USA trip help & suggestions

[jess82]

Hi, I'm hoping to visit the US at the end of june for 6-8 weeks. What is the maximum time I can stay in the USA without a visa?

I am planning to fly into NYC and out of LA. I want to spend some time in Hawaii & I'm planning on getting a 30 day greyhound bus pass. I will probably buy a couple of internal flights while i'm out there to cover the big stretches.

Has anyone done anything simillar? What are the must-see things to do? I am travelling on my own, whats the best way of meeting people doing the same?

Thanks!!

[DillyGent]

jess82. First of all you cannot enter the US without a visa. You can usually just sign the visa waiver on the plane, the docket will be attached to your passport where it must stay until you leave. You are allowed to stay for 90 days on this one. If money is tight then Greyhound is the cheapest, but the longest and not always comfortable way to travel. The train comes next, much more comfortable than the ones in the UK and you ride coach, but still the fastest and not always expensive is flying. If you don't yet have a plan then try Expedia, you can tailor make your trip and it may not cost as much as you think. The US is such a vast country you may not see all you want in one hit unless you make it a whistle stop tour. Good luck.

[kempie]

DillyGent is essentially correct except for the first sentence; by entering the US under the Visa Waiver Program they are admitting you without the need for you to obtain a visa, and this allows the 90 days maximum stay as has been stated.

Pedantry over ;-)

[Clanad]

While Dilly and kempie are correct in general, use the following links for verification and answers to other questions:

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/rctour.html

http://www.britainusa.com/consular/visas/visas.asp

The following link will give you information about AmTrak, the railroad passenger service.

http://www.gatewaylax.com/amtrak.asp

It is, as Dilly says, one of the most convenient and scenic ways to see the U.S. It does have a few drawbacks, since it is government run, but those are usually acceptable. Check into this site for pass costs and route structures:

http://www.railchoice.co.uk/amtrak/information.asp?aid=&prodid=10

Welcome to the U.S.!

[dzug]

Just another little point - if you are getting a visa waiver you have to have a return (or onward) ticket, so you will need to settle how long you are staying by the time you buy your ticket. Or get an expensive flexible ticket of course.

[eileenrose]

Also, check the USA by Rail website ( http://www.usa-by-rail.com ) for more information abou train travel (highly recommended).