First trip to US any advice?
Discussion
Hi All,
I am planning a road trip to the US with the Mrs at the end of April for 3 week. we are going to fly into New Orleans stay there for 4-5 day then get a rental and travel through Baton Rouge and Lafayette stay along the I10 some where and head into Texas. From there we are not really sure, all we know is we are ending in Austin, we want to take in San Antonio and the east coast.
any advice on the area?
who is best for a rental?
any other general tips that might seem like common sense? sorry to ask but as we have never been and don't know anyone else who has either i am just trying to build and idiots guide for myself.
we have multiple guide books but i would also like some first hand experience.
any help appreciated
I am planning a road trip to the US with the Mrs at the end of April for 3 week. we are going to fly into New Orleans stay there for 4-5 day then get a rental and travel through Baton Rouge and Lafayette stay along the I10 some where and head into Texas. From there we are not really sure, all we know is we are ending in Austin, we want to take in San Antonio and the east coast.
any advice on the area?
who is best for a rental?
any other general tips that might seem like common sense? sorry to ask but as we have never been and don't know anyone else who has either i am just trying to build and idiots guide for myself.
we have multiple guide books but i would also like some first hand experience.
any help appreciated
Can't help with your trip because I've never been to any of the places on your schedule, but check your car rental agreement lets you take the car out of state.
Also, open-jaw bookings for both flights and cars can be more expensive than traditional return fare and pick-up/drop-off at the same location.
Everywhere we have been in North America has always had plenty of hotels - except New England in the fall, so check for any events along your route that could put a load on accommodation when you are there.
Also, open-jaw bookings for both flights and cars can be more expensive than traditional return fare and pick-up/drop-off at the same location.
Everywhere we have been in North America has always had plenty of hotels - except New England in the fall, so check for any events along your route that could put a load on accommodation when you are there.
For car rental i always use US RENT A CAR they are based in the UK but have the best deals across all the main suppliers. As to a road trip...tbh apart from New Orleans not alot to see. Unless your into flat roads and cows. As a an alternative have you thought of flying into Atlanta and driving down the "BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS" and then drive to New Orleans and back from there. Its a long drive and of course depends how long you have and budget and what time of year do you intend to go. Weather plays a big part as New Orleans can be very humid and hot...Texas..scorching or freezing. So research your times. Out on the west coast ie Northern California around "BODIE" & Yosemite you can almost set your watch by the weather....ie snow will always arrive around the 3rd week of October and the passes will be shut for weeks on end.
Spend as little time on Bourbon Street as you can, although you need to go there once for the experience. Try some of the surrounding areas. Decatur has some good bars; have a Hurricane cocktail or two. Live music is everywhere. The Natchez steamer is good for an evening cruise, the buffet is excellent. And try to do brunch here...
http://www.courtoftwosisters.com/jazz-brunch.html
It's memorable...
WW2 museum is good for 1/2 day, and there are some excellent coach tours.
NO is a fantastic place, and I can't wait to re-visit.
http://www.courtoftwosisters.com/jazz-brunch.html
It's memorable...
WW2 museum is good for 1/2 day, and there are some excellent coach tours.
NO is a fantastic place, and I can't wait to re-visit.
Did a similar-ish trip last year. 2 weeks:
3 days Dallas (see family) -> 2 days New Orleans -> 1 day Houston -> 3 days Corpus Christi (see more family) -> 3 days San Antonio (see more family) -> 1 day Austin -> 2 days Dallas. 1750 miles in the end.
Head to http://www.tujaguesrestaurant.com in New Orleans. Fantastic meal.
Austin is a good city. Only spent a night there but would go back.
Wasn't too impressed with Houston.
San Antonio is cool, really enjoyed it.
Also try to make sure you're in New Orleans on the weekend.
Hertz offer Dodge Challenger RTs for decentish money. Think mine was 600 quid for 2 weeks.
As for east coast - you mean Atlantic coast? If so, that's a fair way out of the way from Austin! I'd recommend not doing too much driving if possible, the long legs (e.g. 300+ miles a day) got to me a bit in the end. Not sure if I'd need 4-5 days in New Orleans either, although maybe 2 days wasn't quite enough.
3 days Dallas (see family) -> 2 days New Orleans -> 1 day Houston -> 3 days Corpus Christi (see more family) -> 3 days San Antonio (see more family) -> 1 day Austin -> 2 days Dallas. 1750 miles in the end.
Head to http://www.tujaguesrestaurant.com in New Orleans. Fantastic meal.
Austin is a good city. Only spent a night there but would go back.
Wasn't too impressed with Houston.
San Antonio is cool, really enjoyed it.
Also try to make sure you're in New Orleans on the weekend.
Hertz offer Dodge Challenger RTs for decentish money. Think mine was 600 quid for 2 weeks.
As for east coast - you mean Atlantic coast? If so, that's a fair way out of the way from Austin! I'd recommend not doing too much driving if possible, the long legs (e.g. 300+ miles a day) got to me a bit in the end. Not sure if I'd need 4-5 days in New Orleans either, although maybe 2 days wasn't quite enough.
Edited by Ynox on Tuesday 15th January 21:03
Whenever I've done trips in the US that involve driving, I've found it useful to buy road maps from the likes of Amazon before I go. Even if you're getting a satnav equipped vehicle it's sometimes useful to be able to plan the route out on paper, especially if you want driving directions from locals.
Oh, don't forget at about "turn right on red" and that the road signs at crossroads reference the street you're crossing rather than the one you're on!
Oh, don't forget at about "turn right on red" and that the road signs at crossroads reference the street you're crossing rather than the one you're on!
ewenm said:
Don't make any "jokes" at immigration.
Sooo true. I saw a guy and large family being removed from front to rear of the queue for a smart ass comment, with the instruction 'reconsider your attitude if you want to enter our country'. It certainly shut everyone up!Our tips, use vouchers for discounts at restaurants etc, they expect it. Also remember you need to tip EVERYONE for service. Also tax is added at the till so all prices you see are plus tax.
Another is check if you will be using toll roads and always make sure you have change as some are unmanned.
- This is our experience in Florida so it may vary in other states
ewenm said:
Don't make any "jokes" at immigration.
Definitely don't. When they look in your eyes, look straight back because they can see into your soul. 
The first time I went, at age 45, the man asked if I had been to the US before and I said no and he looked at me with a piercing look of contempt as though I had seriously missed the point of life, slapped my passport back in my hand and just looked without blinking.
He was never going to be a comedian, that's for sure.
I am considering a similar trip in March, possibly Vegas to New Orleans.
Does anyone know the cost of petrol out there and what basic accomodation costs would be (think Travelodge type hotel or motels) - on a bit of a budget so need to know what the minimum I could expect to pay for a basic but clean room would be. Also, any websites for booking cheap rooms in USA would be good.
Thanks.
Does anyone know the cost of petrol out there and what basic accomodation costs would be (think Travelodge type hotel or motels) - on a bit of a budget so need to know what the minimum I could expect to pay for a basic but clean room would be. Also, any websites for booking cheap rooms in USA would be good.
Thanks.
LuS1fer said:
Petrol isn't much but stations may insist on taking payment before they give you access to their "gas".
...so ask when you pick the car up how big the tank is and/or make a note of how much you're putting in each time and the impact that has on the gauge (especially if you don't want to return it too full).Also worth noting that you might not be able to "pre-authorise" the payment at the pump (some of them ask for US "zip code" for the card, which obviously you won't have), in which case it's in to the shop to do it.
Timja said:
I am considering a similar trip in March, possibly Vegas to New Orleans.
Does anyone know the cost of petrol out there and what basic accomodation costs would be (think Travelodge type hotel or motels) - on a bit of a budget so need to know what the minimum I could expect to pay for a basic but clean room would be. Also, any websites for booking cheap rooms in USA would be good.
Thanks.
If you want cheap and cheerful,Super 8 motels are fine and I use them when I am trailering my car down Route 66. They are usually close to the highway. A bit more expensive and better are the Hampton Inns. I would avoid Days Inn or Motel 6. I have gotten as low as $60 a night double occupancy. Evidently in major cities there is a big lift. Usually a fair discount for prebooking and prepaying on any of the big travel sites like Trip Advisor or hotels.com. Does anyone know the cost of petrol out there and what basic accomodation costs would be (think Travelodge type hotel or motels) - on a bit of a budget so need to know what the minimum I could expect to pay for a basic but clean room would be. Also, any websites for booking cheap rooms in USA would be good.
Thanks.
Speed traps can be tricky especially in small towns but you are ok if you behave predictably.
- do not step out of car-open window.
-hands on top of wheel,clearly visible
-tell officer if you need to get papers from glove compartment.
-no protests or wisecracks.
-ask how you pay ticket. I have never had to pay cash.
- speed of locally plated traffic is a good guide if you are just a tad slower than that.
- do not step out of car-open window.
-hands on top of wheel,clearly visible
-tell officer if you need to get papers from glove compartment.
-no protests or wisecracks.
-ask how you pay ticket. I have never had to pay cash.
- speed of locally plated traffic is a good guide if you are just a tad slower than that.
RDMcG said:
Speed traps can be tricky especially in small towns but you are ok if you behave predictably.
- do not step out of car-open window.
-hands on top of wheel,clearly visible
-tell officer if you need to get papers from glove compartment.
-no protests or wisecracks.
-ask how you pay ticket. I have never had to pay cash.
- speed of locally plated traffic is a good guide if you are just a tad slower than that.
One more to add: Practice your "English" accent, pepper apologies with "terribly", explain how you are on a "dream holiday" in the USA. Worked every time for me. - do not step out of car-open window.
-hands on top of wheel,clearly visible
-tell officer if you need to get papers from glove compartment.
-no protests or wisecracks.
-ask how you pay ticket. I have never had to pay cash.
- speed of locally plated traffic is a good guide if you are just a tad slower than that.
Do your research on food before you leave and actually find good places to eat. By no means avoid all the chain restaurants, but there are so many good independent places in the US that pride themselves these days on using good quality food, including local and organic stuff.
I'm not a fan of gardens, but really enjoyed the San Antonio Botanic Gardens. Found it really interesting.
Also can recommend The Cove in San Antonio as a restaurant, some of the best burgers anywhere, huge beer selection.
http://thecove.us
I'm not a fan of gardens, but really enjoyed the San Antonio Botanic Gardens. Found it really interesting.
Also can recommend The Cove in San Antonio as a restaurant, some of the best burgers anywhere, huge beer selection.
http://thecove.us
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