My Reign of Terror begins...

[MADDOG]

How's it going guys?! Well, as some of you may remember, I'm off to Sun Valley, Idaho soon! (I would be there already if it wasn't for my Visa taking forever...) I'm off this week (With a touch of luck.)

Anyway, I think I have that part sorted out. Now it's time to decide what to do afterwards. I'm going to be getting this awesome ticket that lets me take 6 flights in North America, 4 in Europe, and 4 in Asia! (I've never left Australia before!)

Anyway, I know what I want to see, but I have no idea what the best way is (Especially from a cost and time point of view. I've only got 2-2.5 months to see it all. This is a basic itintery.

NORTH AMERICA

After I finish working, I plan to tour Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, etc (To take in the parks, canyons etc) in a rented car. I'm planning on campoing out under the stars most nights. It'll be the cheapest leg I guess.

After that, I'll be catching a greyhound bus into LA, and staying for 2 weeks. I need either budget accomodation (And I do mean budget. Hopefully, the cockroaches aren't flesh eating.)

Does anyone know of CHEAP accomodation in San Diego, LA, and San Fransico?

Better yet, any idea on Vagrancy laws? I was thinking about hiring yet another car and sleeping in it too to save money...

After that, it's in to Dallas for a few days, to make a connection to Vancouver.

From Vancouver, I either Drive, Fly, or catch a bus/train across to Montreal. Does anyone know any good tours (Or even just plain old bus/train travel routes) that go in that general direction from either Vancouver or Calgary (in a pinch.)

From Montreal, it's down to New York for a few weeks, taking in the city, and surrounding areas. Again, I need Cheep accomodation here. Is it worth hiring a car to sleep in/ get around in?

Then I'm off down to DC for a few days.

So basically. In North America, I need food and shelter. I need to stretch my dollar as far as possible, and I need tours and travel between the destinations as I mentioned. Any ideas? (Oh, and seriously, can I sleep in my car? Should I have one to get around? Or are there better ways?)

OK, if anyone can help me on the next two legs, that'd help too.

EUROPE.

Originally, I wanted to see England (Got heaps of mates there, so accomodation may not be a problem. But ideas would still be appreciated. And food too.) Then I wanted to see (in no particular order) France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark and Austria.

Then I realised, I probably won't have the time or money to do all that. So for the time being, it's looking like being England, France, MAYBE Italy, and maybe a day trip somewhere else.

So I need accomodation there. Again, is it worth hiring a car? Could I even afford it there? It shits me that I have commitments in Australia. I'd love to do more touring here.

ASIA

I'm really excited about this part actually.

I believe I have to fly into Hong Kong. From there, I want to travel around China and see all the touristy stuff, but in particular, the Terrecotta warriors. All of that history fascinates me. Is it expensive? Average? Can anyone recomend a good tour, or form of Transport?

Next, I DESPERATELY want to go to Nepal and Trek for a bit. Nothing hard core. I don't have the time, or money. (Please prove me wrong. I'd happily spend the money and a few weeks here for a great experience.

Finally, Vietnam if I have the time.

I know there's a lot of questions, but as I said, All I'm really after is this.

1. Accomodation.
2. Food.
3. Travel between some destinations.

If you can give me any tips, particularly in North America, I'd love you forever in very special ways. And that is, after all, what this site is all about!

Loving you already,
MADDOG.

 

[stargazer]

lodging

I promise not to be jealous
I stayed in San Fran with my family last summer. We stayed at the YMCA. Not the best "hotel"; but we figured that we were there for the sights not the room. All we needed was a place to shower, sleep and store our stuff. Have a great time. You gonna e-mail pics?

 

[Gingersnap]

Hey Maddog you little rascal how the hell are you??? By all means get a car but be careful about sleeping in it. Remember it is winter here and most states have laws about sleeping and then again there is the safety factor. Look for bed and breakfast places or smaller motels they tend to be less expensive. Better yet sometimes Universities will let you stay in empty dorm rooms esp if you are from another country.

 

[Rachel Picabia]

That's quite some Walkabout you're taking. Only Maddog's 'n' Englishmen, as they say.

 

[Svedish_Chef]

Hey Mad-one... hope things are well with you

Nicole has gone and changed partners and is deleriously happy...

As for the trip hope it all goes well, and I'm jealous you bastard. enjoy

 

[Siren]

Maddog...........woof woof

 

[MADDOG]

Hey all! Thanks so much for all the tips and well wishes so far!

StarGazer, that's an excellent idea, and exaclty what I'm looking for. What sort of prices are we talking? Are they in all the places I mentioned (To your knowlege?) Are there many hostels around with low rates like that? Sharing is fine. Actually, Emailing pics is a possibilty! I'm hoping to get a digital Video Camera (With photo mode) before I go, so I'll ahve heaps to show, either from the road, or when I get back.

Oh, by the way, I hear it's fun to stay at the YMCA. Is that the case?

GingerSnap! You gorgeous creature! I'm excellent. And you? It's been quite a while! Hey, thanks for the tips too by the way. They'll come in handy for sure. Just with the Universities though, how would I go about organising a bed there?

Rach, it's good to hear from you. ) Well, I'm leaving without a cent to my name after expenses, so that saying definately sums up my upcoming experience!

Thanks for the kind words Cheffy! (Aside from that bastard call you bastard!). Hey, would Nicole mind you telling me the story about her new love and what happened with the old one? If not, could you either post it here or Email me? Cheers.

Siren, there's no need to miss me. Read below, that includes you.

As for fucking my way across the continent, well maybe. Noone knows me there, so I have a better chance. I've exhausted all my options in Australia. If anyone wants to make me an offer of a bed and some sex, I'll be sure to try and honour them with a night of 3 of my time. I'll go anywhere!

Oh, and to everyone, I'm always happy to get Emails on the road! If anyone wants to stay in touch or find out anything, just Get in touch via Email, and I promise a return ASAP. If anyone else was interested, feel free to post them here too.

If you guys have any more tips, let me know.

Cheers,
MADDOG

 

[Rubyfruit]

I don't know you Maddog (nice to meet you), but it sounds like you have an awesome trip planned there.

Have a great time and be safe.

Ruby

 

[MADDOG]

Thanks Ruby. Much appreciated.

Hey, who's that darling in the picture by your name? It's not you, is it? Shades of Liv Tyler there... Very cute. Who is she?

Love,
MADDOG

 

[Rubyfruit]

She is me, Maddog. Wow, a comparison to Liv Tyler is much too generous, but thank you.

 

[Siren]

maddoggie.......consider me a continent

 

[MADDOG]

Actually Ruby, I wasn't kidding. I seriously thought it was taken from some Liv movie I hadn't seen yet. There's a definate resmblance there. Just need those big lips.

And Siren, If hubby says yes, I'd love to take the tour!

MADDOG

 

[Siren]

Where first?

 

[LadyDarkFire]

San Francisco- Best bet is to stay outside of the city and take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) in. Saves money on Parking (BART parking is a hell of alot cheaper than parking in the city, and the traffic isn't a factor). There are great places in the East Bay to stay fairly cheap. Generally, if you bargin well, you can get $40 a night for a room that's fairly clean. Best places found for loging guests (and this took ALOT of calling around) are the Hillside Motel in Lafayette, CA, and the Walnut Creek Moter Lodge. Hope your trip goes well.

 

[Nicole]

Thanks for the kind words Cheffy! (Aside from that bastard call you bastard!). Hey, would Nicole mind you telling me the story about her new love and what happened with the old one? If not, could you either post it here or Email me? Cheers.

I'll Email you, but knowing you babe, you'll have 1001 questions for me LOL.

Good to see you again, and Good luck on the journey across the world

 

[Cheyenne]

After I finish working, I plan to tour Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, etc (To take in the parks, canyons etc) in a rented car. I'm planning on campoing out under the stars most nights. It'll be the cheapest leg I guess.

Hey, MADDOG! Long time, no see!

Remember, it is winter here! While sleeping in your car or camping under the stars might be great in the summer, it is a bit cold at the moment. I've never been there, but can you even get in to many parts of Yellow Stone this time of year? I don't think so. Many of the roads are only passable in summer.

 

[sexy-girl]

come to london ... there is plenty of oz bars and people so im sure you'd have a great time and with a one day tube pass you can travel anywhere you need all day


london is very expensive though for drinks and hotels etc

 

[MADDOG]

Siren, I'm thinking I'd start with the Mountain Peaks, and slowly work my way down to the Valleys. I'd sort of work my way in and out of the Valleys, and then make another trek up over the plains, and up to the mountain peaks again. What do you reckon?

LadyOfFire! Did you call around for me? Thank you so much! And thanks for the info on the BART. That's probably exactly what I needed. I really appreciate all your help. If there's anything I can do for you, just say the word.

Nikki... Good to see you Darling! I'm so happy things are working out! But, alas, where is my Email? (Only 1000 questions to go... )

Cheyenne, you gorgeous creature. How are you?! Well, I'm hoping the winter aspect won't be a problem when I'm going. All that car travel happens after the Season, and after my Stint in California, so hopefully the snow will have melted enough by then.

Sexy-girl, thanks for the advice. By all accounts, London is going to be the most expensive part of the whole journey. Luckily, I have a few friends I may be able to call on there, at least for a night so I can find the cheapest accomodation.

Thanks again for all your help guys.

MADDOG