I will be going the US in a month or so. I have a rough Idea of what I will be doing and where I will be going etc. California, Vagas, san diego, texas, Miami. The hot spots that I have been advised to see.
I will be on a budget and want to take money home with me so I really do not want to spend unnecessarily on things I may not actually need. No money coming in too as will not be working. Whatever I spend, is leaving me.
Obviously, as you would, I want to have a good re memorable time but hopefully at the right price and make it worthwhile. You gotta be realistic though.
The eventual end game.... out the states is to fly to south America and visit the likes of Columbia, Argentina, Bolivia.
Ive looked online and to my frustration and confusion. I have read sources that tell me I do not need a visa upon entry for Bolivia. Then, somewhere else tells me that I do.
After that, I wanted to go dirt cheap and live in Indonesia for a while. Bali, Cambodia, Vietnam. For however long for, I have no idea. I like the idea of just doing F*ck all on a nice beach somewhere and not really paying that much for it. (Don't we all)
I have the same problem with that.
I read UK passport holders do not need visas to enter, then elsewhere I read that us Brits do need them. For some reason, I find this stressful. I like things to be very simple and direct.
I will be starting my official travels in Canada (already ere) but I will actually be seeing a decent part. Banff, Jasper, Rocky mountains. Vancouver.
This is going to make me sound like a whiny twat but planning this comes with a headache.
Ive worked hard to get this fund so I can do these things but my brain is like a very unorganized desk full of messy paperwork.
Im completely on my Laz doing this trip, so proceeding with caution is one of the things on my mind.
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A thread for people to spread any advice on travels as a whole contribution to its readers.
I hope this may also help others out too who maybe in a similar-ish position.
Any tips, much appreciated
Thanks
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Comments
Bolivia was easy when I went in 2010. Indonesia I got a visa on arrival ($25). Just use the UK Gov website.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements
Most important thing is to apply for the VWP early, you cannot do it just before you travel or you may be denied entry.
Otherwise, good luck. There are quite a few websites, usually aimed at 'backpackers' or gap year students that give you good summaries of different routes and each country's requirements and any helpful advice.
What you might wanna think about is your flight from US to S. America especially Colombia. When my mate did that with a one way flight they made him buy a return before they would let him board the plane. Not sure what the solution is but might be worth researching.
Didn't have to arrange anything in advance to get into Brazil, Peru or Ecuador either.
South America's a great continent. Felt much safer over there than I do walking around London, and the birds are lovely!
Yes I need to crack on with the visa waiver thing. Got the link just gotta fill it out ASAP.
Job for tomorrow.
Anyone aware of or experienced this?
Vagas sounds bit mad. Maybe rather rich for my blood.
Where u going in Texas? We're going on the way to Mexico this year. We're thinking Austin and San Antonio. Both look good.
Maybe Houston.
My geography of Texas is probably a bit inaccurate considering i have a vision in my mind of it being like an old Western where everyone's got a horse.
Also a revolver in their back pocket
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_British_citizens
And if you're on a budget skip Vegas.it could ruin you unless you're disciplined.
Wouldn't go alone to Colombia for all the tea in china but Macchu Picchu in Peru would be on my to do list
For tropical climates why not consider Hawai'i. English speaking, safe and stunning sights,
Just my £0.02
Everything you need in there: entry requirements; tourism advice; terrorism threats; risky areas etc. Great website that is obviously kept bang up to date.
Texas is huge, so be aware of the travel time between Austin, Houston, Dallas etc, especially if you are not flying.
You are more likely to see real cowboys in Oregon/Idaho/Montana/Wyoming, while the gunslingers type are down in deserts in Arizona and New Mexico (plus western Texas).
B&B's in the States are fancy, and quite expensive, so you may be better off in Motel 6 type accom, and using Greyhound buses or hitching (if it is legal - which it isn't in some states - and you feel safe doing it). The smaller towns tend to be cheaper than the big ones and you can always try to negotiate a better rate (no guarantees). Take advantage of free breakfasts at motels so you keep food spend down during the day.
Good luck and Enjoy!
Frankly though never underestimated the stupidity/obstructive nature of the good old US immigration officials*. Just to be on the safe side I'd get one anyway and print a copy off. They are only $14 and are good for two years.
*Mrs cafcfan and I once spent a very unpleasant couple of hours in a small hot stuffy room at Miami airport all because the uniformed dimwit rubber stamp operator on the gate didn't understand what the phrase "cancelled without prejudice" meant on an old work visa in her passport.
I can imagine quite a hostile attitude from certain people.
Get robbed, get beaten up. Do not want that.
Glad the arrival time in between when you fill it out and get there lasts for 2 years. Surprised it's valid for that long.
I'm someone that loves excessive amounts of food. The states sounds good from that angle.
I remember the "Everything's bigger in Texas" quote.
I assume they put things the size of a horse in between burger buns! Giant trucks and all that.
Will always be looking to stay in the least expensive places possible, so yeh motels much better then hotel.
I hugely disagree with how easy it is to get a gun in America. The right to bare arms. It stinks.
However, going to a shooting range does sound like an attractive side hobby I wish to have a go at.
If I go vagas, I certainly will not do any gambling.
Once your in, you don't come out. Especially after a few drinks. Sounds scary.
Edited to add: my favourite places in Texas: San Antonio (a great town with the Alamo), Dallas, The Big Bend National Park and for a beach, South Padre Island.