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especially if you’re driving. The US Department of Homeland Security maintains a handy website at http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt showing the current border wait times. US citizens and residents do not require a visa for stays of 72 hours or less within the border zone (ie as far south as Ensenada). Starting as early as January 1, 2008, US citizens need to present a valid US passport to get back into the USA. Citizens from other countries can be subject to a full immigration interrogation upon returning to the US, so bring your passport and US visa if you need one (Click here). For details on traveling between San Diego and Tijuana, Click here.

Bus

Greyhound ( 800-231-2222; www.greyhound.com) is the king of the bus world in the US, plowing along a nationwide route system serving some 2200 destinations, including dozens in Southern California. Click here for some sample fares, and Click here for information on tickets, reservations and fares.

If SoCal is part of a wider US itinerary or you are planning on making the bus your main method of travel to, from and around the region, you might save money by purchasing Greyhound’s Discovery Pass (www.discoverypass.com). It’s good for unlimited travel throughout the entire US and Canada for the periods of seven days ($283), 15 days ($415), 30 days ($522) and 60 days ($645). Passes may be bought at Greyhound terminals and online up to two hours before start of travel (to be picked up at the terminal) and at ticket agents worldwide. For people starting their trip in Canada, online purchases must be made at least three weeks in advance (two weeks for Canadians) to receive the pass by mail.

SAMPLE BUS FARES

Car & Motorcycle

If you’re driving to the USA from Canada or Mexico, bring your vehicle’s registration papers, liability insurance and driver’s license. Some car-rental agencies allow their vehicles to be taken into Mexico for a hefty insurance surcharge (about $25 per day).

Another alternative is sharing your ride with others headed for the same destination. This way you split the cost of gasoline, have company during your ride and do your bit for the environment. Websites such as www.erideshare.com, www.rideboard.com and www.digihitch.com let you advertise a ride yourself or make arrangements with drivers.

Train

Amtrak ( 800-872-7245; www.amtrak.com) operates a fairly extensive rail system throughout the US. The trains are comfortable, if slow, and are equipped with dining and lounge cars on long-distance routes. Click here for details about services within California. There are three interstate trains that serve Southern California:

Coast Starlight Travels along the West Coast daily from Seattle to LA via Portland, Sacramento and Oakland.

Southwest Chief Daily departures between Chicago and LA via Kansas City, Albuquerque and Flagstaff.

Sunset Limited Thrice-weekly service between Orlando and LA via Tucson, El Paso and New Orleans.

TRAIN PASSES

Amtrak also offers passes for exploring other parts of the US. The USA Rail Pass is available to non-US-or-Canadian citizens only and is sold online and by travel agents outside North America. The pass offers unlimited coach-class travel within a specific US region for either 15 or 30 consecutive days; price depends on the region, number of days, peak or off-peak travel and the season. Prices for the West Rail Pass (valid for travel anywhere west of Chicago and New Orleans) are $369/459 for 15-/30-day periods between June and early September (and around Christmas) and $329/359 the rest of the year. Children aged two to 15 pay half-price.

Amtrak’s North America Rail Pass, available to anyone, offers unlimited travel on Amtrak and Canada’s VIA Rail (www.viarail.ca) for 30 consecutive days. Prices are $999 for travel between June and mid-October and $709 at other times of the year. Seniors, students and children get a 10% discount.

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GETTING AROUND

AIR

Although it is possible to fly, say, from LA to San Diego or Palm Springs, the time and cost involved don’t make air travel a sensible way to get