Also, you may find that you cannot book with a USA based credit/charge card. Certainly, from the UK, trying to 'remotely' book in the USA by phone or web was impossible. They wanted me to be at the desk and hand the plastic over with my ID.
Accordingly, do check this aspect in the T&Cs right away. Having friends in the UK/Europe may not help as they (generally) like to have the card holder actually travelling.