USA Travel Questions

Buy a motorcycle in USA as a tourist

Arthur — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:47:47 GMT

Hi,

I want to travel to USA, buy a bike, and ride it back to Brazil. As a vacation travel. =D

What should I do?

Do I need USA plates?
Do I have to pay 5-7% rate?
Is it possible to get a temporary plate just to travel out USA?
Do I need to have an adress in USA?

thank you,

Arthur Curvello

Christmas ideas for an Aussie family traveling in California

Trevor — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:45:10 GMT

Hi we are an Australian family planning to spend the Christmas vacation in the West Coast. We are excited about Disneyland and all the fun of LA, however we need some suggestions to celebrate Christmas Day. We are happy to hire a car and travel. We have a young family and would like to try Christmas "American Style" rather than sun tanning on the beach in as we usually do in Australia over Christmas. Our Christmas travel plans are from Dec22nd through to Dec 26th when we need to be back in LA. Hope you can help us make this a Christmas to remember. Many thanks. Trevor

Mt Rushmore/Yellowstone in September

snowy — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:25:48 GMT

Hi,

To fullfil a lifetime ambition, my wife and I intend to fly out from the UK into Denver early September 2010. We should like to hire a rental car and make a circular tour of the following areas: Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse,Deadwood,Cody,Yellowstone (Old Faithful,) Moab, Durango and finally back to Denver for our flight back to the UK.

We shall only have available a total of 18 days in the US in which to make the trip. Will this time scale be enough to spend at least two days in the areas mentioned and will the weather be snow free at this time of year? I estimate the mileage for the round trip to be approx 1,800 will this be a reasonable distance? I should add, we have both visited the US ( Florida/California) on several occaisions and are happy driving there but we have never been so far north or at this time of year.

Any information regarding our planned trip will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, David & Susan.

travel around Arizona

Hana — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:20:03 GMT

Hi,

I study at ASU for few months. My father and brother would like to visit U.S. in the beginning of december. Could you give me some reccomendation for 2-3 weeks trip for them. Do I need american driving licence, or europian is enough (I am 27 years old)? Do you know cheap car rental? MAybe we could fly to some city-I live in Tempe (Phoenix).

My father is not the youngest man-he doesn´t want to sleep in tent. Do you know about cheap accomodation? And is it possible to sleep in tent in U.S. (for me and brother?)

And other question: is Mexiko dangerous for tourists?

Thank you very much for your answers

Hana

Travel from New York to LA

Xman — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:26:32 GMT

Hi there all, I'm travelling throught the States this month. I'll be going to La Vegas and then to New York. Then I'll have about 8 days to get back to LA for my departing flight.

I was wondering what is worth seeing and the easiest way to travel (obvious air travel) but maybe some car hire on some nice drives.

Any tips would be greatly apreciated as there is too much to see in a short amount of time.

Thanking you in advance.

Buying a Car to Drive in the USA

Mike Leco — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:23:11 GMT

I keep getting e-mails from foreign visitors, mostly young people, who want to purchase a car in the USA, use it to tour the country, then sell it before returning home. I do not recommend this plan. There are several problems and a nearly insurmountable barrier to driving a car in the USA.

Buying a car in the USA is not a problem. If you have the money, you can easily find someone to sell you a car. You can ship the car overseas or you can sell the car with little difficulty. Driving the car in the USA is, however, very difficult.

In order to legally drive a car in the USA, you must have license plates from some state affixed to the car. Those license plates are issued by the state bureau of motor vehicles, and prove that the car is registered in the state. In order to register the car in any state, you must have a permanent address in that state. If you are living and working in the USA, you will probably have a house or apartment where you live. That can serve as your permanent address in whichever state it is located. If you are a tourist traveling around the USA, you are not likely to have a permanent address in any state. Without a permanent address, you cannot register a car in any state. Therefore, you cannot obtain license plates to drive a car.

Can you use someone else's address to register the car? Legally, you cannot do this. If someone allows you to use their address, and they get caught, it might cause them quite a bit of trouble with the police.
Can I use the previous owner's license plates to drive the car? Not unless the seller is willing to break the laws and risk possible trouble with the police. A seller will always remove his license plates from the car. Otherwise, the buyer might go off and commit some crime or some act of terrorism anywhere in the USA, and the law enforcement authorities would immediately use those license plates to track the car back to the seller.
Can someone living in the USA purchase the car for me? Yes, but the car will be registered in their name and will be insured in their name, so they will be the official owner of the car. They might lend that car to you, but they and their insurance will be assuming full responsibility for the use of the car.
Can I use a temporary address or a post office box to register a car? Most states will not allow you to use a temporary address as your permanent place of residence in the state. In parts of Wyoming, they do allow you to use temporary addresses to register a car.
Are these rules strictly enforced by the police? Yes, since the terrorist attacks in 2001, the police, the FBI and all law enforcement agencies are very sensitive about people who use false information to obtain driver's licenses and car registrations.
If I purchase a car for export how do I deliver it to the shipping port? If you purchase a car near a port city, you might have the seller deliver the car to the point of embarkation. You can also hire a car shipping firm to transport the car via truck to the port.

I am sorry to be the bearer of such negative news, but there is no easy way to purchase a car to drive while touring the USA. I usually suggest that you compare the prices on long term auto rentals or on short term auto leases. They might be expensive, but they are a lot easier than attempting to buy a car, and may even be cheaper if you consider all of the ramifications.

travel to USA

Sally Beamish — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:17:00 GMT

Can you tell me whether I need a visa to travel with my daughter from UK to USA (Minneapolis)? She is 14. We are going for 8 days as guests of the Minnesota Orchestra. Also, passports - Her passport expires in August 2010, and we are travelling in November 2009. Is this OK? I had to renew mine because it expired within 6 months of travelling, and I wondered if hers is OK (9 months), or is it different for children?

transportation around america

bpix — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:10:20 GMT

Hi, my girlfriend and I are hoping to travel around as much of america as we can, starting march 2010 and ending september 2010.

The problem we have is that we are going to be doing this on a VERY tight budget (at best, £3000 each).

We are intending on camping almost all the time and living off very cheap food, the main problem I foresee is getting around.

We are both under 21 but have driver's licences (we're from the UK) and my girlfriend has family on Vancouver Island, Canada.

For the 6 or so months that we will be out there what will be the cheapest way of getting from A to B?

It seems that my hope of buying a dirt cheap car has been dashed by what i have seen posted here, but has anyone under 21 actually had experience of completing such a harrowing task and if so, how much did it cost?

I don't think we mind exactly where we go, so would last minute/advance domestic flights or trains be worth it?

Thanks a lot in advance for any help given :)

Bryn

San Francisco to Seattle

Lynsey9678 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:36:24 GMT

Hi. My family and I are coming from the UK to Las Vegas for my wedding in August 2010. We're spending a week in Vegas and then we have two weeks left to play with. We're thinking of getting our return flight back from Seattle so we need to drive from Vegas, through LA to San Francisco. (all places we've been before and are familiar with) We then want to drive from San Francisco up to Seattle. Any ideas what is a good route to take and where are some nice places to stay along the way? Thanks! Lynsey Liverpool, UK

Texas Hill Country

Charlie B — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:46:03 GMT

Hi all, first timer here so hopefully I get things right!

After travelling from San fran to Las Vegas via Yosemite & Death Valley and running in to a group of Scots lads who were renting Harleys, my friends & I who are all bikers have decided to do something similar. Rather than do an extended tour our intentions are to stay at a central point and have 'days out' on the bikes. We were thinking of Texas for our trip but my wife & I have just returned from there and I have to say that the landscape didn't strike me as being particularly interesting for riding. (Apologies if I upset any Texans!!!). We travelled from Lubbock to Abilene & on to Dallas, and I realise that the landscape there may not be the same elsewhere. If we did bike it we were thinking of staying around the San Antonio area, and day tripping to places like Bandera, New Braunfels, the Alamo, and so on. I understand this is classed as Hill Country, so I'd be grateful for any info as to whether it would be suitable for such a trip or not. We're all in our 50's so are looking for scenery and places of interest, rather than things like stunning nightlife!

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

Charlie

Re-entry to US from Mexico on ESTA

firenix — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 06:23:08 GMT

hi there

I am UK national ewith an ESTA - currently in the US

my 90 day visa is going to run out on the 10th Oct

I have only been in the country a total of about a month but I entered around the 10th July for 2 days and then headed back to canada where I had entered from. I then came back into the US about 3 weeks ago and was told I had to leave 3 months from initial entry.

Is it possible for me to leave the country to Mexico and re-enter to get another 3 months

If not how would I gain entry?

Casn I apply for an extention as I only want to stay till end of Oct

Hope someone can help

Thanks

Zion & Bryce Canyons

ChristineB — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:23:35 GMT

Hi all

in a couple of weeks we'll be doing our trip around some of the national parks / canyons in around UTAH and I wondered if anyone could advise me on a couple of points ?

From Vegas we're going to Zion Canyon and then onto Bryce Canyon, staying in Ruby's Inn for 2 nights. At Zion we thought to do the tourist shuttle as we will only have around half a day there, does anyone know whether it's best to catch this in Springdale rather than the visitor centre in Zion ? Has anyone done it previously and how did they rate it ?

At Bryce we would like to take our own car into the park and do the scenic ride so we can do a couple of short walks etc (We'll have a full day to explore Bryce), but according to the guide books parking is supposedly horrendous and we'd be better off again taking the shuttle. Would this enable us to do what we want to do ? Is the parking inside the park as bad as they say ?

I'd really appreciate anyone's views on the park shuttles, waiting times, queues etc, or if we should chance taking the car into Bryce and risk not being able to park. It would be early September so I thought it may not be quite so crowded.

Any info would be good

Thanks

ChristineB

Boys Own Adventure USA (aka BOA USA)

PartyTime — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:47:50 GMT

I have the green light from my wife to travel to the USA with some buddies for a Boys Own Adventure of the USA (aka BOA USA). I am looking for some tips for things to do / visit / experience. On my list already are:

1. Pima Air & Space Museum including a tour of the Boneyard [Tucson, Arizona); 2. Grand Canyon [Arizona]3. Boeing Factory [Seattle]4. Kennedy Space Centre including a real live viewing of a Space Shuttle Launch [Cape Canaveral, Florida]5. Air & Space Museum [Washington DC] 6. Mardi Gras [New Orleans]7. Chill out time in Las Vegas8. Computer History Museum [Silicon Valley, California] 9. Dearly Departed Tragic History Tour [Los Angeles]

Any other suggestions would be gratefully appreciated!

RECOVER TAXES TO TOURIST PEOPLE OF SHOPPING

juanma fidalgo — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:31:37 GMT

HI EVERYBODY.

I'M A SPANISH MAN THAT IS IN SAN FRANCISCO PER HOLIDAYS AND I HAVE BOUGHT A NEW CAMERA PER 1.200$.

IN MY COUNTRY SPAIN, WHEN A TOURIST WANTS TO BUY SOMETHING THE TAXES THAT HE PAYS IN THE SHOP WILL BE RECOVER IN THE CUSTOMS AT LEAVE SPAIN .

DO YOU THING THAT I CAN RECOVER THIS AMUONT OF TAXES OR IT NOT IS POSSIBLE IN THE UNITED STATES?

IF IT'S POSSIBLE PLEASE, LET ME KNOW WHAT I SHOULD BE DO.

THANKS

TIMESHARE *** SHORT-TRIP TO USA

WESTERN DELIGHT — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:21:54 GMT

We’re from Singapore (South of West Malaysia) and live in the USA (California) for few years. We have been a frequent traveller; mainly to California and Florida. We always travel to the resort for 1 – 2 weeks vacation. We plan to be more adventurous in our coming trip which falls from October 2010 to Central USA (Texas, New Mexico and Colorado). Being a typical Singapore, we love to shop especially factory outlet and at the same time would like to visit the Rockies and the Santa Fe lifestyle…something for a change. Our original plan is to fly directly from Singapore to Houston and stay in San Antonio nearby Riverwalk for a week. Is a week sufficient? After a week, we will rent a car & drive to either New Mexico or Colorado for couple a days stay. Is it advisable to drive or fly, we have about 2 weeks vacation? Alternatively, flying to Los Angeles and take domestic flight to the above mentioned state? Will appreciate if you can advise what is the best alternative way to travel? Your recommendation is appreciated. Thanks!

Austin, Texas

Horst — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:09:12 GMT

Hi guys,

is there anybody, who knows something about Austin, Texas? Is it true, that there is a lot of live music to hear? Our plans for next year are to make a music trip to New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville and perhaps Austin, if it is worth.

Thanks a lot for your answers.

Have a good time, heartly greetings from Germany

Horst

where to rest i-80 sidney to san francisco

justme — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:34:49 GMT

hey guys,

i am heading from sidney, ne to san francisco and i want to stop somewhere for 1 night.

what would you recommend?

thanks

Classic Car Rental

CRAIGERT — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:22:08 GMT

Hi, I'm planning a driving holiday next year around Virginia and Tennessee. I have a good idea of my route already and plan to hire a convertible car for the journey. However, what would really make my holiday would be if I were able to hire a classic sports car or classic convertible for the 3 weeks of my vacation. I have searched the internet for a company that hire out self-drive classic cars but have yet been able to find one in USA (ironical there are lots in the UK.) If anyone could help me out with this query I'd be much obliged.

Tim

viaje San Francisco los Angeles.

gordo — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:07:32 GMT

Hola Buenos días:

El próximo 14 de septiembre queremos ir desde San Francisco a los Angels en autocaravana, somo 3 personas y me gustarías que alguien me indicara si es mejor alquilarla cuando lleguemos a San Francisco o hacerlo desde España. Si lo hacemos desde aquí nombres de agencias para alquilar autocaravanas y a poder ser alguna que sea económica o no salga muy cara.

Muchas gracias por vuestra atención. Un saludo.

Gordo.

Traveling to Orlando from Montreal, Quebec

Paqman — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:09:50 GMT

Hi,

I will be travelling to Florida by car in a few weeks and I have a few questions.

I usually am a bit scared by new adventures and this ones scares me a bit. I have been presented a lot of sensational TV shows in the last years comming from the USA which usually present real life state patrol officers in dramatic situations :D

I know that these shows are extreme and that these are only for sensational purposes but, how should I expect to be treated by the usuall real life high way patroller if I get pulled over?

Should I be afraid or should I only answer their question calmly and all will go well?

Furthermore, are there know stories of punks or bad boys attacking people driving a car with a Quebec car plate on them? (I know that we are all "frenchies" and "frogs" but I don't know how we are seen by americans in general. Are we well perceived in general?)

Finally, are there obvious things I should know for my 2400km ride?

Roadtrip from CA to NY (throught NV, AZ, NM, TX, LA, AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, VA, PA)

Lennartfalkenberg — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:47:01 GMT

Hi.

Me and my girlfriend are making a roadtrip across USA from august 2010, and 2½ month forward. - Is it realistic?

First of all we need some advise:

Car rental. what is best/cheapest ?

Recommendations on what to se ?

Motel 6, Super 8 or better ideas ?

How much would you spend ?

Favorite national parks on our route ?

Homepages with tips, help etc. ?

Thank you...

Lennart from Denmark

New York Travel

John Readman — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:47:49 GMT

My son and I will be arriving in New York at end of September, from Melbourne Australia, and we have booked in for a week in Queens. After that we would like to fly down to Miami for a couple of days and then fly to Washington DC from 7th October to 12th and then fly back to JFK as we leave on the 13th. Can we purchase flight passes during our stay or would it be better to book flights ahead of time. I also believe there are guides available in NY could you advise. Thank you John

Documents for Travelling to USA by car via Canada

laurah — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 02:38:33 GMT

Hello there,

I regularly travel to Canada where I have a summer home and have made some very good friends (by the way I am from England, UK). Recently a couple of my Canadian friends who visit the USA from time to time, have suggested and are keen for me to also take the opportunity to go with them during my next summer visit, and tour some of sites of America with them for a week or so...............I never really thought about it before (having never been to the USA), but it does sound rather appealing given there experience of travelling across the States; anyway given all the security I wonder if it is just going to be an ordeal just to cross over at the road borders! I have heard of some horror stories!

My friends have there own car and being Canadian are also coming to terms with the now need to have passports where before they didn't. I of course have a British Biometric passport. I'm sure there are other USA related aspects/ considerations, that I would need to be aware of before I agree to go with them.........may be you can advise!

Many thanks in advance.

Best,
Laura

Long road-trip across the USA

lightmar — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:30:47 GMT

Hello,

I am planing a 2.5 months road-trip (with motorhome) across the USA.
I would be happy to hear your opinions.
The trip will be from September to December.
I want to travel the west coast for 6 weeks, something like that: Los Angeles -> California -> Oregon -> Idaho -> Utah -> Las Vegas.
Than I want to travel from Las Vegas to Florida in 3-4 weeks.

Is that sounds reasonable? What do you think?
I have a lot of information about the the west coast trip, but for the Las Vegas -> Florida trip I don't have information.
What is the best way to go from Las Vegas to Florida? What are the most interesting places to see in the way?

Thanks a lot,
Or M.

Mosquitos ?

Allante45 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:01:41 GMT

I have plan a long trip from September 19th to October 24th across many country : Las Vegas - Flagstaff - Show Low - Phoenix - Tucson - Alamogordo - Santa Fe - Colorado Springs - Torrington - Rapide City - Cody - West Yellowstone - Salt Lake City - Moab - Monticello - Kayenta - Page - Bryce Canyon - Springdale and back to Vegas.

In France wher I live when there is a mosquito in the air it is for me !!!!

Can you tell me if there is some part of USA with many of this insects ?and have you a medication for that ?

Thank's for your reply