Opinions req'd for New York-LA trip

[Sundae]

I am currently considering taking an extra special holiday early next year. The link takes you through to the relevant brochure page of the one I am seriously considering, but in summary:

- A trip with Trek America which involves both hotels & campsites
- 19 days, starting in New York and ending in LA
- 12 nights in hotels, 6 nights at camp sites (in both cases sharing with a member of the same sex)
- All camping equipment provided except sleeping bag (& optional mattress)
- Max tour group 13 people aged 18-38

I don't want to put off planning a holiday, hoping I meet someone this year.
I don't want to go on a package holiday.
And I don't really want to travel alone in a foreign country (even the US).

So by my reckoning this would be a great solution. I would rather GO somewhere, DO something than lie on a beach somewhere, even though I could do it in great luxury for half the price.

This covers a remarkable amount of ground, and at the very least I'd see a lot of the country. I'd appreciate an opinion from "the natives" on the places visited/ whether the trip would be worth it?

[glatt]

Looking at the itinerary, you are definitely covering a LOT of ground. There are only five places where you spend a full day (DC, New Orleans, San Antonio, Big Bend, and Grand Canyon.) The rest of the time, you will be spending most of the day sitting on a bus, watching the scenery go by. That could be a lot of fun if you enjoy the company of the group. Or it could be really bad if you don't. There are several days in Arizona, which look good. Tombstone through the Grand Canyon. Nice scenery.

Do you like sitting on a bus?

[Sundae]

I'm certainly a good passenger. Originally I was looking at train journeys, but it just seemed too complicated in the end.

My only question on that front would be whether I got on with the group or not. It would be an expensive form of torture if I hated them all, but perhaps with the stakes so high I would simply have to work at enjoying their company no matter what they were like.

[wolf]

I knew someone who used to work for Trek America as a guide. The tours are fantastic, and he always had a lot of good things to say about the people that came on the trips.

[Undertoad]

- 0 days/nights in NYC ??
- 2 days in San Antonio ??

Wouldn't be my style but then what is. How much do they want for this venture?

[Happy Monkey]

Well, if the tour starts in NYC, you can get there a day or two early to see the NYC sights before the tour starts.

[Sundae]

I've been to New York already, and I'll be arriving the day before the tour starts - it's not on the itinerary, but with a 07.30 start I think it's the only solution!

Trip, flights & insurance - $2446
NY and LA hotel - $180
Spending money, food and ALL optional extras - $1300

Total - $3926
although this includes options such as a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon, a Vegas show, Mississippi steamboat ride etc, which I may not take up.

[Elspode]

Oh, hell...you've got to see a Vegas show. Nothing sleazier or more tawdry than that. Makes the French can-can dancers look like high art by comparison. A trip on the Mississippi can be cool or a total waste of time. Depends on where and how long it goes. In all probability, it is a short jaunt on a largish body of brown water surrounded by trees and industrial facilities. I'd definitely do the helicopter trip over the Grand Canyon, though...they hardly ever crash anymore. Seriously, it is probably the best way to actually see it, short of hiking into it.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Doesn't sound like a bus. Probably an extended body van. Lot of miles, lot of sitting, no toilet.....with strangers.

[lumberjim]

why not just do it yourself? come over, rent a minivan, and drive it to LA. stay off the freeways, stop at small towns, see sights. 10 days is enough. if you have a good friend with you, you could sleep in the van every other night, or camp to save hotel $$. see my tour thread.

[Undertoad]

If you got 3-5 friends to pay this $4000 I would gladly take the 19 days and tour you myself.

[zippyt]

Hell i'd do it for $3999.99 !!!

[Undertoad]

Yea, but I would put some of the money into food and lodging.

[Sundae]

I know it's a lot of money, but I've sat down & worked out the finances and I can manage to save it - it will also keep me on track re healthy living as it's cheaper to live on fresh fruit & veg than beer & takeaways.

I understand it would be cheaper to do it myself, but the whole point of this is I couldn't make this trip with any of my friends. Not only are they in stable relationships & unlikely to get away with disappearing for 3 weeks, but they simply don't share my passion for road trips. They've been baffled by the fact I've been on coach holidays before - as far as they are concerned the journey is the thing you get out of the way before you start the holiday. Whereas I am alreay on holiday the minute I leave my flat.

The idea of setting off alone across America doesn't scare me half as much as the idea of driving. I'd do it in the UK - I drove in London for 3 years so I'm not a timid driver. There's just something about being alone and abroad with everything else that entails, that makes me think handling a foreign road system would take the pleasure out of things.

Also, I'm not sure if I can hire a vehicle. I certainly can't in the UK - they will only accept a credit card in the same name as the driving licence.

I'm still thinking it over and I will carefully consider your opinions. And thanks for the link Lumberjim - I can't face doing it myself but I will read your experiences with great interest.

[Beestie]

Doing it alone wouldn't be much fun I wouldn't think. It sounds a little pricey but it also sounds like one of those things you'll be glad you did for the rest of your life.

Try to take more showers than LJ did.