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[jamesfbecker]

Gday guys,

New here and I'm planning to venture over to the USA next year, probably just backpacking/cheap hotels.
I was wondering if anyone had any idea of the cost of living/travelling around? Or if there's any online guides to it? Also what are the cheap domestic airlines, are they worth using over buses/trains?

Also what sort of work is available short term? Is it worth doing tutoring (i can tutor in science) whilst I'm over there for a bit of extra cash?

I mean, I don't plan on living there, just sort of doing as much as I can, prioritising the places to see. The only thing I definitely want to do are: Grand Canyon, Mt Rushmoore, Washington state (I have a friend that lives there that I said I'd visit), Niagara falls, NYC.

I'm debating whether or not it's worth seeing the luxurious places, as I figure most cities are basically the same, a bunch of shops and a bunch of places to waste money?

Thanks for any help.

[lisartw]

We did North America last year, drove from New York to LA then up to SF. It's cheaper than the UK but it is expensive, we spent on average about $80 - $100 a day all in

Bus and train travel isn't the easiest but it is cheaper than renting a car. Can you afford to rent a car? I would suggest doing that if you can as it is the best way to see the US but it does cost loads because of all the insurances and stuff.

But it does mean you can throw away the guide book and just find random towns and places.

I would say limit your time in the cities and hit the national and state parks - as many as you possible can, it really is the way forward. Buy a national parks pass though (about $50 I think) because it will save you loads.

My favourite places were:

Yellowstone, Wyoming - it is an utterly amazing place
Badlands, South Dakota
Rocky Mountain national park, Colorado
Escalante National Monument, Utah
Niagra Falls, New York State
Boulder, Colorado
Arches National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon, Utah
Grand Canyon, Nevada
Monterey, California
Mt Rushmore, South Dakota

Fave cities were New York and San Francisco. Despite NY being quite expensive you can do lots of stuff for free,

The US isn't really geared up for backpacking though, so be warned that there aren't many hostels compared to other places you may have travelled too. But, it is an amazing country and there is just so much to do and see.