Hi everyone,

Did anyone see the new TV show "Things To Try Before You Die"? Tonight's episode was 30 things to try in the USA. It made me so excited! And after seeing that, I am definitely going to do a helicopter flight over the Canyon.

I don't think I'll get any sleep in the next 6 weeks, lol.

Bec
bec83@bigpond.com

Hey everyone,

First off, before I say anything, just want to make it clear, I'm not going on your trip.

However, as a New Yorker I would be more than happy to share my experiences and share any advice or tips you'd like.

Brian
brij75@yahoo.com

Southern Ireland '97
Grand Explorer '00
Rainbow Nation '01 (no longer offered by Contiki)
Beaches & Reefs '02-'03

I saw the show...You're right it was exciting. How awesome did the Grand Canyon look. When they were in LA, Vegas and NY I kept thinking to myself that in only 6 weeks I am actually going to be in those places. The number one item on the list...the zero gravity plane looked so much fun, but at $4000 I think it's a bit out of my price range!!!
It's hard to believe it's only 6 weeks till we leave....

Just wanted to let everyone know that you can buy commission free USD from Westpac until Sep 07 and you can do it online via bPay. They are currently paying 0.8559. Today Australia Post were only paying 0.835 (supposedly commission free also)
http://westpac.com.au/internet/publish.nsf/Content/PBSV+FX4You

hey everyone.. im booked on this tour also.

looks like there are a few aussies going.

look forward to meeting u all in LA!

Gday guys,

Was planning to do an LA trip with some of my mates but none could get leave for Sept, but I still wanted to go to the states as this will be my first time.
Just booked this trip today. Pretty excited. Haven't gotten the full specs yet. But it looks like I fly out on the 2nd. Is anyone coming earlier? Dunno how this works as I thought we were supposed to meet the guide at 5pm on the 2nd?

Does anyone know how much it would cost for another night if I decided to come a day earlier?

Cheers all

I think an extra night at Anaheim's Stovall Inn at the beginning of the tour is about $70 (for a twin share room).

To stay extra nights at the end of the tour (Beacon Hotel in NY) is about $175 (twin share).

Since the U.S. is a day behind Australia, if you leave here on the 2nd of Sep, when you arrive in LA it will still be the 2nd, so the 5pm meeting time is right. I hope that makes sense, lol.

see you in LA!

Bec

quote:

Stovall Inn

Hi bec,

Is the Stovall Inn where the contiki group is staying? Just checked it out, seems like a great location.

Anyone getting there early?

Just confirming what Bec has said. I'm leaving Melbourne at around 10am (Melb time) on the 2nd and I arrive in LA at around 7:30am (LA time) also on the 2nd, which basically gives me the whole day before meeting up with the tour at 5pm.

-Susie-

Oh I see , thanks for confirming guys.

I've decided to come a day early, sleep off some jetlag and maybe pop into disneyland as it's only around the block. They booked me into best western for 85 buck for a nite.

Apparently the contiki hotel is on the same road but totally booked out.

Looks like I'm budgeting 7k for the trip.

i will be in anaheim a few days before.

the_game i will be staying at best western also before the 2nd.

mate this is my second contiki trip.
i was in the same situation as u last time.

you will have the time of your life!

for everyone who is doing this by themselves for the first time - u will find new friends on the first day. contiki rocks!

just have a positive attitude and a smile!

i can't wait.

if you watch rove on sunday nights they are in LA this week.
i been watching the clips on www.rovedaily.com.au and getting very excited!

plus the australian dollar is so strong right now... so shopping will be reasonable!

Hi Mars,

I am definitely excited. I can't wait.I've always wanted to go to the states and even though my mates can't join me, I'm sure it will still be a blast.

What are you planning to do on your few days in anaheim beforehand? From what I gather, the hotel is in a pretty central location so it shouldn't be hard to get to main attractions

hey everyone.. i'll be on the tour aswell. i'm pumped.. bring it on!! =)
im 21 and from sydney.. anyone whos going feel free to msg me if you wanna chat.
xx benny

Can't wait. Was wondeing if anyone can give me some advice, noobie traveller.

Whats the best way to carry currency around? travellers cheques? Or should you exchange as much as u can in oz and bring it?

You could look into getting a Travelex Cash Passport, you can use it at US ATMS.

http://www.travelex.com/au/personal/CP_default.asp?content=cp

I got mine set up at Australia Post