any information on travelling across the US?
i am currently in my final year of degree in tourism management at home in northern england.after graduation i am hoping to travel the world,starting in america and crossing over,maybe to japan and so forth.i have backpacked only once before on a month long road trip around europe and not done anything on the scale of round the world but i have visited the US a couple of times when i was younger. america is a country which has always fascinated me and im keen to explore from new york westbound.although i have a great interest in american lifestyles and cultures,i have little knowledge of what it would be like for the average british graduate traveller there.
-what type of visa would i need?
-how much money should i take in uk £(or preferably would i be able to find casual work to fund my travels)?
-how expensive is budget accomodation/transport/food?
-where are the best places for meeting fellow travellers?
-are there any specific places i should avoid eg dangerous for travellers,crime,anti-brits etc?
-other than the use of different units and certain words and phrases,are there any major cultural differences i should be aware of?
-do american girls like british men as much as iv heard?
the general route im thinking of taking is starting in new york and heading down the east coast to florida and then across westbound (texas,arizona,nevada to california) although really it may vary depending on prices and if i change my mind over there.id be looking at staying in budget accomodation,hostels or other places where i can meet other people (id be travelling alone).id also be willing to camp providing the weather wasnt too coldor wet.id like to find casual work while im travelling too doing pretty much anything eg helping out at ranches,picking fruit,stacking shelves at supermarkets,barwork etc.
if anybody (particularly brits or americans)who has travelled in america/worked in america/lived in america has any information to help out about visas,prices,places,people,and general living id be very greatful.
TAKE ROUTE 66
Before you can think about all the practical details, you need to get the money issue sorted out.
When you travel to the US as a tourist, you are not allowed to seek employment, i.e. you can’t take on odd jobs to earn money. This is the same in many other countries – including the UK, I believe. And, while getting into the US as a tourist is easy for you, getting a work permit or work visa will be a lot more challenging.
See the link below for more information on visas for temporary workers, and good luck!
UK citizens can travel to the USA for up to 90 days at a time as a tourist or for some business purposes by registering for ESTA > before < their trip begins. The cost is US$14, which is similar to the fee for Australian ETA program.
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/visaservices/?p=129
Registering is accomplished online, you don’t need the details of your trip, and the confirmation is valid for multiple trips to the USA over two (2) years so don’t wait until the last minute.
Print the confirmation – or at least record the number – and keep the information with your passport. Having a return or onward ticket leaving North America is a requirement, so have a copy of your airline itinerary at passport control.
Check with your health insurance to find out if it covers you in the USA. If yes then take proof of coverage with you. If no or not sure then get trip medical insurance, which is cheap and sold by airlines & travel agents.
You > cannot < legally work if visiting the USA on the Visa Waiver Program or on a regular tourist visa.
You can use travel sites like Expedia & Orbitz to price hotels in the places you plan to visit. There are many, many online guides for camping in the USA. Every state has a tourism website and most will mail info & maps to you (free, even to addresses abroad).
Hostels are not as common in the USA as in Europe and usually aren't as good, but they do exist. This is an example: http://www.indiahousehostel.com/ Also a good place to meet other travelers.
Budget US$50 per day for meals and incidentals. You may be able to get by on less but don’t count on it.
Except for things like biscuit/cookie, petrol/gasoline, celsius/fahrenheit, and which side of the road on which to drive you won’t have any problems in daily life.
Use common sense and you are unlikely to have any problems. There are no anti-British parts of the USA I am aware of. Yes, your accent will fascinate women.
Consider joining SERVAS, which will give you good + safe local contacts in many places even if you don’t choose to stay with a host:
http://joomla.servas.org/
I hope you have a good trip!
You need a passport