I'm for a budget forum - in Feb/Mar I took a cheap flight SYD-LAX and then flew on to DCA to stay with a friend for 4 weeks. Bought an Amtrak 15-day $295 pass and travelled through 14 states, 1 District, 1 province & 2 countries during the week while my friend (& fellow FTer) went off to work. Much of the time I had less than $2 in my pocket, so planned my itinerary around o'nite trips to save on accommodation - and it's amazing how long you can live on potato flakes & cans of tuna, as long as you can get free cups of hot water

I stayed a couple of nights in hostels (HI) & found them to be friendly and comfortable. I saw a lot of the country (my first visit) and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of travelling on a shoestring. My only beef was that because I had to be from outside the States to get the rail pass I couldn't claim the Guest Rewards

Oh, and on the weekends I got to watch lots of TV & hang out

Maybe the forum could help me next time a great fare comes up - I know I picked up a few ideas I'm happy to share

I'll keep saving my pennies just in case