upper class than hostels. Do you find that a hostel like adelaide hostel are private and safe enough to leave your belongings packed? I am not sure where Adelaide HOstel is located but once i do I can let you know further down the track if you can hook me up with PJ please.

        Heard of Napa Valley…is that a quick tour group away from San fran for wine? Might do that with the gf.

        What's this "burning Man"? I've been to LA's disney land, or is it world? When I was 12, unsure still if I need to do another trip? If so, I still have to goto LA for disney don't I? Or is there another disney land/world around the west coast side? I know universal studios is somewhere there.

        San Diego (I think of Carmen San Diego hah!) - I also haven't really heard much about, if you had to choose san fran and san diego (because of time) what would you?

        GIven you lived in San Fran for 14 years any general tips for suburbs/area to stay? Safety and street smart tips? If I"m travelling solo for awhile I have heard numerous stories of what i consider would be "early night" e.g. 8pm mugginsgs of locals even in NYC, particularly even in tourist areas like times square. Makes me wonder about the rest of america, and as much as I want to, if carrying a DSLR specific camera bag makes me a prime target in the US… any thoughts? Am I safer forgoing it and bringing a tiny compact, or would I be letting life/caution restrict me? You probably know street smart tips the best being an ex local.

        Oakland - murder central? Is it just a statistic? or more guns? Scary thought I guess.

        How do you suggest I go about a "second wallet". DO you mean the bumpbag trick under your shirt (annoying). Or having two wallets in two pockets and only handing over the crap one? Will they not search you to potentially find out you trolled them with a fake wallet, and you'll land in deeper hot water from a provoked mugger that way?

        Or is there a safer methodology to it?

      • 

        Lurker on 15/10/2014 - 10:08

        sf is definitely "something central" in that region.

        Hostels like Adelaide Hostel has safe in their office for your laptops.

        PJ's small hotel uses electronic key card for the rooms.

        His other 2 hostels are nearby.

        PJ's Adelaide Hostel is 2 blocks from Union Square, the heart of SF's shopping district where you can catch the famous cable car to the touristy Fisherman's Wharf.

        You can see cable cars in movies such as Mrs Doubtfire and many movies based in SF.

        Napa Valley requires a car. Doable in one day. Or you can pay money for one of the many daily bus tours available. Ask PJ to give you the hotel employee's discount.
        Yes, wine country.

        "burning Man" is a must visit 1 week camping trip for creative or kinky or curious or hippies adults :)
        See youtube videos.

        Florida has Disney World (or is it Disney Land ? I always confuse the 2)

        San Diego —- I don't know much about it . Passed through it a couple of times but never stayed long to find out.
        A popular tourist town with popular beaches and pandas in the zoo etc.
        Requires a car to get around , not compact like San Francisco .

        San Fransisco areas to avoid:
        Tenderloin (although it is getting better since they built a police station right smack in the middle of it)
        Bayview Hunter's Point (this is on the edge of SF and you are not likely to visit).

        Just do your best to ignore the homeless people on the streets asking for change (money).

        Don't carry your hand phone in a vulnerable manner where it can be snatched easily.

        Be careful with carrying backpack on your back . Might find it empty after a bus ride.

        Sorry I have no advice for camera . Try Google or tripadvisor.com .

        I learned my street smarts in SF by using bicycle around town and avoided walking (don't enjoy walking anyway) :)

        Street smarts for USA tips ?
        I can't think of anything that you cannot learn from other cities in developing countries at the moment.

        Check amazon for ebooks on street smarts while traveling.

        Most areas in SF are pretty safe for tourists.

        It is a tourist town so the police do their best to keep tourists feel safe.

        Parts of Oakland is murder capital. It is official on one of the charts I saw a couple of years back.

        Nothing to see in Oakland . As boring as Sacramento.

        Yes, put some money in a crappy wallet and hand over the crappy one in a robbery.

        But I must admit in SF I never used this trick.

        Because I avoided a lot of face to face interaction on the street by using my bicycle.

        When I travel to other cities I used a wallet strapped to my leg calf to hide my valuables. Not comfortable.

      • 

        SaberX on 16/10/2014 - 02:08

        @Lurker:

        Falling short of a hostel safe like adelaide hostel, are locked suitcases a secure method in private access hostel rooms, hotels, air bnb residences etc across america? I assume if something is locked you're generally safe, and they wont just up and cary away your whole locked bag if they've broken into your room?

        Union square… and PJ's adelaid hostel - will definitely keep that in mind. So it's electronic, private rooms, which should be safe to store stuff away, but there is also a safe? Obviously at risk of the staff, but we're assuming integrity here. It is also smack bang in the shopping district/union square, where you can take a cable car to the FIsherman's wharf (I think i went there on a bus sonetime back when i was a kid, had fish and chips haha).

        Can you be out and about SF or that area up until 9,10,11pm at night and be safe with your bag, and dslr camera bags etc which clearly show your lugging around a DSLR, or is that normal there and doesn't necessarily spell: TOURIST, MUG ME.Or does the city get quite "normal people" empty past a certain time, where you're best to get home than take your chances?

        haha ok given my limited time I won't be doing burning man - but I will check out the youtube video sometime, somehow I am imagining hippies and somethings which will not be my things ;)

        I assume Disney Worlds the grown up version I want to goto (given I fell asleep in disney land in LA when i was 12, so i doubt they have much appeal to my inner kid now still). Florida - forgot about that city totally. Have to see where it is on the map but I guess i'm running out of itinerary time to check it out.

        San DIego - ok if not compact/tourist friendly ill skip. Don't have the time to make my way around if there isn't a good central public system or walking friendly.

        San Fransisco areas to avoid:
        Tenderloin - sounds dodgy just by name haha. Doesn't sound familiar as having any attractions for me to have a reason to pass through anyway?

        Why does SF have so much homeless from the sounds of it (compared to other big cities like LA, NYC etc?)

        Heard about handphone snatching, never see that in aus as much. Alot of videos I've seen it just get snatched from plain hands as someone bolts out the closing train door etc. Why though? Surely all handsets can be blocked by the carrier once stolen, rendering it useless? I assume if it's stolen in America, if a provider blocks the phone IMEI it is a worldwide block? not sure how these things work, or if you're on prepaid whether your manufacturer or prepaid sim provider can block a stolen IMEI phone.

        My worry was that backpacks get rummaged through unknowingly from behind, or "knifed" open. Part reason a sling on dslr bag by my side/in front seemed more observant than sticking it out of sight in my backpack. The gf stuck hers in her handbag when she went on her America trip, which is significantly easier given how big there handbags are already….

        haha unfortunately i probably would be on foot most of time so I guess i can't be too "street smart" by riding away. Is there not much riding options there e.g. hire a bike and return it to the central area once done for the day?

        Street smarts for USA tips -haven't really been to many developing countries, so I am not sure what the usual 'street smart' tips are. That said I'm not an idiot back home here, but I assume europe, brazil, spain etc are all a whole different ball park i've never experienced. I don't want it to put me off, but part of the reason Im subsconsciously held back by thinking of going to 'more developing' countries such as those listed above, south america etc…. Seems I've got to "live" more though than worry wart, but still - having my belongings or at worst being alive keeps me awake at night. Guess it will keep you more aware at least being on the edge always.

        The thing I don't get is if your wallets strapped to your ankle, or other "under the shirt wallet bags" how on earth will you get it out to pay at every cornershop… if you're carrying your fake wallet.

        Of course the other suggestion is having both wallets (fake and real) in differnet pockets and handing over one. But I assume muggers properly search you and would find a second wallet easily. Unless instinct is to receive one then run/leave you alone. Provided you don't give them a half beat kids looking wallet (an obvious fake looking troll, haha).

        Ahhh… be great once I get over all these little bumps and just enjoy the trip. :) Hence why a solo trip for the first time might just help me grow :) Positive thoughts booyeah.

      • 

        hayne on 16/10/2014 - 23:51

        @SaberX: Just to second everyone else's thoughts - I would NOT waste time visiting Sacramento. It's not a tourist destination. It's not even close. There are probably 150 cities I would visit in the US before I went to Sacramento. There are tons of places that are close to San Fran that are way more interesting.

        If you want, you could spend that time doing the Highway 1 from SF down to LA. That's a phenomenal drive, long and winding coastline with spectacular views. You pass some beautiful places along the way like Carmel. It's a quintessential American road-trip.

      • 

        maximum on 17/10/2014 - 03:11

        @Lurker: definitely agree. The homeless everywhere else we went were polite and respectful.
        In San Francisco they would yell and scream and pester- I think it's more drugs. I saw a poor tourist in tears after one screamed at him. It is neighbourhood choice though. One early evening I wandered 2 blocks too far with my mum and you could feel the hairs on your neck stand up. Turn around walk back feeling.

      • 

        whodidthat on 18/10/2014 - 12:55

        @SaberX:

        Florida, DisneyWorld (Kissimmee/Orlando) there and it's HUGE!
        Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom - the main parks but then you have additional "parks" there as well such as the water parks.
        There's also the shopping village & Boardwalk.

        As well as DW, there's also Universal (with new Harry Potter section - which is supposed to be excellent) - they have 2 parks side by side.

        In addition, there's SeaWorld (with Discovery Cove) and The Holy Land Experience (apparently pretty good though I haven't been there yet (even though been to Orlando 14 times)

        Nearby are Kennedy Space Center, Legoland and Busch Gardens as well as the St. Petersburg area - good for beachy things. Tarpon Springs is pretty good if you're into a bit of history (sponge area).

        There's also plenty of smaller attractions around such as Gatorland.
        You can ride airboats at Kissimmee or have a trip to the Everglades for better ones.
        Naples is a nice place to stay, not too far from the Everglades.

        Orlando has excellent outlet shopping!!!!
        Pre-register on outlet websites for specials.
        Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores has good shops & specials.
        Premium Outlets is the other main one.

        ALWAYS collect vouchers, coupons, brochures in Kissimmee & Orlando (often different ones available even though the areas are side by side) as the place runs on them!

        Car hire - cheap as.

        BTW, we were there 3 and a half weeks last time and didn't cover everything.
        I can also help out with accommodation in really good resorts as most of my timeshares are in that area.

    • 

      Lurker on 13/10/2014 - 19:54

      Stay 3 nights in Las Vegas and do the Grand Canyon tour , cheap Casino buffets , and Blue Man shows and other interesting stuff.

      • 

        SaberX on 15/10/2014 - 02:14

        Got 3 full days scheduled for las vegas after either that san fran, sacramento etc part of trip (once decided where to go then). This doesnt include the first day and last day where it's kind of a half san fran (or sacramento or san diego wherever is decided)/vegas (travelling) and half vegas to LA travelling transition time.

        Helicopter tour to the grand canyon worth the expensive money it's printed on?

      • 

        Lurker on 15/10/2014 - 10:46

        @SaberX:

        Never tried helicopter in Las Vegas. May be in my next honeymoon. To scare the wife :)

        Look for coupons in Groupon etc. Might get lucky.

      • 

        meowmeowmeow on 15/10/2014 - 11:09

        @SaberX: Do the small plane trip to grand canyon south. The helicopters go to the west section which is smaller and not the grand canyon you see in photos and on tv. This is the one we did after extensive research - worth every cent, and cheaper than the helicopter trip! Everyone on the plane gets a window seat. http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/tour-grand-canyon-explorer…

      • 

        SaberX on 16/10/2014 - 02:10

        @meowmeowmeow:

        THanks meow, that's interesting, would've thought a helicopter is the ultimate ride (albeit bumpy).

        The link you posted seems to funnily renough point back to a helicopter ride too, not a 'light plane' as I was imagining? Did you mean its a helicopter ride too, but it shows the grand canyon south, and not just the west section?

        How long did it take to do the plane trips , i assume they fly off from vegas? because the alternatiev is a 6 hour drive(from memory when i was 12) which is only one way! Plus with the helicopters do you stop on the ground to take pics/breathe it all in?

        the only other downside over a drive is that historic "Vegas lights" view as you drive into town in the dark. Truly amazing from my 12 y/o memory!

      • 

        SaberX on 16/10/2014 - 02:11

        @Lurker:

        haha see Meow's recommendation below , definitely worth it then for the honeymoon. I saw there's a glass bridge in one of the canadian mountains or usa, that i answered as part of the ozbargain competition a few weeks back. Perhaps that would be more of a good fright to give her haha.

      • 

        meowmeowmeow on 16/10/2014 - 09:10

        @SaberX: The grand canyon explorer tour is a light plane..there's an optional helicopter ride when you are at the canyon but it costs extra and you miss out on the second viewpoint stop, so we didn't bother. You get picked up early, like 6am, and go to the private plane airport and the flight is about 50mins to the canyon south. Helicopters can't go to the south rim as it's too far, so the helicopter tours all go to the west rim. On the light plane they give you lunch and you get about an hour at each viewpoint which is awesome…compared to 20mins in the canyon on the helicopter trips. Definitely worth it :)

      • 

        hayne on 16/10/2014 - 23:54

        @meowmeowmeow: Or cut out the days you had set aside for Sacramento and drive up from Vegas to the Grand Canyon instead - significantly cheaper. Pass through the Hoover Dam and stop there - that was a surprisingly interesting stop and an impressive feat of engineering. I stopped at a couple of ghost towns along the way which was actually really fun in a cheesy American way.

        We drove along parts of Route 66 as well on the way back. It wasn't as cool as I thought it would be though - just seemed like a windy highway.

      • 

        f4tty on 18/10/2014 - 13:40

        @Lurker: Doors off heli over the strip at night was… fantastic! Just remember to hold on ;)

      • 

        f4tty on 18/10/2014 - 13:48

        @SaberX: I've done this: http://www.papillon.com/las-vegas-tours/helicopter-with-skyw… - awesome day, expensive, but we thought it was worth it since you get to do a bit of everything and experience the Canyon from different spots. Felt like we spent the right amount of time in each part of this tour and would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to do heli tour there.

• 

  SaberX on 13/10/2014 - 16:11

  Would anyone recommend travel agents besides flight centre? are harvey world same old, and therefore better off saving time and effort and DIY before comparing to only flight centre (in terms of a travel agent).

  Most importantly, do all flight centre agents give the same deal, given it's commission based i believe you can get better deals if you find a friend of a friend who works there or someone more nice/accomodating? If not then I might as well just use my local flight centre as i assume that's where you have to go in person, pickup bookings, tickets etc later on.

  • 

    hayne on 16/10/2014 - 23:56

    You will get wildly different deals from different Flight Centre travel agents. They have a lot of flexibility in how to price. So yeah, if you have a friend, definitely do that because hopefully you'll get a better deal.

    Harvey World should be different because they're less commission based (at least they used to be). So I think they have less discretion in how to price.

    Independent agents are probably worth hitting up as well.

    The aim of the game is to get multiple quotes, then you can go back to each one and try to get them to beat the lowest price you can get. Also use Kayak, Expedia, etc. But you'd be surprised - you'd think online travel agents would be cheaper but they're often not. However - I've actually never tried to get them to beat a price so maybe you can call up and see if they will. I know they'll do it for hotels, just not sure about flights or packages.

• 

  rokoz on 13/10/2014 - 17:09

  I'm going to the West Coast next month for 17 days (LAX, LAS, SFO) and have booked it myself for $2225 per person including flights(intl/domestic), accommodation (3* + 4*) and car hire (11 days).

  I doubt an agent could come close, the trade-off is you will spend a bit of your time to plan and book it.

  I used packages and itineraries from travel agents/tripadvisor to get an idea of where to visit and how long needed in each and worked from there. I had similar ideas of going to East and West coast but the place is too big and decided to do the East Coast another time and enjoy it rather than being rushed. Maybe it would be doable in 4 weeks?

  After much comparison on all permutations on how to get the best rates I found:

  Booking direct with hotels is best in most cases

  +1 for Southwest airlines for internal flights

  Car hire booked through a third party site that includes full insurance, worked out more than 50% cheaper than direct with equivalent cover.

  Using Tripadvisor to find the attractions we most liked and prepaid/pre-booked what WE liked and wanted to see and do.

  If you plan to go to LA, look up Go LA Card. Will save a heap on theme parks and attractions and can be tailored to restrict your activities to only those you will use.

  For San Francisco, look into a CityPass that covers Alcatraz, Monterey Aquarium, etc. and all public transport.

  • 

    SBOB on 13/10/2014 - 19:29

    Doing the same trip in Feb…
    Flying AirNZ to LAX, then domestic Southwest to SFO then working our way down..
    Any tips on accom?
    Car hire seems to be about $550 for a 'standard' size vehicle via economycarrentals or traveljigsaw… who did you use?

    • 

      rokoz on 13/10/2014 - 20:22

      We used economycarrentals and got a standard through Alamo for 11 days SFO Downtown to LAX for AU$293, the quotes fluctuated so worth checking back a few times, I hear renting from LAX has fees, maybe worth quoting from different location nearby in LA.

      Check www.Wyndhamrewards.com for hotels. They operate a few chains and offer far better rates when booking direct through their site.

      • 

        SBOB on 13/10/2014 - 21:20

        11 days would explain the price difference… 16 days gives us the $550 quote… Don't need a car in San Fran but the hotel we booked has free parking and with a kid, transfers are a pain ;)

  • 

    SaberX on 15/10/2014 - 02:20

    Thanks for the tips.

    IDeally if i travel from 20 march to be back in time by 20 april I'd have just under 20 days as well when you take out travel time… $2,225 for flights and accomodation is real cheap.. and car hire :O At the moment (if you read my posts above) I've scouted Perth to LA or NYC (if I choose to stlill do east coast) flights on Kayak start from $1,100 one way. Similarly to fly back from vancouver or toronto a month later its basically starts at the same amount. Throw in domestic airflights and Im not sure if march-april is more peak than in a months time, but my costs are alot different to yours?

    Seems that south west is getting alot of votes up. As someone said you have to look directly do you - as they don't come up in online search engines?

    Did you find car hire cheaper if you were alone and had to travel e.g. versus public transport? Taxi etc.

    Interesting direct hotels was cheaper for you. Trip advisor - I've scouted it before but never took it seriously for holiday planning as it showed the major attractions but it seemed more on a reviews basis. Will check it out more if you agree it is helpful.

    GO LA Card - It sounds familiar, like we were pinged on something (as a family) back in 2000 for trying to goto theme parks and realising its bloody expensive on the spot? Can one buy this all pre-holiday?

    CityPass sounds liek a myki card/australian wa transperth card equivalent? For san fran that is.

    How about mobile coverage and internet on the go - should have a samsung note 4 by then which would come in handy. Can you easily walk into a shop and get hooked up on prepaid internet and calls? Anything you can preorder/setup while in aus?

    Any recommendation on travel insurance? Insuring my new mobile phone, luggage, for flight delays resulting in accomodation/additional rebooking costs, and particularly if i get mugged or injured there would be paramount. I've always used TID (Travel insurance direct) but didn't want to go the cheapest (usually use it for my regular asia trips) for this one off, important trip.

    Any advice on forms, things that need to be registered and filled out/completed, paid prior to arriving in america or certain cities? E.g. visas, or any other requirements? I think someone mentioned an ETSA or something above? That it?
    Thanks.

    Edit: What airlines were you flying and where from in aus to goto LAX and the rest of your domestic flights? Be interested given your total was only $2255.

    • 

      Lurker on 15/10/2014 - 10:53

      Most hostels would have free wifi.

      Hotels wifi usually not free.

      You can get decent free wifi at Starbucks coffee shops and most all other coffee shops.

      Coffeshop is every way in SF and I assume other cities in USA too.

      • 

        SaberX on 16/10/2014 - 02:13

        On a side note I heard our aussie coffee shops are in a world of their own compared to American (surprising, expecting western capitalism at its best). Can you easily buy a cheap prepaid plans over there with plentiful internet data and access using aus phones? Assuming you need a latest phone which can therefore work on the bands over there though….

        one of the good things aout the air bnb is some have wifi, might make going home at night by 9/10pm safer and also one or two hours to relax, bunker down and research, upload photos, then sleep early for the next day. Usually i'd be home from bars and out and about totally wrecked (tired wise) when with the mrs or friends on holidays, as opposed to a solo trip.

    • 

      rokoz on 15/10/2014 - 13:58

      Throw in domestic airflights and Im not sure if march-april is more peak than in a months time, but my costs are alot different to yours?

      Yeah, I'm flying out of Sydney so LAX return was ~$1000 with AirNZ, Perth you'll have to add a bit.

      I don't think it's peak but the day of week affects the price. Have a play around on Adioso, here's one for PER > LAX for $1557 return with Virgin. You may find lower. Booking a return is going to save you, another reason to limit yourself to East or West Coast.

      Southwest is the way to go for domestic, go to their site and compare against what you find for others on Kayak - bearing in mind that checked baggage of up to US$50 has to be added to each leg for non-Southwest flights.

      Did you find car hire cheaper if you were alone and had to travel e.g. versus public transport? Taxi etc

      I'm only using the car for places I'll need it, Las Vegas and San Francisco I will be using public transport/taxis. I'm driving from SF to LA deliberately for the experience and for under US$30 a day it's a cheap way to add a lot of flexibility to your trip.

      GO LA Card - Can one buy this all pre-holiday?

      Yes, I pre purchased mine and was emailed through a pdf with a barcode which you present on your phone for redeeming at the venues. Check out the Smart Destinations site and look at which package suits you best. I found a lot of the things didn't suit me and went for a signature package which still saved a heap. Also go here for a $10 off code before you buy.

      CityPass sounds liek a myki card/australian wa transperth card equivalent? For san fran that is.

      It's more like the GO LA Card as it includes entry into the attractions in SF but also includes all public transport (Buses ($2.25/ride), Cable cars ($6/ride) & trolleys) except BART trains for 7 days. A list of inclusions is here, although we purchased through the operators of the Alcatraz tours as they swap out one of the included bay cruises for the Alcatraz tour at the same cost, this has to done through them over the phone though. You pick up the pass when you arrive.

      How about mobile coverage and internet on the go

      AT&T utilize similar bands as Telstra for 3G and have good coverage over there. You can buy an AT&T sim off eBay like this for $12 before you go and they provide a sheet with instructions on how to set it up before you leave, it's quite easy. A list of the prepaid plans are here. A month of unlimited local calls/international texts and 2.5GB data will cost $60.

      Any advice on forms … I think someone mentioned an ETSA or something above? That it?

      That's it. If you're an Australian citizen and you are going for 90 days or less you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. This requires you to go to the ESTA site and fill in the online questionnaire, which basically asks passport details and whether or not you are badass. Then, all going well, it approves you and you pay a fee of US$14. It means you're pre-approved for entry into the country and is recorded ready for when you arrive.

      What airlines were you flying and where from in aus to goto LAX and the rest of your domestic flights?

      SYD > LAX > SYD (AirNZ), LAX > LAS, LAS > SFO (Southwest)

      • 

        SaberX on 16/10/2014 - 02:27

        Trying adioso out now too, getting late so I'llr eport back after tinkering abit more tomorrow night. Unfortunately even flight centre offers they are all "return" from the same city. I know you quoted Per> Lax for $1,557, but ideally i need a "discount" price via doing return, but using a different return city. Surely they would craft you a deal like that if you use the same airlines, but I'm not holding my breath and hoping.

        So it isn't really limiting to west or east coast for the return flight (even then wouldn't you waste time and money becuase you'd have to fly back to your base city to fly the return leg?) but more so if I end up in canada those last 6-8 days (vancouver then toronto).

        Ahh ok, so from your research san fran and las vegas we can do via public transport? I assume nyc and washington too (of course train to/from washington if you dont take the plane). How aout LA? It sounds liek thats a car city to get around?

        I think we arent driving the SF - LA leg liek you, but rather the vegas to LA down route 66 "experience". Maybe in a more souped up car… haha wouldn't mind driving /trying it, as i trust my skills better than some friends cough. not that we are hoons or anything.

        Sorry- what is this smart destinations website you referred to? sounds like some external site with packaged services or prebooked things that you can get pre-holidays ? E.g. your GO LA card. I assume as its barcoded, if you lose your ticket, phone or confirmation detials someone can steal the code for their own transport? Isn't really an identity locked usable prepaid travel card? Probbaly wishful thinking there.. just trying to cover security too on the trip (esp where im travelling solo for the first time).

        WIll have to look more into this GO pass, and what you meant by swapping out the bay tour for alcatraz. (Edit: sorry was replying your post via copied text and hence didn't notice you hyperlinked the content of your reply- it's late now so thanks, but i will have to check the links out tomorrow night/later in the week)

        Do AT&T or others not ustilise similar Telstra 4G bands? Would hopeI have a new recent gen phone like say the Note 4 by then, would hope to make use of the size to map out and carry my itinerary, and get stuff done on the go using this, particularly useful if I can get a good internet and most importantly actual data limits that are better than the lousy amount telstra gives you.

        Buying through ebay a prepaid sim card - it won't be an office reseller then? Would this be safe? Given you don't know the past history, nevermind that, you could receive it and be conned and not know it works until you get to america to use it even? Is it hard to just walk into a telephone counter when over there and sign up to one of the providers? I assume AT & T is the main one who have the reliability/coverage equivalent of Telstra here in aus?

        I can survive for $60 for being connected to the grid. I hear urbanspoon works in america, so it would be lovely to use that to guide me around. Any other apps useful for collating public transport info, eating options, or just "touristy friendly" info one may need - to recommend? Will start collecting them now.

        Yeap - aus citizen. So I'll just get the ESTA and rock up to the US without any further forms, applications or vaccines? Sounds simple if so?! It's electronic recording - e.g. you pay and just rock up and it will be in there systems? If a glitch happens and you rock up, is it th end of the world, will they turn you back? or you can do it on the spot when arriving in USA?

        In regards to your flights, what is LAS? Obviously LAX = los angeles, but LAS?

        Any tips and tricks you've read up on for tourists, street smart ness, generally ok to be out and about before 10 or 11pm or riding the pub transports after dinner time with shoulder slung dslr looking bags? Just curious as obviously as a 12 yo i had no issues looking like a target, but growing up now is a whole diff piece of cake.

        Did your travel insurance come free via CC?

  • 

    kobrien456 on 18/10/2014 - 23:16

    Rokoz. Can you a breakdown of your hotel accomm please?
    Who? Where? How much? How you got that price? Thanks heaps.

• 

  Lurker on 13/10/2014 - 19:29

  If you are flying from Australia, why fly into New York from Australia?
  More expensive than flying into west coast.

  If I were you, fly into west coast and then take domestic flights from west coast to east coast.

  Fly at night domestically so you can save on hotel room overnight.

  Virgin American also has good prices from time to time online.

  For international flight , for looking for the best or cheapest days of flying, I use:

  http://adioso.com/au/sydney-au-to-united-states-return-betwe…

  For booking domestic flights in USA, I use:
  www.cheapoair.com

  Or just pay somebody $50 to find cheap flights for you.
  http://flightfox.com/

  • 

    SaberX on 14/10/2014 - 02:31

    I hear you.. but the issue is i am going 7-8 days earlier than the group, and they have planned once they arrive(in order: san fran, la, vegas, vancouver, calgary, ,toronto, then by this time i have to come home, they continue on to chicago, washington, new york then back home). THerefore if i want to every meet up in part of the trip e.g. in the san fran, la, vegas part, I wouldn't be able to go reverse from west to east, without cutting out canadian cities listed at the end of the trip….

    I have heard that if you start from east to west, you work your way sidewards you gain the time zone advantage as you go?

    How much more are we talking about if you fly to NYC from say perth(australia in general too) versus the alternate route into america which is say via LA?

    Never used/seen adioso, i was thinking of using kayak to work out flights/airlines, and then work out my cities, then try some more independent flight searches before using a flight centre, then trying to book.

    Is public trains or any other transport system faster? Some comments above seem to indicate driving would save on time e.g. a few hours, of being stuck in an airport. But then inconvenience/being unfamiliar with roads there I'm wonder how feasible this would be for say a 4 week trip?

    Wow, so flightfox is an airtasker of flight finding? Haven't had time to click the link as i hve to sleep now, but that sounds like what it is - which is pretty cool if so.

    • 

      Lurker on 14/10/2014 - 07:18

      I assume all of you will leave USA from the city you first arrived in.

      So your friends will leave USA from SF (arrival city)?

      My educated guess is flying from Australia to New York is a few hundred dollars more expensive than flying from Australia to San Francisco, then take a domestic flight to east coast.

      You can let adioso.com tell you .

      It is my favorite because it is the only one that I know of that can show me the cheapest days to fly.

      Not a big fan of kayak . But you can use Kayak for comparison.

      So if I were you, I would fly from Australia to San Francisco, catch a domestic flight to east coast, spend one week there, come back to SF to join your friends.

      Time zone is 3 hours difference between west coast and east coast.

      If you fly domestically at night and sleep on the plane , you are not going to lose time.

      Inside San Francisco Bay Area you can use the public transport.

      If you have a few people to share the cost of a car, driving would be a great idea for the west coast part of the trip, i.e. from SF to LA to San Diego to Las Vegas.

      If you had a car you could visit Yosemite on your way from SF to LA.

      Just make sure you don't rely on using just one GPS . Because GPS is not foolproof.

      And get used to driving on different side of the road. :)

      Public transport on the west coast from city to city, i.e. trains and buses , is slower than cars.

      I don't know much about the east coast.

• 

  Lurker on 13/10/2014 - 19:42

  +1

  A couple of advice from my past experiences:

  Bus takes 6 hours from LA to SF .
  Do not take Greyhound bus , unless you want to travel overnight by bus and save on the hotel room overnight.

  Take one of those cheaper Vietnamese or Chinese run buses .

  I used this 2 years ago a few times:

  http://www.lowfarebus.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=…

  Not bad. Faster than Greyhound. Even got a bottle and a free yummy Vietnamese sandwich from them.

  • 

    SaberX on 14/10/2014 - 02:32

    That's a long bus ride, how much would the bus ride cost versus say a domestic flight?

    The hardest part is i have no idea flight times versus public transport times, and the cost differences, having never been. I'm desperately triyng to pull all this info together but it's doing my head in given the magnitude of the US.

    Would have thought that an asian bus would be somewhat dodgy, but i guess if it gets the job done! :)

    Also, isn't there any faster, slightly more expensive than bus, train routes that go between cities like LA to SF etc?or to sacramento, which is where the gf will be and then i can use it as a base to get to san fran? or is it too far to commute from sacramento to san fran each day, bettter of bunkering up in san fran?

    • 

      Lurker on 14/10/2014 - 07:23

      Check Virgin America for sales.

      Flying from SF to LA when on sale will be about US$100 (return), 2 years ago.

      Bus cost about US$50 one way from SF to LA, if I remember correctly.

      So about the same price.

    • 

      Lurker on 14/10/2014 - 07:33

      +1

      Asian buses are very popular in America on the east coast and the west coast for short trips between cities.

      They are much more regulated now than a few years back so they are as safe as Greyhound , and cheaper , and faster (fewer stops).

      Train is slower than buses.

      You will lose one day on train from SF to LA.
      Amtrak is the train service you are looking for between cities.

      Don't waste your time in Sacramento.

      Hunker down in SF Bay Area and take a side trip to Sacramento if you must.

      So here is my advice to you if I was planning to go back to USA.

      Step 1.
      Use adioso.com to find the cheapest days to fly from Australia to SF.
      Go to the airline's website and find sales and book directly via airline.

      Step 2.
      Use kayak or cheapoair to find good domestic fares.
      Also check out Southwest airline website and Virgin America website.
      Book your domestic flight from west coast to east coast via airline website.

      Step 3.
      Decide on local transport options.
      Train is generally much slower than buses between cities on the west coast.
      I don't know about the east coast.

      • 

        Lurker on 14/10/2014 - 08:41

        Step 1
        Use adioso to find the cheapest flight from Australia to NY (since you are planning to fly from Toronto to New York when you leave USA).

      • 

        SaberX on 15/10/2014 - 02:23

        @Lurker:

        I'd be flying Toronto back to Perth/Aus?

      • 

        SaberX on 15/10/2014 - 02:26

        Apart from stereotypical names how will I know they are asian buses? Assumably they all take up asian sounding names?

        Surprising a train can be slower than a buses in general.. but ok wil take your advice/word as it is.

        I've loaded adioso up, need to sleep now as it's nearly midnight and work starts 6am. Will check it out tomorrow - seems like the functionality is to primarily find the cheapeast travel day. So this will help me identify whether to take unpaid leave and leave on a thurs, or a fri, or take no unpaid leave and just fly off on a sat? If so that's pretty cool.

        Of course you'd then say that you can get a sale price direct airline booked flight for cheaper once you find the relevant flight?

        Step 2 - Does Virgin America not advertise like southwest airlines e.g. don't show up via search engines like Kayak? Not sure what cheapoair is - another Kayak search engine?

        Step 3 - will have to revisit this over next week or two once i've at least decided cities, and my initial week or so (where i'm arriving - NYC or LA, and then where to from there), which are priority at the moment.

      • 

        Lurker on 15/10/2014 - 11:01

        @SaberX:

        Google:
        Greyhound alternative asian bus

        Then go to yelp.com and see how well rated they are.
        Or read a few articles about them online.

        I use adioso.com on my desktop.
        I have never tried the phone app so I have no idea how good it is in comparison.

        Find the cheapest days to fly as shown by adioso.com .

        Then go to the airline website to confirm that is the case .
        Then look out for any sales by the airline.

        Don't just stick with one airline all the way from Perth to USA.
        Because sometimes adioso.com show a combination of different airline for different leg at a good price.

        I think Virgin America is in some of the search engines. I am not sure.
        But they have regular sales that I like to check before booking online.

        cheapoair.com is an alternative to kayak.

    • 

      hayne on 17/10/2014 - 00:06

      The Asian buses ARE dodgy. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/nyregion/chinatown-bus-ope…

      Usually pretty lax safety regulations, buses in poor condition, etc.

      You're better off getting something like a BoltBus or MegaBus where they run. You can get NYC to DC, NYC to Philly, NYC to Boston etc.

      I used to get the NYC to Philly bus. Cost was around $10 for a 2 hour bus trip, but if you book early enough, they used to cost $1. No joke. They're pretty new, they have free wifi, they're clean and convenient, and they felt much safer.

      Having said that, the train is often more comfortable. For a 2 hour trip, I'd take the bus. For a trip that's 3 - 5 hours, I'd get Amtrak. For something that would take 10+ hours, I would fly.

      • 

        SaberX on 22/10/2014 - 02:10

        Thanks. safety first for me, my thoughts too with the asian buses… wifi would be great too haha, cna't deny it.

        Bolt BUs or MegaBus, ill remember that for future reference.

        Isn't the train for NYC to dc, or NYC to Philly, or even to/from washington from phili, faster by train? or is bus faster when you take into account time to get to the relevant departure stations?

        I assume the train is alot more than the $10 for a 2 hour bus trip.. but if the train is only say 30 mins in comparison, the time saved on a total round trip might be better spent on train..

• 

  Lurker on 13/10/2014 - 20:02

  Or check out rides sharing sites for traveling by cars:

  e.g.

  Ridejoy —- http://ridejoy.com/

  Rideshare —- http://sfbay.craigslist.org/rid/

  • 

    SaberX on 14/10/2014 - 02:36

    Are these like car pooling? Or hitchhiking more type of services?

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