More Info
Order a Copy
USA TOURS & TRANSPORT
Rail & Coach Passes
Cars & Campers
Backpacker Tours
Airfare
USA Tours & Transport
Print Page <>Email page to a friend
There are many options for traveling around the US and Canada depending upon your time and budget constraints. They include coach, rail, backpacker transport, tours, ride sharing and car/camper rental, relocation or purchase. Please note that hitchhiking is not recommended!
Rail & Coach Passes
Amtrak and Greyhound are the main transport carriers in the US offering passes and point to point tickets. Also check out Mac-America's Northeast Rail Pass.
Go to
Rail & Coach Pass Listings
Car & Camper Rentals
Renting a car, jeep or campervan can be a cheap and fun way to travel, especially for groups of travelers. Generally, you must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. A per day age surcharge usually applies to drivers under 25. A valid drivers license from your home country and a major credit card (sometimes a cash deposit is accepted) are required. Watch out for hidden costs and rental terms such as unlimited miles, taking the car out of state, refueling charges, insurance and deductibles. Also ensure that everyone who drives the car is listed on the rental agreement. Remember, only listed drivers are insured.
If you plan to travel extensively, then buying a car may be a viable option. Fellow travelers can always be found to share costs and cheap cars are available in the US via hostel notice boards, local newspapers, used car dealers and car auctions. Rules for car registration and purchase vary from state to state.
You may want to consider joining the Automobile Club of America (AAA)
They provide roadside emergency service for members (it's worth the annual dues). (800) 222-4357
There are a number of companies that arrange for cars to be transported cross country by travelers. Generally, you receive use of the car and the first tank of gas for free. Application and deposit required. Go to Car & Camper Listings
Backpacker Tours
There are only a handful of tours and backpacker-geared transport for country wide and regional travel that include hostels or budget hotels. The popular hop-on, hop-off tours allow one to travel the route at your own pace over a given amount of time.
While on the bus, it's like a tour and they book accommodation and activities for you. But you can get off any time and see more of your current location and then catch the next bus coming through when you are ready to leave.
Go to Backpacker Tour Listings
Airfare
There are numerous travel agencies, ticket consolidators and discount websites offering cheap tickets to North America. The busiest and usually the most expensive time to travel is the summer, particularly from June to August. And, once you arrive, your options include air passes, flight coupons and discount airlines.
Due to the number of domestic airlines, cheap air travel is available. Airlines offer discounted fares on 7 and 14 day advance purchases (APEX) with a Saturday night stay required. Cyberfares are also available for last minute weekend travel and are usually available after midnight each Tuesday. For budget travel, check out student travel agencies, ticket consolidators and courier companies. Also check the weekend travel section of local newspapers.
Go to Airfare Listings
