From Chile Vegas

[julesjoeychalo2006]

Hi, I'm planning a major event in my life...travelling from Chile to New York by plane on December, and then want to just live around a little bit, get to know the city in a very urban and insighted way. Maybe get a job as a waiter to get some essential human experience and start an awesome road trip to Los Angeles. I'm trying to convince two of my best buddies to join me in this adventure, but they seem more interested on going to Europe, since in their opinion, you get to know different cultures and countries, and America doesn't offer you that.
Still, I want to make this thing work, since we are fluent in english and really identify with the American lifestyle.
Anyway, just letting you know my story, and like to get some advice from you people, give out tips, everything related to how can I get my friends to get excited with this American Road Trip, what does America have that makes it so amazing and unforgettable.
Thanks.

[Quebec Gen]

Hi JulesJoeyChalo,

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

I'm planning a major event in my life...travelling from Chile to New York by plane on December, and then want to just live around a little bit, get to know the city in a very urban and insighted way. Maybe get a job as a waiter to get some essential human experience

Great project! However, you must know you need to get a visa to work in the USA.

start an awesome road trip to Los Angeles.

If you use the search function on this forum, you'll find plenty of information on places to see en route and about L.A. attractions.

I'm trying to convince two of my best buddies to join me

How about a compatibility quiz before you go on with your project? Maybe you could make your trip by yourself? It is a great way to meet new people and to get rid of some inhibitions. Plus you don't need to wait on other people, you are relatively free to do whatever you want when you want it. I do enjoy having travel partners, but when you are not on the same "beat" as them, it can affect your trip in a negative way.

but they seem more interested on going to Europe, since in their opinion, you get to know different cultures and countries, and America doesn't offer you that.

I have to disagree on this. I am Canadian and I consider there are several different cultures within my own country, and even within my own province. Same thing for American citizens. Our countries are so huge that we can't be of homogeneous culture. Every American will tell you than Easterners and Westerners are quite different, as are the Yankees and people from the Deep South. Another thing, there is much more to Americans that what we are told by the medias, believe me:o)

Happy planning!

Gen

[julesjoeychalo2006]

Cool tips, thanks a lot.
However, do you see this planning happening? I mean, does it sound real to you? because I'm sure as heck I do. I will check out the visa deal.
How much money do you think it would take per person, considering buying a crappy car to travel, instead of getting one from a car rental, because I think that really bums down the trip...

[Quebec Gen]

Hi!

I mean, does it sound real to you? because I'm sure as heck I do.

You answered your own question:-) I think it is totally doable but these things require some planning, especially if you plan on living in the US for a while. I don't know how much time you want to spend there but if you want to travel cross-country, you need a car, wether it's a rental or you buy a used car, you need to have insurance on thesaid car, most importantly you need a place to live (apt., youth hostels, ??). The bigger the city, the more expensive. Here's a page that features some tips for international visitors and some links to other webpages you might find interesting.

How much money do you think it would take per person

It's hard to tell, you didn't say much about your planned trip : how much time you want to spend in the US, what kind of attractions interest you, will you be eating in restaurants all the time or out of a cooler? Here's an article on how to save money on a road trip, that might help you in the process of figuring out a budget.

Gen