Hi everyone,

Just after a bit of advise really.

We are hoping to visit America in April as we have family in LA. All very exciting as any travel was a No-Go for a long time. However I am better now than I have been in years, and we think we can do the journey. (We live in th UK).
So what I'd like to ask you guys who live in the USA is which car would you recommend we hire? I would like something that is quite high up with fairly upright seats with a good lumbar support. Any recommendations?

Also any tips on the 11 hour flight would be appreciated, for those of you that have done long haul how was your back afterwards? did you need to take it easy for a few days after the flight?

Thanks for any info

Clare

It depends on what you can afford really. I drive a Lexus RX330 and the safety features are incredible. Airbags protecting you frontally, side, knees, etc. all help to protect you in the severest of crashes. The lumbar supports are excellent and the seats have seat warmers which help the spine. I have not had much to do with American cars for many years due to quality issues.

As far as the flight, go business class if affordable so that you can stretch out. If that is not affordable, ask to be put by the bulkhead which will give you more legroom. International flights tend to be Airbus and bigger planes. Hope this helps.

Terry Newton

I drive a 1971 Ford Pinto, jacked up with mags; complete with 8-track stereo. http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common.../icon_razz.gif Just kidding.

You may want to reserve one car, but explain that upon your arrival, you would like to “test” the seats of available cars. There are huge differences in seat designs and comfort levels, based on your body and “new” spine. The car seats may look the same, but try ‘em…you’ll appreciate the differences!

It wasn’t until 18 months after surgery that I realized how comfortable I now am in my Toyota Camry! Amazing how long your body takes to really “settle” into its new foundation….

Here are a few sites for car rental:

www.enterprise.com

www.budget.com/

www.avis.com

Thanks very much.
Clare