HOW MUCH?

Bella3: said this on Monday 12 October 2009, 10:10 PM; Hi All!!

With seeing how many of you have all been overseas, which I am very jealous of (too busy shopping to save), I am wondering how much you would imagine a trip to the U.S would cost? Mr Bella and I are starting to save for a little holiday and as I don't know when we would be going, hence not know flight prices and exchange rate, I know this probably isn't the easiest question to answer, but I am wondering if anybody could help me out with rough estimates.

The current plan would be to do 1 week in LA, a couple of days in Vegas and a week in NY. As unfortunately I am not rich I am not wanting any spectacular accommodation, but also am not really interested in doing the hostel style thing during this period, so wanting something modest that isn't too far out from the main cities (if that even exists).

If anyone who has been can tell me about how much it cost you and any sort of options that you think are the best it would be very much appreciated!!

TIA!!

ezzabezza: said this on Tuesday 13 October 2009, 11:29 AM; Hi Bella,

I went to the States 2 months ago on a budget and had such an amazing time. Though i missed out on going to New York i went to Vegas and LA.
If your looking at staying in Hollywood i really recommend a little hotel called Hollywood Orchid suites. It is really well priced, very safe, clean, near public transport and right behind the Kodak theatre. They had a movie premiere there when i was there, we were able to see loads of stars.
If you can book lunch at the Ivy, local celeb hangout...it was really cute. Plus the shopping on Robinson Blvd is amazing...shops like Kitson LA.
Disneyland & Universal studios were so much fun, Universal has a ride called the Simpson's ride if Mr Bella like them...it was crazy fun.

Vegas to stay is really cheap...alot cheaper than LA and New York. We stayed at a crazy little casino called circus circus at $50 a night and that was alright. The best Casino i went to in the middle of the strip is called treasure island. Check out m&m world too if you love chocolate, make sure you google shows too. They have some amazing acts....we missed out :(
Vegas too has the best outlet shopping i have ever seen in my life, make sure you check them out.

When i booked our flights we payed under $1000 Aus and that was also for the flights to Vegas and back from LA.
Anyway im rambling haha but hope i helped out a lil bit.....have fun :)

Bella3: said this on Tuesday 13 October 2009, 03:09 PM; Thanks so much ezzabezza that is a really great help!! Mr Bella lives for the Simpsons so I don't know whether I should be telling him haha. I do love a celebrity spot so your post has definitely been directed at the right person!!

If you don't mind me asking, how much did the trip roughly cost you and how long were you over there for?

It's so hard to know.

Thanks again!!

girl_interrupted: said this on Wednesday 14 October 2009, 07:00 PM; I haven't been to the US yet, but NYC is at the top of my list for the next year, and I would love to go to Vegas as well.
My friends are there at the moment, for a couple of months, and they are on a major budget - it is usually pretty easy to save money when you are travelling, as long as you are willing to tough it out! They are camping everywhere! Not suggesting that you do this, but food is a major expense, so go to a supermarket everywhere you go so you don't have to eat out for all your meals. And walk everywhere if you can or catch public transport, don't be tempted by cabs especially from the airport as they will rip you off! Also, be realistic about what you want to do in each place, make a list, and don't pay to go into tourist attractions just so you can say you've been there - we don't really like museums, so we don't usually bother with those (except the most famous ones) so you save the entry fee!
People tease tourists with guide books, but they are money well spent - you will find out so much about the place and also about the prices of things and how to save money. If you can get your hands on a student card or are under 26 you will save bucketloads! STA usually gives these cards out for a small fee, it is well worth it getting one.
Sorry, I'm rambling a bit, hope this helps someone!

ezzabezza: said this on Monday 19 October 2009, 11:33 AM; I only had a little trip, LA for 6 nights and Vegas for 3. Flights to LA, Vegas back to LA then back to Melbourne and my accom for the whole time came to $1,400.
Girl_interrupted is spot on, meals are the biggest killer, because you need to tip 10% as well, so we made sure we ate cheaply everynight. Apart from the Ivy and Chateau Marmont that is....gulp. Even then i just ordered a $16 salad haha
Also taxi fares, i stayed near public transport at all times.....random hint dont take food or drinks on the train. My sister and i had to talk our way out of a whopping fine and community service for having an orange juice.

Pricing as well just depends what you want to do, i am a bit lame like that..i love all the corny Hollywood stuff.
My trip to the U.S was cheaper than my trip to Thailand anyways...just a matter of looking around for cheap deals and not splurging :) Have a blast x

Bella3: said this on Monday 19 October 2009, 07:53 PM; Thanks both of you soo much !! I really appreciate it!!! Now just some more saving and then planning time!!!! :P:P:P

jessika_xo: said this on Wednesday 21 October 2009, 10:02 PM; LA and NY are amazing, i'd go back anyday

Bella3: said this on Wednesday 22 September 2010, 03:08 PM; Hi Ezzabezza,

Just wanted to let you know that I booked Hollywood Orchid Suites for my stint in LA. It was perfect and so cheap, so thanks for the recommendation!!

Only just over 4 weeks to go and I will be there :):):)

Thanks again
B xx

ezzabezza: said this on Thursday 23 September 2010, 10:33 AM; Yay!!! Hope you find it as amazing as I did, keep me posted.
Have the most amazing time ever chicka x

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