Advice needed on Mid West.

[bladefixation2]

So, in a few weeks I'm off to the good old USA again for my holidays. I'm going to the mid west, somewhere I've always wanted to go and with the exchange rate so good (for me...) I thought now was the time. I'm a bit apprehensive about driving over there, different side of the road, different rules, signs etc but what the hell whats life without a risk or two

I have a few questions I hope you guys can help me out with...


1. I want to see death valley, grand canyon, monument valley etc (all the famous bits!) But I'm confused where I should fly to.

Seems that all the tour operators fly to Las Vegas, is there any reason why I should or shouldnt fly to Phoenix instead? I can fly direct to Phoenix but have to change at San Francisco or Phoenix to get to Las Vegas. The only advantage I can see is car hire is cheaper in Nevada, Arizona puts a premium on car hire for some reason. Some places suggest fly. Also it looks like if we drove from Las Vegas we would see the Hoover dam.

My guide book suggests flying to Salt Lake City if Im not bothered about seeing Las Vegas as its quieter and calmer.


2. Do you have any laws about non lethal weapons like pepper spray/ telescopic batons etc or can I just pick some up when I get there and carry them in my pocket?


3. What rate should I be looking at for a decent motel without being ripped off?


4. Any recommendations on places to see around there?


5. In the UK we dont have any particuarly dangerous animals. Obviousley if I see a diamondback I'm not going to try and get a photo of me holding the thing, but how often do you actually come across dangerous snakes/ spiders/ scorpions in your day to day lives? Is it a case where I might just see a snake now and then if I'm out in the desert or if I leave my pants on the motel room floor at night will I put my hand in the pocket the next day to find a snake in there? (I dont want to hear the line 'is that a rattler in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?' !!!)


6. Anything else I may need to know, bearing in mind I'm an innocent European I've only been to America once before, that was to NY and I didnt go out of the city.

 

[fishbulb]

Just as an FYI, the area that you're looking at is the Southwest, not the midwest.

The Midwest is more Ohio and Indiana areas, and there's not a whole lot to see around here. Mostly agriculture and industry. I'd hate for you to end up in Cleveland instead of Salt Lake.

Also, you may have to get used to driving long distances in hot weather. Over here (particularly in the southwest) one can easily go a few hours between gas stations, and if you aren't careful it's possible to run dry before you can find one. So fill up regularly. Also remember to keep an eye on your engine coolant and keep a few gallon jugs of water in the vehicle. If the car overheats these can be used to top off the radiator, and will keep you safe if you (knock on wood) wind up stranded somewhere.

Otherwise, just have fun.

 

[Mike Hull]

What Fishbulb said. And for the destinations you name, I'd fly into Sky Harbor International airport, Phoenix, Arizona.

 

[bladefixation2]

Just as an FYI, the area that you're looking at is the Southwest, not the midwest.

Sorry my stupid fault, It even says 'Southwest USA' on my guidebook cover :footinmou

 

[Danelle O'Shea]

a decent motel with a continental breakfast should run you around $50-60 a night if you shop around.

Any reason your dream destinations are death valley, and the grand canyon? There's so much more to do and see in the west. (mid or south!)

You might see a rattler in the desert, but it's unlikely. And almost certainly you won't have one in your pocket in the morning (unless you put it there).

Im not sure about the pepper spray and baton. My guess is that the pepper spray would probably be ok, but not the baton. You can keep it in your car or whatever, but I believe it would be considered to be covered under the CCW and that it would have to not be "hidden."

Good luck, hope you have a good time.

 

[Ren the devils trailboss]

If you are wishing to see the Grand Canyon also take time to visit Bryce and Zion National parks also. These parks are within a half days drive of the grand canyon north. I would suggest flying into Vegas as car rentals will be cheaper and the grand canyon is 3 to four hours from Vegas. Salt Lake City is getting big time snow and winter right now and you are better off flying further south. Maybe try Flagstaff AZ. also. I cannot tell you enough how beautiful the whole northern AZ. Southwest Utah area is..you could spend a full holiday just in that area alone. If you want to see some pics of my trip out there email me and I will mail you back a few..

Ren

 

[Gollnick]

So, in a few weeks I'm off to the good old USA again for my holidays. I'm going to the mid west, somewhere I've always wanted to go and with the exchange rate so good (for me...) I thought now was the time. I'm a bit apprehensive about driving over there, different side of the road, different rules, signs etc but what the hell whats life without a risk or two

Different side of the road, yes, but the signs are either icons or in English. The distances and speed limits will be in miles or miles-per-hour, which will throw you a bit. But our speed limits are slower than yours, so you'll have plenty of time to think about things. On the other hand, you'll be in great danger of a speeding ticket especially since you're not well-versed in the tricks and tools that American police use to trap speeders.

The distances in general are going to throw you. America is a huge place.

1. I want to see death valley, grand canyon, monument valley etc (all the famous bits!) But I'm confused where I should fly to.

Seems that all the tour operators fly to Las Vegas, is there any reason why I should or shouldnt fly to Phoenix instead? I can fly direct to Phoenix but have to change at San Francisco or Phoenix to get to Las Vegas. The only advantage I can see is car hire is cheaper in Nevada, Arizona puts a premium on car hire for some reason. Some places suggest fly. Also it looks like if we drove from Las Vegas we would see the Hoover dam.

My guide book suggests flying to Salt Lake City if Im not bothered about seeing Las Vegas as its quieter and calmer.

Fly into where you can get a cheap ticket. If that's Vegas, then so be it. Just please, please, please don't form your opinion of America based on Los Vegas. It's not America.

Be aware that when you rent a car you have to pay extra if you want permission to drive it out of the state you rent it in. You'll also need proof of insurance or they'll basically charge your credit card for the value of the car when you rent it and then refund it when you return the car. And you do need a CREDIT card to rent a car.

2. Do you have any laws about non lethal weapons like pepper spray/ telescopic batons etc

Yes, we do. And they vary from state-to-state.

3. What rate should I be looking at for a decent motel without being ripped off?

You won't be ripped off. Shop around a bit. Stick to the mid-range "motel" type places, Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, La Quinta, basically places that don't have a lot of frills. There'll be no lobby, no swiming pool, no fitness center, no business center, no cafe', etc., but a nice, clean room with a good bed. And the desk staff even at these less-expensive places can answer questions, give directions, etc.

4. Any recommendations on places to see around there?

If you can get a bit North, think about Crater Lake, Oregon.

5. In the UK we dont have any particuarly dangerous animals. Obviousley if I see a diamondback I'm not going to try and get a photo of me holding the thing, but how often do you actually come across dangerous snakes/ spiders/ scorpions in your day to day lives? Is it a case where I might just see a snake now and then if I'm out in the desert or if I leave my pants on the motel room floor at night will I put my hand in the pocket the next day to find a snake in there? (I dont want to hear the line 'is that a rattler in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?' !!!)

The dangerous animals and insects are all in the wilderness areas. Stay on the trails and you'll be fine.

6. Anything else I may need to know, bearing in mind I'm an innocent European I've only been to America once before, that was to NY and I didnt go out of the city.

If you survived NYC, you'll be fine in Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, etc.

 

[bladefixation2]

Any reason your dream destinations are death valley, and the grand canyon? There's so much more to do and see in the west. (mid or south!)

I dont know to be honest! Theyre the famous bits and stereotypical cowboy country. I might never get to go again!! Plus I think I will only get 10 days there so cant travel around too much.

The distances and speed limits will be in miles or miles-per-hour, which will throw you a bit. But our speed limits are slower than yours, so you'll have plenty of time to think about things.

Oddly enough we still use miles/ mph in the UK, even though the rest of Europe uses kilometers. The EU has forced our shops to sell everything in kilos but most still mark their goods in lbs as well... Everyone refers to their weight in Stones and lbs in the UK but Europe all use kilos too... I guess Europe cant take a hint!

On the other hand, you'll be in great danger of a speeding ticket especially since you're not well-versed in the tricks and tools that American police use to trap speeders.

Yeah I understand your speed limits are still 56 or 60mph? although our roads are conjested in rush hour, when they are clear our motorways are moving at 100mph or more... (The speed limit is still 70mph but most people ignore it and laser/ radar/ GPS speed trap detectors are legal here, one thing thats good.)

The distances in general are going to throw you. America is a huge place.

Lots of people have said that to me, I guess I wont appreicate it fully until I get there. There has to be a reason why you have automatic transmissions + cruise control in your cars!

 

[Plumber576]

Lots of people have said that to me, I guess I wont appreicate it fully until I get there. There has to be a reason why you have automatic transmissions + cruise control in your cars!

That's why all the people who aren't real drivers have it in their car. Don't be mistaken, there are many automotive purists in america that beleive that manual transmission in the only way to go.

 

[bladefixation2]

That's why all the people who aren't real drivers have it in their car. Don't be mistaken, there are many automotive purists in america that beleive that manual transmission in the only way to go.

I've never even driven an automatic transmission! With petrol prices so high I dont want to waste money on the lower efficiency. It costs me the equivalent of about $80 to fill my tank. Plus driving in the UK is all stop-start accelerating from traffic lights or from conjestion and junctions. We have loads of roundabouts here as well. Manual is better for things like that. Its a bit of a culture thing too, we just have manual cars as standard, automatic is more unusual.

 

[mamav]

If you fly into Phoenix, I would be delighted to meet you and show you around this wonderful place. Depending on when you are here you may even get in on an exciting sporting event or 2 or 3. Heading out of here and going north you can stop by the beautiful stunning red rocks of Sedona and wander some gorgeous trails. And of course try driving HWY 89A to Prescott from Cottonwood. It's a beautiful, although VERY curvy road. Then there's on to the Grand Canyon and you can figure a way to the Hoover dam which is quite impressive in itself. And if you must do Vegas......welll leave your wallet back in UK. Then you'll be just fine. Actually there is lots to do in Vegas that won't break the bank. I'm proud to say I didn't waste a single dime gambling when i was there ......i think it had something to do with having the kids along and wanting to set a good example The place is kind of exciting. If you're into car racing, I can fix you up there, too.

Just an offer. Email me if you want.

 

[Emanuel]

You're going to have a great time.

I've been to all the places mentioned over a 1 month holiday many many years ago, and quite frankly I can honestly point to that 1 month holiday in the southwest as the very best time of my life.

Have fun.

 

[icarian]

That's why all the people who aren't real drivers have it in their car. Don't be mistaken, there are many automotive purists in america that beleive that manual transmission in the only way to go.

Yeah, but remember, he is coming to America--driving on the wrong side of the road and the gear shift will be in the opposite hand from what he is used to Same thing happened to me last year when visiting Wales. Picked the car up at Heathrow and damned if it wasn't a stick (opposite hand, opposite lane, etc). No big deal after a hundred miles or so...only problem was that a good portion of that was in London's stop and go Fun times (coming from a guy that first learned on the ole F250 4 on the floor and currently drives an Infiniti G35 6MT)

Glenmore

p.s. Gas will not be an issue for you (comparatively speaking)...your going to think it is "SO CHEAP".

 

[Sword and Shield]

America is bloody huge, mate. Heck, find somewhere you want to go, and enjoy the ride. I've a few folks I've met on online forums that I want to visit, but most are 20-25 hours. Closest is at least 3.

I drive a pseudostick, as I call it. My BMW comes with something similar to the Porsche tiptronic, so it's basically a clutchless stick. Fun to drive, and I still get 20 mpg in stop-and-go, average speed 26 mph, city traffic.

 

[TorzJohnson]

Don't worry about rattlesnakes, I've only seen one in my whole life. The nice thing about them is that they usually issue a warning, and as long as you don't go around poking your hands into hollow logs or under rocks you'll be alright.

In some areas of the west the mountain lion is making a pretty good comeback. There are places in California I've seen that have signs to warn you about them. I still walked the trail but frankly I didn't enjoy it much because I kept thinking about... stuff. I don't know if it's a problem in Arizona but as long as you are with a couple of people it's nothing to worry about.

 

[Mike Hull]

Yeah I understand your speed limits are still 56 or 60mph? although our roads are conjested in rush hour, when they are clear our motorways are moving at 100mph or more... (The speed limit is still 70mph but most people ignore it and laser/ radar/ GPS speed trap detectors are legal here, one thing thats good.)

The speed limit on most freeways in the S/W are 65-75 MPH. They dropped the federally mandated 55MPH limit years ago.
They will post lower speed limits in dangerous areas(curves, etc.), and you'll get plenty of warning.

 

[Plumber576]

I feel that $80 thing. I unfortunately drive a large suburban at the moment becasue it was a free car and my little Manual Transmission Truck went to the grave yard.
My suburban has a 40 gallon tank that I rerely fill up the whole way...but it's great for those long distance North Coast to South Coast drives.

 

[fixer27]

If you are worried about the baton/pepper spray thing go to the
state website probrably something like www.az.gov. (as an example)
and you will find all you need to know about that states laws concerning
those items. And welcome to America.

 

[bladefixation2]

My suburban has a 40 gallon tank

it would cost you about $220 to fill that up in the UK

Mid size UK cars usually have a 50 liter tank (13 US gallon) small UK cars are usually about 30 liters

If you fly into Phoenix, I would be delighted to meet you and show you around this wonderful place.

Thanks for your kind offer, I will discuss with my partner and let you know if we decide to go for Phoenix. She was saying she wanted to see Vegas so we may end up flying there...

The speed limit on most freeways in the S/W are 65-75 MPH.

Phew! I had visions of me tearing my hair out being forced to drive at 55mph along a straight clear 300 mile long road!

Welcome to America

Thanks!

I have sent the Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit Program an email I will post the reply if I get one.

 

[Steve Hayden]

I wouldn't worry about rattlesnakes in your clothes. I did put on a T-shirt one morning that I had left on the floor with one of these in it:

http://wc.pima.edu/Bfiero/tucsonecology/animals/arth_gdce.htm

That cured me of leaving clothes on the floor that I was going to put back on...