3k for trip to US

[UndertheCedartree]

I want to take my DC to the US for a special trip as they turn 13/18 this year.

I'm looking at travelling in September. On a tight budget of 3-3.5k for flights and accomodation.

I'm clueless as to where to take them. Not New York but aside to that I am open to anywhere but would need to be able to get about without a car.

Parks for 2 days for 6 were £1500

Disneyland Anaheim !

@UndertheCedartree British Airways have their sale on if you want to look at flight costs. I don’t know what they’re like as I have never used them!

I am going to keep following as I’d love to go back to California soon!

I lived in LA and now in NYC.

To get the most out of LA you’d really want a car. It’s all so spread out and not entirely walkable. Or people don’t generally. San Diego maybe doable but Ubers are expensive. I lived in LA 3 years and never took a train. And even if you do you’ll need to uber everywhere else. San Diego is great but again a bit of work to get the most out of it. And a car would help.

NYC doesn’t require two weeks.

As a curve ball have you thought about the Carolina’s? Savannah and Charleston? May be cheaper (although I don’t know for sure) and you can get a train between the two places.

Yes, we could go for a shorter time. They are used to budget trips. People are often surprised by the relatively small amount we spend (obviously any holiday is a luxury many can't afford atall) but we just spend to our budget and still have an amazing time!

And don't worry DD will have her spending money saved up - she'll be able to buy plenty!

I'm not sure $300 is right for a one day ticket. Google says $100-$150 for Animal Kingdom for example.

The theme parks aren't the focus, though so we'll just go to what we can afford.

Sounds great, thank you.

Sorry not sure if you mean the $300 ticket is for 2 days or 3 but that would be plenty of theme parks for us!

I've only been to Florida in the Summer before. I might not be remembering right but I didn't find it as humid as the UK! I didn't find the heat a problem - but then I was much younger!

Oh, yes, I know. That's why I may see if grandparents want to pay for something for their birthdays.

I know it's all about the 14 days for these parks. But we'd hate that! A couple of days in a theme park will be enough. Then perhaps the Space centre and/or a water park.

I know we'd be paying more per day in the theme parks but won't be spending on expensive meals and souvenirs!

Thank you, I'll have a look at Toronto.

I've found flights and hotel for 2 weeks in Orlando for £2k. Also air bnbs by the coast for only £60 per night self catering.

Cabin luggage would be fine on the way out but we'd need a bigger case on the way back - luckily the flights are cheaper on the way back so could work out ok!

Ah, thanks! I'll have a look. Been looking at Florida today, will look at Camifornia tomorrow!

Don’t forget sales tax is added at point for purchase so not included in price advertised. Sometimes local taxes as well. Just so you’re aware!

Not a huge difference but a difference nevertheless. So $109 could turn into $120 etc. Not sure of tax prices in Florida. This counts for everything. Every purchase and service.

I'm open to anywhere, tbh!

Ah, yes, I had forgotten about that, thank you. It does make it a bit complicated when working to a budget!

Hi @UndertheCedartree I think you’ll really struggle on that budget.

I visited America in May 24 for 7 nights (San Francisco & Vegas) and it cost 2k all in (flight , hotel, Alcatraz and Grand Canyon ). Does your budget include hotel taxes ?

The food is very expensive in America $20-$30 for a pasta dish at an average place .

Plus the Americans expect 20% tip. I think a 6k budget for a week , for the three of you is more realistic .

Me and DH are going to Las Vegas (via Dublin) end of February with Air Lingus.

Flights and hotel = £3300

You also need to figure in ESTA’s, travel insurance and hotel tax (this might just be applicable to Las Vegas, not sure)

You really need a car in Florida, plus September is peak hurricane, I would avoid.

DC is a much better suggestion IMO, really easy public transport that goes all over, fantastic free museums and impressive sights and plentiful range of eateries. Nice weather in September too.

Whole Paycheck is not a budget option lol. I'd try another local market first - even other natural foods places tend to be cheaper than Whole Foods. PPs are right, the pound is really weak against the dollar and food is more expensive in the US post COVID.

If you can somehow finagle a US payment method and phone number you can download fast food/restaurant/grocery store apps to get discounts.

Whole Paycheck is not a budget option lol

Agree that Whole Foods isn't cheap, but nothing really is. For the same price as most fast food meals at least you can choose healthier options and it's much less expensive than most restaurants.

Fresh Market is also good but I don't know how popular that chain is across the country.

Following with interest as am looking at a similar sort of break in mid June for the end of exams. Pretty much everywhere has gotten more expensive.

I really would avoid both Florida and California without a car - Florida may be doable if you stay in a disney hotel and just do the parks but if you’re planning on seeing anything else you will really struggle without a car.

I would also avoid Florida as it is hurricane season.

Op after reading these posts I think you’d be wise to take a decent supply of pot noodles and a small travel kettle!

Could save you a few hundred going by the previous posts!

Thats an excellent price you have found but does seem like you would need to hire a car!

I liked the sound of DC!

Are hotel taxes paid locally? I've not budgeted anything for taxes!

We won't really eat at restaurants, maybe have one nice meal. How much did you spend on food for the week?

I know the estas are about $20 per person. Need to look at travel insurance and taxes too, thanks.