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I'm in the US, and already it has become evident that trying to travel around here is nearly impossible without a car. I mean, I have a few options, and I can definitely get around, but when I started adding up the different costs to go places that are outside big cities, it starts to add up at an alarming rate. Take Yosemite (a national park in California) for instance. I'd have to take the train to Merced (34 dollars), then take a bus to the park (25 dollars) then pay the entrance fee (apporximately 20dollars). That's 79 dollars. For one trip.
There are of course different options, and I'd like your opinion on them:
1. Rent a car: this will cost me 1600 dollars for my entire stay. The problem with a car though is that I would be driving everywhere, and thus not be able to enjoy the sites we drive by. Then again, it is the classic way of travelling across America, and I would not be burdened by bus routes. Also, no trouble with getting my luggage on and off buses.
2. Buy a used car. I've looked around, and it's possible to get a decent used car for about 7-900 dollars. The same pros and cons as point number one, but also there's the added risk of it breaking down on the way, plus the unknown price of a short term car insurance. On the other hand I've never actually owned a car before and when I think about it, my tummy tingles. So I really really want to buy a used car and drive around the US. In addition to this, I should be able to sell it before I leave and get a little bit of money back again.
3. Buy a 60 day Discovery pass on the Greyhound. this costs 645 dollars, and it has 3100 stops in the US. So I would be able to go practically anywhere, and relax on my way there. On the other hand, they might not go exactly where I want them to, so I'd have to add in the mystery amount of money it will cost me to get to the places where the Greyhound doesn't go. Also, I get queasy on buses so the added pleasure of being able to relax and enjoy the scenery might not appeal to me that much. But it's definitely an option.
4. Buying a 60 day ticket on the Amtrax train. 1000dollars. Though more enjoyable than riding a bus, the train costs more and goes less places. So I ruled this one out.
What do you think people? I need help! I need opinions! What would you do?
This icon is called "gotta have coffee"
There are of course different options, and I'd like your opinion on them:
1. Rent a car: this will cost me 1600 dollars for my entire stay. The problem with a car though is that I would be driving everywhere, and thus not be able to enjoy the sites we drive by. Then again, it is the classic way of travelling across America, and I would not be burdened by bus routes. Also, no trouble with getting my luggage on and off buses.
2. Buy a used car. I've looked around, and it's possible to get a decent used car for about 7-900 dollars. The same pros and cons as point number one, but also there's the added risk of it breaking down on the way, plus the unknown price of a short term car insurance. On the other hand I've never actually owned a car before and when I think about it, my tummy tingles. So I really really want to buy a used car and drive around the US. In addition to this, I should be able to sell it before I leave and get a little bit of money back again.
3. Buy a 60 day Discovery pass on the Greyhound. this costs 645 dollars, and it has 3100 stops in the US. So I would be able to go practically anywhere, and relax on my way there. On the other hand, they might not go exactly where I want them to, so I'd have to add in the mystery amount of money it will cost me to get to the places where the Greyhound doesn't go. Also, I get queasy on buses so the added pleasure of being able to relax and enjoy the scenery might not appeal to me that much. But it's definitely an option.
What do you think people? I need help! I need opinions! What would you do?
This icon is called "gotta have coffee"