Holidaying in USA from Australia

Baz · #1 (**permalink**) 03-14-2012, 03:47 AM

I am a 68 year old Cobra owner from Sydney Australia. I have promised my 2 grand children that I will take them, my son, his wife, my wife and daughter to the States before they put me in a box. We are going for 7 weeks and doing the usual touristy stuff like Disneyland CA, Ice Skating in Central Park NY, Disney Cruise to Caribbean from Port Canaveral and visiting all the tourist attractions around Orlando. We also have 2 Motor Homes (RV's) booked from Florida and L.A.

I have planned and implemented this entire holiday myself over the net without using a Travel Agent. I have arranged all the Shuttle transfers from airports to hotels and to pickup and drop off locations for the R/V's, but I have hit the wall with one booking. I can't find a shuttle transfer operator in Carson CA to take 7 of us on a 5 minute 3 mile journey between our hotel and the R/V pickup depot. Can anyone over there suggest a respectable operator who is not going to rip us off?

Baz

BMK · #2 (**permalink**) 03-14-2012, 05:21 AM

Baz,

Sound like the trip of a lifetime.. What's this about a box. You planning on going somewhere without telling us!!

I head to the States on the 17th. of April.

Doing a 3 day stay in LA on the Queen Mary etc. then to Orlando for 5 days. Up to Savannah, Georgia for 3 days then down to Miami for 4 days.

Then back to Cal. LA to Santa Monica 3 days then to S/Fran for 5 days, and a few days down at Carmel, San Simeon and then to Santa Barbara early May. Then mid May to Palm Springs until the 19th.

Mmmm may pass each other. I'll be in the Mustang convertible with a big grin!!! Hire a Shelby!!

Try the maxi cabs acroos at O Hare at LAX. Or two cabs in tandem. They are pretty good when you say ...."follow that cab"..

Tom Wells · #3 (**permalink**) 03-14-2012, 07:27 AM

Aussies,

It would seem you are going to be at least passing our neighborhood, so if you're near St Augustine FL give a PM or whatever and if I'm in town maybe we can meet up!

Tom

tcrist · #4 (**permalink**) 03-14-2012, 12:41 PM

Baz,

Check with the hotel that you are staying is and see if they know of a Taxi service that has a van that will hold 7 passengers. Or check the Taxi's in the area on the net and e-mail them.

Maybe one of our CC members in the area can help out.

Baz · #5 (**permalink**) 03-14-2012, 03:29 PM

Thanks guys,

I have decided to give the shuttle bus idea a miss and take 2 cabs. The shuttle quotes have been ridiculous with a minimum of 1 hour bookings only available. One company wanted $360 for a 5 minute ride. I told him he's dreaming.

Bernie,
We leave Sydney on 10th December and don't return until 27th January next year. I doubt whether we will cross paths unless your Mustang has a few break-downs. Prior to that, wifey and I are off to Amsterdam in May to do the Scenic River Cruise to Budapest. It will be our first holiday with just the 2 of us for 10 years. Normally we have our 36 year old handicapped daughter with us, but we both need the break away from her. My son will be looking after her while we are away.

Tom,
I would love to catch up with you and any other member who lives on our journey around the States. I will PM you later in the year. From our reckoning, we will be going through St. Augustine FL on Thursday 10th January, 2013 in our convoy comprising two 30 foot rented RV's powered by Ford 6.8 litre V10's. I might bring one of those motors back for my Cobra.

Baz

Tom Wells · #6 (**permalink**) 03-14-2012, 04:09 PM

Baz,

Sounds good! Keep us posted. We could perhaps give you a Cobra escort, or maybe treat to supper and/or beer and/or coffee.

My Cobra has 8 1/2 liters so I couldn't in good conscience recommend anything that small...

Since we don't know what we'll be doing this Saturday, a PM closer to the date would be wonderful

Tom

Daddisgrl · #7 (**permalink**) 03-16-2012, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baz

I have planned and implemented this entire holiday myself over the net without using a Travel Agent. I have arranged all the Shuttle transfers from airports to hotels and to pickup and drop off locations for the R/V's, but I have hit the wall with one booking. I can't find a shuttle transfer operator in Carson CA to take 7 of us on a 5 minute 3 mile journey between our hotel and the R/V pickup depot. Can anyone over there suggest a respectable operator who is not going to rip us off?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baz

I have decided to give the shuttle bus idea a miss and take 2 cabs. The shuttle quotes have been ridiculous with a minimum of 1 hour bookings only available. One company wanted $360 for a 5 minute ride. I told him he's dreaming.

Doesn't the hotel have a courtesy shuttle? Normally they pick up at airports. I googled & it says the nearest airport is Long Beach Airport & the next is LAX. I don't know how close the RV place is in relation to either of these; but it may be worth looking into. If they do have a shuttle; they may be willing to pick you up.

Another thought would be to rent an SUV; large pick up or van for a day from a place that will pick it up. It should be cheaper then prices you were quoted for the shuttle or possibly the taxi. I just did a quick search using Enterprise; to rent a van for 1 day 101.50 USD.

A good message board to go to would be city-data; they have state specific sections where locals can help you figure something out.

.

Baz · #8 (**permalink**) 03-17-2012, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daddisgrl

Doesn't the hotel have a courtesy shuttle? Normally they pick up at airports. I googled & it says the nearest airport is Long Beach Airport & the next is LAX. I don't know how close the RV place is in relation to either of these; but it may be worth looking into. If they do have a shuttle; they may be willing to pick you up.

Another thought would be to rent an SUV; large pick up or van for a day from a place that will pick it up. It should be cheaper then prices you were quoted for the shuttle or possibly the taxi. I just did a quick search using Enterprise; to rent a van for 1 day 101.50 USD.

A good message board to go to would be city-data; they have state specific sections where locals can help you figure something out.

.

Thanks for the info Daddysgirl. I'll take it on board. Every bit of info helps when you'r in a different Country with different practices.

Baz

Baz · #9 (**permalink**) 08-25-2012, 12:59 AM

Here is our itinerary for the 7 week USA adventure:-

Arrive LA Monday 10th December, 2012. 2 days at the Tropicana Inn Anaheim whilst visiting Disneyland.

Thursday 13th December, 2012. Fly to New York. 4 days in the Broadway Plaza Hotel whilst attending Christmas Spectacular at Madison Square Garden, Freedom Tower, Manhattan Cruise, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, skate Central Park, visit KOA Swartz Toy Store and Tiffany's on 5th Ave, Empire State Building, Rockerfella Centre, and Brooklyn tour.

Monday 17th December, 2012. Fly to Orlando. 5 days at Rosen Inn Hotel at Pointe Orlando. Visit Universal Studios, Seaworld and Kennedy Space Centre.

Saturday 22nd December, 2012. Transfer to Port Canaveral for 7 day Christmas cruise of Caribbean on the new Disney Fantasy.

Saturday 29th December, 2012. Transfer from Port Canaveral to Kissimmee Florida to pickup 2 x rented 30 foot motor homes and drive to Gator R/V Park in the Everglades.

Sunday 30th December, 2012. Airboating in the Everglades then drive to the Riptide R/V Resort in Key Largo.

Monday 31st December, 2012. Drive from Key Largo to KOA St.Petersburg FL for New Years Eve celebrations.

Tuesday 1st January, 2013. Drive from St.Petersburg to Panama City beach Resort FL.

Wednesday 2nd January, 2013. Drive from Panama City to KOA New Orleans West LA for 2 nights. Visit Oak Alley Mansion and Plantation.

Thursday 3rd January, 2013. New Orleans.

Friday 4th January, 2013. Drive from New Orleans to The Woods R/V Park, Montgomery, AL.

Saturday 5th January, 2013. Drive from Montgomery AL to Whitwell TN for an overnight at friends ranch.

Sunday 6th January, 2013. Drive from Whitwell TN to KOA Nashville R/V Park, TN

Monday 7th January, 2013. Drive from Nashville to Asheville East KOA R/V Park, N.C., and visit Biltmore Estate.

Tuesday 8th January, 2013. Drive from Asheville to Swansea Jellystone Park S.C.

Wednesday 9th January, 2013. Drive from Swansea Jellystone to Savannah South KOA R/V Park G.A. Visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston.

Thursday 10th January, 2013. Drive from Savannah G.A. to St.Augustine FL. Meet up with Tom Wells - Florida Cobra Club member, then drive to KOA Kissimmee, FL.

Friday 11th January, 2013. Clean R/V and fly from Orlando to Los Angeles and overnight in Double Tree Hotel by Hilton at Carson C.A.

Saturday 12th January, 2013. Pickup 2 x 30 foot R/V's from carson F.L. and drive to mesa Apache Junction KOA R/V Park A.Z.

Sunday 13th January, 2013. Drive from Apache Junction, through Sedona and Oak Creek to the Grand Canyon. Overnight at the Mather Campgrounds, Grand Canyon National Park.

Monday 14th January, 2013. Drive from the Grand Canyon to KOA Flagstaff R/V Park.

Tuesday 15th January, 2013. Drive from Flagstaff to KOA Circus Circus Los Vegas for 2 nights.

Wednesday 16th January, 2013. Los Vegas.

Thursday 17th January, 2013. Drive from Los Vegas to Visalia KOA R/V Park C.A.

Friday 18th January, 2013. Drive from Visalia to Placerville KOA R/V. Park C.A.

Saturday 19th January, 2013. Drive from Placerville to Golden Gate Trailer Park San Francisco C.A. for 3 nights.

Sunday 20th January, 2013. Discover San Francisco.

Monday 21st January, 2013. Alcatraz tour.

Tuesday 22nd January, 2013. Drive coast road from San Francisco to Salinas Monterey KOA R/V Camp.

Wednesday 23rd January, 2013. Drive from Monterey to Los Angeles. Enroute visit Hearst Castle. 2 x overnights at Walnut R/V Park Northridge L.A.

Thursday 24th January, 2013. Visit Legoland in Carlsbad L.A.

Friday 25th January, 2013. Wash R/V, drop off and fly back to Sydney at 10.20pm.

Saturday 26th January, 2013. Flying home.

Sunday 27th January, 2013. Arrive in Sydney at 8.20am - Totally stuffed.

If there is anyone in the USA besides Tom Wells in St. Augustine that would like to catch up with us that fits in with my itinerary, please respond. I would love to hear from you.

Hershal:- Texas is a bit too far off the track, but the offer to visit and stay with us in Sydney is always there.

Baz

Ron61 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-25-2012, 06:29 AM

Baz,

That is quite a trip that you have planned and you should enjoy it a lot. To bad you aren't coming farther up into Northern Calif. as I live 250 miles North of San Francisco.

Anyway have a great time and enjoy the sites.

Ron

Tom Wells · #11 (**permalink**) 08-25-2012, 12:33 PM

Baz,

When I get a 2013 calendar I'll put January 10 on there

In the meantime, don't lapse and drive on the wrong side of the road over here

Sounds like a dream trip!

Tom

lovehamr · #12 (**permalink**) 08-27-2012, 04:53 AM

Hey Baz, quick note here:

Sunday 6th January, 2013. Drive from Whitwell TN to KOA Nashville R/V Park, TN

Monday 7th January, 2013. Drive from Nashville to Asheville East KOA R/V Park, N.C., and visit Biltmore Estate.

Tuesday 8th January, 2013. Drive from Asheville to Swansea Jellystone Park S.C.

You do realize that there is likely to be snow in the mountains at that time of year right? Cruizing around in an RV wouldn't be my first choice. BTW, I live in Brunswick GA which is about half way between Savannah and St. Augustine, so if you need anything don't hesitate to let me know. I'd be glad to help.

Tom Wells · #13 (**permalink**) 08-27-2012, 06:20 AM

Baz et al (you too, Steve!),

I've started a thread on my web site to see if we can set up a welcome (lunch maybe?) for the group. All are invited to participate: First Coast Cobra Club • View topic - Cobra guy from Australia visiting Jan 10, 2013

And I hope, even though it looks like a Thursday (thirsty?) lunch, that anyone in the area with a Cobra will find time to join us.

That means ALL Y'ALL, ya hear?

Tom

PS: I hope the schedule holds, and that I actually remember the date

Baz · #14 (**permalink**) 08-27-2012, 04:17 PM

Thanks Tom and thank you Lovehamr for the advice. I'm afraid all the bookings are made and the route is the route. Besides, we have some wonderful friends which we are catching up with in Whitwell TN who we met on an Alaskan cruise and haven't seen them for 17 years.

What you'r trying to organise Tom sounds fantastic. What an eye opener that would be for our family, especially the two grand children. Thanks mate. Looking forward to it and hope you gather a few.

Baz

FuzzyDiceRide · #15 (**permalink**) 09-08-2012, 12:05 AM

Sir .......Rude I am not. But if you ain't coming to Texas, I would forget the whole trip and just Google Earth it and save the money for good kangaroo BBQ . ;-)

Baz · #16 (**permalink**) 09-09-2012, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FuzzyDiceRide

Sir .......Rude I am not. But if you ain't coming to Texas, I would forget the whole trip and just Google Earth it and save the money for good kangaroo BBQ . ;-)

Hi FuzzyDiceRide,

This holiday started off as 7 days and now has blown out to 7 weeks. I would love to have visited Texas as I have some good friends down there, but when the women tell you," This is where we are going!" Guess what. That is where we are going.

Another reason for this itinerary is to catch up with some good solid Americans who we have met over the past 14 years during our travels. Some, we haven't seen for that length of time and we are really looking forward to seeing them again.

Forget the Kangaroo B.B.Q. I'm into black Angus grain fed beef fillet steaks, medium rare topped off with a couple of bottles of good red wine and a few good old Aussie beers..

Take care now and keep well.

Baz

Tom Wells · #17 (**permalink**) 01-10-2013, 06:22 PM

Baz and family,

We immensely enjoyed your visit! Hope you did too.

I put up a few of Kay's photos in the thread here: First Coast Cobra Club • View topic - Cobra guy from Australia visiting Jan 10, 2013

Come back any time!

Tom & Kay