Travel USA travel tips and tricks

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Blues_FC said:
The Jane is awesome. Has a great restaurant in it too (Cafe Gitane). Certainly not cheap though!
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The Jane is a great historic hotel on the edge of a great area.

Donstuie - i assume you have done your research on this property. The cabin rooms are barely big enough to swing a cat and have shared facilities but at $99 a night what can you expect. The property is on the corner of jane and west side highway - although not exactly on the corner as jane winds around past it again - confused ??? check google earth it shows what i mean. Anywya rooms facing west side highway might have some traffic noise to contend with.

But the good news is that it is sanwiched between the west village and meatpacking districts and therefore close to everything in those areas - it's 10 min walk to chelsea market and 5 mins to high line. probably 20 mins walk to greenwich village.

The hotel was where the surviving crew of the Titanic stayed on there return to New York City - the pier it was supposed to dock at is still there and you can still ( barely) make out the white star line cruise signage on the entrance to the pier - 15 April is the 100th anniversary of the day she went down.

Its a great area - go to the corner bistro for what some say are the best burgers in NY and beenys burritos on Greenwich Ave (cnr Jane) for good cheap mexican and a frozen margarita's with an upturned corona for $7.50.

damn food is cheap in teh usa - just checked their menu - they sell bottled water for 1.50 , not like the rip off 5 bucks we pay here.
 
Hey everyone. Just got back from my US trip about a week ago. I had an absolute ball. Thanks for everyone who helped with their tips on what to do/where to go.

While I was away I kept a travel blog which might be useful (or might not) for those travelling to the US. I did the trip differently to what many would do. I did a Contiki (blasphemy :p ) for part of my trip and travelled on my own for part of it. I'd definitely recommend a tour for those who aren't confident travelling on their own, but for those who are, then a tour isn't for you. For me, even though I had travelled a fair bit in the past, I just like doing tours the first time I go to a place. It gives you a brief overview of the country, so when you go back (not if) you can explore the places you liked the most.

Anyway, here is the link to my travel blog. Dont hesitate to pm me with any questions you may have.
 
Going with some mates for 5 weeks in May/June. Arrive in LA, hiring a car and driving east. My other 3 mates are going for 10 weeks but i couldnt get that long off.

Rough Plan so far is :
-2 nights in LA
-3 nights in San Diego
-5 nights in Vegas
-5 nights in colorado (got a friend who lives over there so staying a while to see him)
Probably go through texas and then east from there. Pretty sure i wont get as far as florida but hopeing to get most of the way across the southern route.
-I will also spend 4-5 nights in NY on my own and do the sights.

Looking forward to it. Looking forward to the ability to go where we want, when we want but the driving not so much, lol. Although looking at most major cities arn't that big of a drive, especially with 4 blokes sharing the driving duties.

Questions:
- Ive heard LA is pretty plain, true?
- San Diego supposed to be a good nightlife?
- Must see's in Vegas?
- Must do's in NY?
 
Will be heading over in July.

LA - 3 nights @ Hollywood USA Hostels
Vegas - 4 nights @ Encore
San Fran - 2 Nights @ Green Tortoise Hostel
Austin - 3 Nights at Hyatt
New Orleans - 3 nights @ AAE Backpackers
Miami - 3 Nights @ Miami International Hostel
New York - 4 Nights (5 days) @ Holiday Inn

Then off to Europe. Pumped.
 
FRUMPY said:
Going with some mates for 5 weeks in May/June. Arrive in LA, hiring a car and driving east. My other 3 mates are going for 10 weeks but i couldnt get that long off.

Rough Plan so far is :
-2 nights in LA
-3 nights in San Diego
-5 nights in Vegas
-5 nights in colorado (got a friend who lives over there so staying a while to see him)
Probably go through texas and then east from there. Pretty sure i wont get as far as florida but hopeing to get most of the way across the southern route.
-I will also spend 4-5 nights in NY on my own and do the sights.

Looking forward to it. Looking forward to the ability to go where we want, when we want but the driving not so much, lol. Although looking at most major cities arn't that big of a drive, especially with 4 blokes sharing the driving duties.

Questions:
- Ive heard LA is pretty plain, true?
- San Diego supposed to be a good nightlife?
- Must see's in Vegas?
- Must do's in NY?
Click to expand...

Havent been to San Diego, but ill give your other questions a shot.

Firstly, dont get LA and Hollywood confused. LA is not the nicest place to visit. Hollywood on the other hand is pretty nice, comparatively. Before I visited I was told I would be disappointed in Hollywood. It isnt as glamarous as the movies make it seem, but it is certainly worth a visit. It is a bit run down, it is a total ghost town in the morning, but overall I enjoyed my time there. 2 nights doesnt give you much time at all, so I wont suggest anything to do, I assume you already have an idea of what you are going to be doing in that time.

Must see's in Vegas is very subjective. 5 nights is a long time in Vegas unless you are planning to spend money, and lots of it. From my experience, nothing comes cheap in Vegas. Your main options are gambling, shopping, drinking or doing a day trip. None of these are cheap. If you enjoy rides, I'd suggest going on the ones on top of Stratosphere and the rollercoaster in the New York New York casino. I was scared out of my brains on the Stratosphere rides, and I'm usually good on rides. It is certainly a unique way to see Vegas. The rollercoaster at NYNY is really good, but expensive ($14 a go i think). If you get the chance, head down to Fremont Street at night. It is the old school Vegas area with some of the original casinos. Every hour on the hour at night they put on a music show on a huge canopy of LED's over the street. It is really cool and free. The drinks down here are cheap too.

Must do's in NYC is also really subjective on the person too. IMO go to the "top of the Rock" during the day so you get a good view over Central Park. If you want to see NYC by night the go to the top of the Empire State Building. Also, see a Broadway show. Even if you arent into musicals, you will find one that you will think is interesting. I did 2 shows in 8 nights, and I had only done 1 in my life up until then. It is always a great night. Of course the Statue of Liberty is popular, as is the WTC memorial. If you plan to do these book well in advance. Also check if the Statue of Liberty climb is open while you are there. It wasnt open when I was there so I didnt bother going to Liberty island, I just did the Staten Island ferry instead. It gets pretty close to the SOL, and its free.
 
WALL-e said:
Will be heading over in July.

LA - 3 nights @ Hollywood USA Hostels
Vegas - 4 nights @ Encore
San Fran - 2 Nights @ Green Tortoise Hostel
Austin - 3 Nights at Hyatt
New Orleans - 3 nights @ AAE Backpackers
Miami - 3 Nights @ Miami International Hostel
New York - 4 Nights (5 days) @ Holiday Inn

Then off to Europe. Pumped.
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Hollywood USA Hostel is excellent. Really clean and amazing location too. Literally a 1min walk from Hollywood Boulevard.
 
FRUMPY said:
Going with some mates for 5 weeks in May/June. Arrive in LA, hiring a car and driving east. My other 3 mates are going for 10 weeks but i couldnt get that long off.

Rough Plan so far is :
-2 nights in LA
-3 nights in San Diego
-5 nights in Vegas
-5 nights in colorado (got a friend who lives over there so staying a while to see him)
Probably go through texas and then east from there. Pretty sure i wont get as far as florida but hopeing to get most of the way across the southern route.
-I will also spend 4-5 nights in NY on my own and do the sights.

Looking forward to it. Looking forward to the ability to go where we want, when we want but the driving not so much, lol. Although looking at most major cities arn't that big of a drive, especially with 4 blokes sharing the driving duties.

Questions:
- Ive heard LA is pretty plain, true?
- San Diego supposed to be a good nightlife?
- Must see's in Vegas?
- Must do's in NY?
Click to expand...


LA is really just a collection of distinct areas - Hollywood, Beverley Hills, Santa Monica, Anahiem. On a individual basis each has it's own distinct qualities and worth a visit but LA not one of my favorite US cities.

San Diego is a good place to visit, has a number of good eateries and bars in downtown. Always enjoyed going there.

Las Vegas is a place I always spend the last few days of any North American trip. I'm not a gambler but Vegas is much more than that. During the day you can walk the strip but would use the time to go to Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Outlet shopping (both north and south of the strip). Spend the evenings on the strip and go to a few shows have a good meal and enjoy.

Haven't been to New York for a while and overdue for a visit. Would recommend - top of the Rockfeller, Statue of Liberty plus Ellis Island (most people don't do Ellis but I enjoyed it), get to see a Yankees game, do a tour of Madison Square Gardens, relax an take it easy in Central Park (lose yourself from the hustle and bustle of the city) and would now add the 9/11 memorial (remember being on top of the twin towers in June 2001 still sends shiver down my spine).
 
i've got a few things set in stone that i'm trying to build a (fairly last minute despite planning on going for nearly a year) trip around

wrestlemania in miami on april 1st

bulls@knicks on apr 8 and springsteen on apr 9 (both at madison square garden)

nhra event in charlotte over the apr 14 weekend

i'm thinking ill go from charlotte back to la and spend a few days there (magic mountain ftw) before coming home. i'll see what other hockey/baseball/basketball games are on i can go to through the different cities as well.
 
I'm currently sitting in melbOurne airports departure lounge waiting for my flight to LAX. Im spending Friday and Saturday night at USA hostel Hollywood and have hired a mustang to drive up the coast to sanfran. Given myself 3 days to do it. Not really sure where to spend the 2 nights.. Suggestions? I'm all for backpackers... And are there any particular nightclubs I should try get to on the weekend in LA?

Cheers
 

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I'm currently over in Canada for Uni and in about a month will be setting off on a U.S road-trip with a few others. Have this very rough plan of locations to visit but have no real experience here so any tips/advice will be extremely helpful. Have around 5 weeks to travel and looking for a mix of sight-seeing/partying. Is this too much to cover in 5 weeks???
Basic outline of the plan is-
Boston> New York> Philadelphia> Washington> Orlando> Miami> New Orleans> Austin> Phoenix> Las Vegas> Los Angeles> San Francisco> Portland> Seattle> Vancouver.
travels.jpg

Any help/advice would be much appreciated.
http://s18.postimage.org/wtl54x3o7/travels.jpg
 
imation23 said:
Have around 5 weeks to travel and looking for a mix of sight-seeing/partying. Is this too much to cover in 5 weeks???
Basic outline of the plan is-
Boston> New York> Philadelphia> Washington> Orlando> Miami> New Orleans> Austin> Phoenix> Las Vegas> Los Angeles> San Francisco> Portland> Seattle> Vancouver.
travels.jpg

Any help/advice would be much appreciated.
http://s18.postimage.org/wtl54x3o7/travels.jpg
Click to expand...

Broken up geographically:
North East Boston> New York> Philadelphia> Washington>
need minimum 2.5 weeks for that probably 3, 7, 3, 4 days

South East Orlando> Miami> New Orleans> Austin>
these places are far apart and I have never been there. you are looking at at least four full days of travel (if driving) before you start sightseeing. uneducated guess is 2, 3, 3, 2 days not including travel.


South West Phoenix> Las Vegas> Los Angeles> San Francisco>
min 1.5 weeks. been to phoenix and there isnt much to do. Vegas 3 days, LA 3 days plus any theme parks extra, San Fran 4 days. worth the drive between la and sf too


North West Portland> Seattle> Vancouver looking at a minimum 1 week, probably 2, 3, 4 days

I would pick two maybe three sectors, most likely NE and SW and do them well, rather than try to cover each corner of the country quickly. You have to factor in hangovers and waiting at airports and occasionally some down time.

Forget about driving it all. That is the equivalent of Cairns to Melbourne to Perth to Broome in five weeks.
 
2009premiers said:
You have to factor in hangovers and waiting at airports and occasionally some down time.
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Yes, yes, so much yes. My biggest regret is not factoring in down time. We were so exhausted for much of our trip, that it takes away some of your enjoyment of things. 3 days on the go and 1 day rest, where you do nothing but hang in your local area and around the hotel would be the ideal.

I had a few early flights and late check ins.
 
Has anyone been to the Statue of Liberty?

Is it as slow and boring and heaps of security checks as they say?

Not sure if going will be a waste of time. Instead just going to get a ferry ride around it.
 
I just did the 3 hour ferry cruise around Manhattan. It takes you close to Liberty Island and they turn around as well so both sides of the boat get photo opportunities. We may consider going on to the island and also doing Ellis Island next time though.

4 days, 5 nights in NYC, I did the cruise early and it really rammed home the enormity of Manhattan and its various districts. We also did an uptown, a downtown and a city lights bus tour on the hop on, hop off tours, getting off a few times to check out various spots. I really got to see so much doing it this way. It took a while though.
 
alex_is_on_fire said:
Has anyone been to the Statue of Liberty?

Is it as slow and boring and heaps of security checks as they say?

Not sure if going will be a waste of time. Instead just going to get a ferry ride around it.
Click to expand...

It is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Do yourself a favour and go have a close look. If you were in Paris would you not climb the Eiffel Tower? If you were in Beijing would you not walk on the Great Wall?

I have been there twice (once to the island and the second time into the crown) and gone past it on the Staten Island ferry another few times. Cant remember security being too bad. Book for early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds there and at Ellis Island.
 
2009premiers said:
It is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Do yourself a favour and go have a close look. If you were in Paris would you not climb the Eiffel Tower? If you were in Beijing would you not walk on the Great Wall?

I have been there twice (once to the island and the second time into the crown) and gone past it on the Staten Island ferry another few times. Cant remember security being too bad. Book for early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds there and at Ellis Island.
Click to expand...

Yeah, going to go. Just not keen to line up for hours, go through security Check after security check and climb a mountain of steps on Ellis Island if I can get a good look on the ferry that goes around it.

Keen to see it.
 
alex_is_on_fire said:
Yeah, going to go. Just not keen to line up for hours, go through security Check after security check and climb a mountain of steps on Ellis Island if I can get a good look on the ferry that goes around it.

Keen to see it.
Click to expand...

To help you decide, this is one of my shots from the ferry. The crowds didn't look bad but I don't know what security was like.

100_0748-1.jpg
 
2009premiers said:
Broken up geographically:
North East Boston> New York> Philadelphia> Washington>
need minimum 2.5 weeks for that probably 3, 7, 3, 4 days

South East Orlando> Miami> New Orleans> Austin>
these places are far apart and I have never been there. you are looking at at least four full days of travel (if driving) before you start sightseeing. uneducated guess is 2, 3, 3, 2 days not including travel.


South West Phoenix> Las Vegas> Los Angeles> San Francisco>
min 1.5 weeks. been to phoenix and there isnt much to do. Vegas 3 days, LA 3 days plus any theme parks extra, San Fran 4 days. worth the drive between la and sf too


North West Portland> Seattle> Vancouver looking at a minimum 1 week, probably 2, 3, 4 days

I would pick two maybe three sectors, most likely NE and SW and do them well, rather than try to cover each corner of the country quickly. You have to factor in hangovers and waiting at airports and occasionally some down time.

Forget about driving it all. That is the equivalent of Cairns to Melbourne to Perth to Broome in five weeks.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot! I had a feeling I may have been a little ambitious with the driving. Will definitely look to fly where possible (and cheap) for some of the longer journeys. Still want to do a far bit by car though just for the experience.

Would be interested to hear any other U.S "road-trip" stories and travel routes. Also if there is any other cities along the way to stop off at!
 
imation23 said:
Would be interested to hear any other U.S "road-trip" stories and travel routes. Also if there is any other cities along the way to stop off at!
Click to expand...

I've plugged this website before but it has every road trip imaginable in pretty good detail.

http://www.autotoursusa.com/en/

I recommend the Panoramic West roadtrip which takes in LA, San Diego, Yuma, Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Monumnet Valley, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Lake Powell, Las Vegas, Death Valley, Yosemite, San Fran, Monterrey, Santa Barbara, LA.

Wouldnt bother driving in the north-east though as Boston, NYC, Philly, Washington are short train or bus rides. Could continue from Boston to Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Niagara Falls.
 
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