6 Weeks in the U.S
Apr 12th, 2013, 05:19 AM
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6 Weeks in the U.S
I have 6 weeks in the US from 1st of September till 12th of October. I'm thinking of splitting my trip with 4 weeks in the west and 2 in the east.
I'd see it shaping up
LA - 5 days
San Diego - 4 days
San Fran - 5 days
Vegas - 5 days
Grand Canyon - 1 day
Which gives me 7/8 days that I would like advice on how to spend them, even if the advice is that I am spending to long or too little a time in a certain location.
East is easier.
Washington - 4 days
Phily / Boston - 3 days
New York - 6 days
I'm a big sports fan and will be wanting to visit some of the great sporting stadiums on match days (if i'm lucky) or for tours.
These are all fairly obvious places to visit and the key to seeing them is that they are all reasonably close together. Is there anywhere else that would enhance my trip that I have missed out?
I have just ordered my Lonely Planet guide but booked my flights tonight so keen to make a start on it.
Thanks
David
I'd see it shaping up
LA - 5 days
San Diego - 4 days
San Fran - 5 days
Vegas - 5 days
Grand Canyon - 1 day
Which gives me 7/8 days that I would like advice on how to spend them, even if the advice is that I am spending to long or too little a time in a certain location.
East is easier.
Washington - 4 days
Phily / Boston - 3 days
New York - 6 days
I'm a big sports fan and will be wanting to visit some of the great sporting stadiums on match days (if i'm lucky) or for tours.
These are all fairly obvious places to visit and the key to seeing them is that they are all reasonably close together. Is there anywhere else that would enhance my trip that I have missed out?
I have just ordered my Lonely Planet guide but booked my flights tonight so keen to make a start on it.
Thanks
David
Apr 12th, 2013, 05:53 AM
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Where are you from?
I would consider skipping the east, save it for another trip, and focus on the beauty out west. Visit the National Parks in Utah (Arches, Bryce, Zion, etc). 5 days in Vegas is too much in my opinion. After Vegas head to Hoover Dam, do the north rim of the canyon, then head for Utah. After Utah, if you have enough time, either head north to Yellowstone or east to Rocky Mt National Park and head home out of Denver.
I would consider skipping the east, save it for another trip, and focus on the beauty out west. Visit the National Parks in Utah (Arches, Bryce, Zion, etc). 5 days in Vegas is too much in my opinion. After Vegas head to Hoover Dam, do the north rim of the canyon, then head for Utah. After Utah, if you have enough time, either head north to Yellowstone or east to Rocky Mt National Park and head home out of Denver.
Apr 12th, 2013, 06:37 AM
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I hope you like to gamble, because I think I would shoot myself with 5 days in Vegas. What are your plans there? I would have a hard time spending 5 days in LA and SF too, but there is plenty of options there--depending on you interests.
Are you only interested in shopping, dining, museums, city type things? Or are you interested in California Coast or the National Parks there?
Are you only interested in shopping, dining, museums, city type things? Or are you interested in California Coast or the National Parks there?
Apr 12th, 2013, 06:54 AM
#4
Six weeks in one trip is enough to see what you want to see.
My guess is that you are coming from Australia.
If you must land at LA first, continue on from there to Las Vegas. Rather than flying from San Diego or LAX to San Francisco you could take the Coast Starlight train (Amtrak).
You can also take a train either from San Francisco-Emeryville or Los Angeles to Chicago. Use a train between Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Boston.
If you only had 4 weeks I would say to only see the west.
The rental cars in Las Vegas tend to be cheaper than those rented in California.
My guess is that you are coming from Australia.
If you must land at LA first, continue on from there to Las Vegas. Rather than flying from San Diego or LAX to San Francisco you could take the Coast Starlight train (Amtrak).
You can also take a train either from San Francisco-Emeryville or Los Angeles to Chicago. Use a train between Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Boston.
If you only had 4 weeks I would say to only see the west.
The rental cars in Las Vegas tend to be cheaper than those rented in California.
Apr 12th, 2013, 08:45 AM
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Although I don't think you should skip the East Coast, given your interests, I think you are spending too much time in cities on both coasts, especially San Diego and Las Vegas.
And six straight days in New York City will be exhausting: it is a very intense place and my DS and I can't take more than a weekend there before we're worn out.
Rizzo is right: on the West Coast, get a car and visit some of the National Parks. You could do that in the time you have on the West Coast. Northern Arizona and Southern Utah have some of the most beautiful spots in the world, and I would much rather see them than see cities.
On the East Coast--ditto--there's lots to see in central Pennsylvania, northern ("upstate") New York, and New England.
I wouldn't take coast to coast trains unless you're trying to get a sense of how big the US is: planes are quicker and cost more or less the same. Trains work well on the East Coast if you're just going to travel between cities.
On sports, I presume you mean baseball and American football? I'd go on the websites of the teams in the cities you'll visit and try to get tickets ASAP. For baseball, you'll be into playoffs and World Series, so tickets (if available) will be very expensive. American football however will just be getting started and you should have better luck. And for soccer football, you should be able to get tickets in most cities that have clubs fairly easily.
And six straight days in New York City will be exhausting: it is a very intense place and my DS and I can't take more than a weekend there before we're worn out.
Rizzo is right: on the West Coast, get a car and visit some of the National Parks. You could do that in the time you have on the West Coast. Northern Arizona and Southern Utah have some of the most beautiful spots in the world, and I would much rather see them than see cities.
On the East Coast--ditto--there's lots to see in central Pennsylvania, northern ("upstate") New York, and New England.
I wouldn't take coast to coast trains unless you're trying to get a sense of how big the US is: planes are quicker and cost more or less the same. Trains work well on the East Coast if you're just going to travel between cities.
On sports, I presume you mean baseball and American football? I'd go on the websites of the teams in the cities you'll visit and try to get tickets ASAP. For baseball, you'll be into playoffs and World Series, so tickets (if available) will be very expensive. American football however will just be getting started and you should have better luck. And for soccer football, you should be able to get tickets in most cities that have clubs fairly easily.
Apr 12th, 2013, 09:05 AM
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tDH,
Basically your plan already looks pretty good.
I've gone to NYC many, many, times - often for a week at a time. Six days is in NYC (especially for a first timer!!) is NOT too much any more than 6 days in London, Paris or Rome would be too much.
Likewise, many people (myself included) go to San Diego, LA and San Francisco for a week at a time. All are worthwhile for a week each and each have amazing day trip options as well.
Vegas is another story. I would strongly suggest no more than two days MAX in Las Vegas. You can see the entire tourist area in one day.
You won't need or want a car on the East coast portion of your trip but it would be nice to have one for a most of the west coast portion.
As to the other 7/8 days---what are your other interests besides sports stadiums??? Outdoors? hiking? live music? art? museums? architecture? history? fine dining? I think we need a little help here before we can suggest anything - otherwise you'll just get ideas for what each individuals prefers.
Also, what cities are you flying into and home from?
Basically your plan already looks pretty good.
I've gone to NYC many, many, times - often for a week at a time. Six days is in NYC (especially for a first timer!!) is NOT too much any more than 6 days in London, Paris or Rome would be too much.
Likewise, many people (myself included) go to San Diego, LA and San Francisco for a week at a time. All are worthwhile for a week each and each have amazing day trip options as well.
Vegas is another story. I would strongly suggest no more than two days MAX in Las Vegas. You can see the entire tourist area in one day.
You won't need or want a car on the East coast portion of your trip but it would be nice to have one for a most of the west coast portion.
As to the other 7/8 days---what are your other interests besides sports stadiums??? Outdoors? hiking? live music? art? museums? architecture? history? fine dining? I think we need a little help here before we can suggest anything - otherwise you'll just get ideas for what each individuals prefers.
Also, what cities are you flying into and home from?
Apr 12th, 2013, 04:35 PM
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Yes, please tell us more about your interests so we can respond more appropriately!
In general, I agree that 5 days is a bit much for Las Vegas and 6 days quite reasonable for NYC.
Are we to understand that you are considering 3 days in EITHER Philadelphia or Boston (and not 3 days for both)?
In general, I agree that 5 days is a bit much for Las Vegas and 6 days quite reasonable for NYC.
Are we to understand that you are considering 3 days in EITHER Philadelphia or Boston (and not 3 days for both)?
Apr 12th, 2013, 05:44 PM
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You may want to consider the weather and local factors in te schedule of your trip. Oct is leaf season in the NE - and the colors are incredible - whole hillsides and mountains of blasing reds, flaming oranges and brillinat yellows (some of te most colorful trees seem to be native here - other aeas esp don't have sugar maples - which are the brightest). So I would end your trip in Boston to have the best chance to see the wonderful colors (best views are usually mid Oct in the Boston area and you could fly back to wherever on the west coast you depart from.
You also need to consider weather - Oct is true autumn in the NE and can be beautiful or can be quite chilly. I left Boston early today and they were expecting sleet and possibly snow. (Yes, colder than usual - but not unknown).
Overall I think your plan a good one - but I would spend less time in Vegas and consider adding some time in Yosemite instead.
You also need to consider weather - Oct is true autumn in the NE and can be beautiful or can be quite chilly. I left Boston early today and they were expecting sleet and possibly snow. (Yes, colder than usual - but not unknown).
Overall I think your plan a good one - but I would spend less time in Vegas and consider adding some time in Yosemite instead.
Apr 12th, 2013, 06:30 PM
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tdH, You really need to tell us what you want to see most. DH would rather have you light his hair on fire and put it out with a baseball bat than spend 5 days in a city whilst on vacation. My SIL would rather spend those days shopping.
In any case, if you get to Boston, do try for a Red Sox game or at least a tour of Fenway, since you did say baseball was something you wanted to do.
In any case, if you get to Boston, do try for a Red Sox game or at least a tour of Fenway, since you did say baseball was something you wanted to do.
Apr 12th, 2013, 10:14 PM
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Hi, sorry I didn't see all the replies flood in.
@all I'm not interested in shopping or dining in expensive restaurants. I've been travelling Asia and living in Australia do this is not a really holiday more of a travel experience to take in the culture and history and see the sights also festivals/gigs and some national park hikes would be awesome. I was a little vague earlier!!
I don't need beaches either as I'll be in Bali for 2 months before I reach the US and will have had my share by then.
I'll also cut back on Vegas as I never knew it could be experienced so fast. 3 days max!!
@rizzo the east has to part of my trip as I will be flying home from JFK like wise with LAX on arrival. This is already booked. I've heard Bryce Canyon is even better than the GC and Yellowstone also gets mentioned a lot. I'll look into what travel would be like around that area.
@tomfuller thanks for the travel tips it's something I'll have to look into in great detail
@dwdvagamundo i used to watch a lot of baseball in my uni days and I'm getting more into NFL now as we have so much more coverage in UK. I plan to book these before I reach the states but soon as the schedule is available.
@kja it would be one or another unless as I only have 14 days with 6 in NYC I want 1 for cooperstown and 4 for DC and around!
@nytraveller that's a good reason to see Boston over Philly and even though I'm not a red sox fan I'd like to see Fenway!!
Thanks for all the great tips. Has anyone got something maybe a little off the guidebook from any locations that would enjoy. Again I'm a fairly openminded person and enjoy most experienced that differ from the norm.
Thanks again
David
@all I'm not interested in shopping or dining in expensive restaurants. I've been travelling Asia and living in Australia do this is not a really holiday more of a travel experience to take in the culture and history and see the sights also festivals/gigs and some national park hikes would be awesome. I was a little vague earlier!!
I don't need beaches either as I'll be in Bali for 2 months before I reach the US and will have had my share by then.
I'll also cut back on Vegas as I never knew it could be experienced so fast. 3 days max!!
@rizzo the east has to part of my trip as I will be flying home from JFK like wise with LAX on arrival. This is already booked. I've heard Bryce Canyon is even better than the GC and Yellowstone also gets mentioned a lot. I'll look into what travel would be like around that area.
@tomfuller thanks for the travel tips it's something I'll have to look into in great detail
@dwdvagamundo i used to watch a lot of baseball in my uni days and I'm getting more into NFL now as we have so much more coverage in UK. I plan to book these before I reach the states but soon as the schedule is available.
@kja it would be one or another unless as I only have 14 days with 6 in NYC I want 1 for cooperstown and 4 for DC and around!
@nytraveller that's a good reason to see Boston over Philly and even though I'm not a red sox fan I'd like to see Fenway!!
Thanks for all the great tips. Has anyone got something maybe a little off the guidebook from any locations that would enjoy. Again I'm a fairly openminded person and enjoy most experienced that differ from the norm.
Thanks again
David
Apr 13th, 2013, 05:56 AM
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Well Oct will work only if the Red Sox make the playoff - otherwise baseball ends in Sept. It;s just the beginning of the season and who knows how they will do. You might have a better chance with the Yankees: no guarantees but I believe they have been in the playoffs 16 of the last 17 years. (But ticket prices will be sky high) Of course you might get a tour of Fenway - but it is not the same as a game.
Whatever team/sport you decide on - get tickets as soon as you have firm dates - for popular teams/games there are often sell outs (and secondary market tickets are enormously expensive).
Whatever team/sport you decide on - get tickets as soon as you have firm dates - for popular teams/games there are often sell outs (and secondary market tickets are enormously expensive).
Apr 13th, 2013, 09:40 AM
#12
Phila. is a wonderful city with so much history to explore.
CHeck out these sites:
http://www.visitphilly.com/?gclid=CM...FUYaOgodtmEA7g
http://philadelphiatourism.com/
http://www.discoverphl.com/
There is a wonderful baseball stadium in Phila. and who knows....maybe the Phillies will come through this year!
CHeck out these sites:
http://www.visitphilly.com/?gclid=CM...FUYaOgodtmEA7g
http://philadelphiatourism.com/
http://www.discoverphl.com/
There is a wonderful baseball stadium in Phila. and who knows....maybe the Phillies will come through this year!
Apr 13th, 2013, 12:19 PM
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If I were to base my trip around baseball, I'd do Chicago for the Cubs, Baltimore, NY (Yankees), and Boston. Some choices solely for the parks. I believe the Cubs and the Red Sox are the only two with manual scoreboards these days.
)
Apr 13th, 2013, 05:31 PM
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David -
Now that you're down to 3 days in Vegas you now have 9/10 days to fill instead of 7/8, correct?
I would would start with some time in either Bryce Canyon and/or Yellowstone - you'll need a CAR for this portion.
That still leaves 6 or 7 days....
I would suggest picking a place far different from what you'll find at home.
Four very different possibilities (out of hundreds!) for the week or so still to fill in:
1) New Orleans - 4 days in the city itself exploring all the great neighborhoods plus a few day trips to the unique environs in the outlying areas...no car needed. Not exactly "off the guidebook" but so worth seeing/hearing/experiencing/tasting...
2) Quebec City, Canada - 4 days in the city itself plus a few day trips to the gorgeous towns north along the St. Lawrence river...no car need for city but you'll need a CAR for the day trips (last 2/3 days)
3) The Maine coast - too larger to do from one home base so maybe two home bases. one northern for 3 days (maybe in Bar Harbor) and one mid-coast for 3/4 days (maybe Camden or Rockland)...you'll need a CAR whole time for this. Summer crowds will be long gone.
4) Tuscon, Phoenix, and other towns within an easy drive of them - gorgeous unusual landscapes, interesting histories, and lots of good Mexican food (and culture) - possibly another ball park too....you'll need a CAR whole time for this
Now that you're down to 3 days in Vegas you now have 9/10 days to fill instead of 7/8, correct?
I would would start with some time in either Bryce Canyon and/or Yellowstone - you'll need a CAR for this portion.
That still leaves 6 or 7 days....
I would suggest picking a place far different from what you'll find at home.
Four very different possibilities (out of hundreds!) for the week or so still to fill in:
1) New Orleans - 4 days in the city itself exploring all the great neighborhoods plus a few day trips to the unique environs in the outlying areas...no car needed. Not exactly "off the guidebook" but so worth seeing/hearing/experiencing/tasting...
2) Quebec City, Canada - 4 days in the city itself plus a few day trips to the gorgeous towns north along the St. Lawrence river...no car need for city but you'll need a CAR for the day trips (last 2/3 days)
3) The Maine coast - too larger to do from one home base so maybe two home bases. one northern for 3 days (maybe in Bar Harbor) and one mid-coast for 3/4 days (maybe Camden or Rockland)...you'll need a CAR whole time for this. Summer crowds will be long gone.
4) Tuscon, Phoenix, and other towns within an easy drive of them - gorgeous unusual landscapes, interesting histories, and lots of good Mexican food (and culture) - possibly another ball park too....you'll need a CAR whole time for this
Apr 14th, 2013, 02:39 AM
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@ janisj @ @rizzo I'll be watching the season as I travel so I'll be able to keep and eye on who is doing well and who won't be there round the business end and yes I think I'll try and visit AT and T wen I first started watching it was PacBell. Getting old at 29 haha.
@schmerl. Thanks for the links. Tbh before I wasn't sure about Philly I knew it for was the Liberty bell and the phillies and I think the have a famous chili cheese steak burger anyway. I'll look into the city so much more. Thanks.
@bardo. This is an amazing reply. Options 1 and 4 would be more suited to me. New Orleans being a huge draw before but I thought I would be moving to far away from LA/Vegas area that travel may become a problem. I know Phoenix and even New Mexico are closer so I'll need to study the areas a little more but it's a great recommendation. Thank you!
I'm from Scotland so all the landscape I see will be different for me.
@all I notice no one ever recommends Texas even though with Houston, Dallas and the Alamo as a tourist attraction I just wonder why it is never thy highly regarded?
And thanks ...again
@schmerl. Thanks for the links. Tbh before I wasn't sure about Philly I knew it for was the Liberty bell and the phillies and I think the have a famous chili cheese steak burger anyway. I'll look into the city so much more. Thanks.
@bardo. This is an amazing reply. Options 1 and 4 would be more suited to me. New Orleans being a huge draw before but I thought I would be moving to far away from LA/Vegas area that travel may become a problem. I know Phoenix and even New Mexico are closer so I'll need to study the areas a little more but it's a great recommendation. Thank you!
I'm from Scotland so all the landscape I see will be different for me.
@all I notice no one ever recommends Texas even though with Houston, Dallas and the Alamo as a tourist attraction I just wonder why it is never thy highly regarded?
And thanks ...again
Apr 14th, 2013, 02:45 AM
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And I would love to go to Chicago as Wrigley Field looks amazing and I here it is the best place for pizza in the US but I think it just a step too far for this trip. IfI ever come back to America on another trip that will be at the top of my list
David
David
Apr 14th, 2013, 05:06 AM
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David -
"@all I notice no one ever recommends Texas..."
Because we've been...I wouldn't even suggest Houston or Dallas to an enemy let alone a friend...it's not there they aren't even in the same league as even SF, San Diego, NYC, Boston, DC. etc (they're most decidedly NOT), but I find them downright unpleasant (even for business travel)...I'll revisit Paris, Rome, NY, Vancouver, or a hundred other repeat places before I would ever "vacation" there...
RE. New Orleans - yes, you would need to fly (one-way) there from the west and another one-way flight to the east coast. If you decide on it, get help here on Fodor's. There are many here who know the cheapest way - including budget airlines that don't show up in regular airfare searches...
RE. Arizona - you have enough time to include this as a larger part of western "drive" portion. It's still a lot of mileage, but no worse than Australia. Play around with Google maps "driving directions" to come up with a circuit/route/plan that works...
"@all I notice no one ever recommends Texas..."
Because we've been...I wouldn't even suggest Houston or Dallas to an enemy let alone a friend...it's not there they aren't even in the same league as even SF, San Diego, NYC, Boston, DC. etc (they're most decidedly NOT), but I find them downright unpleasant (even for business travel)...I'll revisit Paris, Rome, NY, Vancouver, or a hundred other repeat places before I would ever "vacation" there...
RE. New Orleans - yes, you would need to fly (one-way) there from the west and another one-way flight to the east coast. If you decide on it, get help here on Fodor's. There are many here who know the cheapest way - including budget airlines that don't show up in regular airfare searches...
RE. Arizona - you have enough time to include this as a larger part of western "drive" portion. It's still a lot of mileage, but no worse than Australia. Play around with Google maps "driving directions" to come up with a circuit/route/plan that works...
Apr 14th, 2013, 05:48 AM
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Sorry - best pizza - best of most any food except mexican - is found in NY. Chicago has "deep dish" pizza - which is nothing like the real Italian thing. A different american version - like chop suey is an american food - not a chinese one. (SF also has really good chinese - in the right places.)
As for Texas - agree that it is NOT the best of the US, although San Antonio is cute. Houston and Dallas are like Atlanta - cities that look as if the US has suffered an alien invasion removing all human life from the planet. There are lots of office buildings and lot of cars driving around - but streets are empty of people, no shops or restaurants or cafes or any sort of service - until you go out to the strip malls in the suburbs. Just very unpleasant places, at least to someone used to lively cities thronged with people and activities.
As for Texas - agree that it is NOT the best of the US, although San Antonio is cute. Houston and Dallas are like Atlanta - cities that look as if the US has suffered an alien invasion removing all human life from the planet. There are lots of office buildings and lot of cars driving around - but streets are empty of people, no shops or restaurants or cafes or any sort of service - until you go out to the strip malls in the suburbs. Just very unpleasant places, at least to someone used to lively cities thronged with people and activities.
Apr 14th, 2013, 12:14 PM
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I would go with either New Orleans or Santa Fe, both have very unique regional cuisine. Love them both, near Santa Fe you can drive to Bandelier for hiking and see the caves where the Indians lived, it is also fun to visit a pueblo or two, just ask as some prohibit pictures or you have to pay (Taos). The drive to Taos is very nice, we really liked the stop at Chimayo.
New Orleans has some nice nearby plantations you can either drive to or take tours there
New Orleans has some nice nearby plantations you can either drive to or take tours there
