Serious tip - do buy renter insurance - bust the PA28, have the insurer subrogate the claim and you'll have your budget for commercial training seriously dented.
Other practical things, see if the FBO has some low cost accommodation available.
If you decide to block book up front, rather than pay as you go, do use a UK credit card (get the benefit of the Consumer Credit Act if something goes wrong).
If you've not found somewhere to - look for places near to accommodation, shops etc - save the cost of renting a car.
Use Fltplan.com to down load and print airport directories - saves a little as they are $20 each.
If you havean FAA licence, good - if not you'll need to get one issued, if possible rent from an FBO who are used to facilitating this or risk wasting days at the start of the trip.
Other things, plan to fly in the morning rather than the afternoon - the weather conditions tend to be better.
There is a sneaky wheeze if you are IR or training - team up with another pilot training - when flying at all times one always wears the hood - that way you can both log the hours.