As Route 66 was only available from this year, I realise not too many people will have done this trip yet but would be grateful for some tips on this tour as I have only been to America once, many years ago.

Are the adaptors for electrical goods the usual American ones - if so I already have these?.

Is insect repellent necessary?

A rough guide on how much currency I should take would be appreciated - bearing in mind that I will have credit & debit cards with me having notified my bank & credit card company about my trip so these will not be blocked. However, there are extra meals & drinks to pay for plus a couple of optional excursions which can only be paid for locally. I believe America is a shoppers paradise too .....

Tipping - any advice on this please as I know it is expected in America.

Thanks,

Best wishes,

Lesley :angel:

Not on your trip have to wait until October but have been to the States many times so will answer questions best i can.

I have an American adapter and not yet found anywhere it doesn't work, you should be fine.

Never needed insect repellent although southern texas was dodgy, rattle snake anti-venum is a must (only joking).

About $80 per day average if breakfast included ($20 lunch, $10 coffee/cake, $50 evening meal, drinks, entertainment, etc)

think some nights/excurrsions meals are included so can work that out and reduce accordingly, figure maybe slightly high but also covers stuff like bottled water and other consumables.

plus money for presents/souveniers.

plus money for optional excurrsions that are not pre-paid.

Tipping is around 15 to 20% but check your bills some places include it in service charge. The service is excellent in America as they always have plenty of staff who are paid very little or nothing and tips are their salary.

And remember americans advertise the pre-tax price so the bill is sometimes more than you expect.

I hope you are well.

I always carry insect repellant, Wherever i go, As bugs are everywhere

Andy

I hope you have a great trip and as I'm going on the October trip I shall look forward to your testimonial when you get back. If you're anything like me you will be very excited. This is one of them once in a lifetime trips and I'm counting down then days till we go.

I'm on the same tour as Mick and already we have started a friendship through e mails. We are planning a few nights out with the hope of catching some live music as well. Route 66 is a musically themed tour so why not have every night some live music. Hope you can do the same.

Paul

Thanks for all your tips & advice - I will bear them in mind.

Not too long to wait now to 'get my kicks' - Oh goody!

Be happy,

Best wishes,

Lesley :angel:

Hi,

As Route 66 was only available from this year, I realise not too many people will have done this trip yet but would be grateful for some tips on this tour as I have only been to America once, many years ago.

Are the adaptors for electrical goods the usual American ones - if so I already have these?.

Is insect repellent necessary?

A rough guide on how much currency I should take would be appreciated - bearing in mind that I will have credit & debit cards with me having notified my bank & credit card company about my trip so these will not be blocked. However, there are extra meals & drinks to pay for plus a couple of optional excursions which can only be paid for locally. I believe America is a shoppers paradise too .....

Tipping - any advice on this please as I know it is expected in America.

Thanks,

Best wishes,

Lesley :angel:

Hi I went on this trip in June, we had a great time, there are plenty of ATM's so don't worry about taking too much cash. Ordinary USA adaptor is fine, no need for insect repellent. Dress was always very casual, not a great deal of opportunities for shopping, but shopping Mall across the main road in Alburquerque was worth a visit, if you can get across the road!!! If you need to know anything else please ask.

Jane

Thanks for the tips. Glad you enjoyed your trip.

I will bear in mind about the casual dress - no need for a 'posh frock' then? I was wondering what clothes to pack.

I will certainly give the shopping mall in Albuquerque a visit too.

Best wishes,

Lesley :angel:

I am fine thanks - hope you are too.

I am still unsure about the insect repellent, and although Jane says it is not necessary, I may pick up some when I get there. It would just be my luck to get bitten.

Be happy,

Best Wishes,

Lesley :angel:

My friend Liz and I are going on the same trip as you. I shall not be taking insect repellent and will not be spending as much as $50 a day on my evening meal!

Liz and I are staying at the Sofitel at terminal 5 the night before we leave and would be happy to meet up with anyone else doing the same.

Linda

$50 (£33), is a lot if you are talking just food but I was including 2 or 3 drinks, tips and entertainment (some music clubs do have a cover charge).

Suppose what you spend depends a lot where you eat but it isn't a large amount if you do a restaurant (meal/wine, etc).

Mick

Cash will be needed to tip the tour manager and bus driver at the end of the trip. I can't remember what the recommended rate is. Last time I did a tour in the US , the tour manager handed out envelopes and gave us an idea of how much per day would be reasonable. Only three weeks to go!

Linda

Lesley

My friend Liz and I are going on the same trip as you. I shall not be taking insect repellent and will not be spending as much as $50 a day on my evening meal!

Liz and I are staying at the Sofitel at terminal 5 the night before we leave and would be happy to meet up with anyone else doing the same.

Linda

Me too....see you at the bar!

Unless I am mistaken, I think you are a couple of years too late! All the other posts in this thread are dated summer 2012. So don't wonder why you don't meet anyone from JY in the bar the night before!

Ann