I am planning a trip to El Salvador and I need help.

I need a little help/advice planning my future America road trip?

• Okay so I'm sixteen years old and I live in Scotland. When I was 8 years old I went to Florida, USA and I loved it. I've always wanted to go back but I have decided I'd much rather see more of the US. I hope to go on a road trip in a few years time, I am not sure exactly when yet. I finish school by June 2013. I hope to go on this trip with a friend or family member, or two, - who knows yet. The places I'd like to visit: New York New Jersey Detroit Las Vegas California Los Angeles Basically I need a rough idea on the following questions from experience or by estimate: How much money do you think should I take? How should I travel around? e.g bought car, rented car, etc What would be the best places I should visit? What would be the best sights to see? How long should I take out to do this trip? Any advice/comments/suggestions are much appreciated, as are any additional information I may have left out. This is not my final plan as I plan to do this in a few years hopefully, I just need an overview of what I shall expect and need to prepare for. Much appreciated. :-)

• Answer:

  As it's a few years away, there really is no way to tell how much you should take. Prices and exchange rates will be greatly effected by time. That said, start saving now. If you save more that the cost of the trip at the time, BONUS! Traveling around will be partially determined by where you go and partially by how old you are at the time (as well as the law and certain company policies). Getting around in NYC is relatively easy and inexpensive with public transportation. Getting from NYC to LA is a very long drive of a 5 to 6 hour flight. Your age will seriously impact your ability to rent a car. Buying one is basically not an option. At 18, renting is near impossible. Where it is possible it is prohibitively expensive. At 21 you'd have more options but still a rather large expense. Car rental doesn't really get affordable until 25 in the US. Oh, and while I'm sure you are aware I'll repeat anyway, the drinking age in the entire US is 21. Before recommending places to visit, I have to ask why you picked the places you listed. New York is obvious (assuming you mean NYC) as is LA and Vegas. Why New Jersey, Detroit, and where else in California? As for how long to take, as long as you can afford. The longer the better. The US is HUGE and you will not lack for thing to do or places to see and I suspect you will easily meet people and make a friend or 10. As for beginning to prepare, the first step is saving. The next is getting out a map of the US and trying to organize a smooth trip. You may find the places you want to go are very far apart so you would need to plan adequat travel times, etc. The planning part will be almost as fun as the trip itself! Good luck! Have fun planning! SAVE SAVE SAVE! and I hope you have a wonderful trip when you do finall take it!