Trip to San Francisco/New York

[don'tknowall]

My son is travelling alone to San Francisco for 2 weeks then on to New York for one week in July/August. He is planning to stay in youth hostels. Does anyone have any tips - in particular, I am wondering about the money as don't want him travelling with a lot of currency on him. He does have a credit card but will obviously need cash. Any suggestions, please?

[Clanad]

Check these sources:
http://www.hiayh.org/
http://www.hostels.com/en/hostel.menu.html
http://www.hostels.com/en/hostel.menu.html

I'd think about Travelers Checks... they're accepted just about everywhere here in the U.S. and if lost or stolen are reasonably easy to replace... most recommend American Express... check here:
http://www10.americanexpress.com/sif/cda/page/ 0,1641,22384,00.asp ...

[spudqueen]

I'd agree with Clanad about the travellers cheques (note the British spelling!!). Just remember that your son will need his passport with him if he wants to cash some in a bank. Oh, and I'd recommend a money belt - for travel anywhere!

[dzug]

If he has a debit card then an ATM is the best place to get cash - any fees will be less than that of getting TCs (the latter may be commission-free but use a doctored exchange rate)

[don'tknowall]

Thank you all for your tips, very helpful!

[sense4all]

I was in San Francisco last week, much less intense than your average US city. New York is a lot of fun too. We use a Cirrus machine to withdraw cash. If I wanted a back up amount I would take travellers cheques. Here is a link to the post office no hidden delivery charges on 0 % ( allegedly) commision as at some travel agents!

http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/jump1?ca tId=19300207&mediaId=19300210

[sense4all]

Looking thro another question the lovely Chris , (Buenchico ) has a link to a site called

http://hostelworld.com/

that looks like it might be of interest to yourselves!!