Road Tripping in the USA!

[OllyM]

Additional driver charges are banned in the state of California so whoever you book with they can't charge you to add another driver.

Try running a quote with www.uscarhire.com and see what it comes out at, they seem to be cheaper than going direct.

 

[Peerzy]

Additional driver charges are banned in the state of California so whoever you book with they can't charge you to add another driver.

Try running a quote with www.uscarhire.com and see what it comes out at, they seem to be cheaper than going direct.

£689 with Alamo so more expensive - for a standard convertible.

Any idea on who will be stocking Mustang's as I think you said one company was moving over to GM stuff?

 

[OllyM]

Did you try Silver Inclusive rather than Silver Basic? For some reason I found Silver Basic (the default) cost more!

The only way to guarantee a Mustang is to pay through the nose for a guaranteed one from Hertz, if you book with National or Alamo you may get one in the standard convertible class but you may also get a Camaro or Chrysler 200 convertible instead if that's all they have - it's impossible to tell. From what I've read they seem to mostly carry 200 convertibles now which are rubbish.

 

[Peerzy]

Did you try Silver Inclusive rather than Silver Basic? For some reason I found Silver Basic (the default) cost more!

The only way to guarantee a Mustang is to pay through the nose for a guaranteed one from Hertz, if you book with National or Alamo you may get one in the standard convertible class but you may also get a Camaro or Chrysler 200 convertible instead if that's all they have - it's impossible to tell. From what I've read they seem to mostly carry 200 convertibles now which are rubbish.

Very frustrating, it really had to be a Ford Mustang for me.

Standard convertible with Alamo through US Car Hire with the Silver Inclusive package is about £40 more expensive (£671.00).

Mustang with Hertz is over double - nearly £1500.00!

I wonder if it's best to leave the car until much closer to the time to get a feel for what cars each company has.

 

[[TW]Fox]

Don't select hotel pickup or you will be stuck with whatever they bring you. More choice at the main depot and it's hardly a faff.

I got my Mustang from hertz. The guaranteed mustang option is a massive con, it's often 2 or 3 times the price!

 

[Peerzy]

Don't select hotel pickup or you will be stuck with whatever they bring you. More choice at the main depot and it's hardly a faff.

I got my Mustang from hertz. The guaranteed mustang option is a massive con, it's often 2 or 3 times the price!

Yeah, I'm guessing it'll be better to wait until next year and read up on what people have seen each company stock at the airport and then book with a company who have Mustangs.

 

[Cemetery]

Have booked a car via carhire3000 and want to add an extra driver. Is it best to add the second driver when picking up the car (wont let you add it on the booking) or can you add them for less via a different provider?

 

[[TW]Fox]

If the rental is in a state which allows charges for additional drivers it will be much cheaper to add one with carhire3000.

 

[[TW]Fox]

Yeah, I'm guessing it'll be better to wait until next year and read up on what people have seen each company stock at the airport and then book with a company who have Mustangs.

This is the best idea. I usually book the car about 2 months before I go.

 

[richolmes72]

For car hire, go through a broker - I've always found it works out much cheaper and just book a standard convertible.

When you get there, tell them that 'the guy on the phone said it would be a mustang' - they will normally find you a mustang. If they don't have one they will give you a sebring, beg for anything else and make do with that (this happened to us and we got a hardtop camaro).

Then at the next town, drive to the hire place and tell them 'they didn't have a Mustang but they told us we could swap it over if we stopped by another place' - they give you a Mustang, no questions asked. We quite liked the Camaro and it was to hot to go roofless so we waited till our halfway point to swap to the Mustang!

 

[[TW]Fox]

Sebring is long dead, none around now.

Sadly is replacement is the 200 which is just as rubbish.

 

[-Ad-]

Does anyone have the Google maps link of the journey they've done recently on the west coast?

Alamo (UK) quote £626.43 for a standard convertible which I assume will include a Mustang, need to do some shopping but what are peoples experiences with different websites?

What I'd do:

LA - 2 Days
LA is 2 days, absolute max. Get it out of the way as soon as you land there. Stay in West Hollywood, if you can afford it, at The London.

See the Hollywood sign, walk of fame (for the gf), drive Mullholland and enjoy some of the cool bars out there in W. Hollywood. Sky Bar @ Mondrian is awesome for sunset and cocktails!


Laguna & San Diego - 4 Days
Forget driving to the Canyon, instead head south and stop in Laguna beach for a night. It's a lovely place, enjoy the food, drink and beach area.

Then take a short drive to San Diego and spend 3 days there. Stay in the Gaslamp district, we very much enjoy the Marriott there and their rooftop bar. Started chatted to some young guys there and against our better judgement went with them in their truck to some party area off the toursit track and had an amazing night. No idea where we where


Vegas & Grand Canyon - 4 days
After SD drive direct to Vegas. It's a long way and you'll laugh when the SAT NAV says 'In 210 miles, turn right' It's a long way, but probably the simplest drive in the world along the intersate. Stop at Calico Ghost Town for a wonder and to stretch your legs.

Spend 4 days in Vegas, with one of those as the trip to the Grand Canyon (see below). Try and stay fairly central on the strip as walking around will take longer than you think and will sap your energy.

Must things to do:
- At sunset go to Mix Bar @ The Hotel (next to Mandalay Bay). Get there when it opens to grab a seat outside (or book the day before) and watch the stunning sunset over the strip as it lights up. This is a must do!!!!
- Pop up the Stratosphere and have a drink in their bar. At sunset then head to the roof and watch the sun go down. Maybe go on one of the extreme rides or jump off the tower on the absailing jump thingy.
- Dabble at a bit of gambling, Planet Hollywood is a great casino, less stuffy than the others and more for a young crowd. They were also helpful to us newcomers and the waitresses came around to take your drinks orders regularly. Drinks are free but you pay tips, so I recommend a cheeky $5 for each drink in the first round then $1-2 after that.

Grand Canyon note. Listen to Fox and fly from N Vegas to the South Rim Airport. Beware that you CANNOT take a helicopter from Vegas to the Canyon, that's the crappy West Rim tourist trap. You take a fixed wing over the Hoover Dam to S. Rim airport, then can take a Helicopter ride OVER the Canyon, then grab the laid on minibus to the view points on the S Rim.


Death Valley & Yosemite - 3 days
Start your long drive West to Death valley, heading through Pahrump. Ensure you fill up with fuel here and brim the tank. Also make sure you have plenty of water in the car, for the car and more importantly yourselves should the worst happen and you break down! Ensure you take the 178 leading onto Badwater Road, it's a stunning drive, then stop at Badwater basin for your shots on the salt flats.

Eventually take the 190 NW up through Bishop and stop here for the night, or if you fancy make more progress then stop over at Mono Lake. Mono Lake is more effort to reach on an already very very long day (both of you will need to drive), but it's worth it for the stunning views over the weiry lake in the morning.

You could always stop in DV overnight to break up the trip then drive straight to Yosemite NP and stay there. Otherwise, if staying at Mono lake, then drive up through Tioga Pass for scenery that will be hard to beat, ever! Relax and take it slow, stopping off to take in the awe and grab lots of shots! Stay here for a night and explore, I didn't as we were short on holiday trip time.


SAN FRAN - 3 days
If you leave Yosemite in the morning then you'll be in San Fran ready for lunch. I highly recommend staying in the Marina District as you're out of the Union Square area, can walk to see the Golden Gate Bridge and also access Fishermans Wharf. Bars and restaurants in this area are also excellent and off the tourist track with a great local feel!

Book your Alcatraz trip in advance, spend a day there, drive over Golden Gate bridge and just explore San Fran. 3 days here will be plenty.


Monteray & Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) - 2 days
Drive from San Fran to Monteray for lunch, then explore the PCH in all it's glory. It really is an amazing drive and you'll constantly be stopping to admire the splendor. It's a fairly long day, but stop for the night in San Luis Obispo @ the Madonna Inn

Next day drive to Santa Barbara and spend 2 nights here. Enjoy this stunning place, great for wondering around down the beach, eating and drinking well!! On the 2nd day, take a drive north up the 154, enjoy the scenery and have lunch at Cold Springs Tavern before heading back to SB.


Santa Monica - 1.5 days
Leave SB after lunch and drive the 1.5hrs to Santa Monica. I recommend staying at the Georgian, it's got the perfect location and is a nice place to stay on your final 2 nights!

Relax around Santa Monica, see the famous pier and also wonder down to Venice beach to take in the crazyness and have some nice drinks and food. Bar Pintxo was a cracking place to eat, but ensure you sit at the bar where they prep the food and can chat with the chef. The Spanish Tapas we had was sensational and the GF thought it better than a lot of the food she ate in Spain when there on part of her year abroad!

Santa Monica is the best place for your final night as it isn't the LA dump and is also only 20mins from the airport car rental places!

 

[Peerzy]

What I'd do:

LA - 2 Days
LA is 2 days, absolute max. Get it out of the way as soon as you land there. Stay in West Hollywood, if you can afford it, at The London.

See the Hollywood sign, walk of fame (for the gf), drive Mullholland and enjoy some of the cool bars out there in W. Hollywood. Sky Bar @ Mondrian is awesome for sunset and cocktails!


Laguna & San Diego - 4 Days
Forget driving to the Canyon, instead head south and stop in Laguna beach for a night. It's a lovely place, enjoy the food, drink and beach area.

Then take a short drive to San Diego and spend 3 days there. Stay in the Gaslamp district, we very much enjoy the Marriott there and their rooftop bar. Started chatted to some young guys there and against our better judgement went with them in their truck to some party area off the toursit track and had an amazing night. No idea where we where


Vegas & Grand Canyon - 4 days
After SD drive direct to Vegas. It's a long way and you'll laugh when the SAT NAV says 'In 210 miles, turn right' It's a long way, but probably the simplest drive in the world along the intersate. Stop at Calico Ghost Town for a wonder and to stretch your legs.

Spend 4 days in Vegas, with one of those as the trip to the Grand Canyon (see below). Try and stay fairly central on the strip as walking around will take longer than you think and will sap your energy.

Must things to do:
- At sunset go to Mix Bar @ The Hotel (next to Mandalay Bay). Get there when it opens to grab a seat outside (or book the day before) and watch the stunning sunset over the strip as it lights up. This is a must do!!!!
- Pop up the Stratosphere and have a drink in their bar. At sunset then head to the roof and watch the sun go down. Maybe go on one of the extreme rides or jump off the tower on the absailing jump thingy.
- Dabble at a bit of gambling, Planet Hollywood is a great casino, less stuffy than the others and more for a young crowd. They were also helpful to us newcomers and the waitresses came around to take your drinks orders regularly. Drinks are free but you pay tips, so I recommend a cheeky $5 for each drink in the first round then $1-2 after that.

Grand Canyon note. Listen to Fox and fly from N Vegas to the South Rim Airport. Beware that you CANNOT take a helicopter from Vegas to the Canyon, that's the crappy West Rim tourist trap. You take a fixed wing over the Hoover Dam to S. Rim airport, then can take a Helicopter ride OVER the Canyon, then grab the laid on minibus to the view points on the S Rim.


Death Valley & Yosemite - 3 days
Start your long drive West to Death valley, heading through Pahrump. Ensure you fill up with fuel here and brim the tank. Also make sure you have plenty of water in the car, for the car and more importantly yourselves should the worst happen and you break down! Ensure you take the 178 leading onto Badwater Road, it's a stunning drive, then stop at Badwater basin for your shots on the salt flats.

Eventually take the 190 NW up through Bishop and stop here for the night, or if you fancy make more progress then stop over at Mono Lake. Mono Lake is more effort to reach on an already very very long day (both of you will need to drive), but it's worth it for the stunning views over the weiry lake in the morning.

You could always stop in DV overnight to break up the trip then drive straight to Yosemite NP and stay there. Otherwise, if staying at Mono lake, then drive up through Tioga Pass for scenery that will be hard to beat, ever! Relax and take it slow, stopping off to take in the awe and grab lots of shots! Stay here for a night and explore, I didn't as we were short on holiday trip time.


SAN FRAN - 3 days
If you leave Yosemite in the morning then you'll be in San Fran ready for lunch. I highly recommend staying in the Marina District as you're out of the Union Square area, can walk to see the Golden Gate Bridge and also access Fishermans Wharf. Bars and restaurants in this area are also excellent and off the tourist track with a great local feel!

Book your Alcatraz trip in advance, spend a day there, drive over Golden Gate bridge and just explore San Fran. 3 days here will be plenty.


Monteray & Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) - 2 days
Drive from San Fran to Monteray for lunch, then explore the PCH in all it's glory. It really is an amazing drive and you'll constantly be stopping to admire the splendor. It's a fairly long day, but stop for the night in San Luis Obispo @ the Madonna Inn

Next day drive to Santa Barbara and spend 2 nights here. Enjoy this stunning place, great for wondering around down the beach, eating and drinking well!! On the 2nd day, take a drive north up the 154, enjoy the scenery and have lunch at Cold Springs Tavern before heading back to SB.


Santa Monica - 1.5 days
Leave SB after lunch and drive the 1.5hrs to Santa Monica. I recommend staying at the Georgian, it's got the perfect location and is a nice place to stay on your final 2 nights!

Relax around Santa Monica, see the famous pier and also wonder down to Venice beach to take in the crazyness and have some nice drinks and food. Bar Pintxo was a cracking place to eat, but ensure you sit at the bar where they prep the food and can chat with the chef. The Spanish Tapas we had was sensational and the GF thought it better than a lot of the food she ate in Spain when there on part of her year abroad!

Santa Monica is the best place for your final night as it isn't the LA dump and is also only 20mins from the airport car rental places!

What a brilliant post! Thanks I'll have to add those places to my list and try and do as many as possible, I'm not sure our budgets are quite the same though so I may have to cheap out on the nice hotels slightly!

PS I once drove from Munich back to London in one 13 hour straight stint so I'll quite enjoy the long drives I think.

 

[Cemetery]

If the rental is in a state which allows charges for additional drivers it will be much cheaper to add one with carhire3000.

Sadly I ticked it during the booking but it basically ends up with you paying for the car with one set of driver details & you have to sort the 2nd driver out when there, although it did quote a price so hopefully at least they will need to stick to that.

 

[Youstolemyname]

I did yea. But I doubt it's gone up much, my recent 3 week trip to the pacific northwest was just over 4 and that was with a more expensive flight.

What was your route? Looking at another road trip and still struggling for a good route.

 

[Jez]

What a brilliant post! Thanks I'll have to add those places to my list and try and do as many as possible, I'm not sure our budgets are quite the same though so I may have to cheap out on the nice hotels slightly!

PS I once drove from Munich back to London in one 13 hour straight stint so I'll quite enjoy the long drives I think.

-Ad-'s post is excellent and is pretty much exactly what you should do.

My only alteration would be that it doesn't make enough of LA itself. We very much enjoy the city of LA, take in a baseball game (dodger stadium, angel stadium), take in something at the Staples Center, etc. Beverly Hills is also an area which i absolutely wouldnt miss if a first timer, take the O/H down Rodeo Drive, let her see all the wonderful shopping there and spot a few celebs. Also have a good drive around this area and Bel-Air just to take a look. Tons of stunning palm tree lined streets with wonderful houses and supercars cars to see.

 

[Lethal`]

They don't give Sebrings any more - they are old
They do give 200s though.

I can't imagine they would be not renewing the Mustang stock as they'd likely lose a lot of business. I went to Alamo/National about 5 times this year and rarely saw 200s on the lot at SJC/SFO. I doubt LAX is much different.

 

[Peerzy]

-Ad-'s post is excellent and is pretty much exactly what you should do.

My only alteration would be that it doesn't make enough of LA itself. We very much enjoy the city of LA, take in a baseball game (dodger stadium, angel stadium), take in something at the Staples Center, etc. Beverly Hills is also an area which i absolutely wouldnt miss if a first timer, take the O/H down Rodeo Drive, let her see all the wonderful shopping there and spot a few celebs. Also have a good drive around this area and Bel-Air just to take a look. Tons of stunning palm tree lined streets with wonderful houses and supercars cars to see.

I've still got to work out timings, with 21 days I feel I've got enough time to do everything. I figure 1 full day in LA after we land and maybe 2-3 when we are coming back. It sounds like it's a good idea to do the famous parts and avoid everything else.

They don't give Sebrings any more - they are old
They do give 200s though.

I can't imagine they would be not renewing the Mustang stock as they'd likely lose a lot of business. I went to Alamo/National about 5 times this year and rarely saw 200s on the lot at SJC/SFO. I doubt LAX is much different.

I hope they do have Mustangs. Half of the excitement for me doing the trip is doing it in a covertible Mustang. It's a car I hope to own at some point but for now a rental will have to do.

 

[[TW]Fox]

You won't want to own one once you have rented one. They are fairly crap cars, but lots of fun to rent in California.

Your current car is better in every way.

 

[Peerzy]

You won't want to own one once you have rented one. They are fairly crap cars, but lots of fun to rent in California.

Your current car is better in every way.

It's one of those things, I want to own one so I will.

I completely understand my car is better in every way, the Mustang is a special car to me for reasons other than just how it handles and the interior.