i think it would only be difficult if you can't speak english. otherwise it isn't too hard and i know you can speak english because your comic is in english. just ask lots of questions. taxi drivers charge a lot and drive dangerously. any form of transportation in new york is dangerous. i live in a far away place so i don't know much about public transportation in the U.S. it's not too hard though.

posted by hiddenwings on 06 Jun 2008 06:53 pm

We're not going to take taxis - they're really expensive and we want to spend as little as possible. XD The thing is, I don't want to be only in big cities - but I heard the public transportation outside of cities is a problem...

posted by Shamdu on 06 Jun 2008 07:06 pm

If you go to a busy city(i.e. New York) then you might want to walk a lot of places. you can also take subways and buses(which usually don't come on time) and renting a taxi may get expensive. but, as long as you have a lot of maps (that you understand), phone numbers for a taxi service (maybe), and know where you want to go, then finding a ride shouldn't be too hard (then again, that depends on where you're going as well).

posted by Pandachu on 06 Jun 2008 07:13 pm

Public is the way to go at the moment, but I suggest planning exactly where you want to go and where you want to stay, and then take streight lines. Use planes for super long distances, and then buses. Taxi's are good too. Bring a map to be able to show where you want to go.

posted by LuluMoon on 06 Jun 2008 08:43 pm

I love this comic! I read you one one TyokoPop and that one is also really good!

About American transportation, depending how clean-freak you are, you can take a train. <--Like I said, it is no where near as clean as I would like, but hey, sometimes, in city, if ya can, take Tracks. Yeah...I was ranting again...
~Makura

posted by Lady_Naihana on 06 Jun 2008 09:06 pm

Well, i'm a newyorker, so i have to say that when i go to the city, i find the metro to be the best bet, but out side the city it really depends if thier are trains and if the buses are any good. I find the fact your coming to the US slihtly amusing since this summer i'm goin to Israel (though a group trip so dont have to worry about transport as much as you do)I hope you have fun. I recommed if you want, going to Vermont to the Ben & Jerry's icecream factory. I have before and it's alot of fun!

posted by Draye (Guest) on 06 Jun 2008 09:13 pm

Your main problem is going to be cost. Do you have people that you're going to be staying with? America doesn't really have anything like hostels, and our motels are things of nightmares. You best bet would be greyhounds or trains to get from place to place. Last minute flights are expensive, and on a train between towns or cities you can see the scenery. Plan out where you want to go in advance. New Mexico and the four corners areas have some awesome sights. Mesa Verde (by the Grand Canyon, there's more than one) is a lot like Masada, so if you liked that you'll like the midwest. National Parks are a good way to see the US too, because they're not too expensive. If you can find a way to get to the national parks do that along with seeing cities.

posted by GreenHammock on 06 Jun 2008 10:14 pm

Well, in a no-so-huge city like Metro Louisville, Kentucky (Still 16th largest in the us. =3) public transportation is a step down from big cities. There are TARC (transit authority of river city) busses, the go around downtown, and there aren't too many places out of walking distance. At least, when I travel downtown, I walk everywhere, even though it's a bit of a hike. Good food and stores in Lyndon and Middletown, but since they are 'suburban areas' TARC busses don't go there. Araa~ Either way, looking at public transportation, Even a semi-large city like metro louisville it's unreasonable. We don't even have a train system...

posted by xXTheMadHatterXx on 06 Jun 2008 10:34 pm

I can tell you that it is going to be expensive any way that you look at it. I am in Michigan but I don’t think that it would matter where you go; the gas prices are crazy so getting around is going to suck. Charter busses like Greyhound and stuff aren’t that bad. I haven’t ridden on them a lot but I have taken them for trips before and they weren’t awful.

posted by look!adistraction on 06 Jun 2008 10:58 pm

WHO CAN IT BE? WHOA, WHOA.

Right now it's sort of tough to say. In the US our economy is down and our gas prices are rising about .25-.50cents+ a month, so everything costs a lot transportation-wise. I think nowadays people tavel by Bus is not by car, or just use a metro or monorail in the bigger cities. Taxi prices change, but those are solid prices.

What a lucky duck, though! :D I can't wait to have my road trip through the US. I want to buy an RV and just travel and see stuff like a hobo on the open road. xD Best of lucky to you in that!

posted by hatsuchan on 07 Jun 2008 12:14 am

what can't be?! I think everything has a right to "be" but oh well. Do watever you want dude. I'm not the artist.

love it

posted by Sori on 07 Jun 2008 12:47 am

I live in California and I've taken Amtrak (a series of buses/trains) and it's not so bad at all. (Trains are awesome, I wish we had more in the U.S.) I know Amtrak goes to many places in America, but not everywhere. Same with Greyhound, but those would be your best bets for long-distance traveling. Definitely plan a route ahead of time and plan where you are going to stay and buy your bus/train tickets ahead of time online. We do have hostels, but check them out carefully and stay away from sleazy hotels. Planes are also great, and the farther ahead of time you book a flight, the cheaper. Also, if you're a college student, a site called Student Universe offers discounted flights, as do Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz. According to the article I have, Student Universe has great international rates, while the other three have cheaper domestic rates. So check those out. No matter what you choose, though, it's gonna cost a bundle. So if you wanna travel all around America bring at LEAST a couple thousand dollars each. As for places to visit - you got me. Don't go to L.A. though, unless you like breathing toxic fumes (smog) that you can not only see, but practically chew. Northern California is much nicer. XD Oh, and there is pretty much nothing in upstate New York (I know, I lived there) so you might want to look at more interesting places.

posted by Shan Kaiyou (Guest) on 07 Jun 2008 01:22 am

It really depends on where you plan on going. It really depends on where you are. In New York it's probably best to bus, or use the subway, or taxis. If you plan on going cross-country there are special buses for that, or trains. If you plan on traveling cross country I recommend Greyhound busing.

posted by not_helping (Guest) on 07 Jun 2008 04:32 am

She's his sister or something? 8D;;

posted by Mythee on 07 Jun 2008 05:56 am

I thought you were going to ask the Americans about couch surfing. *Disappointment*.

posted by Kirinet on 07 Jun 2008 08:45 am

;X Yeah. No. You can't just hop on a whatever and go anywhere in America. >.> Soghey.
;/ My town doesn't even have anyyy public transportation (or even really sidewalks).
Souh. In cities there's plenty. To go other than that.. Sure, trains are good. But usually pretty damn expensive. I suggest buses. :} Like Grey Hound, Peter Pan, etc.
YOU SHOULD GO TO BOSTON. ;D Because there's scary subways and awesome things and you'll get so lost.
8} And I could stalk you.

posted by RadicalTrain on 07 Jun 2008 03:07 pm

Weeeell, I know Greyhound buses http://www.greyhound.com/home/ sometimes have cross country deals. I think you would be spending a huge amount of time on a bus, which isn't the most comfortable thing in the world @_@ Trains also are a good way to get place to place more comfortably than buses.
As far as in towns outside of bigger cities...taxis or walking are the only things I can think of >_>
I think the best deal you could get would be if you had a friend in the US that had a driver's license and would be interesting in going along with you guys. Then they could drive and you'd have access to whichever city you want. I've been in medium to small to large cities, and the bigger the place is, the easiest it is to get around.
And just a tip...stay away from the SouthEASTERN states >_> It's a scary place with big, poisonous bugs and a lot of creepy people.
BUT YOU SHOULD GO TO NASHVILLE >D> *is near Nashville*

posted by I.S.P. on 07 Jun 2008 03:49 pm

The most cheapest would be to take a bus. Most big cities here have adequate busing, but expect to do a lot of walking. I went to an aims convention in Kentucky. We rode the bus and the tram which got us close enough to all our destinations but we still had to do a lot of walking. you should check the busing schedule in the cities you want to go to and plan your transportation schedule before you go. If your staying or going anywhere out of the city it my be harder to get there.

P.S. can't wait for the next page.

posted by yakuria on 07 Jun 2008 05:16 pm

The only tip I have that doesn't look like it's been exhausted is this: If you are going to use a taxi (have to, want to, whatever), then make sure you know which direction your destination is. Then, get to the correct side of the street to hail a cab going in that direction. The fare will be less.

Other than that, I guess, pay attention to the available maps the public transport has. Boarding the wrong bus is a huge hassle--I did that once and was on the bus for an hour and a half. And I'm in what feels like the middle of nowhere.

posted by Regina Avari on 07 Jun 2008 05:44 pm

Public transport in any place other than a big city is usually nonexistent. Where I live (southeast) there's only MARTA, which is kinda like a lame version of the subways in bigger cities and ... uh ... probably not recommended unless you need it to go to the airport or something :x

I love the way you drew the lady in the third panel *g*

posted by fishuu on 07 Jun 2008 10:46 pm

God, don't get me wrong, we have a lot of great sites/cities and stuff but without a car, traveling in the US is hell. I would know, I refuse to drive, and luckily the city I go to school in has plenty of public transportation (this is down in Savannah, GA)
However, up here in Delaware we have crap transportation, just one bus that goes really retarded places that you have to walk miles to catch anyway.

Be really careful where you go in this respect. Some cities are great and have metros/rails, some have nothing and you'll end up losing half your money to taxis.

I agree with the above, though, you'll end up spending a shitload on transportation anyway. Like has been stated above, Amtrack for long distances (but a ticket can cost you over 100 dollars, I get mine cheap for being a student) or Greyhound. Try using the least gas-consuming way of travel, because those are the expensive ones.

Luckily most other things here are reasonably priced, but as stated above no hostels and you'll want to avoid staying in a cheap motel lest you be woken by a drug bust in the middle of the night.

Also, you're being really nonspecific with your intended travels? The US is huge, you can fly from coast to coast (our trains actually don't cross a lot of areas outside of the coasts) but that'll be expensive. The East coast has more in terms of cities like New York/Washington and the southern states have interesting scenery and places like Miami and Disney, but even the distances between states is like traveling between countries. On the West coast are cities like LA and Los Vegas, and in the midwest (my favorite part) are more peaceful scenic things like canyons and forests and less people (but unfortunately, also less ways to get around in some places.

Anyway, I love this page and the gay demon, lolz. Vick looks like he gonna get raep'd D:

posted by Antitime on 08 Jun 2008 09:11 am

Bike it up. :) There's nothing like biking through a city - being able to take in all the sights whilst getting some fresh air and exercise. Well, that's what I'd do. I live in San Francisco so I bike around a lot. It's so much fun because there's always something new to see. It's just the hills that get me. Buses as public trans shouldn't be too hard to navigate on - just look at the little maps by the stop (if there is one) and find out what buses stop at the stop you're at (that's how I've done it here). Nowadays taxis in some states might even be cheaper than driving and such, even though you're trying not to spend too much, if you really have trouble traveling, a taxi would be recommended. Good luck with all that, hope this was of help or something or other.

posted by Ramikuro on 08 Jun 2008 03:03 pm

Though public transportation isn't non-existent, (we do have buses and trains,) it is no where near as easy to move around using public transportation here as it is in, say, Europe. In fact... unless you've got a shit load of money and highly detailed knowledge of the train/bus routes, (neither of which I have,) it's damn near impossible, I'm sorry to say. I've lived here all my life, and the only place I've ever used public transportation was in New York City. I live in the burbs of NYC, and OUR public transportation is crap. Public transit literally stops being useful the second you set foot outside of a major city.

The truth is that it's VERY expensive, and there's no where near enough stops, (train routes are only really useful along the coasts,) and not to mention not a lot of places to stay at along those stops. It's really just the biggest pain in the ass. Let me put more emphasis on HOW EXPENSIVE it is. The only cross-country trips I've ever heard of have all been done in a car. Anytime I need to travel a long distance I drive or fly there. Believe it or not train tickets are usually just as or more expensive than plane tickets, when it comes to long distances. >_>

My suggestion? Start hoarding your cash, and plan a very detailed trip, or invite someone along who knows how to drive ^^;; (and still hoard your cash, cause gas is expensive.)

Sorryyyyy ^^;;; I know, the US is just retarded. Like, a lot. I should move to Canada xD

posted by Experi on 08 Jun 2008 03:07 pm

Living in a rather small place, in what I consider a rural area (the population is around 100,000), I'd say public transportation is basically non-existent. Not being able to drive would be difficult, as it seems the two requirements to get around are these: speaking English, and having a car.

I suppose you'll have to depend on friends that have their driver's licenses. And at least here, there is a cab service which is available through telephone. You'd be surprised at what services are available if you flip through a phone book.

And I just wanted to comment on how beautiful, engaging, well-paced, well-developed, highly detailed and fascinating a comic you have created.

posted by Quilibet (Guest) on 09 Jun 2008 12:24 am

ok if you and your friend are the outdoorsy type, going to Yellowstone National Park is fun. Also if you prefer the ocean maybe try going to the Keys in South Florida. I love the Keys and they're relatively small so you could catch a bus. you could even go snorkeling, they have allot of great reefs. i know, i live in South Florida, you could even hit Miami if you take an international flight and end up in the Miami International Airport. From Miami to the Keys is just a bus ride away!

posted by meako (Guest) on 09 Jun 2008 10:37 am

trains can be a bit limited, but if you get your tickets in advance there a decent price.
make sure to research were you want to go, and don't skimp on a map. if you go to california get a taxi their public transit sucks.

i think heavy rail is your best bet for long distence, there is also greyhound buses.

good luck!

posted by MADtiger on 09 Jun 2008 05:28 pm

Hm, I'd have to do like other people and say train. 1)Price is usually reasonable and 2)you get to see the countryside. If/while you're in big cities, you could probably walk,if you don't mind(though, if I was going to a different country, I would be nervous about wandering into little towns...o///o I be a chicken). I went to Las Vegas, and we pretty much walked everywhere. That was fun, though(except the dryness; I needed some freakin' humidity). I was tempted to casually lean over on a slot machine and pull the handle, cuz while you have to be like, 21 to play, you had to pass through the casino to get to your room. X3
Also, I've been to Mammoth Caves in Kentucky and that was fun, once you get pass the whole, "OMG-if-this-caves-in-they'll-never-find-us" fear.
Too bad you can't drive, that'd be easier. I(well, not me personally; I'm 16; but I can get mah license in AUGUST!) have driven through quite a few states and it can be beautiful at times. ^^(But, OMG< the GAS prices; I remember when gas was a dollar and less ><)

posted by FurryMinkLaLa on 10 Jun 2008 04:50 am

Maybe you could look into trains. They go alot of places (At least here in the SW) and (I think) are reliable. Also... Maybe a Greyhound bus?

posted by Ryu-son on 10 Jun 2008 10:54 am

i went to the us last year it was a bit diffrent but nice and the experience changes deqending on were you go and were your from by the way were are you from?

posted by 100% canadian (Guest) on 10 Jun 2008 06:36 pm

Slatis:
It's the sister, isn't it

posted by SlatisAnubis on 26 Jun 2008 04:32 pm

For transportation, I suggest Trains for long distance (they're like in any other country ^^) and city buses or possibly subways (I live on the west coast though, so um, no knowledge of those O.o) which are reliable and rather cheap, buses here are about a dollar and picking up a bus schedule is quite easy

Though, don't take long distance buses, or at least, avoid it if you can =]

posted by HersheysRocks on 08 Jul 2008 07:28 pm