USA 2016, April-May, Spring time in USA File= USA2016.htm
Introduction.
The original plan was to go from LAX in a Nth East direction, via Sault St Marie, then  East to Halifax, in
Nova Scotia then return in a Southerly sweep, via St. Louis, Kansas, Colorado, Arizona and California.
 After we crossed the Rockies, we got tired of the FLAT plains, so we decided to head West at Sault St.
Marie as per the map below. This allowed us to spend more time in coastal and mountain areas, which
were more appealing. Some of the Mountain Passes were still closed by snow, but skirting around these
proved no problem. This time of year had several advantages, particularly with accommodation availability
and lighter traffic than peak summer holiday periods.
We planned on 5 weeks, 35 days
away from home, and 32 days in
car travelling, for about 10,000
miles. Actual miles travelled was
9,000, no accidents and only one
speeding ticket in Canada.(wow !!)
We had covered some of these
areas on previous trips, but it was
still worth the great scenery, roads,
and cheap fuel, feed and motels.
It was easy to change our plans
on the run, as the only constraint
was the return airline date.
Rental Car. Had some misunderstandings with ALAMO initially, but after checking out other
rentals, realized that the ALAMO deal and procedures were un-beatable. We chose a "COMPACT" car.
The price, including all insurances, unlimited mileage was AUD $48/day. At LAX Alamo, you can choose
any vehicle lined up in the "compact" range, about 50 or so vehicles, coming in and going out, constantly.
We tried and rejected 2 cars, one had no spare, other had bad brakes. Ended up choosing a near new
Nissan Versa, with only 3,252 miles on the clock, virtually a brand new vehicle. This proved to be
extremely satisfactory, and as good as a Hyundai i30 or Kia Rio. On check out, they ran a scanner over
the vehicle which read all the details, and return was a 5 min inspection, and all done. The whole Alamo
operation and procedures were efficient and well done. The daily rate we paid was cheaper than our 
previous trips in 2005 and 2008, incredible ? Can recommend ALAMO without hesitation.
Took two (2) of our Garmin Sat Nav's with us, with the latest pre-loaded US and Canada maps, and
pre-loaded destination towns. (from Trip planning, at home) This, together with the latest USA/Canada
AA Big Road Atlas made navigating a breeze. Don't know how we managed before Sat Nav's ?
Boot took 2 large suitcases + ESKY and more.
Nissan Versa, AUD $48/day, all inclusive. Took Plenty of power, and 35 mpg. Could exceed
our pick of 50 odd cars in the Compact class. 100 mph easily, but handling was average.
Airlines, Virgin Australia. We were sceptical about using Virgin because of  poor experiences
with previous domestic flights. (poor service, cramped conditions, everything was extra cost !!)
I suppose having to please USA passengers, the service, baggage limits, seating and costs were good.
We paid 2 times $1060 returns, Brisbane to LAX, or AUD $530 each leg. Hard to believe, but the plane
had few (if any) spare seats. No complaints about Virgin check in or cabin crew. We were allowed 2
checked in bags at 32kg each, which was more than enough. Allowed us to take our trusty ESKY
so we could buy our beer and wine in the Liquor stores cheap, and drink at our leisure in hotels/motels.
Had  to get US visas at Brisbane airport at exorbitant charges. This was an unexpected and a new req't. 
Yollie found a novel way to JUMP the airline Airport security is quite savage. They make
check-in queues ! She told the staff she had you take your shoes and belts off, and empty
difficulty standing and got wheel chaired to front. your carry on bags.
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Hotels, Motels Generally used medium quality tourist hotels/motels, such as Holiday Inn, Days
Inn, Travelodge, Best Western and Cabins. Costs ranged from AUD $100 to AUD $200, avg, say=$130.
Many of these wanted to swipe my credit card, which I refused from past experiences. I always offered
to produce my drivers license, passport, and produce a USD $200 cash security deposit. If this was
refused, went looking for another place, as we had had many instances of credit card overcharging, in
the past, after leaving the motel. At one resort, they wanted to give me a cheque, when checking out, in
lieu of my USD $200 cash security deposit I had paid in the day before. I quickly persuaded them that
this was NOT the way it was going to work, and they had better produce my $200 cash quick smart, which
they did. We learnt that credit card fraud was rife in the accommodation industry in USA. Once they have
overcharged you, after you have left, it is difficult and time consuming to rectify.
Best Western, Cajun Pass, Cal. (traffic noise) Needles motel, at edge of Mojave desert.
A BEAR cleaned up our garbage bin here at an Typical tourist motel, all conveniences.
Ouray resort, Colorado, overnite. Didn't see it. Nearly all had ice, for Eskies.