IDEAS NEEDED FOR A CHEAP GETAWAY OUT OF COUNTRY AS A NEW SOLO TRAVELER
#43
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I like it when people post a question that I can answer. I like being able to share my limited travel experiences. I think that every poster on these forums has had different experiences, and so is able to bring their own perspective, even though a travel agent might have answers. I try not to be dismissive of people who ask questions, unless the question looks like “We want to visit all 30 countries in Europe in 15 miliseconds”.
#44
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If you r leaving from NYC you have quite a few options--I would try the Dominican republic on your budget. The Caribbean for relaxation. Go on applevacations.com and you will find specials on there for the Caribbean in your price range. Especially now it is shoulder season.
#45
Since they speak French in Montreal, take the Maple Leaf to Toronto. The HI Hostel is within walking distance of the train station. The CN tower is next to the train station and the Hockey Hall of Fame is nearby. You can also get a GO train and bus to get to Niagara Falls Ontario. The view is better on the Canadian side.
#47
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Just to clarify - do you live in NYC, or just flying from there (and driving in from somewhere else to fly?)
I've been to Toronto, it's a nice city, the downtown's very nice and walkable. Would be a good weekend trip.
I like this thread because I'm not that seasoned of a traveler as some on here - and I'm getting some good ideas here myself.
Also, if you stay in the right place, budget-wise, say, a hostel, you could fly to most places in the U.S. for your budget.
Finally - when we want to take a cheap vacation - we tent camp at national or state parks. We've even flown our camping equipment in our suitcases. Get lightweight stuff made for backpacking, like tents and sleeping bags, cooksets, etc. It packs up small enough to fit in backpacks so it will definitely fit in your suitcase, even a carry-on. (Lightweight equipment also won't be heavy and incur fees for heavy luggage.) You can then rent a car when you get there and stay in a regular campground if you want. We flew to Las Vegas once, three of us, my husband and I split the camping equipment between our suitcases, then rented a sedan and drove to Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the north rim of the Grand Canyon, and camped. If you did that trip by yourself, it would definitely be less than 1,000.00, even with food and car rental.
And the way to save costs on city trips is to drive there, and not fly. In the NY area, you could easily drive into Toronto or Montreal. Even with parking fees for a week, it's still much cheaper than flying.
I've been to Toronto, it's a nice city, the downtown's very nice and walkable. Would be a good weekend trip.
I like this thread because I'm not that seasoned of a traveler as some on here - and I'm getting some good ideas here myself.
Also, if you stay in the right place, budget-wise, say, a hostel, you could fly to most places in the U.S. for your budget.
Finally - when we want to take a cheap vacation - we tent camp at national or state parks. We've even flown our camping equipment in our suitcases. Get lightweight stuff made for backpacking, like tents and sleeping bags, cooksets, etc. It packs up small enough to fit in backpacks so it will definitely fit in your suitcase, even a carry-on. (Lightweight equipment also won't be heavy and incur fees for heavy luggage.) You can then rent a car when you get there and stay in a regular campground if you want. We flew to Las Vegas once, three of us, my husband and I split the camping equipment between our suitcases, then rented a sedan and drove to Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the north rim of the Grand Canyon, and camped. If you did that trip by yourself, it would definitely be less than 1,000.00, even with food and car rental.
And the way to save costs on city trips is to drive there, and not fly. In the NY area, you could easily drive into Toronto or Montreal. Even with parking fees for a week, it's still much cheaper than flying.
#50
Harder for me to recommend since you are on the east coast, so airfares are different.
If you want a city stay, DC, Chicago and Boston are fun. Often hotel rates are cheaper in big cities over the weekends.
One way to cut your costs is to look at building a stock of airline miles by activities such as opening an airline credit card with a big bonus. I probably take half of my trips using airline miles. You can often get to Central or South American for the same miles as a US ticket if you travel off peak.
If you want a city stay, DC, Chicago and Boston are fun. Often hotel rates are cheaper in big cities over the weekends.
One way to cut your costs is to look at building a stock of airline miles by activities such as opening an airline credit card with a big bonus. I probably take half of my trips using airline miles. You can often get to Central or South American for the same miles as a US ticket if you travel off peak.
#51
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I have been to Jamaica, and would NOT recommend you go there as a female traveling alone. I have encountered men who are too brazen; who hang out in "packs" and have sexually harassed me on the street in broad daylight. Also, I do not think it is smart to travel to Mexico these days, it is simply too risky. There are too many news stories coming out of India right now of girls and women being sexually attacked
there, also. ~ You asked for suggestions of places to spend a long weekend in USA...I enjoy relaxing in the towns of Boone, Blowing Rock and Asheville, North Carolina.
there, also. ~ You asked for suggestions of places to spend a long weekend in USA...I enjoy relaxing in the towns of Boone, Blowing Rock and Asheville, North Carolina.
#54
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@diann24..Thanks, I visited Boca Chica, Juan Dolio and Santo Domingo while in the Dominican Republic. Beautiful place. I will definitely check out the website you provided.
@bumbleb6. thanks for all your suggestions. I heard that its only a 70 dollar train ride from NYC to Montreal. Im soo going to have a weekend their. I actually live in NYC so all my flights will be from out there. I've been camping 3 times 3 hours away from NYC but never thought about going even further. I will definitely have to jot that down.
@Missy..Ive been to Negril Jamaica and had a ball. Stayed in groups and was finee. Went to Cancun Mexico and stayed on the resort which was also just fine..I've been thinking about India but only once I get this money up...Seems like and expensive travel.
Im glad that my thread was able to help someone out and grateful for all the responses. But I have found my destination which Ive been contemplating for sometime now and I will be off too.............. Antigua Guatemala. Flight from NYC is only 520 AND will be hopping from Hostel to Hostel which should be no more then 25 bucks a night or even cheaper. Ill be there for 5 nights. I plan on going to Pana and ChiChi. The shuttle buses run between 10-20 dollars each place. Pray for me as this is my first solo trip and an accomplishment for my 30 things before 30 to do list
@bumbleb6. thanks for all your suggestions. I heard that its only a 70 dollar train ride from NYC to Montreal. Im soo going to have a weekend their. I actually live in NYC so all my flights will be from out there. I've been camping 3 times 3 hours away from NYC but never thought about going even further. I will definitely have to jot that down.
@Missy..Ive been to Negril Jamaica and had a ball. Stayed in groups and was finee. Went to Cancun Mexico and stayed on the resort which was also just fine..I've been thinking about India but only once I get this money up...Seems like and expensive travel.
Im glad that my thread was able to help someone out and grateful for all the responses. But I have found my destination which Ive been contemplating for sometime now and I will be off too.............. Antigua Guatemala. Flight from NYC is only 520 AND will be hopping from Hostel to Hostel which should be no more then 25 bucks a night or even cheaper. Ill be there for 5 nights. I plan on going to Pana and ChiChi. The shuttle buses run between 10-20 dollars each place. Pray for me as this is my first solo trip and an accomplishment for my 30 things before 30 to do list
#56
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Wrong (i've done it)
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Wrong (i've done it)
Aderonke, The thing about solo travel is... well it's the same as traveling with a partner, friend or relative. You just go where you want to go. Except for a few exceptions where it is outright dangerous to be on your own... there's nothing really that "special" about traveling alone, as far as picking the destination.
Wrong (i've done it)
>
Wrong (i've done it)
Aderonke, The thing about solo travel is... well it's the same as traveling with a partner, friend or relative. You just go where you want to go. Except for a few exceptions where it is outright dangerous to be on your own... there's nothing really that "special" about traveling alone, as far as picking the destination.
#58
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Suze is right about Mexico. You can get an affordable room in Playa Del Carmen, especially if you don't mind not being on the beach. Look in the downtown area. There are many small inexpensive restaurants and even food carts there. It helps if you can speak a little Spanish but it isn't needed.
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