First time to the U.S.A
May 10th, 1998, 02:04 AM
#1
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First time to the U.S.A
Hello, this is enna from Beijing. This summer I am going to see my husband who is studing in Hawaii. We are planning a 10 days trip to the continent. New York City, Washington D.C,Sanfransisco and Las Vigas are the places we would like to visit. But we have a tight budget so we want to get the best airfares and also we want to stay at clean and safe motel with basic facility like private bath or shower and good location. Any suggestion and recommendation will be appereciated. Also any advice on special places of interests of these places?
Thanks
Thanks
May 10th, 1998, 12:35 PM
#2
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Let me be the one to burst your bubble: while I absolutely ADORED New York City and HIGHLY recommend it as a place to visit, there are NO places in that city for budget travelers that are well-located and have a private bath. $100 a night (plus a 17%25 hotel tax) is dirt cheap in that city! Your best bet is to check the New York City B&B network at www.cityconnection/B&B_network/b&bnet.html or call 212-645-8134 (sorry, I don't know how to dial long distance from the PRC). *OR* just abandon New York City as a place to visit, concentrating on the western part of our nation. If you have other specific questions on what to expect while visiting our country, feel free to post or e-mail me.
May 10th, 1998, 12:54 PM
#3
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10 days seems a very short time to cover the distance between the locations you mention. You could easily spend 10 days in northern California (or California) alone. Please check the distances and flight times, etc. Flying cross country will also greatly increase the cost of your trip; I can't imagine this being a budget trip, given the destinations and the 10 days you have to spend. In northern California, you could cover SF, Napa Valley, Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, Monterey, Carmel, and drive down the coast to San Simeon. Even that itinerary is VERY ambitious for 10 days, a lot of variety, a lot of driving. But you might be able to do it at a reasonable price, and it would be a great intro to the American landscape.
May 13th, 1998, 02:51 PM
#4
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In general, if you are looking for very inexpensive places to stay in a city, stay just outside of the city. There is an excellent Hilton in Newark, New Jersey which is connected to the train station there by a skybridge. You can take a train into New York and be in mid-town in 15 minutes from your hotel room. The Hilton often has packages for $79 per night. Same goes in Washington -- try staying in Crystal City, Virginia or in suburban Maryland. The metro connections to the city are easy and fast.
May 13th, 1998, 06:37 PM
#5
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I absolutely agree with Linda----stay in California for your 10 days. Get to know the people and get the feel for the U.S. An added plus is that there are many Asian immigrants living in California so you will find a basis for comparison.In general Californians are much more tolerant of and spend more time with tourists than in other parts of the country. Washington, D.C. is at least 5 days as is New York City. Limit your trip to California (perhaps include the Grand Canyon for a day or so) and relax and have fun.
May 14th, 1998, 07:57 PM
#6
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Welcome to the U.S. I enjoyed my visit to Bejing very much.
In San Francisco, you will enjoy the waterfront area between the Golden Gate Bridge and Fishermans Wharf and the ride on the cable car on the hills.
You can drive or take a bus tour to Muir Woods to see the giant redwood trees--very beautiful. A drive along the coast south or north of the city along the cliffs is beautiful. If you get into the suburbs you will see American towns look very different from Chinese. Try eating the sourdough bread, a local specialty. To save money on hotel, we have stayed at low-priced chaim motel (Red Roof Inn is one) near the international airport, then drive a car into the city. The hotel rooms in San Francisco are cheaper on Friday and Saturday. (minimum 2 days)
The fun activity in Las Vegas is to walk through the casinos with the noise and gambling and see the lights on the Strip at night. The light show downtown on Fremont street is very interesting. The hotel rooms are much cheaper in Las Vegas Monday through Thursday nights. If you eat at a buffet you can try many American foods. We liked the lunch buffet at the Rio. (minimum 1 night)
Washington DC is nice to visit museums and monuments. Which you like depends on your interests. The hotels cost less on Friday and Saturday.
New York City is very expensive, but the hotels cost less on Friday and Saturday and the city is less crowded on Saturday and Sunday. The Statue of Liberty is very impressive from the ground. The museums are very nice. Going to see a play is fun. Most tourists spend time between Central Park and 42nd Street- Midtown. Manhattan is as busy and crowded as Bejing, but with taller buildings and taxis instead of bicycles.
There are several discount airlines that fly to some of your destinations. Southwest Airlines, Air Trans, and Reno Air may have lower prices once you are in California.
In San Francisco, you will enjoy the waterfront area between the Golden Gate Bridge and Fishermans Wharf and the ride on the cable car on the hills.
You can drive or take a bus tour to Muir Woods to see the giant redwood trees--very beautiful. A drive along the coast south or north of the city along the cliffs is beautiful. If you get into the suburbs you will see American towns look very different from Chinese. Try eating the sourdough bread, a local specialty. To save money on hotel, we have stayed at low-priced chaim motel (Red Roof Inn is one) near the international airport, then drive a car into the city. The hotel rooms in San Francisco are cheaper on Friday and Saturday. (minimum 2 days)
The fun activity in Las Vegas is to walk through the casinos with the noise and gambling and see the lights on the Strip at night. The light show downtown on Fremont street is very interesting. The hotel rooms are much cheaper in Las Vegas Monday through Thursday nights. If you eat at a buffet you can try many American foods. We liked the lunch buffet at the Rio. (minimum 1 night)
Washington DC is nice to visit museums and monuments. Which you like depends on your interests. The hotels cost less on Friday and Saturday.
New York City is very expensive, but the hotels cost less on Friday and Saturday and the city is less crowded on Saturday and Sunday. The Statue of Liberty is very impressive from the ground. The museums are very nice. Going to see a play is fun. Most tourists spend time between Central Park and 42nd Street- Midtown. Manhattan is as busy and crowded as Bejing, but with taller buildings and taxis instead of bicycles.
There are several discount airlines that fly to some of your destinations. Southwest Airlines, Air Trans, and Reno Air may have lower prices once you are in California.
May 25th, 1998, 07:41 PM
#7
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Hi there. I also agree with Kam and Linda .... you need to choose ONE place -- California is a GREAT choice -- and concentrate on relaxing in one place.
San Diego is a great place to visit -- you could also see Mexico which is only a 30 minute drive and with the proper identification no problem. Warm and sunny now that El Nino has passed us over, there is plenty to see and do -- don't miss the world famous San Diego Zoo and Sea World - touristy but worth it -- all hotel and motel rooms have private baths and showers -- it you are REALLY on a budget try Motel 6 or Easy 8 motels ... if you can afford more, the Quality Inns and Comfort Inns are great. Have a wonderful time and welcome to the United States!
San Diego is a great place to visit -- you could also see Mexico which is only a 30 minute drive and with the proper identification no problem. Warm and sunny now that El Nino has passed us over, there is plenty to see and do -- don't miss the world famous San Diego Zoo and Sea World - touristy but worth it -- all hotel and motel rooms have private baths and showers -- it you are REALLY on a budget try Motel 6 or Easy 8 motels ... if you can afford more, the Quality Inns and Comfort Inns are great. Have a wonderful time and welcome to the United States!
