6 Month Road Trip Across The States From Uk - Help!!!!

[Eris]

My concern is you are concentrating on transport but, as already mentioned, there is the visa question. Without one you will be strictly limited to only 90 days in the USA, not the 6 months you are looking at.

Don’t know the time frame to obtain a visa these days in the UK but a quick Google search suggests it can be about 3 months from start to finish. Starting from now is nearly to August.

Put your details into this wizard and it will tell you how you are fixed.

[cherylnix]

Thank you for reminding me! I knew I was forgetting something very important! And I now know why I forgot about it. I went to fill out a form before and It asked me for my address i will be staying at in the US. As I will be travelling around I don't have one, so does anyone know what I'm supposed to do there? I searched on their site but can't find the answer. it only suggests things for the visa waiver (less than 90 days).

Also though, with the car thing. does anyone know on here if it is possible to get a car with buy-back without a US address? I've sent emails to the companies but noone has got back to me! Cheers

[Eris]

Even on the Visa Waiver Program you are required to complete and produce I-94W Form (green form) to the authorities at the point of entry showing a USA address to include number, street, city and state.

I think the minimum here is at least one night at a pre booked hotel – this is what I’ve known other travellers do who are undertaking a self drive vacation.

And just to confirm below info is reproduced from London US Embassy website…

“The requirement that a traveler provide a U.S. address applies to all visitors to the United States whether they are traveling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program or are in possession of a valid visa.

We strongly recommend that you comply with this requirement and provide a U.S address. Should you arrive at the port of entry without any pre-booked accommodation, you will be required to pursue this matter with U.S. immigration.”

Bottom line – an address is needed to gain entry.

Sorry, can’t help with the car question.

[cherylnix]

Hello, me again!
Ok so I've been in contact with someone about what to do about the Visa and they are getting back to me.
Does anyone know if Adventures on Wheels are still operating? I can only get a quote on their site. when I try to contact them for a 6 month buy-back scheme I don't get a response!

[PNW Judy]

I would think if the website is up, that they're still in business. But a lack of response after several tries would make me a bit skittish about what kind of customer service they provide.

However, members have used it and been pleased with their service.

How long did you give them to respond? Did you repeat your request? Did you try to contact them via phone, too? (Expensive for you, I'm sure, but might be worth a shot.)

With the exchange rate, we are seeing a huge increase in travelers from Europe to the US. I wonder if they have been slammed and are having trouble keeping up with the current demand?

[cherylnix]

I've been waiting at least a couple of months for a reply! So that’s what made me think they must’ve shut down. But I think you’re right if I can get a short term quote on their website they must still be running and it must be down to poor customer service. I will call them sometime soon I would imagine, its only because I wanted a rough price as still not sure on the route we’ll be taking and exact dates.

We’ve decided now that we will depart in about 12 months time. This will give us more time to save and plan and also it will be the summer months we are there for and so a lot more attractions will be open, better weather etc.

We’ve also decided that for the end of our trip we would like to have a few weeks in Hawaii. We think it would be a nice way to end our trip of a life time. So if anyone had any hints and tips about which Islands to see and the best way to get from each island and flight companies, car hire or transport round the islands etc. it would all be much appreciated!

[PNW Judy]

We haven't had a ton of discussions here about Hawaii since most people don't really roadtrip there. :) But here's a discussion about it that might give you a few tips.

Most people fly an island-hopper between the islands although I'm sure there are some boats you can take between them and that would be very cool. I don't have any information about that though.

With a few weeks, you'll easily have time to see all of the islands.
It's hard to choose as they all offer something different and have a different feel, somewhat different topography, etc. so each is worth a visit.

I don't believe there's all that much difference between car hires. Go for price/type of vehicle. And you'll definitely want a car at each island.