Holidays to America. Advice, please.?

Question

I'm wanting to go to America, next Summer (between Mid-June and Mid-to-End August 2010).
I want to go to Los Angeles/Huntington Beach.
I need to do it cheap as I'm a student with very little money.
How is the best way to get the best, cheapest holiday, yet still be protected, should anything go wrong with the holiday?

I've tried going via last minute/cheap flight websites and hotel websites but I want to explore all other options and make sure I understand all the costs.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

There is a limit to how much you can save on airfare. Check the travel sites (airgorilla, expedia, priceline, travelocity, etc.) and also check the airline websites. I have often (not always, but often) found the best fares on the airline websites. Check with a real travel agent to ask about promotional fares and special deals.

Assuming you are from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program, go ahead and register. It's free, valid for two years (multiple trips), and you don't need your exact travel plans. Print the confirmation and keep it with your passport:

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/withou…
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_vis…

Travel agents sell trip insurance. It's cheap, and you can get coverage for medical treatment, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. Try to get medical insurance that pays the bill rather than reimbursing you after you pay.

Along with airfare, accommodations are usually the largest cost for a trip. The USA does not have as many youth hostels as Europe and the quality is irregular. An example of a good hostel where I live is:

http://www.indiahousehostel.com/

Consider joining SERVAS, which will give you local contacts in many places and you have the opportunity to stay with hosts for free:

http://joomla.servas.org/

Couchsurfer is reportedly similar but I have no personal experience with the program.

You might want to re-post your question in the Los Angeles section of the Travel section to get more answers from locals.

Good luck!

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thank you, that's very helpful. =)

Answer 2

I suggest you go to West Virginia. It is a beautiful state that offers white water rafting, If you go in October you can attend Bridge Day, a day you spend on the New River Gorge Bridge to bungee jump. And about fifteen miles from there you will come across a town named Summersville. You could go boating at Summersville lake, go hiking, visit the park, and other recreational activites. Another attraction is the Seneca Caverns, large caves that you can explore. Tamarack is a crafting place adored by many visitors. There you can watch as people blow glass to make vases, bowls, etc. You can shop for West Virginian clothes, buy nic-nacs to take home to loved ones, study the museum, and many other things. There are also many many many museums all over the state to visit, each one portraying something different and unique. When I visited West Virginia I loved it so much I moved here! :]

Answer 3

hi,
Have you visited http://traveltovacations.blogspot.com I'am sure you'll find cheap hotels and airfares here..