RV Hire californai

[chriscroz]

Thinking of touring california, where is the cheapest place to hire RV to sleep 8 and the best place to buy flights

[Clanad]

From small towns such as Murphys to metro-plexes like Los Angeles... California is a huge state, being 770 Miles long by 250 miles wide... perhaps it would be of great value to narrow down the area you may wish to rent said RV a bit...

[Dee Sa]

Clanad what would we do without you ? your are the best
and help so many, you desreve a big pat on the back.
Dee

[chriscroz]

Thinking of Los Angeles to Las Vegas, flying into and one and leaving from other, dont know if RV hire is the best way, but we will look at all possiblities. Any advice would be welcome

[Clanad]

A couple f thoughts, <B<chris... the highway from L.A. to Las Vegas goes across a large desert, with absolutely nothing to see after the first 50 miles. It's about 300 miles from LAX to Vegas but it's all on Interstate 15 across the Mojave Desert. On a good day with not a lot of traffice in a sedan it'll take about 5 hours. If the traffic out of LA is bad, it can take 8 hours. Don't travel, if you can help it,any time after say, noon on Fridays... everyone in LA goes to Vegas on Friday afternoon.
As to an RV... nothing really, to be gained. The real purpose of the RV would be to give you a place to stay overnight, but, even in the worst traffic, you'll be able drive it in one day. Secondly, gasoline is now averaging about $3.25 per gallon. The average RV will get, at best 10 miles per gallon, while most sedans will easily double that. Additionally, when you get to Vegas and want to drive out to Hoover Dam or around the Strip, an RV will be a big handicap. One way rentals are problematic and expensive, unless you intend to drive back to LA.
But, if you insist, here are some sources:
http://www.adventuretouring.com/
http://www.usarvrentals.com/california/los_ang eles/?src=google4&grp=Los_Angeles&gclid=CKedrc CSu5ICFSB7Igod630JYg
http://www.cruiseamerica.com/rent/hot_deals/
http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/art icle/2006/04/06/AR2006040601279.html

At any rate, best of luck and welcome to the U.S. !

[chriscroz]

thanks your insight is very appreicated. What if we fly into vegas spend 2 nights there hire a 10 seater van, stop off at grand canyon for 2 days then go on to LA for theme parks, shopping, hollywood. Any thoughts on decent hotels not too expensive alon the way or any other advice

thanks again

[Clanad]

That would probably work for you. I assume, originating in the U.K. that you would fly into New York or some other east coast destination and then on to Las Vegas. (looks like Virgin Atlantic is the only carrier offering non-stop LON-LAS right now). At any rate, on arriving in LAS keep in mind that the hotels on the "strip" are very expensive and you don't actually spend much time in the hotel room. I've had good luck with one of three hotels in LAS all run by Sun Coast and just off the strip (see here: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&resnum=0&um= 1&ie=UTF-8&q=SunCoast+hotels&near=Las+Vegas,+N V&fb=1&view=text&sa=X&oi=local_group&resnum=4& ct=more-results&cd=1 (apologies for the length URL) .
Keep in mind the drive from Vegas to Grand Canyon is about 5 or 6 hours to the South Rim. Highways are generally very good, with the exception of the Hoover Dam area which can be quite congested. The highway to Kingman, AZ is two lane, but still a very good road. Keep in mind the altitude on the south rim is above 5,000 feet above sea level and can be wuite cool, even in some summer days. I would plan on staying in Flagstaff, rather than hotel near Grand Canyon. A good chain here in the U.S. for value is Comfort Inns. Your exchange rate is certainly favorable right now.

The drive from Gand Canyon to LA will be lengthy. To avoid repeating the LAS drive, you can go south from South Rim via Flagstaff and Sedona which is very scenic to Phoenix, thence west through Blythe, CA and returning to LA. If you thought LA to Las Vegas was boring, the Mojave Desert in the area of Blythe/ Twenty Nine Palms exceeds that by a whole bunch.
I'd look at Map Quest as well as Google some information on where to stay. Personally, I'd plan on staying in Phoeni