Hiring a car vs a minivan

[blako]

Hey guys,

I knew about the license issue, apparently they cost around $20, and i figure I might as well go for it, just in case. I am now just starting to think about the Visa issue, and whether or not i will be able to get one. That seems to be my biggest concern, but as i said before i am still in the planning stages of this holiday (it is more than 18 months away). i will visit my local student travel agency and see what they say about it. I, too, have heard that the consulate is quite tricky to deal with.

[Lifemagician]

Hey guys,

I knew about the license issue, apparently they cost around $20, and i figure I might as well go for it, just in case.

Buddy, don't waste your 20 bucks. I have driven almost 100000 miles across North America, been pulled over three or four times for doing something which apparently I should not have done, but of which I was not aware. Usually some local rule. They will forgive those little indiscretions when they see a foreign licence. Often will then go on to ask where you are going, and give all sorts of advice about route, traffic, etc. From what I hear though, that is not the case when speeding, running lights or driving under the influence.

I i will visit my local student travel agency and see what they say about it. I, too, have heard that the consulate is quite tricky to deal with.

My advice would be to get onto the website and deal with the consulate direct. Despite the hassles of dealing with them, at least you then have the information 'from the horses mouth', so to say. Don't rely on a third party to give you information. Download the form, fill it in, and where dates are required, mention approximate dates. Then write a letter and clearly state your case. Stick to facts without emotion or embellishments. And make sure your girlfriend does the same. Send the forms and letters stappled all together. Then wait for their response. That can take from a few days, to a few weeks, depending on how busy they are.

(If I had known this, I could have asked the lovely young couple from Colorado whom I met at the caravan park in Zeehan. Tas. two weeks ago. They work for the US consulate in Sydney. It was very interesting speaking with them, and getting explanations for some of my own queries.)

Lifey

[blako]

Hey guys,

I am planning a Road Trip from September to March of next year (2011). i'm planning on starting in LA then moving up the coast to San Fran, then up to Seattle and then probably heading acrss down to Yellowstone and then onyo Salt lake City, before hading further East and checking out the rest of the country. I'd say we'll be around the mountainous parts of the country from around October-November or possibly even into December.

I'm from Australia, and have absolutely no experience in driving in cold conditions (ice, snow etc) and was just wondering what the roads are like at that time of year? If it is too treacherous I may have to consider going up that way a little earlier just to try and beat the weather.

Thanks in advance!

Blake

[glc]

Get to Yellowstone as soon as you can. Read this page carefully. The first planned road closures start in October, and it's always possible to get an early season storm.

[blako]

Ok guys, I haven't been here for a while but I've got another question (since you've all been so helpful).

Are there any good tour companies that would do a non-Contiki Style tour (as in with less people, and not as regimented) during the Winter. The latest one I've found departs around mid-late September, and we're really trying to look for something that departs mid-October or later. Cheers in advance!

blako

[Midwest Michael]

Sorry, but guided tours are kind of the anti-roadtrip (the number one appeal of a roadtrip in many ways is the ability to do what you want, instead of following someone elses itinerary). It not that they are a bad thing, its just not the kind of thing that we focus on here and as such I doubt you'll find what you are looking for here in that regard.

This is a case where you really would likely be best off dealing with a professional travel agent who would likely have a much wider knowledge of the range of tours that might be available.