Florida / Las Vegas

[Mickn]

Hi all,

Hope this finds you all well and happy

New Member here

My wife and I are planning a holiday in March next year. I have done nothing about booking it yet just trying to arrange at the moment.

We intend to have three weeks in Florida and would like to have our base at Cocoa Beach as we really liked it last time we were there in 1993.

My wife though has always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon and I hope that someone on this forum can help me with the following queries that I have.

- Does anyone have any contacts for private apartments (beach location if possible ) at Cocoa beach and although there is only the two of us we are prepared to rent a two bedroom place if need be.

- Is it practicle to drive to Las Vegas from Florida and stay there in a hotel and then book a tour to the Grand Canyon and if so how long would it take us approx to do this as I prefer to drive in place of flying and also would the car hire company allow me to use the vehicle for such a journey.

Keep smiling

Mick.

[Nostromo]

Theoretically, what you are asking is possible, but you'd be driving right across ths southern United States. From central Florida you'd have to go north on the I-75 till Atlanta, then drive to Memphis to catch I-40 West there. This goes past Grand Canyon and near Las Vegas towards LA. Even allowing for overnight stops every 250 to 300 miles, it would be an arduous task and take close to a week to get across.

But the problem could be the Car Hire. In 1995, we tried hiring a car in Denver and dropping it off in Salt Lake City - not too far from each other. The difference in cost (compared to a Denver return) was astronomical and there were mileage restrictions as well. I expect that it would be horrendously expensive - even if the hire company agreed to it - to drop off a Florida car in Nevada, if that's your intention. If you are serious about this journey, it might be cheaper to BUY a used car and sell it in Las Vegas when you are ready to return!

Driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon is not a problem; I have done it twice and it usually takes about 4 to 5 hours. It is roughly 230 miles to the South Rim of the canyon, the usual spot for visitors. If you want to drive around to the North Rim, it is a similar distance but worth it.

[Robert5988]

No it is not practical to drive to Las Vagas - it is 2000 miles. You can get a return airfare for around US$200 - approx 5 hour trip. You might like to consider UK - Orlando - Las Vagas - UK. If you can go by mid-March fares are very cheap(Good Friday is 25th March)

The Grand Canyon is several hours drive from Las Vagas but most hotels arrange trips - by helicopter if you are feeling flush. The Hoover dam is closer and well worth a visit.

I have a property just south of Cocoa Beach(Melbourne)and just went to Las Vagas for a few days. I have to warn you that Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne have taken their toll on the beaches on the Atlantic and although they may have recovered by March it is by no means certain they will have done.

Although March is high season there are plenty of Motel/Hotel rooms and STR apartments in the area from Cocoa Beach south toward Vero Beach.

[Ray&Sarah]

Welcome to the forum.[msnsmile2]

It is really too far to drive but an internal flight would be a good alternative, we plan to go to San Francisco form Orlando Airport next year.
We booked to go to the Grand Canyon on a small aircraft over the internet before we went to Las Vegas, it is an awesome sight. Have a wonderful time.

[flyrr100]

Florida to Vegas is a great drive.... I've done it many times...
Go 1.10 through to Dallas, then go up to Whitita Falls. The take the freeway through Arizone to Vegas. It's a great three day trip.
Have fun.....

[Robert5988]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:It's a great three day trip[/quote]

Orlando to Las Vagas is 2,350 miles. I am not saying that it cannot be done in 3 days but 780 miles a day for 3 consecutive days in a 3 week holiday is certainly not the definition of a "great trip" for most people.

[heathercobbett]

Also,do not forget that Easter falls in March this year.That is always a busy time in Florida.

I agree with the others;do an internal flight from Las Vegas to Florida.We found 4 days in L.V. How much longer can you eat those amazing buffets?

[Nostromo]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by heathercobbett
We found 4 days in L.V. How much longer can you eat those amazing buffets?
[/quote]

4 days used to be enough in LV maybe 10 years ago. But now the place has become far more 'family friendly' and there are more shows, rides, events....and yes, meal deals. I think a week would be more appropriate to get full value out of Las Vegas these days, including a day's trip to Lake Mead area. Grand Canyon is a separate visit, of course.

[Snapper]

I'm with Jeff on this one. I love doing road trips and am planning to maybe do it the other way (Las Vegas to Florida) later this year. You just have to know what you are getting into and if you like that kind of thing go for it. I would probably figure closer to 4 days for the drive but I like to stop off at places and mooch around for a few hours here and there.

If you are heading for the Grand Canyon in March make sure to head for the South Rim. Access to the North Rim is closed when the first heavy snowfall lands (usually November) and does not reopen until May.

[flyrr100]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:[i]
Orlando to Las Vagas is 2,350 miles. I am not saying that it cannot be done in 3 days but 780 miles a day for 3 consecutive days in a 3 week holiday is certainly not the definition of a "great trip" for most people.
[/quote]

When I did the trip I was going somewhere. If I was on vacation I'd make it a week long trip. Get a good comfortable car, hit the highway, and play!
I remember when I moved here in the 80s it took me a while to get used to the vast distances we have to travel. My sister would complain about her drive from Chessington to London. I commuted from Jacksonville Fl. to Philadelphia PA. For work! Every week! We have pilots who commute from Seattle to Orlando! Granted, we fly not drive!
Vegas really is an easy drive. The only real traffic you'll encounter will be Dallas. Six lanes of madness! But it's fun!
The Western Desserts are spectacular. Arizona has some sunsets you'll die for. And when you start to see the mountains on the horizon, you'll have to stop and take it all in.
Experience America's vast beauty. You'll never forget the adventure.

Have fun.