Travel USA travel tips and tricks

[d33my]

Would love some tips on Philly and Washington DC if anyone can help, as we are heading there and New York for the first time March next year. Thanks

What sort of tips? Accommodation wise, if you're looking for hostels in Philly I stayed in the Apple Hostel on Bank St, nice staff and in a fairly good location for Market St bars and general sightseeing. Depends what you're into in terms of sightseeing but there's plenty of historic stuff in Philly, all mostly within walking distance (Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, the mint etc etc).

Stayed with a friend in DC so I can't recommend accom but in terms of things to do I suggest the Air and Space museum and the Newseum, for starters. DC has plenty of stuff to do though, you won't get bored.

 

[cammania]

Spoke to another person today who had another bad opinion of LA.
Looks like my trip will just consist of a half day trip sightseeing. The usual LA things.
Day at universal and probably a lakers game on the way home.

Mind you this is a long way out. A year just about.

How do you guys decide what you want to do. In terms of lots of research and writing down in a book or print outs or the alike.
Or do you just wing it and go to a city and just go with the flow.

 

[Drumroe]

16 days until I leave. I plan on buying a cheap pre paid phone with a sim card when I get there. Anyone else done this? Or recommend a better way?

 

[dales.girl38]

16 days until I leave. I plan on buying a cheap pre paid phone with a sim card when I get there. Anyone else done this? Or recommend a better way?

I didn't buy a new phone, just bought a sim card. Either way will work well.

 

[Drumroe]

I didn't buy a new phone, just bought a sim card. Either way will work well.

Thanks. My phone is locked to Telstra, so figured it would be just as easy and cheap to buy the phone there as well.

 

[Elite Pete]

LA gets a bad rap but I liked it. Did 5 nights but that's probably all u want to do

 

[monty1104]

LA central is shite. Only place Ive travelled where I constantly felt like I was going to get jumped. Hollywood is fine though. Stay around Hollywood and you will enjoy it much more

 

[New_England]

16 days until I leave. I plan on buying a cheap pre paid phone with a sim card when I get there. Anyone else done this? Or recommend a better way?

If you have a smart phone, you can download an called Viber for free phone calls and free texts.

My wife's younger sister came to visit for a month and didn't spend a cent on texts, phone calls and internet charges.

Free wi fi is almost everywhere in the states. She just went to a starbucks (but their are free hot spots everywhere) every morning (6am is 10:30 pm) and she rang her mum, boyfriend and others for free. I think she just turned her international roaming on and off before using it and then she couldn't get any incoming calls.

Hope that helps as an alternatives option.

 

[neddy36]

Just about to book the Miami v Minnesota - I'm probably willing to pay up to $150 each, though what is the difference between sitting say upper center or lower center. Is it just the viewing or is there a better atmosphere down lower. The difference is around $70-80 to the $150?

I am heading over to the US for the seventh time in December, mainly for sport. I have three NFL games booked in and I have gone Level 1 (ground) seating for all of them. You are so much closer to the action and to some extent, less exposed to the elements. I paid between $150-$200 for each of them (Denver, New York and Boston). I always purchase at Ticketmaster and use the International Will Call facility where you just show your passport and pick up your tickets.

As for the weather, I have been to domed stadiums, Pro Bowls in the sun and Soldier Field on Monday Night at -8c. I'll take Soldier Field at -8 every time! Atmosphere was incredible, real football in real weather. Pretty much the reason why I am heading to Houston at New England on Monday night was to experience it all again. I know it will be cold but the atmosphere will be worth 3 hours of a little discomfort.

As for the NHL, there are some grumblings that a deal might get done soon so the season can start 1 December 2012. I wouldn't hold my breath though. I am going to Denver specifically to catch my team, the Avalanche and are hoping they will start the season just in time for their game vs LA on the 2nd. Once again, check Ticketmaster or the team website for tickets. If the season is on, it will be easy to get tickets as the fans are pissed right now. It doesn't matter at indoor arenas where you sit as most spots are quite nice. At hockey games I always try for lower bowl, as close to the glass as possible as NHL is one of the best spectator sports and best experienced up close.

I'm always happy to answer more questions.

 

[New_England]

I've been living in the state 12 years now, still can not get into NFL. Don't know why but just can not pick up.

Baseball in the summer at Fenway is amazing. If you ever get the chance, it's brilliant. It's like a T20 at the MCG every night.

 

[neddy36]

I've been living in the state 12 years now, still can not get into NFL. Don't know why but just can not pick up.

Baseball in the summer at Fenway is amazing. If you ever get the chance, it's brilliant. It's like a T20 at the MCG every night.

Whilst I'd like to check out the baseball (I am doing a Fenway tour in Boston for sure), it runs in summer. For most part as well, it's the only sport on. I like November and December because you have NFL, NBA and NHL on and it maximises your options for sport. Also, going in winter is great. I like experiencing weather that I don't usually have at home. For me it heightens the whole foreign experience.

 

[New_England]

Whilst I'd like to check out the baseball (I am doing a Fenway tour in Boston for sure), it runs in summer. For most part as well, it's the only sport on. I like November and December because you have NFL, NBA and NHL on and it maximises your options for sport. Also, going in winter is great. I like experiencing weather that I don't usually have at home. For me it heightens the whole foreign experience.

Yes.

Get a photo of the 'Big Green monster' and when you walk onto the field, you can just small the tradition and history. Unlike those sell out Yankees.

My sister is a school teacher and she can only come over in winter (you summer months) over the Christmas break. She just loves baseball as well but has never been able to get to a game because the traveling for a short time is kind of pointless.

 

[ThePezDispenser]

I am heading over to the US for the seventh time in December, mainly for sport. I have three NFL games booked in and I have gone Level 1 (ground) seating for all of them. You are so much closer to the action and to some extent, less exposed to the elements. I paid between $150-$200 for each of them (Denver, New York and Boston). I always purchase at Ticketmaster and use the International Will Call facility where you just show your passport and pick up your tickets.

As for the weather, I have been to domed stadiums, Pro Bowls in the sun and Soldier Field on Monday Night at -8c. I'll take Soldier Field at -8 every time! Atmosphere was incredible, real football in real weather. Pretty much the reason why I am heading to Houston at New England on Monday night was to experience it all again. I know it will be cold but the atmosphere will be worth 3 hours of a little discomfort.

I'm always happy to answer more questions.

Cheers mate, yeah definitely hoping NHL goes ahead as that is what I'm most looking forward to. With the NFL the only game we can go to is Eagles V NY Giants on Dec 30, minimum cost of a ticket is $200 so we might wait and see how we feel when we get there, maybe cheaper tickets pop up? or will this be leaving it too late?

Also would you be able to help with the BBall. I'm currently deciding between lower or upper seating, lower is the more expensive, though if I was to take someone to the AFL I would sit with them on the first or third level for the atmosphere rather than the second level where I find there to be not as much atmosphere. So just seeing whether you thought I should sit lower or upper?

Cheers.

 

[New_England]

Also would you be able to help with the BBall. I'm currently deciding between lower or upper seating, lower is the more expensive, though if I was to take someone to the AFL I would sit with them on the first or third level for the atmosphere rather than the second level where I find there to be not as much atmosphere. So just seeing whether you thought I should sit lower or upper?Cheers.

NBA tickets are expensive but I would go for the lower section as the closer you are, the electric the atmosphere is.

What game are you looking at?

Have you used stubhub.com for your tickets?

 

[ThePezDispenser]

Cheers, Yeah currently looking at stubhub.

I can currently get Lower Level Center 107 row 27 at American Airlines Arena for the Miami v Minnesota game at $145 each

 

[neddy36]

Cheers mate, yeah definitely hoping NHL goes ahead as that is what I'm most looking forward to. With the NFL the only game we can go to is Eagles V NY Giants on Dec 30, minimum cost of a ticket is $200 so we might wait and see how we feel when we get there, maybe cheaper tickets pop up? or will this be leaving it too late?

Also would you be able to help with the BBall. I'm currently deciding between lower or upper seating, lower is the more expensive, though if I was to take someone to the AFL I would sit with them on the first or third level for the atmosphere rather than the second level where I find there to be not as much atmosphere. So just seeing whether you thought I should sit lower or upper?

Cheers.

Eagles/Giants game will be amazing, great rivalry! I am going to Metlife to see the Saints/Giants on Dec 9 and from memory my ticket was $180. I bought on an angle near the endzone. It's a good spot down low because the players on the sidelines can't go inside the 25 yard lines (only the chain crew/officials can). This way, when a team is near the goaline your view is quite unobstructed. Plus you could get an errant football from a celebration! Try and buy ASAP and as New England said check Stub Hub as well.

As for the basketball, I have gone lower bowl seating for all three games. My tickets to the Lakers/New Orleans cost me $270 and I am only 5 rows from the floor near the Hornets bench. I wanted to splurge on that as seeing the Lakers up close in LA or a bigger city would be very expensive. I have been 300 seating at a Bulls game and the view was pretty good. With the AFL it doesn't hurt to sit elevated because our grounds are so big. This doesn't really apply to indoor sports IMO. Just do what your budget determines. My philosophy is, how often do you get to go to an NFL and NBA game? I make the most of the opportunity over a few 0's in your bank account.

 

[New_England]

Cheers, Yeah currently looking at stubhub.

I can currently get Lower Level Center 107 row 27 at American Airlines Arena for the Miami v Minnesota game at $145 each

That's good.

We're going to San Fransisco for Christmas (wife's family live in Oakland) and I'm looking at GSW vs Boston tickets. Lower level tickets are like $330 each.

Miami Heat Vs the Minnesota Timberwolves i would do that.

 

[ThePezDispenser]

Of great help fellas. Booking tonight. Cheers

 

[BEEG]

Booked my trip with the mrs for April next year

4 Nights in LA - Beverly Hills
7 Nights in NY - 90 second walk to Madison square garden forget the street just above the subway
4 Nights in Vegas - Been here a few times already so know how it all works

Did a bit of research but would like some input what are the area's like that i am staying in ?

Booked some sporting events already

Clippers vs Indiana in LA
Knicks vs Washington in NY
Wrestlemania Metlife Stadium

 

[ThePezDispenser]

I completely forgot about UFC and Wrestling.

Ultimate Fighter Finale is in Las Vegas when we're there and a stock standard RAW when we're in NY. Will have to try and convince the gf.

 

[neddy36]

I completely forgot about UFC and Wrestling.

Ultimate Fighter Finale is in Las Vegas when we're there and a stock standard RAW when we're in NY. Will have to try and convince the gf.

I was thinking of going to the TUF Finale as well but aren't they holding it in Brisbane instead? Dana White had a falling out with The Palms (over his line of credit).

UFC in Vegas are awesome. I went to the MGM Grand Garden for UFC 108 - great experience, although 110 in Sydney was pretty amazing too.

 

[Drumroe]

I completely forgot about UFC and Wrestling.

Ultimate Fighter Finale is in Las Vegas when we're there and a stock standard RAW when we're in NY. Will have to try and convince the gf.

Yeah Raw is on while I'm in NY aswell, although seeming we are going to the basketball twice that week, I don't think Ill be able to convince her

 

[kaiserchief13]

So I'm planning to go for 3 weeks early next year. Does this sound like a good itenerary?
San Francisco- 5 nights
New York - 6 nights
Las Vegas - 4 nights
Los Angeles - 4 nights
San Diego/Tijuana - 2 nights

 

[grimface_87]

So I'm planning to go for 3 weeks early next year. Does this sound like a good itenerary?
San Francisco- 5 nights
New York - 6 nights
Las Vegas - 4 nights
Los Angeles - 4 nights
San Diego/Tijuana - 2 nights

I assume not in that order?

 

[dales.girl38]

So I'm planning to go for 3 weeks early next year. Does this sound like a good itenerary?
San Francisco- 5 nights
New York - 6 nights
Las Vegas - 4 nights
Los Angeles - 4 nights
San Diego/Tijuana - 2 nights

I would probably take a night or so off Vegas and maybe one off San Francisco (although San Francisco is the best, I just think you can do it quicker than 5 nights/6 days) and add it to New York. It depends on what sort of stuff you like though. Sounds good otherwise. Oh, and yeah, fix up your order!