US Holiday

[tuckylives]

Hello Everyone!

I'm going to the US in June solo for about 6 weeks, kind of like what TuckyLives is doing. Difference is I'm a bit younger I think and driving is not a possibility. I plan to do the hostel thing mostly and have been doing research accoridingly. My plan at this stage is LA - Las vegas - chicago - toronto - philly - nyc as the 'main' places.

However the question I have is I know you have to do the ESTA thing for travel to the US, but am I allowed to cross the border to Canada, then come back into the US a week or so later? Do I have to do the ESTA thing again or is it a bit different with the US/CA border?

Thanks for any help, this thread is very very helpful!

Have a read of this mate. Might answer a few of your questions:
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/WebHelp/ESTA_Screen-Level_Online_Help_1.htm#TA5

 

[Mr Tigers]

As far as I can tell you won't have to. The ESTA is valid for the length of your passport from memory so you only need to do it once. I drove across the border to Vancouver (albiet only for the day) and only had to present my passport and tell them what I was doing in Canada.

Thanks for that!

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Hello Everyone!

I'm going to the US in June solo for about 6 weeks, kind of like what TuckyLives is doing. Difference is I'm a bit younger I think and driving is not a possibility. I plan to do the hostel thing mostly and have been doing research accoridingly. My plan at this stage is LA - Las vegas - chicago - toronto - philly - nyc as the 'main' places.

However the question I have is I know you have to do the ESTA thing for travel to the US, but am I allowed to cross the border to Canada, then come back into the US a week or so later? Do I have to do the ESTA thing again or is it a bit different with the US/CA border?

Thanks for any help, this thread is very very helpful!

I went from New York to Niagara Falls last October. You only need to have your passport at the ready (they don't like waiting), let them know why you are there and how long you are staying and you are good to go.

Word of warning if you are catching a flight from Buffalo coming back from Canada, as you will get held up a bit because the lines of cars are huge crossing back into the US. We had a private shuttle so they tend to get through a lot earlier.

I did see a carload of young guys getting hauled out the back to some offices while their vehicle was driven away by a customs agent. Make sure there is nothing that might draw their attention.

 

[Hard Ball Get]

I didn't have an issue going from the US to Mexico. I assume Canada would be the same.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

I didn't have an issue going from the US to Mexico. I assume Canada would be the same.

I was told that they basically let you waltz into Mexico, but a tourist coming back into the US from Mexico is scrutinised a lot more.

 

[Mr Tigers]

Thanks!

Also, I'm thinking of getting one of those Travelex Cash Passport cards for my money..bad idea?

My main question is as it is a visa branded card can it be used online to book hostels etc?

 

[Freakie]

Thanks!

Also, I'm thinking of getting one of those Travelex Cash Passport cards for my money..bad idea?

My main question is as it is a visa branded card can it be used online to book hostels etc?

No they are great. And yes you can use them online. I found the commonweatl travel money card to have better exchange rates though when I was loading money on.

 

[Childish Gambino]

Heading over this weekend for a month. Can't wait.

Anyone tried the $20 upgrade trick in Vegas with any success?

 

[alex_is_on_fire]

Anyone tried the $20 upgrade trick in Vegas with any success?

Heading to Vegas over the New Year break, therefore, whats that?

Can you please explain.

 

[Hard Ball Get]

Heading to Vegas over the New Year break, therefore, whats that?

Can you please explain.

NYE in Vegas is a nightmare!!
It is good to be able to say I've done it but would never do it again.

 

[alex_is_on_fire]

NYE in Vegas is a nightmare!!
It is good to be able to say I've done it but would never do it again.

Na, leaving for Anaheim on morning of NYE. Spending 5 days in Vegas

 

[Hard Ball Get]

Na, leaving for Anaheim on morning of NYE. Spending 5 days in Vegas

Good idea.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Security will surely be ramped up even further now with fears of reprisal attacks. Be prepared folks.

 

[Childish Gambino]

Heading to Vegas over the New Year break, therefore, whats that?

Can you please explain.

Not sure how successful you'll be over the new year period because I guess it would be pretty busy.

When you check in and you're handing over your ID and credit card you fold a $20 note in between the two cards and ask if there are any complimentary upgrades available. The receptionist usually will look for a room and upgrade you for free if there is one available, if not they will hand back your $20.

Has about a 75% success rate.

 

[Changamagic]

Security will surely be ramped up even further now with fears of reprisal attacks. Be prepared folks.

Won't it what ODN's! The news of the last few days has added a different outlook to our trip in August thats for sure...

 

[Freakie]

It will only ramp up there already pedantic security. There have been no travel warnings issued.

 

[camsmith]

I was in NYC soon after that "bomb scare" in Times Square and had no trouble moving around and actually felt very safe.

Also had no trouble getting around the rest of the country either. The only paranoid people I see around is those who whinge about a few extra minutes at the airport and the Patriot Act.

 

[Upgrayedd]

Planning a 1-2 month trip next year around june-july and doing the whole "Poor c**t" traveling system with 3-4 mates, Few hotel rooms at places like new york/Las Vegas, and going backpackers style and camper vans.

How much do you think would set us back?

 

[peejay]

Won't it what ODN's! The news of the last few days has added a different outlook to our trip in August thats for sure...

Nothing to worry about.

Security is visible at major travel hubs but walkingthe streets of the west village the past couple of days its like nothing happened. The major concern is still getting a good spot in line for the good restaurants.

 

[peejay]

I was in NYC soon after that "bomb scare" in Times Square and had no trouble moving around and actually felt very safe.

Also had no trouble getting around the rest of the country either. The only paranoid people I see around is those who whinge about a few extra minutes at the airport and the Patriot Act.

Spot on.

Anyone who has been here before knows exactly what you mean ...or they should if the have their heads out of their arses

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Pretty much what I thought would happen. Places where a lot of people gather have ramped up the security.

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=8110916

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Local law enforcement officers have been told to be on alert in the wake of Osama Bin Laden's death.

Large public gatherings and popular landmarks are on the watch list because of possible retaliation by Bin Laden's supporters. That means stepped up security at crowded local venues, including Dodger Stadium and Staples Center.

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/los_angeles&id=8110916

http://www.topix.com/forum/chicago/TU19CQV0NSJ2BM0CT

Following the death of terror mastermind Osama Bin Laden, the question on many minds: Will al-Qaeda retaliate and if so when and where?

In Chicago, security officials aren’t taking any chances–even though there is no specific terrorist threat. The NBA has ordered metal detectors added at all arenas to screen fans — and tonight’s playoff game at the United Center is no exception.

http://www.topix.com/forum/chicago/TU19CQV0NSJ2BM0CT

There is no specific terror threat against New York City. But extra police officers are at the World Trade Center site, airports, bridges and in our subways just in case.

You’ve seen extra security measures in the last few years before. Of course, never with the added urgency of something like the death of Osama bin Laden. But everywhere in our area, you will see more of a police presence. Though, of course, what you do not see is an even more important element of the security. At every transportation mode that you can imagine; at key buildings; at bridges; and tunnels, security has been stepped up more than just a notch

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/05/02/new-york-city-steps-up-security-after-usama-bin-ladens-death/

I expect it won't affect things too much. More of a visible presence than one that will hold you up. Air testing in Grand Central Station seems slightly paranoid however but you never know.

Travel warnings are all for Westerners overseas.

 

[peejay]

I expect it won't affect things too much. More of a visible presence than one that will hold you up. Air testing in Grand Central Station seems slightly paranoid however but you never know.
Travel warnings are all for Westerners overseas.

Local news here reports that water police vessels have radiation detection defices fitted to counter tha prospect of as diry bomb coming in on a container ship.

News reported it today - vessels have had the devices for over 6 years.

 

[skzm]

Won't it what ODN's! The news of the last few days has added a different outlook to our trip in August thats for sure...

I flew JFK to London on Monday - wasnt too different to normal to be honest...

 

[moons_moore]

Heading over in a month with the g/f. What are everyone's thoughts on Greyhound travel. We are thinking of getting a discovery pass which enables unlimited travel for 60 days for around $530. Thanks

 

[Peter Sidorkiewicz]

Heading over in a month with the g/f. What are everyone's thoughts on Greyhound travel. We are thinking of getting a discovery pass which enables unlimited travel for 60 days for around $530. Thanks

I was recently in the US for 6 weeks and used Greyhound to get around.
It is a very different experience and an eye opener.

My first three trips there was an incident occured on each trip.

1. You are expected to keep quiet or keep the noise down to a whisper. One woman was told off by the driver for being too loud, then she just snapped and started swearing her head off. She did not get back on the bus after a stoppover.

2. I had another similar situation on my 2nd trip with a man that during the trip after about an hour or so he became very agressive to the passengers and bus driver. I think he must of got drunk or was drinking on board which is not allowed. He stayed on the bus because the bus driver was female but when we reached our destination there was five police officiers waiting for him to arrest him.

3. The last incident was a man got kicked off the bus for smoking. It was made clear that smoking is not allowed at the start of the trip. The funny thing was it was 11pm and only an hour from our destination when this fool decides to light up. The bus was immediately pulled over and the guy was left stranded on a highway in the dark with no lights around and very few cars. He may even been without his luggage because they didn't open the luggage doors under the bus.

I also had another trip where no incidents occurred so it can be an effective mode of transport. However every bus I took was pretty much full so it can be an uncomfortable ride. Another thing is that there is usually only one person at greyhound stations that does both checking in luggage and booking tickets. It is recommended that you arrive about an hour before departure so that you are able to check your luggage as it is guaranteed that you will be waiting awhile.

Overall is an option for those to get around without money but I wouldn't recommended it based on the experiences I had. I had prepaid for my tickets and they were not refundable so I decided to push on with the trips despite the problems as per above.
I think you and your girlfriend are better off hiring a car and using a GPS to get around. Or maybe try the Amtrak train network.