The US of A

[Hard Ball Get]

Well, San Antonio is where the Battle of the Alamo was fought.

It has the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) so from November onwards you could catch a game if you have an interest in basketball.

Haven't been to Texas yet and would have the psych myself up for all those rednecks before I got there.

Yeah I was hoping to catch a Spurs game. I think its about 3 hours to Houston so if not I might be able to catch a Rockets game.

Thanks for the suggestions. I might have a look at the Battle of the Alamo and see if it interests me. Sounds like it would.

 

[justthedukes]

I'm hoping to head over there end of this year, for at least 2 months.

What would be the best cities to visit?

 

[kirky]

I'm hoping to head over there end of this year, for at least 2 months.

What would be the best cities to visit?

Need to be a bit more specific - it depends on what interests you.

 

[Hard Ball Get]

If you read through the thread I'm sure you will come across some thing that interests you and you can go from there.

NYC is the only one I'd say you must do as it caters for most interests and has so much to offer. Places like Vegas might not interest you so as said above it all depends.

 

[camsmith]

Have finally booked our airfares for the USA. Planning on going to NYC to Vegas then over to San franisco and down to LA (Laguna Beach, Hollywood etc..).

Pretty exciting. I have read it costs $20 to go up the stairs to the lookout at the State of Liberty, has anyone been there since its been opened again to the public and if so did you need to book tickets in advance?

So far planning on going to the Grand Canyon, im keen on going on a helicopter flight there (although my mate wants nothing of it) so if anyone has any good recommendations on specific company tours they are certainly welcome. Also looking at Disneyland. Probably also Alcatraz at San Fran amongst many of things we have our eyes on.

 

[Ghostwriter]

Have finally booked our airfares for the USA. Planning on going to NYC to Vegas then over to San franisco and down to LA (Laguna Beach, Hollywood etc..).

Pretty exciting. I have read it costs $20 to go up the stairs to the lookout at the State of Liberty, has anyone been there since its been opened again to the public and if so did you need to book tickets in advance?

So far planning on going to the Grand Canyon, im keen on going on a helicopter flight there (although my mate wants nothing of it) so if anyone has any good recommendations on specific company tours they are certainly welcome. Also looking at Disneyland. Probably also Alcatraz at San Fran amongst many of things we have our eyes on.

More of a road less travelled person, but what you have mentioned, the real America is but a hundred miles from the airport, do yourself a favour and get some dirt under your fingernails.

 

[eastaugh36]

What airline and what price did you pay if you don't mind saying?
We went to the statue of liberty in 2007 and booked on the day without any problems. One piece of advice, when going to the touristy things like the statue and Disneyland, go during the week when its alot quieter.

 

[camsmith]

More of a road less travelled person, but what you have mentioned, the real America is but a hundred miles from the airport, do yourself a favour and get some dirt under your fingernails.

Yeah im that kind of person too but my mate isnt and we have only 3 weeks so we are just hitting the tourist spots. I doubt it will be my last trip to the States so there is time for that kind of adventure in future.

 

[camsmith]

What airline and what price did you pay if you don't mind saying?
We went to the statue of liberty in 2007 and booked on the day without any problems. One piece of advice, when going to the touristy things like the statue and Disneyland, go during the week when its alot quieter.

Yep i hate crowds so will be planning on mid-week trips to the popular spots. We got a flight that went direct to NY with just a quick 3hr stopover in LA then return from LA flying V Australia for $1297.

 

[crownie]

Yep i hate crowds so will be planning on mid-week trips to the popular spots. We got a flight that went direct to NY with just a quick 3hr stopover in LA then return from LA flying V Australia for $1297.

a word of warning if you get a monument ticket for the statue of liberty it is another 2 hour wait in line once you get on the island.

 

[saj_21]

Have finally booked our airfares for the USA. Planning on going to NYC to Vegas then over to San franisco and down to LA (Laguna Beach, Hollywood etc..).

Where you staying in Vegas?

I am planning a trip there next year to go wit a couple of mates and trying to decide which hotel/casino to stay in. Needless to say i want it to be exactly like the TV show Las Vegas

 

[kirky]

Where you staying in Vegas?

I am planning a trip there next year to go wit a couple of mates and trying to decide which hotel/casino to stay in. Needless to say i want it to be exactly like the TV show Las Vegas

Have stayed in around 7 casinos on the strip and all in different price ranges. The centre of the strip is around Bellagio and Caesars Place but I would think that is out of most people's budget.

TI and Mirage (the North End) are good and so are New York, New York and Luxor (the South End). Flamingo is also opposite Bellagio and Caesars and stayed there about 5 years ago and is good value. At the end of the day, you don't spend a lot of time in the room.

 

[Hard Ball Get]

I satayed at the Monte Carlo. Wasn't to bad. Right next door to the NY NY and not far from the hub of everything.

Not sure where I will stay this time. Will be there for NYE.

 

[camsmith]

Where you staying in Vegas?

I am planning a trip there next year to go wit a couple of mates and trying to decide which hotel/casino to stay in. Needless to say i want it to be exactly like the TV show Las Vegas

Not sure yet. Will let you know when we book and can let you know how it went once we get there. We're only staying for a couple of days though, and one day is dedicated to the Grand Canyon.

I'd be a happy man if it was exactly like the TV show. Think it would be surreal standing on the strip at night time. Would just make me think of Con Air.

 

[Bucks Boy Jett]

Hello guys, I'm heading to the USA for the first time on our delayed honeymoon. We are leaving for Vegas on the 5 November. We are staying in Vegas for 5 nights, then heading to LA for 4 nights and then finishing off with 3 nights in San Francisco.

We are looking to stay at MGM signature while in Vegas and we will be doing the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, in LA we are doing Universal Studios with not much else planned just yet. In San Francisco we will be doing the night time Alcatraz tour.

So if anyone has some suggestions of things to do or stay in any of the above place then they would be appreciated.

 

[camsmith]

Wow old thread. Good bump.

I had a great time over there btw. At Vegas we stayed at Planet Hollywood Didn't want to leave! Heard good things about MGM Bucks Boy Jett. The Grand Canyon was amazing, just a very long bus trip! Worth it though (you can do a plane trip from Vegas if time is an issue). Hoover Dam was ok, we only stopped there for 15 mins which was enough..

We didn't have time to do it, but definitely try and see a show or two in Vegas.

Universal Studios was alright, although doesn't compare to Disneyland where we had just been a week before. Not as many rides as I would have liked (loved the 3D simpsons one though). We got a "front of the line" pass. TBH im not sure if it was completely worth it unless you go in peak time, otherwise a normal pass should still give you plenty of time to do everything. The studio tour was cool though oh and you have to see the waterworld show.

Alcatraz tour was good, we did it at dusk. Think the Fishermans Warf is the place to stay there.. we stayed near the city and it was a bit scummy. Can't really give much advice about what to do at those places of where to stay, in Cali we stayed at Santa Monica and just caught public buses, tour buses and taxis around the place. Would definitely hire a car if you can in LA.

 

[Hard Ball Get]

Heading back at the end of the year and I'm looking for a little bit of advice on travelling there in the winter. When I went last it was summer and I didn't really have to worry about dressing right or wearing the right shoes. Is there anything I should know or take to prepare?

 

[doppleganger]

Great thread, brings back plenty of good memories.

Myself and some mates had 3 months in the states back in 08, was a party trip we were focussed on sports, sights and smashing it at night.

Travel in a group of 4......tis the perfect number. Split hire care 4 ways, can book hotel rooms with two double beds and just crash pissed in them......in some places we would book a room a $40 per night, $10 each per night.

Jump on the handle vodka.....really rough stuff but $10 for 1.5L cant really complain.

LA - meh
San Fran - Green Tortoise is a good party hostel in pretty good location.
San Diego - Banana Bungalow, brilliant party hostel on pacific beach
Vegas - we stayed at tropicana, good mid range hotel, right next to the up market Luxor. Bit of a tip, the spruikers on the strip take em up on their club tickets....they actually do give you free entry. Normal cover is at least 20 for a bloke, so unless planning on lashing out on a table ur best option!

We got a red eye special from LA to Fort Lauderdale....and then got a cab from there to Sth beach Miami. As I said travelling in 4s is key. Flight was dirt cheap, think 99 from memory....and then cab something like 100....so it worked out 125 per person to cross the continent.

Miami was a wash out when I was there unfort, missed out on the best of it.

From there went to Peurto Rico and Cancun.....lucked out to be in Peurto Rico as there was some festival in old san juan....brilliant night. highly recommend a side trip if have time.

From there hit up Houston....massive city, just a great sprawl...not much to it....Austin tho, feck me what a gem. Absolute party town. Massive uni town and plenty of live music, cheap drinks and fun to be had....loved it.

Louisville, were there for the races....Kentucky Derby/Oaks....wow wat a great weekend.....def recommend people try and get there...makes Melbrounes spring carnival seem tame. Venture to Nashville, crazy party town and some very friendly locals! Would go back to both places in a flash.

Chicago, absolutely loved the place....although hostel we were staying at a HI had a no alcohol policy.

Also popped into Milwaukee....pretty much just for the Miller tour!

Went up to Toronto....bit meh really, thought Montreal and Quebec were much more interesting.

New York....wow, what a city. Helps to have a few hook-ups, but if not try googling my open bar new york, gives a list of venues that have free drink promotions for the evening.

As I mentioned is a brilliant place, try and get a group of 4 to travel as it makes hire cars/taxi's/hotel accom so much cheaper. Also gives few more people to bounce off....but at the same time not too big a group that you dont actively try to interact with the locals.

A brilliant place.

 

[bigange]

Good post mate, everything bar calling the Luxor in Vegas upmarket, it is anything but.

 

[Bucks Boy Jett]

Wow old thread. Good bump.

I had a great time over there btw. At Vegas we stayed at Planet Hollywood Didn't want to leave! Heard good things about MGM Bucks Boy Jett. The Grand Canyon was amazing, just a very long bus trip! Worth it though (you can do a plane trip from Vegas if time is an issue). Hoover Dam was ok, we only stopped there for 15 mins which was enough..

We didn't have time to do it, but definitely try and see a show or two in Vegas.

Universal Studios was alright, although doesn't compare to Disneyland where we had just been a week before. Not as many rides as I would have liked (loved the 3D simpsons one though). We got a "front of the line" pass. TBH im not sure if it was completely worth it unless you go in peak time, otherwise a normal pass should still give you plenty of time to do everything. The studio tour was cool though oh and you have to see the waterworld show.

Alcatraz tour was good, we did it at dusk. Think the Fishermans Warf is the place to stay there.. we stayed near the city and it was a bit scummy. Can't really give much advice about what to do at those places of where to stay, in Cali we stayed at Santa Monica and just caught public buses, tour buses and taxis around the place. Would definitely hire a car if you can in LA.

Thanks Camsmith.

After a fair bit of research i think we will stay @ signature at MGM while in Vegas, then in LA looking to stay somewhere in Santa Monica/ Beverly Hills area and then stay somewhere around the Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. I am having some serious trouble deciding which Grand Canyon tour to do though. I have narrowed it down to 3 though which include

http://www.alllasvegastours.com/body.asp?tour=LAS-B0001&page=TourDetails&WishListSource=WEB

http://www.alllasvegastours.com/body.asp?tour=LAS-H0029&page=TourDetails&WishListSource=WEB

http://www.alllasvegastours.com/body.asp?tour=LAS-H0008&page=TourDetails&WishListSource=WEB

Any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

Also the reason where are doing Universal studios and not Disneyland is because we will be going back when our 2 children are alot older.

Thanks again for your help.

 

[superfreak]

Grand Canyon Tour....Maverick's Wind Dancer Sunset Tour is a belter!

http://www.maverickhelicopter.com/tour-wind-dancer-sunset.aspx

Stayed at the MGM this time last year. Was very good.

 

[SonOfScray]

Heading over early November until Xmas time. Only my second trip overseas and the first time I've done it off my own bat. I had planned on the World Cup this year but that fell through so this is something I am really keen to do, and need to do!

Flying into LA, bus to Vegas, flight to Memphis, flight to Washington, train to NYC, train to Boston, flight back to LA then home.

Staying in mostly reasonable hotels, using expedia specials etc helped keep costs down. Not expecting much but will be interested to see what New York New York in Vegas is like. Got an apartment in NYC where we will be staying the longest.

Booked tickets to NHL and NHL matches so far. Jets v Bengals on Thanksgiving and Rangers v Penguins. Hoping the NBA fixture is kind. Would love to see some college ball as well if the opportunity arises. Even a high school football game would be interesting for me. Just want to see their sports at different levels.

Bought a New York pass on advice of a friend who said it was a good idea to help get your way through all the major tourist sites. I really want to check out a few places, for some obscure reasons I suppose - stuff relating to comic books I read as a kid, bands I like, movies etc. NYC for whatever reason feels like somewhere I have to visit.

Graceland, Disneyland etc plenty of well worn sites I suppose but I am genuinely pumped.

 

[Copernicus]

Heading back at the end of the year and I'm looking for a little bit of advice on travelling there in the winter. When I went last it was summer and I didn't really have to worry about dressing right or wearing the right shoes. Is there anything I should know or take to prepare?

Where are you going? Outside of Florida, Southern California and places like Arizona and South Texas, it can range from chilly to downright frigid depending on where you are.

 

[Copernicus]

Thanks Camsmith.

After a fair bit of research i think we will stay @ signature at MGM while in Vegas, then in LA looking to stay somewhere in Santa Monica/ Beverly Hills area and then stay somewhere around the Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. I am having some serious trouble deciding which Grand Canyon tour to do though. I have narrowed it down to 3 though which include

http://www.alllasvegastours.com/body.asp?tour=LAS-B0001&page=TourDetails&WishListSource=WEB

http://www.alllasvegastours.com/body.asp?tour=LAS-H0029&page=TourDetails&WishListSource=WEB

http://www.alllasvegastours.com/body.asp?tour=LAS-H0008&page=TourDetails&WishListSource=WEB

Any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

Also the reason where are doing Universal studios and not Disneyland is because we will be going back when our 2 children are alot older.

Thanks again for your help.

If you have the time and like the outdoors, I would recommend visiting Yosemite. It's a bit of a hike from San Fran but it is utterly awe-inspiring. You will need at least two to three days to even make it worthwhile, but if you do go, you wont be disappointed - though what you get depends on when you are going. July and August are, by all reports, a virtual traffic jam in the park since there is only really one way in and out, and it's pretty likely to be at least in some way affected by heavy snow in the winter.

 

[Hard Ball Get]

Where are you going? Outside of Florida, Southern California and places like Arizona and South Texas, it can range from chilly to downright frigid depending on where you are.

Heading to NYC for christmas and then Vegas for new years. Doing the canyon then as well.

Will also be heading to san Diego, San Fran, San Antonio and Boston.