Travel USA travel tips and tricks

[Freakie]

Depending on your stay you might need a letter of invitation, I'll check today for you

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

It seems you have to be hosted by a travel agent.

Obviously tourism isn't one of Russia's biggest industries seeing as though they don't want people to visit.

It would be a 24 hour layover, but I don't want to spend it in the airport. Figured I could venture out, see Red Square, get something to eat, maybe stay in a motel close to the airport and fly out.

I did baulk when I read their website and saw you have to send your passport. I really don't want complications along the way, however cool it would be to say you were in Moscow.

 

[Freakie]

Russia - TRANSITPrint Visa Required?NO. A visa is not required. Please click on “Show more” for full details. Show less Important information:

Visa not required provided:

1. Transit time is less than 24 hours,
2. Arrival and departure takes place at the same airport ie: arriving at Sheremetyevo-1 and departing from Sheremetyevo-1 International Airport in Moscow (if arriving at Shermetyevo 1 and transferring to Shermetyevo 2, a transit visa must be obtained prior to arrival),
3. The passenger does not leave the international airport transit area and does not clear Customs/Immigration,
4. Holding confirmed onward tickets,
5. holding a visa for the final destination if so required.

Tourist Visa:

Important information:

An official tourist voucher and confirmation letter issued by a registered Russian hotel or tour operator are required to obtain a Russian visa.

Important: It is imperative that Q13 on the visa form has the name of the Russian host travel company and their registration number (usually prefixed with “MBT” or “MVT” followed by 6 digits) or the application will be rejected by the Russian visa section.
Official vouchers can only be from a maximum of two different tour operators or hotels in Russia. The Russian visa section will not accept applications which have been booked through more than two different tour operators or hotels in Russia.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

I wouldn't opt for a flight with a 24 hour layover if I had to stay in the terminal. Might end up being a reverse Krakosia (sp?)

 

[Cousin Jed]

Take it to the Russia tricks and tips threads please....

On topic Went to the states couple of years ago and going again mid year, do I have to do the visa waiver thing again?

 

[WALL-e]

I wouldn't opt for a flight with a 24 hour layover if I had to stay in the terminal. Might end up being a reverse Krakosia (sp?)

In Russia, Tom Hanks is you

 

[Freakie]

Take it to the Russia tricks and tips threads please....

On topic Went to the states couple of years ago and going again mid year, do I have to do the visa waiver thing again?

Is there even such a thread?

 

[WALL-e]

Still have to do that VISA waiver crap with the states, but it lasts 2 years from when you first used it. Just need to reactivate it. SAVE $14! CHYEAH!

 

[Upgrayedd]

Ok, here;s my plan of attack

Arrive in Miami on 30th march 3 days
New Orleans for 4 days
Dallas 2 days
San Antoni 1 day
LA 3 days
Vegas 4 days
3 days of California road tripping to San Fran
San Fran for 4 nights
3 nights between San Fran and Seattle
Seattle for a day
2 days in Milwaukee
4 nights in Chicargo
Night in cleveland
2 nights in Buffalo (niagra Falls)
4 nights in Boston
4 nights in new York
2 Nights in Atlantic City
1 day in Washington
1 day In Atlanta

2 basketball games, Wrestlmania, However still got to fill in some time, Any suggestions from fellow travelers of some must see destinations? Comming from perth i havent really talked to many people about what to do, got a vague plan, however any hints or tips of things to do?

I'm hoping i can get to Canada as well for a day or two, two openings, if i can gun it past cleveland, and snub Niagra falls and a day in boston, wind up in Toronto (however we have a hired car)

Other option is smashing through the san fran/seattle and doing it in a 12-14 hour, getting to seattle and dropping our car off early, then flying to vancouver and back

Mostly hostels i;ve booked, only 10%, in the end 30 dollars is nothing compared to my budget (i have 2 grand+ spending every week)

 

[Drumroe]

Planning a trip to the US for about 6 weeks at the end of the year. With the US Dollar getting so high at the moment was thinking of cashing some in now. Was thinking of using a pre-paid Mastercard travel card. Is this the best way to go with using money over there? Or is there a better way with less fees etc?

 

[Keys]

Ok, here;s my plan of attack

Vegas 4 days
3 days of California road tripping to San Fran
San Fran for 4 nights
3 nights between San Fran and Seattle
Seattle for a day

Other option is smashing through the san fran/seattle and doing it in a 12-14 hour, getting to seattle and dropping our car off early, then flying to vancouver and back

Driving from Vegas to San Fran you can go via Yosemite NP or head towards the coast and drive along the area known as Big Sur. Either one will be weel worth your while but you won't have time to do both probably.

Took me 3 days to drive from San Francisco to Vancouver, stopping overnight at Eureka and Portland - its a fantastic drive through the Redwood forests and is a trip much better done on the state highways than the interstate so you'll easily spend 3 days driving there if you want to have a look around on the way.

Gunning it down the interstate you'll miss some great scenery and flying in and out of Vancouver for a one night stopover won't do that place justice.

 

[TheManMountain]

Planning a trip to the US for about 6 weeks at the end of the year. With the US Dollar getting so high at the moment was thinking of cashing some in now. Was thinking of using a pre-paid Mastercard travel card. Is this the best way to go with using money over there? Or is there a better way with less fees etc?

I used a Pre Paid Travel Card last year and will use the same this year. Easy

 

[Leslie_Chow]

Ok, here;s my plan of attack

Arrive in Miami on 30th march 3 days
New Orleans for 4 days
Dallas 2 days
San Antoni 1 day
LA 3 days
Vegas 4 days
3 days of California road tripping to San Fran
San Fran for 4 nights
3 nights between San Fran and Seattle
Seattle for a day
2 days in Milwaukee
4 nights in Chicargo
Night in cleveland
2 nights in Buffalo (niagra Falls)
4 nights in Boston
4 nights in new York
2 Nights in Atlantic City
1 day in Washington
1 day In Atlanta

2 basketball games, Wrestlmania, However still got to fill in some time, Any suggestions from fellow travelers of some must see destinations? Comming from perth i havent really talked to many people about what to do, got a vague plan, however any hints or tips of things to do?

I'm hoping i can get to Canada as well for a day or two, two openings, if i can gun it past cleveland, and snub Niagra falls and a day in boston, wind up in Toronto (however we have a hired car)

Other option is smashing through the san fran/seattle and doing it in a 12-14 hour, getting to seattle and dropping our car off early, then flying to vancouver and back

Mostly hostels i;ve booked, only 10%, in the end 30 dollars is nothing compared to my budget (i have 2 grand+ spending every week)

To be honest I just think you have too many places planned to see and not enough time to appreciate some.

Personally I would try to spend more time in New York, simply because 4 days is nothing. Possibly cut down on Boston and even Washington.

 

[sabre_ac]

I'm hoping i can get to Canada as well for a day or two, two openings, if i can gun it past cleveland, and snub Niagra falls and a day in boston, wind up in Toronto (however we have a hired car)

Other option is smashing through the san fran/seattle and doing it in a 12-14 hour, getting to seattle and dropping our car off early, then flying to vancouver and back

Mostly hostels i;ve booked, only 10%, in the end 30 dollars is nothing compared to my budget (i have 2 grand+ spending every week)

Tourist perspective Toronto doesn't have much to offer, great place to live but not much by way of sights. Niagara is a little overated, I'd definitely go with the second option if I were you. San Fran is mean't to be incredible and Vancouver and the surrounds are quite breathtaking.

Stay in the states as long as possible.

 

[red+black]

I'll probably go again this year. Last time was Oct/Nov 2008.

1. Las Vegas, NV for a few days, saw 'O' at Bellagio
2. Wichita, KS for a week (have to, have family there)
3. Denver, CO for about 5 days (loved it)
- went to an NBA game (Lakers), NFL game (Dolphins) and NHL game (Sharks)
- hired a car, drove to Coors Brewery and Red Rocks (with no GPS or map)
4. Phoenix, AZ (pointless)
- Sedona was enjoyable as was NFL Monday night game (49ers) which went down to the wire
5. San Diego (fantastic)
- was there on Election night, spent a day down in Ensenada, Mexico
6. Las Vegas again for a few days, won two backgammon tournaments
7. Seattle - Boeing factory, Space Needle, rain
8. Amtrak to Vancouver - hockey in Canada!
9. San Francisco - must see, went to another hockey game

Time before this I saw a lot more of the USA over about 5 months: Key West, Miami, Orlando, Savannah, Charleston, Washington, New York, Bangor, Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Los Angeles.

 

[Peter Sidorkiewicz]

Tourist perspective Toronto doesn't have much to offer, great place to live but not much by way of sights. Niagara is a little overated, I'd definitely go with the second option if I were you. San Fran is mean't to be incredible and Vancouver and the surrounds are quite breathtaking.

Stay in the states as long as possible.

I beg to differ Toronto (and Niagara) are great places to visit.

Niagara Falls is breathtaking and also their are quite a few winerys on the way if you are driving from Toronto. I would recommend stopping at winery and trying some of Canada's best ice wine.

Their are many things for tourists to do in Toronto.

Eaton Center - Great shopping, could easily spend a whole day;
CN Tower - Great view, glass floor is pretty cool;
Skydome - Their is usually someone happening at this arena. Obviously its known for Baseball but when I visited Toronto they had Monster Trucks!;
Hockey at Air Canada Center - If you can get a ticket;
Hockey Hall of Fame - Its like the MCG Sports Museum in that it has memorabilla and an interactive section as well;

The bars and resturants around downtown are very good too.

 

[Peter Sidorkiewicz]

Ok, here;s my plan of attack

Arrive in Miami on 30th march 3 days
New Orleans for 4 days
Dallas 2 days
San Antoni 1 day
LA 3 days
Vegas 4 days
3 days of California road tripping to San Fran
San Fran for 4 nights
3 nights between San Fran and Seattle
Seattle for a day
2 days in Milwaukee
4 nights in Chicargo
Night in cleveland
2 nights in Buffalo (niagra Falls)
4 nights in Boston
4 nights in new York
2 Nights in Atlantic City
1 day in Washington
1 day In Atlanta

2 basketball games, Wrestlmania, However still got to fill in some time, Any suggestions from fellow travelers of some must see destinations? Comming from perth i havent really talked to many people about what to do, got a vague plan, however any hints or tips of things to do?

I'm hoping i can get to Canada as well for a day or two, two openings, if i can gun it past cleveland, and snub Niagra falls and a day in boston, wind up in Toronto (however we have a hired car)

Other option is smashing through the san fran/seattle and doing it in a 12-14 hour, getting to seattle and dropping our car off early, then flying to vancouver and back

Mostly hostels i;ve booked, only 10%, in the end 30 dollars is nothing compared to my budget (i have 2 grand+ spending every week)

I went to Wrestlemania last year in Atlanta, as well as Miami, Orlando, Nashville and New Orleans. You'll have a great time. I would recommend the following activities:

Miami - Take a millionares row bayside cruise (from bayside marketplace) and see Scarface mansion and homes of the stars. Nightlife in South Beach (Spring break!)

New Orleans - Order a Hurricane at Pat O'Brien and Beignets at Cafe du Monde. Jazz at Preservation Hall is pretty cool if you want a cultural experience. Obviously nightlife at Bourbon St.

Las Vegas - Their is a very good designer outlet mall about 20minutes by cab from The Strip if you want to get some quality brands at cheap prices.

San Francisco - Alcatraz and Levi's.

Milwaukee - Haven't been their but Miller's brewery tour would be on my things to do.

Cleveland - Rock N Roll Hall of Fame

Atlanta - World of Coca Cola (If you love the drink) and CNN Tour (For $20 you can get a DVD of yourself reading the news)

 

[Upgrayedd]

I went to Wrestlemania last year in Atlanta, as well as Miami, Orlando, Nashville and New Orleans. You'll have a great time. I would recommend the following activities:

Miami - Take a millionares row bayside cruise (from bayside marketplace) and see Scarface mansion and homes of the stars. Nightlife in South Beach (Spring break!)

New Orleans - Order a Hurricane at Pat O'Brien and Beignets at Cafe du Monde. Jazz at Preservation Hall is pretty cool if you want a cultural experience. Obviously nightlife at Bourbon St.

Las Vegas - Their is a very good designer outlet mall about 20minutes by cab from The Strip if you want to get some quality brands at cheap prices.

San Francisco - Alcatraz and Levi's.

Milwaukee - Haven't been their but Miller's brewery tour would be on my things to do.

Cleveland - Rock N Roll Hall of Fame

Atlanta - World of Coca Cola (If you love the drink) and CNN Tour (For $20 you can get a DVD of yourself reading the news)

The only reason we're in those towns

Thanks for the advice man, really appreciate it

 

[Rohan25]

I'm heading off to the US on the 16th for a few weeks. Can't wait. Question: Once I've done those $14 ESTA form things, do I need to print them off and carry them with me? Or is it enough just to register and pay? I last went to the US in 2005 and I didn't need that form then as I recall.

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

I'm heading off to the US on the 16th for a few weeks. Can't wait. Question: Once I've done those $14 ESTA form things, do I need to print them off and carry them with me? Or is it enough just to register and pay? I last went to the US in 2005 and I didn't need that form then as I recall.

Supposed to be in their system but I didn't take any chances and printed it and carried it anyway. They never asked for it though so I assume the system read the passport and linked it with the pre-approval.

 

[doppleganger]

Ok, here;s my plan of attack

Arrive in Miami on 30th march 3 days
New Orleans for 4 days

Pretty solid, if your an nba fan Miami play OKC on April 4th......would be a cracking game to get to!!

Dallas 2 days
San Antoni 1 day

Austin, Austin, Austin!!

Any particular reason for Dallas n SA??

LA 3 days
Vegas 4 days
3 days of California road tripping to San Fran
San Fran for 4 nights
3 nights between San Fran and Seattle
Seattle for a day

Sounds about right.

2 days in Milwaukee
4 nights in Chicargo
Night in cleveland
2 nights in Buffalo (niagra Falls)
4 nights in Boston
4 nights in new York
2 Nights in Atlantic City
1 day in Washington
1 day In Atlanta

Pretty hectic schedule, not much time to take in much of the places.

2 basketball games, Wrestlmania, However still got to fill in some time, Any suggestions from fellow travelers of some must see destinations? Comming from perth i havent really talked to many people about what to do, got a vague plan, however any hints or tips of things to do?

If your into sports, look at upcoming schedules for some big games...may be worth tinkering with schedule to suit.

If young and looking to party, dont 'waste' a weekend in Vegas...hit it up midweek, still plenty of pumping clubs and can live it up at 1/3 of the cost...then spend your weekend in a city that would be quieter during the week!!

Must stay in the new part of Vegas in a hotel, dont go for the hostels in old town.

I'm hoping i can get to Canada as well for a day or two, two openings, if i can gun it past cleveland, and snub Niagra falls and a day in boston, wind up in Toronto (however we have a hired car)

You have a couple of nights in Buffalo....scrap them for Toronto, some good hostels in Toronto, and they do Niagra Tours from there.

Other option is smashing through the san fran/seattle and doing it in a 12-14 hour, getting to seattle and dropping our car off early, then flying to vancouver and back

Should opt out of 'smashing' through things....will just mean you spend too much of your trip in transit and actually not doing anything properly.

Why spend 14hrs driving on highways, with no intention of stopping and taking scenic routes when you could simply fly straight from SanFran to Seattle or Vancouver??

Mostly hostels i;ve booked, only 10%, in the end 30 dollars is nothing compared to my budget (i have 2 grand+ spending every week)

Hostels in America can be very hit and miss, if in a group (and you have a car) better to stay in the cheap drive inn motels. When I travelled in a group of 4, we ended up paying $40 in TOTAL ($10 each) for double rooms with cable and own bathroom etc..... Do your socialising out at the bars!!

Will be a brilliant trip by the sounds, but transit and travel can frustrate after awhile.

 

[doppleganger]

Not sure if srs.

Cheesecake factory blew my mind, nothing in Australia can match the quality/quantity combination that they offer. I could eat there every day of the year and never get tired of the place.

Quantity is an American obsession, bigger is always better.

Quality...just decent 'pub' grub at the Cheesecake.

The value is the key thing, big burgers are $10ish, where if you went to a pub in Melbourne would be looking $20ish.

Perfect example is McDonald's. In Melbourne at the moment, they are promoting $2 double cheeseburgers.....in the States the double cheese is part of the 'dollar menu'.

Food is 50% cheaper in the States, and as a general rule is simply larger servings of poorer quality food.

Alcohol from shops is more like 30% of the cost you will pay in Aus!!

 

[wce4premiership]

More questions for anybody travel savvy

We have roughly 5-6 nights of free time that we have not planned. We are considering Jumping on a boat cruise to the bahamas, there are deals of 4/5 night cruised for only 400-500 dollars.

However the information on the website is poor, very poor.

So:
1. Does a cruise line operate like a hotel in regards to $400 per room (can be split 2/3 ways) or is it a per person arrangement?

2. Has anyone here ever done a cruise? What was your experience like and any recommendations?

3. Same question as above with regards to the bahamas.

4. Do the cruises usually sell out (difficult to answer I know, as all cruises would be different but any guide would be helpful) or are they able to be booked last minute?

Any help greatly appreciated by me and my mates

 

[Upgrayedd]

Any particular reason for Dallas n SA??

Dallas V Portland in the NBA Plus a mate lives in Dallas.

Im also going to try to fit in some sports games, i personally dont give two S**t's about Boston however my mate is hell keen, and yeah with Niagra falls We'll probably scrap it and go to Toronto

 

[Rohan25]

Supposed to be in their system but I didn't take any chances and printed it and carried it anyway. They never asked for it though so I assume the system read the passport and linked it with the pre-approval.

Thanks, yeah I'll probably print them off just to be sure. It would be just my luck that mine would be the one that didn't process properly.

With all the forms/confirmation slips/bookings/tickets I've printed off, I'm starting to accumulate quite a pile of stuff.