Reminiscence! Good Old USA!

We only covered a tiny bit of all America has to offer, visiting New York City, Las Vegas and The Grand Canyon region.

TIPPING!

Tipping is the big bug bear for Aussies when travelling the world. Our Texan friends told us to just double the tax on the bill for your tip.

It is interesting to note that the the minimum wage for tipped employees has been frozen under Federal law at $2.13/hour for over two decades. Despite the fact that the minimum wage for non-tipped employees has since increased from $5.15/hour to $7.25/hour.  It certainly isn't helping servers and bartenders, the overwhelming majority of whom would much rather make a decent guaranteed wage like their counterparts in every other country. It's not doing anything for customers, either, many of whom feel extorted and uncomfortable buying into a coercive system that abuses the parties on both ends. So who stands to gain?

The sad truth is that it benefits the same group as virtually everything else in America: corporations and business owners. How it helps them is obvious: they get to off-load their labour costs to their customers, paying one third of the minimum wage to the majority of their front-of-house employees.

GETTING AROUND NYC!

The easiest and quickest way to travel Uptown or Downtown in NYC is by public subway train. Riding the subway is also a fantastic way to feel like a local during your stay in New York. Subway trains operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For $2.50 (the cost of a single ride when using a pay-per-ride MetroCard), you can use the system citywide and transfer to other subway lines as many times as you need, as long as you don't exit the system through a turnstile. We purchased one pre paid metro card and the beauty of this card was that we were allowed to use it for both of us.

NEW YORK PASS!

Think carefully before purchasing the New York Pass. We found it not really of great value. Most people overestimate the number of things they'd like to see and do on vacation in New York City, so if you're coming up close to the break even point, it might make more sense to pay a la carte for your sightseeing. If you're going to be in town for a week, the New York Pass may be seen as an option, especially because you can evaluate a few different attractions and even return to the ones you like the most.

THE THEATRE!

Seeing a Broadway show is a must when visiting  New York City, but tickets to see these world-class shows aren't very cheap. If you're looking to save money and still enjoy an amazing Broadway Show, here are some tips.  With Broadway ticket prices averaging over $100 each, substantial savings are available through various Broadway discount ticket resources. Broadway discount tickets purchased at a TKTS Booth are typically 25-50% off full-price, meaning you'll pay about $60-$85 per ticket. Standing Room Only and Rush Broadway discount tickets will cost approximately $35 and Broadway discount tickets purchased through Broadway discount ticket newsletters and websites are typically 25-50% off full-price, meaning you'll pay about $60-85 per ticket. There are so many theatre shows to choose from; however, shows do not perform every day of the week.

ACCOMMODATION!

In NYC we stayed in the Milford hotel. It was a great location, situated in the theatre district and was just around the corner from Times Square. (Why it is called a Square, is bewildering. It is more of a oblong shape). The front lobby/entrance of the Milford is chaotic and for some reason on the second floor.   Unfortunately no one told us at check in that you had to press the lift button number for the floor and wait to be told which elevator to enter. So as you can imagine, we pushed the button, jumped in and watched as our floor zoomed by.  It was a scene for Ground Hog Day, for 15 minutes we zoomed up and down, not once stopping at our floor. Crumpled and hugging our luggage in the corner we waited. We pictured the news headlines, "two Australians found in New York elevator dehydrated and emancipated, mumbling incoherently over and over again the number 7".  Our saviour came in the form of 2 young Australian girls who had suffered a similar fate and who shared the secret of the elevator with us.

LAS VEGAS!

"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" or so the saying goes.... Great for the party animal; you want it , you got it 24/7. You can wander around and soak up the artificial atmosphere whilst sipping on a lethal cocktail from your very own sippy cup that is hanging around your neck. Classy! Gamble high rolling style or do what we did; find a 1 cent machine and take a pew. If you are gambling, you can order free drinks from the skimpy dressed waitress (it will of course cost you a tip). Outlay after a two hours was $5. Winnings: 4 coronas and $10. Laughin'

ROAD TRIP

What is America without a road trip on Route 66? We rented a car from Alamo car rentals for our drive from Vegas to Flagstaff. Competitive prices and friendly service. It is a good idea to rent the GPS with the car. Another option, if on a long road trip is to buy a cheap GPS when you arrive in USA. Do the math!

Filling up the tank. America has a prepaid system. You pay first then fill up with gas and then collect your change from attendant. Gas is very cheap compared to our Australian prices!

We stayed in the Drury Inn, Flagstaff whilst on our road trip. The Drury Hotel franchise is great value for money. Joining their loyalty system will give you even greater discounts. The staff are welcoming and the rooms comfortable, There is an indoor pool and spa, guest laundry, free popcorn and soft drink available 24/7. Every evening from 5.30pm they provide a free buffet of hot food in the dining room You are also entitled to 3 free alcoholic drinks from the bar per day. Full buffet breakfast is also included. Fabulous value for the buck!