"kevin joyce" <kevinjoyce18@hotmail.com>
Asunto: informacion sobre viaje a america
Fecha: Sat, 08 Jan 2005


Soy un chico que quiero hacerme una ruta por estados unidos en autobus, tal y como tu hiciste con grey hound, tengo algunas dudas, me gustaria saber cuanto te costo el billete para todo el recorrido que realizaste, y queria que me dieras tu opinion sobre el hecho de viajar solo, yo tengo 22años y al no encontrar a adie que me acompañe, pues me estoy decidiendo a realizarlo solo, me gustaria que me informaras si se conoce mucha gente, para hacer el viaje mas ameno, como ocurre con el interrail aqui en europa,
muchas graqcias por crear esta web que viene muy bien,
espero tu respuesta,
muchas gracias
1abrazo

Es una buena edad 22. Está lleno de mochileros europeos de 20 años que recorren el país en solitario. Una manera de hacer amigos es en los albergues de la IYHF (http://www.hihostels.com). Por precaución, mantenga las normas de seguridad sensatas que tomaría en cualquier otro país si viajase solo. Lo que se recomienda en los libros es decir a los pasajeros que entablen conversación con usted que viaja de una ciudad a otra (no revelar todo el trayecto) o que ya está llegando el final del viaje.

Si te interesa, también hay un pase de tren http://www.amtrak.com pero tiene la desventaja de que no hay frecuencias todos los días.

Antes de emprender el viaje, le recomiendo dedicar unos días de aclimatación en Nueva York, sitio desde el que te recomiendo iniciar el viaje. La estación de bus está a solo unos metros de Time Square.


Viaje en bus:
-Lo primero que debes conseguir son los horarios de bus a las ciudades que planees visitar. Se trata de trazar el camino más corto y con mayor número de viajes nocturnos (la idea es viajar de noche y visitar las ciudades de día; con varias paradas en albergues en grandes capitales que requieran dos días o más de estancia).
Es fácil de encontrar los horarios en la web http://www.greyhound.com.
Como orientación, Boston y Washington están a cuatro-cinco horas en bus de NYC. Miami dista de NYV unas 24 horas, lo mismo que Chicago o Montreal (unas 20 horas). Los Angeles y San Francisco están a 3 días de NYC. Se puede cruzar California en un autobús nocturno.
De Los Angeles a Miami también se tardan alrededor de dos días y medio.

- Con el billete internacional de Greyhound usted puede viajar ilimitadamente por toda USA, incluidos los "borders" con México (Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez) y Canadá (Toronto, Montreal). Es posible viajar de Toronto a Montreal con la condición de no parar en Quebec (sólo para hacer escala).
Basta con mostrar el pase al conductor y pronunciar el nombre de la ciudad de destino. Sin embargo, eso no le asegura la plaza. Por increible que pueda parecer, esta compañía no numera los asientos y sólo hay plazas para los primeros de la cola, por lo que la gente llega media hora antes para guardar sitio en la "line". Hay gente que pierde el bus porque, pese a tener billete, la gente que estaba antes a la cola lo ha ocupado. Esta suele ser la típica sorpresa del novato, que llega a la estación con los minutos justos y ve cómo el bus ya se llenó, él se queda en tierra y debe esperar al siguiente.

-Otro consejo es que sólo lleve una mochila pequeña, de esas de asalto. No necesita nada más: unas mudas, camisetas, pantalones finos, un plástico o poncho para la lluvia, el neceser de higiene y la guía. Yo incluso llevé un minisaco de dormir de verano, por si acaso tenía que dormir en un banco.
La ropa la puede lavar cada pocos días por 1 dolar (otro el secado) en las máquinas automáticas de los albergues y de las calles comerciales.
En el camino me he encontrado con otros viajeros solitarios (una profesora italiana, dos británicos y un estudiante austriaco, y todos portaban una mochila pequeña).
Esto tiene su lógica: los buses hacen continuos "transfers", a veces transbordos y otras paradas, en las que hay que cambiar de bus continuamente, con márgenes pequeños de tiempo. Si usted porta una mochila grande y pesada tendrá que guardarla en el portamaletas, lo que hará perder minutos valiosos.
Otra razón es que una mochila pequeña le permite visitar cómodamente las ciudades sin pagar la taquilla de las estaciones.

Esos son los consejos que puedo darle. La ruta depende de sus intereses. El bus llega a todos lados, salvo dentro de los parques naturales.

Extraido de http://www.discoverypass.com/faq.asp

Frequently Asked Questions


Here are the most frequently asked questions about the North America Discovery Pass:

How does the pass work?
For how long is the pass valid?
Do the coaches make stops?
Do the coaches operate 24 hours a day?
Can I travel with the pass in Mexico?
Can I get help to plan my itinerary?
What time should I check in?
How much luggage am I allowed to bring for free?
What are the rules about taking hand luggage onboard?
Can I book my seat on the bus?
If I miss a departure or a connection, what should I do?
Is smoking allowed on Greyhound buses?
What is the refund policy?
What if I lose my pass?
What if I want to travel to somewhere other than where my pass goes?
Can I extend my pass?
Traveling east of Montreal?
Is my pass honored on other carriers besides Greyhound?
How does the pass work?
For travel on Greyhound Lines within the United States and Canada:
To begin your trip, either purchase or validate your pass at the ticket counter. Present your validated Greyhound North America Discovery Pass and your identification to the driver upon boarding. Individual tickets are not necessary.

For travel on other carriers:
Present your Greyhound North America Discovery Pass at the ticket counter prior to boarding and either receive a ticket to present to the driver upon boarding or receive a ticket booklet. Exchange a coupon in the booklet for tickets for each leg of your trip. There is no additional charge for these tickets. See FAQ #17 for travel in Eastern Canada.


For how long is the pass valid?
You may travel for a continuous period of time, commencing on the start date for Domestic passengers holding Greyhound ticket stock and the first day of use for International passengers holding International Agents vouchers, and ending at midnight on the expiry date. The expiry date is calculated by adding the amount of days purchased plus the first date of travel. You may stop over whenever you wish, for as long as you wish, providing you finish your travel within the time limit for which your pass is valid.

To request a change to your start date on a Greyhound issued ticket you must present your valid ticket at a Greyhound Terminal prior to the original start date issued. No changes will be made after the start date becomes effective.


Do the coaches make stops?
Yes. Coaches stop en route according to predetermined schedule. Most schedules will include a break/meal stop every 3 to 4 hours.


Do the coaches operate 24 hours a day?
Greyhound coaches travel around the clock, so you can travel by day and enjoy the scenery through wide, panoramic windows. Or, select a night service and relax in a reclining seat with reduced interior lighting. All Greyhound coaches are equipped with air conditioning, a restroom on board, reclining seats with headrests, and tinted windows.


Can I travel with the pass in Mexico?
The Ameripass, CanAm Pass and the West Coast CanAm Pass include travel to points within Mexico. See the product pages for details. Travelers are responsible for providing proper documentation to customs officials when crossing international borders. Should entry be denied to an individual, Greyhound, its partners, or affiliates will not refund any monies.


Can I get help to plan my itinerary?
Yes. To help plan your itinerary, timetables are available online on greyhound.com. Timetables are also available from your local Greyhound office. Also, we have provided an estimate of travel times between popular North American routes. Canadian route information is available on greyhound.ca.


What time should I check in?
To make travel easier, plan to arrive at the terminal at least one hour before departure time. This will allow you to locate the departure gate and check your luggage coachside. Please ensure that your luggage is clearly labeled for easy identification.


How much luggage am I allowed to bring for free?
Adults may bring two pieces of checked luggage and two carry-ons. Children may bring one piece of checked luggage and two carry-ons. Checked luggage may not exceed 24 X 24 X 45 inches. Carry-ons may not exceed 11 x 11 x 16 inches for one overhead bin piece, and 7 x 7 x 14 inches for one under-seat piece. More information on baggage here.


What are the rules about taking hand luggage onboard?
Hand luggage may be placed in the overhead rack above your seat. Please remember to take all valuables with you when you leave the bus for rest or meal stops.


Can I book my seat on the bus?
You cannot reserve a seat ahead of time. When you arrive at the terminal, you can find out if a seat is available. For updated schedule information, call us toll free throughout North America: 1-888-GLI-PASS.


If I miss a departure or a connection, what should I do?
Contact the nearest Greyhound representative for instructions on boarding the next available coach. Information on the nearest terminal can be found on the Greyhound US or Canada websites, or in the white pages of a local phone book.


Is smoking allowed on Greyhound buses?
Smoking is not allowed on Greyhound buses.


What is the refund policy?
Standard cancellation penalty of 15% applies to all passes submitted for refund.

Refunds to original purchaser only.

All refunds must be processed before the printed start date on issued pass or ticket.

If any portion of the pass has been used, no refund will apply.

Please keep a copy of your ticket purchase for your records.

For non-Canadian and non-U.S. purchases, any unused pass may be refunded through the agency from which the ticket was purchased.

For purchases made in the United States or on Greyhound.com, please submit refunds to the following address:

Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Attn: Refund Department
P.O. Box 660689
Dallas, TX 75266-0689

For purchases made in Canada, please submit refunds to the following address:

Greyhound Canada Transportation Corp.
National Customer Service
877 Greyhound Way SW
Calgary, Alberta T3C3V8

Travelers are responsible for providing proper documentation to customs officials when crossing international borders. Should entry be denied to an individual, Greyhound, its partners, or affiliates will not refund any monies.


What if I lose my pass?
Safeguard your tickets as you would your money. Greyhound assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen tickets and they will not be replaced or redeemed.


What if I want to travel to somewhere other than where my pass goes?
If you wish to travel beyond the scope of your pass, you will have to purchase a separate ticket for that portion of the trip.


Can I extend my pass?
Extensions are allowed in Canada. See a ticket agent for details. No extensions are offered at US terminals.


Traveling east of Montreal?
If you receive a flash pass when you start your travels, you must have your flash pass converted in Montreal to a book of 15 blank coupons. Go to the ticket counter as soon as you arrive at the Montreal terminal to have this done. One of these coupons must be made up each time you travel on Orleans Express/Acadian Lines. If you run out of coupons, any of the major terminals in the Acadian or Orleans system can issue you new booklets.

If you are traveling towards Ontario on a Discovery Pass, when you get to Montreal go to the ticket counter to have your coupons re-issued to a flash pass.

If you are traveling to any points between New Glasgow and Sydney, Nova Scotia, including North Sydney for the Newfoundland ferry, the only departure that makes direct connections from Montreal is the 10:20 p.m. departure. The 6:00 a.m. departure does not make direct connections.

None of the terminals in the Acadian system stay open 24 hours a day. Passengers are required to find overnight accommodations at their own expense if needed.

Canada Passes, Eastern Regional, and CanAm Passes are valid on all routes serviced by Orleans Express/Acadian Lines. For route or schedule information for Acadian Lines, you can contact 1-800-567-5151. For information about Orleans Express routes and schedules contact them in Montreal at 514-842-2281, or in Quebec City at 418-525-3000.

Discovery Passes are not valid in Newfoundland, or on the South Shore of Nova Scotia with DRL Coachlines.


Is my pass honored on other carriers besides Greyhound?
The passes are honored on these carriers.

Extraido de http://www.visitusa.org/tips/tipstrain.html


Of course you did not fly across the Atlantic Ocean only to sip a dry martini in the bar on the corner of the street. You want to move around! By air, rail, bus, mobile home, car, and motorbike, you name it; you'll find it here. Oh! And if you want to go on foot, then visit our shopping section, where you'll find a couple good shoe stores.


train and bus travel:

Several Railway Companies connect most major cities in the US. The trains are very comfortable and there is a choice of different priced compartments. Another option is taking the bus. This will allow you not only to travel to major cities but to make connections with other carriers that serve small towns and rural areas.

(Call us for references on who to contact or check Tour Operator and Representative section).

train links:

Incento
Amtrak First Timer Tips
Amtrak

bus links:

Greyhound

travelling by air:

For international flights it is always a good idea to arrive 2 hours prior to departure. 1 hour is usually sufficient for the domestic flights. To be sure when to arrive at the airport, contact your airline. Smoking has been banned on all domestic flights in and most international flights to and from the United States. It also prohibited to smoke in most of the airports.

Check the airlines section for airlines flying to or within the United States or call one of the tour operators or representatives specialising in travel to the U.S. listed as well.

travelling by car and motorcycle:

Seeing the United States by car, motorcycle or recreational vehicle (RV) is a very popular way to travel. In the US you drive on the right hand side of the road and long-distance travel is easy on the country's extensive system of well-maintained access highways called Interstates, Turnpikes and Express-ways. Roads are indicated by a standard "US" with a road number (odd numbers run from North to South, even numbers from East to West).

Some of the roads, mainly in the east of the country, charge tolls payable at regular intervals at toll booths. Traffic laws are set by states and regions, but in general the interstate speed limit around the country ranges from 55 to 65 miles per hour. The speed limit in cities is usually set between 25 and 30 miles per hour. Speeding is a serious offence resulting in high fines.

School busses turn on their hazard warning lights and a stop sign appears on the left side of the bus, when they stop to let children in and out. In this situation it is absolutely forbidden to pass the school bus from either direction. In most states you can make a right turn at a steady red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to the oncoming traffic. Click here for the most common American road signs.

The United States recognises valid driver's licenses issued by most other countries but it is advisable to purchase an International Driving License. You can buy your IDL at your local Town Hall. You will need your ID, your driving license, 1 photograph and 650 BEF/LUF.

Rental cars are available in airports, hotels or individual rental companies. Think about making your reservations before leaving, they are often cheaper when made from Europe (See 'RV & Car Rentals' in our "Members Guide").

Fly-Drive packages that include air travel, a rental car and accommodations at your destination are extremely popular. Some agencies offer fully equipped RV's in various sizes and configurations, motor homes, trailers and even motorcycles (see Tour Operators & Representatives).

Most state and national parks, forest services and private campgrounds welcome RV's and provide electrical and water hook-ups. Some of the more popular campsites may require reservations, so check ahead.

link:

Do I need an international driver's license to drive in the United States?

links to interstates & highways links:

Gimme an -I-
Highway Markers
Historic US Highways
Historical Highways Page
National Road-U.S. Route 40 Home Page
New Mexico Route 66 Association
Road Trip USA
Route 66 - Mother of the Mother Road
Route 66 Cruising the American Dream
Route 66 Federation A Nationwide Organization
Route 66 USA
ROUTE 66
The Pennsylvania Turnpike
United States Interstates

links to maps:

About! MapQuest!
Automap Trip Planner
City.Net Maps
DeLorme CyberMaps
DeLorme AAA Map'n'Go 2.0
How far is it
Intellicast
Map'n'Go Home Page
MapQuest! Welcome!
Maps On Us A Map, Route and Yellow Pages Service
MG Atlas - Maps of North America
ROUTE 66 G.I.S. Home Page
Take a Free Ride on AutoPilot®
The Weather Channel - Home Page
The WeatherLab(TM) Current Condition Map
The Woolwine-Moen Group
Time Out - World Map
TravRoute Software
Vicinity Corporation's MapBlast!
Virtual Tourist II World Map
WeatherNet Travel Cities Weather
Yahoo! Maps

Extraido de http://www.greyhound.com.mx/northamerican.php

Así funciona el pase DISCOVERY PASS

Tarifa regular para Venta Internacional
(De Mayo 16 a Septiembre 30, 2004)
Duración Adulto Niños (2-11 años) Tercera Edad (62+)
4 días 169 USD
169 USD
169 USD
7 días 229 115 206
10 días 279 140 251
15 días 339 170 305
21 días 399 200 359
30 días 459 230 413
45 días 509 255 458
60 días 619 310 557

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tarifas de Descuento para Venta Internacional
(De Octubre 1° 2004 a Mayo 15, 2005)
Duración Adulto Niños (2-11 años) Tercera Edad (62+)
4 días 149 USD
149 USD
149 USD

7 días 209 115 186
10 días 259 140 231
15 días 299 170 265
21 días 359 200 319
30 días 399 230 353
45 días 479 255 398
60 días 539 310 477

Pregunte por nuestras tarifas especiales para estudiantes

El North America Discovery Pass permite viajar en todo el territorio de los Estados Unidos Continentales, excluyendo Alaska, y desde Tijuana, B.C., Nuevo Laredo, Tamps., Matamoros, Tamps. en México, y las ciudades Canadienses de: Montreal, Quebec, Vancouver, British Columbia y New Westminster, British Columbia.



Para Tarifas y Horarios, llame sin costo
(sólo México) al 01 800 710 8819.

Para mayor información, están a sus órdenes las oficinas de Información y Ventas dentro de México, Centro y Sudamérica.

- AMERIPASS