Travel USA travel tips and tricks

[Snake Charmer]

I went. There is a room full of dispensers where you can try all the wholly owned TCCC soft drinks. They do not have the side menu of licensed bottler companies. So they do not have Coca Cola Amatil's drinks like Kole Beer, Passiona etc.

They had an interesting section on the "New Coke" debacle. It was interesting to hear their side of it.

Kole beer is amazing. Haven’t seen it anywhere other than WA

 

[basashi]

Kole beer is amazing. Haven’t seen it anywhere other than WA

Aldi in Sydney has it every now and then. Not often, just enough that people have tasted it and then get pissed off that they can't have any more. Mitsuya Craft Cola in Japan is similar, if thats any help.

 

[largebus]

Got back from there recently. Did the east coast north of DC, across to the Midwest, down the Mississippi finishing in Dallas.

City I liked the most: Chicago, the skyline, the lakeshore, the food, just a brilliant, exciting place despite its problems.

City I liked the least: Indianapolis, although the 500 was epic, the city itself was very vanilla.

NYC would be my favourite of all, but for all the garbage and constant smell of urine and weed, although it's better outside of Manhattan (I heard it gets unbearable in summer)

All in all, a very enjoyable and eye opening trip.

 

[Smoooothy]

City I liked the least: Indianapolis, although the 500 was epic, the city itself was very vanilla.

the 500 is on my list. worth it?

 

[largebus]

the 500 is on my list. worth it?

Absolutely, had to wait through a 4 hour rain delay, only for the race to finish at sunset.
The problem is not paying an arm and leg for accomodation; you can go down the camping route if you're road tripping but you have to buy/bring over the gear.
I stayed at an Airbnb a 10 min bus ride from downtown and at it was less than half what you pay for any hotel.

 

[Spirit Level]

Got back from there recently. Did the east coast north of DC, across to the Midwest, down the Mississippi finishing in Dallas.

City I liked the most: Chicago, the skyline, the lakeshore, the food, just a brilliant, exciting place despite its problems.

City I liked the least: Indianapolis, although the 500 was epic, the city itself was very vanilla.

NYC would be my favourite of all, but for all the garbage and constant smell of urine and weed, although it's better outside of Manhattan (I heard it gets unbearable in summer)

All in all, a very enjoyable and eye opening trip.

Yeah the first time I went to the US I went to Chicago only for 1 night for a gig (had no intention of going there otherwise). I fell in love with the place and made sure to spend more time there on my recent trip.

 

[Magnum27]

About to undertake our 5th trip to USA early October, this trip is through the South, starting at Dallas, then hiring a car and heading off on a road trip ( 1st time we will be driving on our trips ) to San Antonio, followed by Houston. Then on to New Orleans, then a little place called Pidgeon Forge in Tennesse( my wife wants to visit Dollywood ), after this drive to Lynchburg, then onto to Nashville. Next up flight to Vegas and then home.

Looking forward to drive as we figure you will see more rather than sitting in airport, and don't have to deal with TSA, but are a little anxious about it, most driving will be on highways though, so should be all good.

 

[Spirit Level]

About to undertake our 4th trip to USA early October, this trip is through the South, starting at Dallas, then hiring a car and heading off on a road trip ( 1st time we will be driving on our trips ) to San Antonio, followed by Houston. Then on to New Orleans, then a little place called Pidgeon Forge in Tennesse( my wife wants to visit Dollywood ), after this drive to Lynchburg, then onto to Nashville. Next up flight to Vegas and then home.

Looking forward to drive as we figure you will see more rather than sitting in airport, and don't have to deal with TSA, but are a little anxious about it, most driving will be on highways though, so should be all good.

Just don't sit in the left lane if you don't want to be tailgated by an F250 going 20 miles over the limit.

Go to Atlanta!

 

[largebus]

Only "dodgy" experience of the trip was on the light rail in St Louis - a guy knocked on the driver cab and pointed to a seat without speaking. Obviously the driver understood because he immediately made us go to the car behind (you can't walk through like many trains or trams).

Found out later there was an unattended bag with a Glock in it, so he was very smart to not say "there's a gun over there" aloud, lest it was loaded and some nutcase heard him.

 

[Smoooothy]

starting to really plan the trip for our wedding in november next year now. starting in LA for probably only a day, then driving to vegas for 5 nights (wedding included there), then off to Idaho, Wyoming and Montana for Yellowstone for a few days, drive down to Denver, fly down to Houston, Amtrak across to Chicago for a few more days before spending Thanksgiving with friends in Wisconsin

 

[The hands of stone]

Heading to Hawaii next week for 10 nights , cheap flight deal so pulled the trigger .
Have been before on short 2 day stopovers so be interesting to see what it's like a stretch .

Just started planning our next big US trip for a few years time

 

[revo333]

Only "dodgy" experience of the trip was on the light rail in St Louis - a guy knocked on the driver cab and pointed to a seat without speaking. Obviously the driver understood because he immediately made us go to the car behind (you can't walk through like many trains or trams).

Found out later there was an unattended bag with a Glock in it, so he was very smart to not say "there's a gun over there" aloud, lest it was loaded and some nutcase heard him.

What was the reason for going to St. Louis?

You liked it more than Indianapolis?

 

[largebus]

What was the reason for going to St. Louis?

You liked it more than Indianapolis?

More than a few locals asked me that in much more colourful language.

There was a NASCAR race on and it was on the route from Chicago south to New Orleans.
Lot of regional foods there like toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake and their style of BBQ, which is better than Kansas City's IMO.

Downtown is a bit shabby but outside there you have The Hill and Central West End which are great.
If you have kids it's worth visiting just for the City Museum, no exaggeration.

The crime you might hear about is restricted to a few residential areas where tourists have no reason to go anyway.

I probably enjoyed Indy just as much because the 500 was epic but the city itself has none of the food/cultural scene.
Some of the worst roads I've seen in a developed country as well, like 2 m wide potholes everywhere.

 

[Worm4]

Nice.

Really wish I got to see Sedona so if you do I'm going to be a little jealous.

And in regards to Palm Springs, I recommend Joshua Tree but look after yourself if it's hot.

Itinerary changed now as you do -
Anaheim , palm Springs, sedona, flagstaff, Williams, Vegas, Santa Monica.
Driving for 2 weeks of the trip bit nervous about it actually but lots of stops on the way I imagine.
Less than 3 months away now. Can't wait

 

[X_box_X]

Currently planning a US Trip for early next year. This will include a Caribbean Cruise.

Re. booking a North American cruise.

I've heard you can book cruises through a Canadian company which works out cheaper due to the exchange rate. Is anyone able to shed some light by confirming/denying this?

 

[The hands of stone]

Itinerary changed now as you do -
Anaheim , palm Springs, sedona, flagstaff, Williams, Vegas, Santa Monica.
Driving for 2 weeks of the trip bit nervous about it actually but lots of stops on the way I imagine.
Less than 3 months away now. Can't wait

Have you driven in the US before?

Took me a few days to adjust after that was fine.
Anaheim is fairly easy to get around. Santa Monica will be a bit trickier , thinner lanes and some one way streets around. But if your finishing there you'll have no problems

 

[Worm4]

Have you driven in the US before?

Took me a few days to adjust after that was fine.
Anaheim is fairly easy to get around. Santa Monica will be a bit trickier , thinner lanes and some one way streets around. But if your finishing there you'll have no problems

First time but being from Melbourne, don't think it will be a big issue. Most of it will be highway driving and figure I will stick to the right hand side of the road most of the way unless I get stuck behind a really slow driver

 

[X_box_X]

I've been given an initial overall cost of itinerary covering 4.5 weeks in the USA based on ideas I had brain stormed and sent through to my travel agent. Most of the ideas I brainstormed were from this thread.

I wasn't actually planning on going to all of the below places but it has been included anyway. My travel agent understands I probably don't have the desire to go to all these places in the one holiday. As you can imagine, it has ended up quite pricey.

It's now about prioritising where I want to go and now I need to start looking at potentially removing some of these places from my list... This is where you guys come in.

This is what I sent through to my travel agent. She has worked out flights and accommodation based on all the below.




ATLANTA:
Aquarium, College Football HOF, Coca-Cola World

NEW YORK:
MSG (Hockey + NBA)
Nightlife, comedy clubs, broadways, live music
Amtrack Train to Washington and/or Boston

WASHINGTON DC:
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Thomas Jefferson Memorial,

DETROIT:
Little Caesars Arena (NHL)

CHICAGO:
Architecture Boat Tour, Field Museum, Willis Tower, Magnificent Mile Walking Tour

SEATTLE:
Pike/Pine, Capitol Hill, Pike Place market, Belltown, Space Needle, Glass Museum

ORLANDO:
Universal Studios, Disney World

NASHVILLE:
Grand Ole Opry House (Stage & Radio show), Country Music HOF & Museum, Johnny Cash Museum, Pokemon Go Tour, Chief's On Broadway (BROADWAY STREET)

NOLA:
WW2 Museum, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Vue Orleans

CALIFORNIA:
Venice, Hollywood, Loz Feliz, Beaches, comedy shows (LA)
San Diego Zoo, Sea World, San Diego Museum, North Park, Ocean Beach (San Diego)
Disney theme parks (San Diego + Anaheim),
Beaches, comedy shows (LA)
Alcatraz tour (San Fran)




FWIW, the trip includes two children aged 10 and 8.

What is worth keeping and what's worth removing?

This trip includes a Royal Caribbean departing from FT LAUDERDALE.

 

[Seeds]

I've been given an initial overall cost of itinerary covering 4.5 weeks in the USA based on ideas I had brain stormed and sent through to my travel agent. Most of the ideas I brainstormed were from this thread.

I wasn't actually planning on going to all of the below places but it has been included anyway. My travel agent understands I probably don't have the desire to go to all these places in the one holiday. As you can imagine, it has ended up quite pricey.

It's now about prioritising where I want to go and now I need to start looking at potentially removing some of these places from my list... This is where you guys come in.

This is what I sent through to my travel agent. She has worked out flights and accommodation based on all the below.




ATLANTA:
Aquarium, College Football HOF, Coca-Cola World

NEW YORK:
MSG (Hockey + NBA)
Nightlife, comedy clubs, broadways, live music
Amtrack Train to Washington and/or Boston

WASHINGTON DC:
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Thomas Jefferson Memorial,

DETROIT:
Little Caesars Arena (NHL)

CHICAGO:
Architecture Boat Tour, Field Museum, Willis Tower, Magnificent Mile Walking Tour

SEATTLE:
Pike/Pine, Capitol Hill, Pike Place market, Belltown, Space Needle, Glass Museum

ORLANDO:
Universal Studios, Disney World

NASHVILLE:
Grand Ole Opry House (Stage & Radio show), Country Music HOF & Museum, Johnny Cash Museum, Pokemon Go Tour, Chief's On Broadway (BROADWAY STREET)

NOLA:
WW2 Museum, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Vue Orleans

CALIFORNIA:
Venice, Hollywood, Loz Feliz, Beaches, comedy shows (LA)
San Diego Zoo, Sea World, San Diego Museum, North Park, Ocean Beach (San Diego)
Disney theme parks (San Diego + Anaheim),
Beaches, comedy shows (LA)
Alcatraz tour (San Fran)




FWIW, the trip includes two children aged 10 and 8.

What is worth keeping and what's worth removing?

This trip includes a Royal Caribbean departing from FT LAUDERDALE.

Was in the states a couple of months ago. The air and space musuem was under mass renovation so could only see less then half of it. Was disapointing. Be aware of this.

In new york you must go to the september 11 musuem. Amazing musuem and I dont usually like musuems.

In orlando go to the kennedy space centre if you have spare time as its amazing. Although you do need a lot of time to do disneyworld. Ps. Why are you going to disneyland as well? Disneyland is just an inferior disneyworld without the best rides. If you can take time off disneyland and spend more at disneyworld to do disneyworld right i would do that. We just spent 10 days at disneyworld (5 at universal) and we all felt that was just the right amount. Anything less would of been too rushed.

Ps. Why use a travel agent? Its the USA. Its easier to organise USA trips without a travel agent and cheaper too.

Also you are travelling to too many spots. Too must wasted time travelling for a 4-5 week trip. Your kids are going to get super bored of the travelling and you arent going to really enjoy the cities you are seeing.

Seattle is a dump. Ive been there for three weeks in the past year for work. Its so boring with little to do or see. Especially with kids. I would definately not go there. Its a lot of extra travel time with no actual benefits.

I would cut chicago and detroit as well at least. Whilst nola is definately worth seeing think you may struggle to fit that in as well.

Note the goal of a holiday is not to tick off boxes. Its to enjoy the places you are seeing and soak them in.

 

[Drakescoffeecake]

Got back a few weeks ago - my favourite city yet again was Austin. Something about that city - I have never had a bad day there. So much to see and do. Awesome live music scene, beautiful scenery, funky breweries, lovely people and some of the best BBQ I've had in my life. It's a shame Rainey street has been taken over by high rises though - the only downer.

 

[X_box_X]

Was in the states a couple of months ago. The air and space musuem was under mass renovation so could only see less then half of it. Was disapointing. Be aware of this.

In new york you must go to the september 11 musuem. Amazing musuem and I dont usually like musuems.

In orlando go to the kennedy space centre if you have spare time as its amazing. Although you do need a lot of time to do disneyworld. Ps. Why are you going to disneyland as well? Disneyland is just an inferior disneyworld without the best rides. If you can take time off disneyland and spend more at disneyworld to do disneyworld right i would do that. We just spent 10 days at disneyworld (5 at universal) and we all felt that was just the right amount. Anything less would of been too rushed.

Ps. Why use a travel agent? Its the USA. Its easier to organise USA trips without a travel agent and cheaper too.

Also you are travelling to too many spots. Too must wasted time travelling for a 4-5 week trip. Your kids are going to get super bored of the travelling and you arent going to really enjoy the cities you are seeing.

Seattle is a dump. Ive been there for three weeks in the past year for work. Its so boring with little to do or see. Especially with kids. I would definately not go there. Its a lot of extra travel time with no actual benefits.

I would cut chicago and detroit as well at least. Whilst nola is definately worth seeing think you may struggle to fit that in as well.

Note the goal of a holiday is not to tick off boxes. Its to enjoy the places you are seeing and soak them in.

Thanks mate, very helpful.

I'd highly recommend a travel agent if you're unfamiliar with a destination. Rely on their expertise. It's stress free.

It's like saying why would you go to a dentist, a surgeon, a mechanic. You wanna do all that shit yourself?

 

[Seeds]

Thanks mate, very helpful.

I'd highly recommend a travel agent if you're unfamiliar with a destination. Rely on their expertise. It's stress free.

It's like saying why would you go to a dentist, a surgeon, a mechanic. You wanna do all that shit yourself?

No worries i get why some people want to use a travel agent as planning does take a lot of time. But travel agents will push you to use certain hotels where they get kickbacks which arent necessarily ideal for what you want (they are often in bad locations and not near the sites you want to see, further adding to travel time). Travel agents will also not help you properly with planning a disneyworld trip. Disneyworld takes a bit of pre planning (a lot of the popular restsurants needs to be booked 60 days out), you need to work out whether you are going to do genie plus or not to avoid the ridiculous lines and i think you can even now pre book rides. An absolute minimum for orlando is 6 days (4 days for disneyworld - 1 for each theme park and 2 for universal). If you want to squeeze a lot of places in because this is a once in a lifetime trip i would suggest skipping orlando and doing 3 days at disneyland instead as disneyland is just about the rides and nothing more whereas disneyworld is its own little world that needs a lot of time. But seeing as you are doing a cruise from florida then it makes sense to do disneyworld/universal florida. the best rides are here and not in california. Ps. When are you going? If its not till next year then be aware that epic universe is also opening at universal florida. Looks like it will become the best theme park in the world. But they will only let people in if they book a multiday pass for universal.

We just spent 4 weeks in the usa with two kids (a ten and 7 year old) and the only places we visited were new york, washington and orlando (with a 3 day cruise from florida). I could of maybe squeezed one more place into that trip but wouldnt of wanted to do anymore places then that for a 4 week trip. I thought i would hate orlando (im not a theme park person) but Ive never seen our kids happier then they were in orlando and it became infectious.


If you think you may make it back to america one day for another trip then another option iis to skip the west coast locations on this trip and just do the east coast.

Leave the west coast (san fran, la and seattle for another trip). Plus if you are doing the west coast you really should do vegas, grand canyon and the national parks. My favourite part of america.

 

[X_box_X]

No worries i get why some people want to use a travel agent as planning does take a lot of time. But travel agents will push you to use certain hotels where they get kickbacks which arent necessarily ideal for what you want (they are often in bad locations and not near the sites you want to see, further adding to travel time). Travel agents will also not help you properly with planning a disneyworld trip. Disneyworld takes a bit of pre planning (a lot of the popular restsurants needs to be booked 60 days out), you need to work out whether you are going to do genie plus or not to avoid the ridiculous lines and i think you can even now pre book rides. An absolute minimum for orlando is 6 days (4 days for disneyworld - 1 for each theme park and 2 for universal). If you want to squeeze a lot of places in because this is a once in a lifetime trip i would suggest skipping orlando and doing 3 days at disneyland instead as disneyland is just about the rides and nothing more whereas disneyworld is its own little world that needs a lot of time. But seeing as you are doing a cruise from florida then it makes sense to do disneyworld/universal florida. the best rides are here and not in california. Ps. When are you going? If its not till next year then be aware that epic universe is also opening at universal florida. Looks like it will become the best theme park in the world. But they will only let people in if they book a multiday pass for universal.

We just spent 4 weeks in the usa with two kids (a ten and 7 year old) and the only places we visited were new york, washington and orlando (with a 3 day cruise from florida). I could of maybe squeezed one more place into that trip but wouldnt of wanted to do anymore places then that for a 4 week trip. I thought i would hate orlando (im not a theme park person) but Ive never seen our kids happier then they were in orlando and it became infectious.


If you think you may make it back to america one day for another trip then another option iis to skip the west coast locations on this trip and just do the east coast.

Leave the west coast (san fran, la and seattle for another trip). Plus if you are doing the west coast you really should do vegas, grand canyon and the national parks. My favourite part of america.

Awesome, love the advice.

We are going between Feb & March next year.

Are you a sports fan? Did you get along to any of the big four (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL)?

 

[Cuzz09]

What would 4 days staying inside Disneyland cost?



Sent from my SM-S908E using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Seeds]

Awesome, love the advice.

We are going between Feb & March next year.

Are you a sports fan? Did you get along to any of the big four (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL)?

We went early summer, i.e. baseball season. Caught a yankees game which was really cool (my wife and daughters aint sport fans so i was a bit limited in how much time i could spend on sports)

Feb/march will be great for catching nba and hockey games. I gather you are aware that it will be cold up north and its snow season. That can be a positive or a negative depending on what you are looking for.