By Plane -- Some large airlines offer transatlantic or transpacific passengers special discount tickets under the name Visit USA, which allows mostly one-way travel from one U.S. destination to another at low prices. These discount tickets must be purchased abroad in conjunction with your international fare. This system is the easiest, fastest, cheapest way to see the country. Obtain information well in advance from your travel agent or the airline, since the conditions attached to these discount tickets can be changed without advance notice.
By Train -- International visitors (excluding Canadians) can also buy a USA Rail Pass, good for 15 or 30 days of unlimited travel on Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL; www.amtrak.com). The pass is available through many overseas travel agents. Prices in 2005 for a 15-day pass were $295 off-peak, $440 peak; a 30-day pass was $385 off-peak, $550 peak. With a foreign passport, you can also buy passes direct from some Amtrak locations, including New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. Reservations are generally required and should be made as early as possible. Regional rail passes are also available.
By Bus -- Bus travel is often the most economical form of public transit for short hops between U.S. cities, but it can also be slow and uncomfortable -- certainly not an option for everyone (particularly when Amtrak, which is far more luxurious, offers similar rates). Greyhound/Trailways (tel. 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com), the sole nationwide bus line, offers an International Ameripass that must be purchased before coming to the U.S., or by phone through the Greyhound International Office at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City (tel. 212/971-0492). The pass can be obtained from foreign travel agents or through Greyhound's website (order at least 21 days before your departure to the U.S.) and costs less than the domestic version. In 2005, the cost of passes were as follows: 4 days ($179), 7 days ($239), 10 days ($289), 15 days ($349), 21 days ($419), 30 days ($479), 45 days ($529), or 60 days ($639). You can get more info on the pass at the website, or by calling tel. 402/330-8552. In addition, special rates are available for seniors, students, and children. Passes can be activated at the downtown Baltimore bus terminal, 2110 Haines St. (tel. 410/752-7682), or the Baltimore Travel Plaza, off I-95 (tel. 410/633-6389). Both are open 24 hours.
By Car -- Unless you plan to spend the bulk of your vacation in a city where walking is the best way to get around (read: New York City), the most convenient way to travel the U.S. is by car. The interstate highway system connects cities and towns all over the country, with an extensive network of federal, state, and local highways and roads as well. Some of the national car-rental companies include Alamo (tel. 800/462-5266; www.alamo.com), Avis (tel. 800/230-4898; www.avis.com), Budget (tel. 800/527-0700; www.budget.com), Dollar (tel. 800/800-3665; www.dollar.com), Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131; www.hertz.com), and National (tel. 800/227-7368; www.nationalcar.com).
If you plan to rent a car in the U.S., you probably won't need the services of an additional automobile organization. If you're planning to buy or borrow a car, automobile-association membership is recommended. AAA, the American Automobile Association (tel. 800/222-4357; travel.aaa.com), is the country's largest auto club and supplies its members with maps, insurance, and, most important, emergency road service. The cost runs from $63 for singles to $87 for two members, but if you're a member of a foreign auto club with reciprocal arrangements, you can enjoy free AAA service in America.
