Travel USA travel tips and tricks

[Peter Sidorkiewicz]

That was our original plan

Where in New Jersey do you recommend?

Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark

 

[revo333]

Detained or deported is only happening to a very small %. But yeh that is in the back of my head, but given i am the demographic they are not concerned about i should be ok. Our trip is not fully planned, we are still waiting to see what happens over there in the next few months.

Zero chance if you are going on the ESTA, went 2 weeks ago and was only asked how I was paying for everything while I was there.

Only downside is the ESTA is increasing in price again.

 

[Great8]

Our US trip a few months ago was cut short unfortunately and we had to return home after only a week there so we were going to the WC next year for about 5-6 weeks but have a heap of travel credits to use so will most likely extend it 10 weeks and see some of the stuff we missed out on.
We flew into Washington Dulles from Frankfurt and had spent a couple of weeks in Saudi Arabia and Egypt yet was through immigration in about 2 minutes with no questions asked. Had a great time and the people were great but definitely feel it in the hip pocket but that’s fine

 

[revo333]

Had a great time and the people were great but definitely feel it in the hip pocket but that’s fine

Yeah, Still good but I feel like there isn't the cheap food options anymore like there use to be especially before covid.

 

[Bloods86]

I am planning to go back next year in August for 6th visit since 2015, i get people are apprehensive about going, but what you see in the media is not a real reflection of being there. We were there last year, and was their on election day and about a month in the lead up, If you did not watch TV you had no idea the election was going on, the general pop go about their everyday lives.

Our trip next year will start in either Houston or Dallas, pick up a car and drive , we plan to stop at Little Rock, Nashville St Louis, Knoxville Iowa ( holds a motorsport event i have always wanted to attend ), then onto Jackson Hole Wyoming stopping in Colorado on the way, with last stop being Vegas.

Been to the States a couple of times (places in 14 states and DC). Of the ones you mention here, just in case you've not been before.

Stopped over in Houston (2 years ago) from Mexico on way to New Orleans, did the usual space centre day-trip (combined with a short top-deck bus tour of the city, which was decent enough). Space Centre was cool but geared a bit towards families/kids. Obviously if you're into space/astronomy, then a good day out, and would recommend pre booking any extra tours there as I didn't and some areas aren't part of the main ticket so I missed out on a bit. Some cool bars, lots of street art.

Vegas I didn't love, but not big on gambling. The Strip definitely looks better at night. Good access to Grand Canyon. If Penn & Teller are still doing their residency (looks like they still do shows at the Rio sometimes and I saw them in 2014), then that was fantastic.

If you've been to the States 5 times or more already, you've probably already been to Yellowstone NP, but since you're heading nearby in Wyoming, in case you haven't, definitely go. Favourite place I've ever been anywhere. Obviously a few other parks in the area, but only did Yellowstone (will be going back to that area again).

 

[Magnum27]

Been to the States a couple of times (places in 14 states and DC). Of the ones you mention here, just in case you've not been before.

Stopped over in Houston (2 years ago) from Mexico on way to New Orleans, did the usual space centre day-trip (combined with a short top-deck bus tour of the city, which was decent enough). Space Centre was cool but geared a bit towards families/kids. Obviously if you're into space/astronomy, then a good day out, and would recommend pre booking any extra tours there as I didn't and some areas aren't part of the main ticket so I missed out on a bit. Some cool bars, lots of street art.

Vegas I didn't love, but not big on gambling. The Strip definitely looks better at night. Good access to Grand Canyon. If Penn & Teller are still doing their residency (looks like they still do shows at the Rio sometimes and I saw them in 2014), then that was fantastic.

If you've been to the States 5 times or more already, you've probably already been to Yellowstone NP, but since you're heading nearby in Wyoming, in case you haven't, definitely go. Favourite place I've ever been anywhere. Obviously a few other parks in the area, but only did Yellowstone (will be going back to that area again).

Cheers for the response.

Have done Houston before, did the whole NASA thing, and agree it's more geared at families / kids, it was ok without being great.

It was either there or Dallas as a starting point for this trip, as we can get a direct flight to one of them via Qantas or Air NZ, and also allows us to go to a Buccees again , we have just recently booked flights with Air NZ, so Houston it is, it will only be one day there this time, we will pick up a car at the airport for our trip.

Not a big gambler myself, but Vegas has some nice golf courses which i frequent whilst there, but the wife and i enjoy it for some unknown reason.

Never been to Yellowstone, so something we are both looking forward to, forgot to mention after Yellowstone we head to monument Valley for a night, then onto Vegas.

We have ticked off a lot off the USA, this may be our last trip there for a while, places we have stopped at include LA ( didn't love it ), New York ( love New York ), Vegas, Orlando, San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago , Boston, San Diego, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, Pidgeon Forge and Nashville.

 

[Magnum27]

Zero chance if you are going on the ESTA, went 2 weeks ago and was only asked how I was paying for everything while I was there.

Only downside is the ESTA is increasing in price again.

My ESTA is still valid from last trip, so all good this time around.

 

[Bloods86]

Cheers for the response.

Have done Houston before, did the whole NASA thing, and agree it's more geared at families / kids, it was ok without being great.

It was either there or Dallas as a starting point for this trip, as we can get a direct flight to one of them via Qantas or Air NZ, and also allows us to go to a Buccees again , we have just recently booked flights with Air NZ, so Houston it is, it will only be one day there this time, we will pick up a car at the airport for our trip.

Not a big gambler myself, but Vegas has some nice golf courses which i frequent whilst there, but the wife and i enjoy it for some unknown reason.

Never been to Yellowstone, so something we are both looking forward to, forgot to mention after Yellowstone we head to monument Valley for a night, then onto Vegas.

We have ticked off a lot off the USA, this may be our last trip there for a while, places we have stopped at include LA ( didn't love it ), New York ( love New York ), Vegas, Orlando, San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago , Boston, San Diego, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, Pidgeon Forge and Nashville.

Looks like you've been to a few places I'm yet to visit, definitely Utah/Arizona for more canyons and rock formations, as well as Boston are on my list still to do. New Orleans is my favourite, Chicago, New York and San Fran cool too.

Spent a few weeks in the South last trip, rate Montgomery, Savannah and Charleston.

In Yellowstone we just did self guided stuff in a car, cruised around the main loop seeing the main sights, then a few drives down the roads leading off that towards the park borders for scenery/wildife spotting. Were there just after spring/summer opening so some stuff/roads were still closed. Bison, deer everywhere. Saw 4 bears, coyote, marmot, elk etc. No wolves unfortunately though that's not surprising.

 

[Magnum27]

Looks like you've been to a few places I'm yet to visit, definitely Utah/Arizona for more canyons and rock formations, as well as Boston are on my list still to do. New Orleans is my favourite, Chicago, New York and San Fran cool too.

Spent a few weeks in the South last trip, rate Montgomery, Savannah and Charleston.

In Yellowstone we just did self guided stuff in a car, cruised around the main loop seeing the main sights, then a few drives down the roads leading off that towards the park borders for scenery/wildife spotting. Were there just after spring/summer opening so some stuff/roads were still closed. Bison, deer everywhere. Saw 4 bears, coyote, marmot, elk etc. No wolves unfortunately though that's not surprising.

We will be at Yellowstone mid to late August.

As we have a hire car , what are the roads like you went on ?

 

[SonOfScray]

Off to the US/CAN this Boxing Day across new years through to late Jan.

San Francisco, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Boston, NYC, LA

Main reason for going is to get to some hockey games, we have tickets to three Bruins home games and will try to grab tickets for a PWHL game and one more game in NYC closer to the event.

Taking daughter to Universal for Super Nintendo Land and to Disney.

 

[Worm4]

Off to the US/CAN this Boxing Day across new years through to late Jan.

San Francisco, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Boston, NYC, LA

Main reason for going is to get to some hockey games, we have tickets to three Bruins home games and will try to grab tickets for a PWHL game and one more game in NYC closer to the event.

Taking daughter to Universal for Super Nintendo Land and to Disney.

With Universal, you can pay extra and do Super Ninento an hour before the park opens, and can avoid the crowds during that time. I would advise to do the lower lot first (where Nintendo is) and get all those rides in first up - Jurassic, masters of the universe, the mummy, all those are in the lower lot.
Then work your way up to the upper lot late morning to do the studio tour, Harry Potter , etc. Not sure if Fast and Furious will be open by then unfortunately as it looks like its going to be a ripping ride. Also, take a water bottle with you there are plenty of places to fill up, otherwise they charge an arm and a leg for bottled water.
Have fun and enjoy

 

[brutus76]

I never gambled in Vegas or Atlantic City

Vegas i still enjoyed because of the Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, Summerlin and the "dinner and a show" experiences

I stayed just off the strip (on Flamingo)

 

[brutus76]

ESTA used to be $21 USD is now $40 USD as a heads up

 

[deck]

My ESTA is still valid from last trip, so all good this time around.

Get the CBP MPC app and you can join that queue on entry. You even take your own photo and don't need one at the counter. Used it in Hawaii the other year and was waived through at the empty counter pretty much instantly. The only criteria for ESTA users is you have previously entered the country.

 

[offtherails9]

Get the CBP MPC app and you can join that queue on entry. You even take your own photo and don't need one at the counter. Used it in Hawaii the other year and was waived through at the empty counter pretty much instantly. The only criteria for ESTA users is you have previously entered the country.

So can you use that if you're coming back on a new ETSA but have entered the country previously?

 

[darrenmorgan]

Get the CBP MPC app and you can join that queue on entry. You even take your own photo and don't need one at the counter. Used it in Hawaii the other year and was waived through at the empty counter pretty much instantly. The only criteria for ESTA users is you have previously entered the country.

yep i just came back from another trip and used MPC arriving through DFW, literally 30 second process; lodge form and take photo (whilst still in plane) after landing. walk to (empty) MPC queue, look at the camera, "welcome to the US, have a nice day sir". don't even take passport out of bag. that said i usually go to the States once or twice a year (and have visited regularly over four decades, including a short stint living there), so they've got a fair idea of who i am...

 

[deck]

So can you use that if you're coming back on a new ETSA but have entered the country previously?

Yes. You can do everyone in your group up to 12 people as long as they are eligible. I pre filled at home before leaving then took photos of me and my other fellow traveler when we landed. You will need internet access to process it before you hit customs.

 

[brutus76]

Got under $1500 return for Feb/March - BEAUTIFUL!

 

[BERT]

Still have to book hotels for my trip next year. Is it worth waiting until the Black Friday sales. Is there good discounts on hotels?

 

[Magnum27]

Still have to book hotels for my trip next year. Is it worth waiting until the Black Friday sales. Is there good discounts on hotels?

My wife and have already booked most of ours for our trip next July.

We use booking sites that offer free cancels, and monitor the prices, and cancel and re book if the price drops.

 

[Jeremias]

Heading over mid next year for the World Cup.

Will be there for a month so I’ll have plenty of time to travel around despite being semi dictated to by where my games will be.

Flying in via Hawaii and out of NY so looking for recommendations on where to go.

Prefer to mostly focus on places I haven’t been yet -
has anyone got any thoughts on Seattle, Portland, Cleveland or Atlanta?

Also planning on Boston but plenty have been there so I’m confident that’ll be somewhere I’ll enjoy.

Anywhere else that I should be checking out as a priority?

Have been to LA, NY, SF, Chicago, NO, Nashville, Austin, Washington. Chance I go back to a few of them too.

 

[Bloods86]

Heading over mid next year for the World Cup.

Will be there for a month so I’ll have plenty of time to travel around despite being semi dictated to by where my games will be.

Flying in via Hawaii and out of NY so looking for recommendations on where to go.

Prefer to mostly focus on places I haven’t been yet -
has anyone got any thoughts on Seattle, Portland, Cleveland or Atlanta?

Also planning on Boston but plenty have been there so I’m confident that’ll be somewhere I’ll enjoy.

Anywhere else that I should be checking out as a priority?

Have been to LA, NY, SF, Chicago, NO, Nashville, Austin, Washington. Chance I go back to a few of them too.

Outside of major cities...

Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, SC are both pretty cool. History, architecture/aesthetics, food/drink, waterfronts. Montgomery, Alabama as well, particularly history.

Only recommend if you have a gap of 4-5 days but Yellowstone NP is the best place I've ever been.

 

[darrenmorgan]

Outside of major cities...

Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, SC are both pretty cool. History, architecture/aesthetics, food/drink, waterfronts. Montgomery, Alabama as well, particularly history.

Only recommend if you have a gap of 4-5 days but Yellowstone NP is the best place I've ever been.

second Savannah and Charleston, awesome cities.

 

[Jeremias]

Outside of major cities...

Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, SC are both pretty cool. History, architecture/aesthetics, food/drink, waterfronts. Montgomery, Alabama as well, particularly history.

Only recommend if you have a gap of 4-5 days but Yellowstone NP is the best place I've ever been.

second Savannah and Charleston, awesome cities.

Thanks. How long do you recommend in both?

Any other major cities that I should be considering?

 

[darrenmorgan]

Thanks. How long do you recommend in both?

Any other major cities that I should be considering?

Both worth at least a couple days. They are only an hour apart. In that part of the country you’re not too far from the Florida Keys which is pretty cool, particularly Key West.