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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.

[umamna]

Hey there,

I grew up in the NYC/southern Connecticut area and lived in nothern New Mexico for 3 years.

If your looking to pick up some extra cash while in the states, with out the proper paperwork it is illegal. Finding work in the north east will be next to impossible. In New Mexico however... its a bit more "loose" to say the least, I nannied and house sat myself to my next meal, living on about $5 a day and there is a funky hostel there in Taos called the abominal snowmansion with dorm accomodation for super cheap.

if you are a backpacker and have any more questions or need more suggestions about the nothern New mexico area let me know. It would be my pleasure! The sangre de cristo mountians are one of the most beautiful places in the world.

I can still taste the green chilies....