GENERAL COSTS (Oct - Nov 2022)

[Stanski]

Food was found to be supplied in large portions.
Our UK sizes was often 50% smaller in volume.

Most supermarket shopping was at Walmart, and provisions for 3 days typically $65 - 80. Topped up with sporadic extra purchases.

Takeaways, fast food often were $22 to 28, with one large meal satisfying us both, with an extra yogurt or cake as a supplement.

PIZZA HUT Medium pizza could not finish, twice each over $22.
KFC - BONELESS (Tender in US speak), Meal, for 8 pieces, with sides and drinks always above $24.
CHINESE special fried rice with starter option was often $18 to 22.
Steak Restaurants - always above $50, with soft refill drink.
tip was 10 to 20%, so added another $5 to 10 dollars. No alcohol included, add $15 more.

Beer is $5 a bottle most bar type places.

Analysis of our first trip will follow.

 

[Stanski]

USA TRIP 1 COST ANALYSIS (Using Motorhome) values are in Dollars $.
Notes:
1. Wk1 & 2 required long daily travel journeys so to arrive on schedule in Austin caused by delay in arrival of the motorhome at Baltimore.
2. Prior to motorhome becoming available expenditure of the 2 wks spent exploring West Virginia, Maryland, Pensylvania are not shown.
3. Cost of Flights not included - information given below for knowledge - costs were reduced by obtaining early tickets and not having hold/check-in luggage.
4. Savings column explained below the table.

Week (Week Cost)	Motorhome (Fuel & Maint Parts)	Museum / Sights Entry	Food (inc Meals)	Parking / Campsites / Odd Items	Comments	Savings due to closure or unavailable
1 (808)	324 (1450 miles)	291	113	80	Rushed Travel across east america	910 Hotel & Riverboat
2 (646)	315 (1350 miles)	87	219	25	Rushed Travel	1660 F1 tickets & camping
3 (657)	318 (1300 miles)	109	165	65	Texas Coast Line to New Orleans	672 Museum & Tours
4 (454)	203 (950 miles)	62	146	43	Across to West Texas & New Mexico	55 Caves & Dunes
5 (481)	114 (550 miles)	78	216	73	Over Mountains & R66 to Tulsa	136 R66 Museum & Tours
6 (724)	270 (800 miles)	66	120	268	Oklahoma to Central Texas	15 Parking

Trip #1 Travel Journeys and Flights:
MH (Single): Taunton to Liverpool - transporting MH to Shipping Agent
COACH (Single): Liverpool to Taunton - National Express Coach
CAR(Return): Taunton to NI - Car and Ferry
FLY (Return): Dublin to Washington (Dulles) using Air Lingus
FLY (Single): Dallas to Washington (Dulles) using American Airlines

SAVINGS Column - indicate what we could have spent had circumstances been different.
Our Wedding Anniversary coincided with waiting for the motorhome, we struck lucky with obtaining a booking discount in Baltimore.
Museums are often closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so some were missed as the schedule did not fit.
Bank Holidays - caused some Museums to be closed as they are reliant on volunteers.
Out of season/Pandemic - Closures were discovered to be permanent as travel was still restricted.
Some convenient change of schedule and also using OAP / Veteran discounts allowed entry to be discounted or even free.
Tickets and Campsite for F1 were not purchased once General Admission access was obtained.
Weather and Environment extremes caused tour boats and paddle boats to be cancelled or unavailable.
Using local ticket promotions where multiple sights were included in tour bus provided us with discounts of up to 20%, often 10%.

 

[Aaron36]

Trip #1 Travel Journeys and Flights sound like an exciting adventure! From Taunton to Liverpool via coach and car, then international flights from Dublin to Washington and Dallas quite a diverse itinerary. The detailed savings column reflects the strategic planning and fortunate circumstances that enhanced the journey, turning challenges into opportunities for discounts and unique experiences.