RV wannabe (Newbe) Eyes set on the US in two years time - RV-Dreams Community Forum

RichandEmme · RV-Dreams Community Member

RV wannabe (Newbe) Eyes set on the US in two years time

JonRV · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sounds like fun! I would recommend starting in LA. A great city to then venture either up the coast into OR and WA or straight across into the desert and see the vastness of the USA!

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome to Richard, Emme, and the "Bump."

It isn't often that we get folks from your part of the world. We do have one other member, AussieSteve, that is from Australia. While we don't hear much from him, it is always a pleasure to get the perspective of world travelers. New Zealand is one of those places that I've always wanted to go, but at my age and financial status, that isn't likely to happen.

You will find that the folks here on the forum, as well as Howard and Linda's own information, will give you much to consider as all are pretty knowledgeable. When you ask questions, and we do invite that, there is usually someone with the answer or with knowledge of where to look for the answer. Our members have experiences with just about every kind of RV there is.

Now, for a question from me. Are there any specific things you are most interested in seeing? For instance, do you primarily want to see the natural beauty of this country, or are you more interested in the different cultures that are in all parts of the country?

Terry

ticat900 · RV-Dreams Family Member

sure hope your dollar improves before you come on over. its about 50% of us dollar right now 1.497
LA would not be my starting point too busy(crazy drivers and huge traffic) and too much crime

RichandEmme · RV-Dreams Community Member

Jon RV;

really looking forward to it, will need to try and plan a rough route and like you say going up the coast through Oregon to Seattle might be an option. I want to see the space needle. (among many stops on the way)

Terry and Jo;

As far as what I want to see, I want to see and experience many things.

Driving over the golden gate bridge to sitting on a fan boat (not sure of correct name) on the everglades, Grande Canyon and Niagra falls, Walt Disney world for the kid (and me) to Chicago.

We don't have an itinerary but we are both staring to put things down what we want to see and do. so by the time 2 years are up we should have a fairly extensive list.

We are going to buy a camper-van here in NZ so we are a little more prepared when we hit the states. I have traveled all around NZ and it really is a beautiful country so if you do ever get the chance i would certainly recommend doing it.

ticat900;

haha... i also hope the dollar improves. Going to the US was always expensive we just may have to be a little more frugal. we have been to LA and really liked it but this would only be our starting point. we would land in January so would aim to hit the colder areas of the US in Spring/Summer hitting Florida July August time then back across . but I am sure our plans will change a few times before we do this trip.

-- Edited by RichandEmme on Monday 11th of January 2016 06:11:51 PM

manycats · RV-Dreams Family Member

Having lived in Florida for many years I would not want to be there in July and August. You will not be outdoors unless you can stand heat, humidity and bugs to the extreme. Try North Carolina or even North Georgia for milder temps and good weather.

RichandEmme · RV-Dreams Community Member

Hi manycats

There so much we need to research, what months would you suggest for visiting Florida?

Rich

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Rich,

If you like, start another thread in one of the other categories (one whose title matches your inquiries) to get ideas of where to go and what to see. As for the "fan boat," they are called "air boats" here in the U.S.

If you buy a camper-van in NZ, be sure and check to see if there are electrical power differences between there in NZ and here in the U.S. For instance, the U.S. is using 60 cycle electricity while much of Europe and other countries use 50 cycle. Also, electrical plugs and sockets might differ. I just looked online and found that NZ has 50 cycle electricity and uses different plugs and sockets from what the U.S. does. I know that adapters might be possible to find, but considering that the U.S. has 60 cycle electricity, it might effect some of your appliances or accessories.

Grand Canyon is a good start, but you might also look into Utah because it has 5 national parks, not to mention all the different national monuments that are also interesting to see. Since Utah is so close to Arizona, you'd just be going north a ways.

Terry

RichandEmme · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks Terry, will look at other threads.
We would sell the NZ Campervan before we go to US as you are correct with regards to different power.

Thanks Rich

manycats · RV-Dreams Family Member

Many people winter in Florida and it will be difficult to find RV spots unless you make reservations far in advance. April, May and June are usually cooler and more accessible. You'll probably get more suggestions from other Dreamers. Keep on researching for the best options. Wish you a great trip!

SuzieQ · RV-Dreams Family Member

"Snow birds" (people from the north that winter in FL) generally start arriving around Thanksgiving and leave around Easter. Sept - Nov and March-May are generally very comfortable.

RichandEmme · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks guys this is really helpful