Hi, we live in Australia and next year will be holidaying in North America for 6 months, June to November 2010, travelling all over going to classic cars event, swap meets and drag racing events. We plan to start in San Francisco and eventually end up back there. We are not sure what to do about accommodation. We have thought of buying a Chev/Dodge pickup and a fifth wheel camper and staying at rv parks etc. We would then sell the camper, or get our friend to sell the camper, and then head home. Our other option is to buy a car and stay in motels, such as the Super 6 or Motel 8 chains, insurance isnt a problem, we have a contact for this.
Does anyone have any suggestions/ideas for our trip.
Thanks for your assistance.
Toni Reply to this

Hi Suzy, yes our budget is about the same as yours. I think we are leaning toward the fifth wheel and pickup option, there seems to be quite a few places that offer cheap or free camping and have also found out about Passport America, seems to be a good way to go, gives you up to 50% off various RV parks etc.
We have someone in WA that can buy the rig for us and will sell again after we leave.
When are you planning on going? Reply to this

Welcome to America Toni - I have to disagree with heart08 about the motel option as I think it will be a budget buster. I spent the 3 summer months of 2004 driving across America to see every major league baseball park and the cost of motels grew to more than half my total expense. Even staying mainly within the Super 8 chain you'll easily average $80 per night -- more in California and the NorthEast. Remember to add about 12% in local taxes to the prices advertised on the website when estimating your costs. Add to that the fact that you're only getting cold cereal as breakfast and I'd bet you'll tire of low-cost motels night after night. I'm not knocking Super 8 or Motel 6 per se -- I stay there often, and if you use them you should sign up for their rewards programs to earn a few free nights stays over your 6 month holiday.
So I'd definitely suggest you bring your sleeping quarters with you on wheels rather than rely on a motel reservation every night. Save the hotel money on nights in Manhattan and such places where you really want to enjoy the city experience. Reply to this

I think I am leaning toward the having sleeping, eating quarters with us, nothing like home cooking.
I tried Cruise America and to rent a rv it was going to cost around $30-35000. So then I thought why not buy one, could get one for around $20-25,000 and then can sell it at the end of the journey.
The other good thing is we could tow a car trailer with a hot rod in it so we can also participate in some of the events we go to, perfect!!!
We plan on leaving from San Francisco and maybe purchasing an rv in Portland OR, where our freind is, then heading across to the east coast, Ohio, spending a couple of months travelling around the east coast, head south the Texas, Arizona and then back to Portland. We plan on doing plenty of miles as we would like to see as much of your beautiful country as we can and go to as many car events/swap meets as possilbe.
Thanks for everyones help! Reply to this

Luxury Hotels in San Francisco

We plan to start in San Francisco and eventually end up back there. We are not sure what to do about accommodation.

Hey what, I think you guys stole my idea for going to North America for 6 months this coming winter season. Its been my dream to live and travel around the States for several months and not just those quick holidays that usual do. or even just weekend trips. San Francisco is exactly one of the two point where I would start. Funny. I am already trying to book into one of the Luxury Hotels in San Francisco near Union Square. They have good deals in late November or January I have been told. Well I ll keep planing a little bit of time and let you guys know what will end up doing in detail.
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