Can you help me plan a vacation in the USA?

Question

Well,I live in Italy and am planning to visit the USA.Probably it will be in the late spring or early fall when the daytime is still long.I want to visit Los Angeles,San Francisco and New York.Obviously there are many more places I'd like to go to but I don't want it to be too stressful.I think it will last almost 3 weeks and I'm gonna stay in cheap hotels,I just need a room on my own,I don't need anything luxurious. . .To eat I guess i will go to some fast food,restaurants,cafes etc so I won't spend a fortune.I'm also planning on not booking hotels from Italy but to do it once there.
Please,could you tell me approximately how much in dollars it might cost me?And do you think it's a good idea to find a place where to sleep directly on the spot?Any recommendation would be highly appreciated,in particular if you come up with something I haven't considered.
Thanks a lot and greetings from Italy.

Answer 1

Have you concidered a trip down Original Route 66? I don't know if you've been to the USA before, but this is a GREAT way to see the country and learn (in a fun way), a little about our country's history.

Route 66 dosen't "offically" exsist anymore and you won't find it on any modern day map. You would have to serch the web for more info on it, (or just let me know and I'd be more than happy to give you more info on it and I'd be happy to give you a "step-by-step" on everything to see and where to go, eat & sleep). But also never worry... The U.S. Government has posted "Historic Route 66" signs along the entire Route that point you in the right direction telling you where and when to turn and go.

So, if you have 3 or 4 weeks. I would HIGHLY recommend it. Rent a car in New York, (most places have a "One Way Trip" deal), drive to California and then fly out of LA to go back home.

You'd get to see the 3 "Big Cities" New York, Chicago & LA. plus a TON of great small towns along the way. A LOT of cheap eats and cheap places to sleep. Reservations are really not required when on Route 66 as there is very little traffic, (great when you just want to stop the car on the side of the road to take a picture of something you like). To me, THIS is the way to travel and truly see the "real" America.

You could drive Interstate 80 (I-80) from New York to Chicago. 790 miles or (1,159 km). This will let you see the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana.

Then you get on Original Route 66 in Chicago, Illinois. You'll then see the states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California before ending at Los Angeles. 2,448 miles or (3,939 km).

You'd be looking at a grand total of 3,238 miles or (5,098 km) of driving, plus you'd be able to drive from coast to coast seeing 12 of our 50 states! You could EASILY do that in 3 weeks with PLENTY OF TIME to see all the sites, towns and cities. (Including MUST SEE things like The Grand Canyon).

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable visit to the USA. Take A LOT of pictures and above everything else... HAVE FUN!

Answer 2

You can stay in YMCA that offer overnight boarding for less money than any hotels. They have a common bathroom and kitchen.
BUT, beware that they are often frequented by men that like men. ESPECIALLY in San Fransisco. If that doesn't bother you, ok. If not, then look at small hotels & motels with private rooms. Rooms start at around $45 per night.

No you can't sleep wherever you drop. There are campgrounds just about everywhere where you can sleep in a tent.
You can eat for around $20 per day on the cheap.

I have lived here my entire life and if I were to pick three cities to visit, those three wouldn't be on my list! There are many other great places to see!

Answer 3

Not sure about the paper driving licence in US, but if it's the same as Canada (which is likely) you're allowed as a visitor/tourist to use it with a hire car. I used my paper one when I first came out here (Canada). I had to show them my passport (as photo ID) and they retained a photocopy of both the driving licence and the photo page of my passport. If you want to cross into Canada from the US, make sure you tell the rental firm when you book the car. I know from experience (now) that from Canada to the US, some firms don't allow their hire cars across the border and insist that you either walk/train or bus across, then pick up a US car on the other side (which is a right pain in the proverbial). We made that mistake the first time we went down to Niagara and couldn't drive across to the US because our hire car was only insured for Ontario and Quebec! So it's highly likely that the US have the same rules/regulations and believe me, it's no joke to be turned round and have to sit at the border office for hours doing paperwork!

Answer 4

East coast Boston,MA, Charleston,South Carolina;Mid west, Chicago: West- Seattle, Washington,San Francisco,CA,San Diego,CA
Since you are here try to see some of our spectacular national parks at the top of the list The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, as for cheap sleeps search on the net for hostels they do exist here in the US. for eating. Try to stay out of the fast food places. you will be better off asking a local for a suggestion. You will eat better and cheaper. Hint If there is a line out the door probability a good place to eat.Good luck, Have fun, be safe.

Answer 5

Three weeks for three cities is PERFECT. It's better to see a LOT of less than a LITTLE of a lot!

Answer 6

it may costs around 8000 $, if you really are not going to waste and waste money