4 weeks in States, flying into LA

We are a family of five (3 kids aged 16,19 and 22) from NZ going on holiday for 4 weeks in the States. We are flying into and out of LA, arriving mid december leaving late january.

Any suggestions for itineraries? We are pretty keen to spend a few days skiing, and would probably aim to spend 3-4 hrs a day driving on average. What would be recommended in terms of accomodation/rental cars etc? Would we need to book before we go?

4 weeks in States, flying into LA

You have to book before you go, especially over Christmas/New Year (especially near/at a ski resort, they book up months in advance).

You have many options. You could spend a few days in LA, drive to San Francisco over several days, stay there a few days, then visit Lake Tahoe for a few days, then set out to Colorado by way of Utah, and on the way back (by way of Moab), visit Las Vegas, spending 3-6 days in each place.

It really depends what you want to see. Buy a book on the western states and see what interests you.

4 weeks in States, flying into LA

Hi. We%26#39;re (2 adults %26amp; 2 kids) going in September and will be away for 4 weeks too. This is our itinerary:

Fly AKL-LAX-SFO. Spend 5 nights at Grosvenor Suites in a 1 bedroom apartment with kitchen @ US$139 per night.

SFO - Yosemite - 2 nights (you could go to Lake Tahoe)

Yosemite - Monterey - 1 night

Monterey - Cambria - 1 night

Cambria - Anaheim - 6 nights (Doubletree Hotel 1 bedroom suite)

Anaheim - Las Vegas - 3 nights (Derert Inn) 2 bedroom apartment @ $117 pn

Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - 1 night

Grand Canyon - Sedona - 2 nights

Sedona - San Diego - 4 nights (Best Western Lamplighter Inn)

LAX - Home

I have booked everything apart from the Anaheim accommodation (due to travel agent package requirement) on the net and have been pleased with what I have managed to get compared to booking with my travel agent - I have saved tons!

Also, book your rental car with yescarhire, allstatescarhire or another UK based company over the net as it is way cheaper. I ended up using www.traveljigsaw.com.au and have been billed in AUD but I did have to telephone them in the UK to organised this (long story).

Anyway, happy planning...

nzers @ The Mount

You really need to buy some guide books, at least for California %26amp; preferably for the South West. Have a read through them to find out what really interests you (National Parks/Outdoors, Theme Parks, Cities) %26amp; put together a rough itinerary. Then come back %26amp; ask for feedback.

We are doing a 4 week road trip in September, %26amp; will be seeing a lot. We booked a package through the Travel Agents which includes flights %26amp; 25 days car hire, plus accomodation in San Fransisco when we arrive. All the other accomodation has been booked on-line as we are staying in National Parks, small family run motels %26amp; hostels. If you are visiting National Parks, you will need to book accomodation as soon as possible. I would imagine the same will apply for Ski Resorts %26amp; Disneyland.

Have fun planning!!