New York and Wahington in December - Itinirary Suggestions etc
Mar 17th, 2012, 11:47 AM
#1
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New York and Wahington in December - Itinirary Suggestions etc
Hi Folks.
My wife and I are looking at visiting New York and Washington over Christmas. My wife is really keen on experiencing the whole Christmas and New Year in New York, whilst we thought of also spending some time in Washington. Currently we are still in the planning stage and I'm looking for general guidance on best areas and places to stay and must see attractions, as well as suggestions on best way to travel between New York and Washington. Suggestions on how to split our time between the 2 destinations are also welcome. As well as any other info you think might be valuable
Some general info:
Total expected duration of trip: 10 days
Arrival date: Sometime between 16 and 22 December
Daily budget for accomodation:+- $150 - $250
Thanks.
My wife and I are looking at visiting New York and Washington over Christmas. My wife is really keen on experiencing the whole Christmas and New Year in New York, whilst we thought of also spending some time in Washington. Currently we are still in the planning stage and I'm looking for general guidance on best areas and places to stay and must see attractions, as well as suggestions on best way to travel between New York and Washington. Suggestions on how to split our time between the 2 destinations are also welcome. As well as any other info you think might be valuable
Some general info:
Total expected duration of trip: 10 days
Arrival date: Sometime between 16 and 22 December
Daily budget for accomodation:+- $150 - $250
Thanks.
Mar 17th, 2012, 12:35 PM
#2
Welcome to Fodors. I suspect from the use of "whilst" that you are from Britain. Your plan is partially feasible.
You could certainly see both cities in 10 days, although you could easily fill the whole time in new York alone. As to splitting your time, the intercity travel will take a day and if your 10 days include arrival and departure days, ther will only be 7 real days left. Also, the weather in december can unpredictably include paralizing snowstorms (a bad one in 2010, nothing in 2011).
Less likely is finding acceptable lodging at your price point, especially in New York City. It is possible to find less expensive lodging in outlying areas at the expense of inconvenient daily commutes to sights, but this is not recommended. For New York, you might get a taste of previous debates on the subject at
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...t-369890-2.cfm
Christmas and New Years in New York is a high demand period, for good reason, and early planning for flights and hotels is a great idea. Good luck!
You could certainly see both cities in 10 days, although you could easily fill the whole time in new York alone. As to splitting your time, the intercity travel will take a day and if your 10 days include arrival and departure days, ther will only be 7 real days left. Also, the weather in december can unpredictably include paralizing snowstorms (a bad one in 2010, nothing in 2011).
Less likely is finding acceptable lodging at your price point, especially in New York City. It is possible to find less expensive lodging in outlying areas at the expense of inconvenient daily commutes to sights, but this is not recommended. For New York, you might get a taste of previous debates on the subject at
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...t-369890-2.cfm
Christmas and New Years in New York is a high demand period, for good reason, and early planning for flights and hotels is a great idea. Good luck!
Mar 17th, 2012, 01:54 PM
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We go to New York in December nearly every year. We often use Hotwire or Priceline for rooms, first doing research on betterbidding.com. It takes an hour or two to get the hang of that website but it is worth it.
Be sure to make a list of all your "must sees" and check for opening times over the holidays.
I have never spent New Year's Eve in New York, but have often been there for Christmas. It is nice; pretty, lots to see and do. I have found New York rooms to go down a few dollars over the actual December 25 date. Not so the week before.
Would your wife go for Christmas in New York, and New Year in Washington, which might be cheaper?
DC rooms are often less expensive over government holidays, but there are still plenty of nice things to do. One of my clients went to a concert at the Kennedy Center this year over the holiday period.
Be sure to make a list of all your "must sees" and check for opening times over the holidays.
I have never spent New Year's Eve in New York, but have often been there for Christmas. It is nice; pretty, lots to see and do. I have found New York rooms to go down a few dollars over the actual December 25 date. Not so the week before.
Would your wife go for Christmas in New York, and New Year in Washington, which might be cheaper?
DC rooms are often less expensive over government holidays, but there are still plenty of nice things to do. One of my clients went to a concert at the Kennedy Center this year over the holiday period.
Mar 17th, 2012, 04:50 PM
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Um - you are coming to NYC at the busiest and most expensive time of year - and your hotel budget is going to be a really big challenge at that time o fyear. An average hotel room in NYC is about $250 on average - but this is high season - and getting somethng for that price MIGHT be doable if you search very carefully and pay far in advance for super discount rates.
The most comfortable and reliable way between the two is Amtrak. There are super budget bus lines between the two but they are usually late due to traffic - and that time of year can eaily add bag weather than can stretch a 5 hour drive to 7, 8 or even more - esp if there is any amount of snow.
Hotels in DC are cheaper to begin with and since Congress is not insession over the holidays there should be bargains. I would increase your YC budget to $350 to have more choices - and try to stick to $150 in DC.
Also be prepared that our weather is often - but not always - colder and snowier than yours. This winter was incredibly mild. But the previous year NYC had more than 20" of snow at Christmas - DC usually gets less - but some. So be sure to pack the right sort of clothing for bad weather. And while there are many outdoor things to d - be sure to pick plenty of indoor places as well. Be sure your boots are waterproofed and have non-skid soles and that yuo have warm coat, hat gloves and scarf.
The most comfortable and reliable way between the two is Amtrak. There are super budget bus lines between the two but they are usually late due to traffic - and that time of year can eaily add bag weather than can stretch a 5 hour drive to 7, 8 or even more - esp if there is any amount of snow.
Hotels in DC are cheaper to begin with and since Congress is not insession over the holidays there should be bargains. I would increase your YC budget to $350 to have more choices - and try to stick to $150 in DC.
Also be prepared that our weather is often - but not always - colder and snowier than yours. This winter was incredibly mild. But the previous year NYC had more than 20" of snow at Christmas - DC usually gets less - but some. So be sure to pack the right sort of clothing for bad weather. And while there are many outdoor things to d - be sure to pick plenty of indoor places as well. Be sure your boots are waterproofed and have non-skid soles and that yuo have warm coat, hat gloves and scarf.
Mar 18th, 2012, 10:16 AM
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Thank you for the replies. We are actually from South Africa, so it will definitely be colder than what we are used to.
Would you suggest packing light and picking up some proper winter clothes in the U.S.?
I will up the sccomodation budget to more realistic $350 - $450 per night.
The 10 days are excluding arrival and departure days.
Would you suggest packing light and picking up some proper winter clothes in the U.S.?
I will up the sccomodation budget to more realistic $350 - $450 per night.
The 10 days are excluding arrival and departure days.
