Aussie family wanting to visit the US in December
Jun 7th, 2010, 04:39 PM
#21
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No actually said that it wouldn;t be fun to be stuck in your hotel room. I can;t conceive of any circumstances - barring a blizzard, which I don;t think has happened before Christmas in about 80 years - that would keep you stuck in your room. And I don;t get people who stay in an airport - if the flights are cancelled just go back to the city and stay in a hotel.
In any case the OP is planning on NYC, then DC , then the cruise - so they wold hve to be stuck in NYC about 5 days - incredibly unlikely.
In any case the OP is planning on NYC, then DC , then the cruise - so they wold hve to be stuck in NYC about 5 days - incredibly unlikely.
Jun 8th, 2010, 07:07 AM
#23
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For most, NYC is a 'must see' US destination and I agree. Being from So. Cal, I 'expected' it to be 'cold' while visiting in April. We ski in the mountains, but NYC was freezing to me. It was sunny, but those winds and the skyscraper shaded streets? brrrrr. December be prepared. We don't let weather stop us wherever we go, but it might not be such a good idea for your little ones. Sorry New Yorkers, love NYC but not everyone can handle those temps.
Jun 8th, 2010, 07:42 AM
#24
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I agree with posters who are recommending limiting the area/stops you are trying to cover. I would concentrate on So Cal and Florida only, for a 2 week trip.
San Diego area - wonderful weather, zoo is great for children, Old Town, and many other sights & attractions. Florida - I would check all of Orlando Vic's suggestions. I personally would go with St. Augustine and Everglades.
NYC &/or Washington, in addition to Cal & Florida, IMHO is too much to fit in. Every flight requires early check-in, transport to airport, packing, etc. It all adds up and you could spend that time touring on the ground. Since you need to be in Cal and Florida, concentrate on those areas
San Diego area - wonderful weather, zoo is great for children, Old Town, and many other sights & attractions. Florida - I would check all of Orlando Vic's suggestions. I personally would go with St. Augustine and Everglades.
NYC &/or Washington, in addition to Cal & Florida, IMHO is too much to fit in. Every flight requires early check-in, transport to airport, packing, etc. It all adds up and you could spend that time touring on the ground. Since you need to be in Cal and Florida, concentrate on those areas
Jun 8th, 2010, 08:18 AM
#25
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You said it, travelottie.
You'll already be in California and Florida, ennamarie, and there's plenty to do in those locations - and the weather will be a lot better than what you'd experience in most of the rest of the states. It's your trip, so you should do what you want to do. But it's going to take a chunk of time to add another location to your trip and you could easily use that chunk of time in California and Florida.
You'll already be in California and Florida, ennamarie, and there's plenty to do in those locations - and the weather will be a lot better than what you'd experience in most of the rest of the states. It's your trip, so you should do what you want to do. But it's going to take a chunk of time to add another location to your trip and you could easily use that chunk of time in California and Florida.
Jun 8th, 2010, 09:05 AM
#26
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I can't believe people are so delicate that temps inthe 30's or low 40's would actually bother them. I don;t put my winter coat on until it goes under 30.
It's not like Alaska or Siberia wehre you would have 20 or 30 below zero.
The human race has survived for more than 100,000 years in a temperate climate (meaning 4 seasons, including winter) - and without indoor heating.
IMHO seeing just So Cal and FL gives you a very skewed view of the US - and not giving your kids a chance to experience winter/skating and the best of the holidays.
It's not like Alaska or Siberia wehre you would have 20 or 30 below zero.
The human race has survived for more than 100,000 years in a temperate climate (meaning 4 seasons, including winter) - and without indoor heating.
IMHO seeing just So Cal and FL gives you a very skewed view of the US - and not giving your kids a chance to experience winter/skating and the best of the holidays.
Jun 8th, 2010, 09:54 AM
#27
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I admit it. I'm a weather wimp. I used up all my cold tolerance growing up in Chicago. I now think it's downright chilly when it's in the 40s. I moan and kavetch when it gets down into the 30s. I have realized that any place that's too cold to have citrus trees in the back yard is a place that's way too cold for me to live.
OTOH, I've learned to tolerate temperatures in the triple digits.
However, what's relevant is not what I or other posters think about the weather. What's relevant is what ennamarie and her family think about the weather and how she wants to use her limited vacation time. She stated in the original post that she's not used to cold weather. And she only has a couple weeks and already will be in California and Florida. Based on that info, I still think she'd be better off saving New York, and any other part of the US except for California and Florida, for another trip.
OTOH, I've learned to tolerate temperatures in the triple digits.
However, what's relevant is not what I or other posters think about the weather. What's relevant is what ennamarie and her family think about the weather and how she wants to use her limited vacation time. She stated in the original post that she's not used to cold weather. And she only has a couple weeks and already will be in California and Florida. Based on that info, I still think she'd be better off saving New York, and any other part of the US except for California and Florida, for another trip.
Jun 8th, 2010, 10:06 AM
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>>
Me, too, as far as a place to live (except change Chicago to Long Island and upstate NY). But that doesn't change the fact that NY is wonderful at Christmastime. For my first visit to the US, I wouldn't want to go anywhere else (if I were going to Spain, I wouldn't choose Marbella over Madrid or Barcelona either, and if I were going to France, I wouldn't choose Normandy over Paris, not for a first trip) .
Me, too, as far as a place to live (except change Chicago to Long Island and upstate NY). But that doesn't change the fact that NY is wonderful at Christmastime. For my first visit to the US, I wouldn't want to go anywhere else (if I were going to Spain, I wouldn't choose Marbella over Madrid or Barcelona either, and if I were going to France, I wouldn't choose Normandy over Paris, not for a first trip) .
Jun 8th, 2010, 10:17 AM
#30
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For a really "magical" Christmas, you should go to Vienna.
Later in the year, both Singapore and Hong Kong are pure magic during Chinese New Year's.
Just thought I'd throw in a couple of other options for you to consider.
(PS. On a more serious note: It really depends on your tolerance and your kids'. For such young kids, I wouldn't choose more than two destinations in my family...but you have to decide for your family how many destinations would work for you.)
Later in the year, both Singapore and Hong Kong are pure magic during Chinese New Year's.
Just thought I'd throw in a couple of other options for you to consider.
(PS. On a more serious note: It really depends on your tolerance and your kids'. For such young kids, I wouldn't choose more than two destinations in my family...but you have to decide for your family how many destinations would work for you.)
Jun 8th, 2010, 11:28 AM
#31
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Come on nytraveler! I'll admit that Orlando is hot in the summer if you admit that NYC is cold in the winter.
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Jun 8th, 2010, 11:31 AM
#32
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For how many different climates do you want to pack? That might help you decide on your itinerary.
If you go to NYC or Washington, DC, you will need winter clothing – especially as you are not used to the cold. So you could buy it over here, or you could bring it from home, but do you want to haul around bulky winter clothing in California and Florida? And if you don't own any, do you really want to buy it for just a few days in the northern US?
As other posters have said, you are still likely to need layers with at least lightweight jackets for central Florida, as it can be cool then. It might be 25C or it might be 5C while you are in Orlando.
If you go to NYC or Washington, DC, you will need winter clothing – especially as you are not used to the cold. So you could buy it over here, or you could bring it from home, but do you want to haul around bulky winter clothing in California and Florida? And if you don't own any, do you really want to buy it for just a few days in the northern US?
As other posters have said, you are still likely to need layers with at least lightweight jackets for central Florida, as it can be cool then. It might be 25C or it might be 5C while you are in Orlando.
Jun 8th, 2010, 05:16 PM
#33
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Orlando is hot as hell in the summer. So is NYC , though not as bad as Orlando. I;ve never been in Orlando in winter but was there in early March and it wasn;t too hot during the day.
NY is a full temperate climate - hot in the summer and cold in the winter. But it's rare that it's really cold (we get about the same number of days of 100 degrees per year as we do zero. But, December, while cold is rarely bitter cold (Feb nights with wind chill sof 10 below) and NYC is never cold compare to really cold places. I'm always amazed at people who don;t differntiate between normal winter cold - 30 degrees - and Alaska or Siberia - 30 degrees below zero.
And in my experience kids - except very small ones (3 and under) love winter, love snow, love ice skating - esp if they've never seen it. When we were growing up it was always fun to have snow- and play in it with friends and dogs - not like the awful days of summer - when it's 90 and humid and all you can do is sit in the pool or an A/C room.
But - my preference is always cold over hot. The OP and family haven't seen a real winter - and NYC before Christmas is a great way to do it. (I would pick this over SoCal any day.)
NY is a full temperate climate - hot in the summer and cold in the winter. But it's rare that it's really cold (we get about the same number of days of 100 degrees per year as we do zero. But, December, while cold is rarely bitter cold (Feb nights with wind chill sof 10 below) and NYC is never cold compare to really cold places. I'm always amazed at people who don;t differntiate between normal winter cold - 30 degrees - and Alaska or Siberia - 30 degrees below zero.
And in my experience kids - except very small ones (3 and under) love winter, love snow, love ice skating - esp if they've never seen it. When we were growing up it was always fun to have snow- and play in it with friends and dogs - not like the awful days of summer - when it's 90 and humid and all you can do is sit in the pool or an A/C room.
But - my preference is always cold over hot. The OP and family haven't seen a real winter - and NYC before Christmas is a great way to do it. (I would pick this over SoCal any day.)
Jun 8th, 2010, 07:31 PM
#34
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According to weather.com,
The average LOW temperature in Adelaide in June/July (winter) is 7C (45F). Average highs are 16C/14C (61F/57F).
The average HIGH temperature in New York in December is 5C (41F) and in January is 2C (36F) - so lower than the comparable winter average lows in Adelaide! The average lows are -4C and -8C (25F and 19F), respectively.
Average highs for Adelaide in December/January are 26/28C (79/82F).
So normal NYC winter cold might as well be Siberia for people from more temperate climates (I grew up in Florida and now live in New England, and I speak from experience).
(Sure, those are average temperatures - I know it might be warmer or colder when emmamarie and her family visit. But at least this is a useful starting point in her planning.)
The average LOW temperature in Adelaide in June/July (winter) is 7C (45F). Average highs are 16C/14C (61F/57F).
The average HIGH temperature in New York in December is 5C (41F) and in January is 2C (36F) - so lower than the comparable winter average lows in Adelaide! The average lows are -4C and -8C (25F and 19F), respectively.
Average highs for Adelaide in December/January are 26/28C (79/82F).
So normal NYC winter cold might as well be Siberia for people from more temperate climates (I grew up in Florida and now live in New England, and I speak from experience).
(Sure, those are average temperatures - I know it might be warmer or colder when emmamarie and her family visit. But at least this is a useful starting point in her planning.)
Jun 8th, 2010, 07:39 PM
#35
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Emmamarie -
My point in all that is you will need one set of clothing, which could be fairly bulky, for visiting New York/Washington, DC – and a different set for California/Florida/cruising.
You will have to decide whether you want to pack and haul around 2 mostly different wardrobes for 4 weeks or so. The shoes you will want in each place will be different. Even what you will want to sleep in is likely to be different in NYC versus Orlando.
My point in all that is you will need one set of clothing, which could be fairly bulky, for visiting New York/Washington, DC – and a different set for California/Florida/cruising.
You will have to decide whether you want to pack and haul around 2 mostly different wardrobes for 4 weeks or so. The shoes you will want in each place will be different. Even what you will want to sleep in is likely to be different in NYC versus Orlando.
Jun 8th, 2010, 07:54 PM
#36
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So much to think about!!!!
At the moment what i am thinking is that we have to be in florida for the cruise therefore we will be on the east coast. So perhaps we should stay in the east coast and do NYC, washington and florida and then one day (hopefully not too far away)we will come back again and see the west in June/July school holidays spending time in LA, San Francisco, San diego. It will probably work out cheaper (in terms of flights) to stay in caliornia next time. There are so many places to see in this wonderful country of yours!! My husband and kids have always wanted to see the snow and tolerate the cold much better than I do so i think that it would be an experience to have a possible white xmas instead of our usual beach xmas that we have here in Australia. Although i dont like the cold, i will enjoy it if the kids are happy! NYC has always been a dream destination for me and i am worried that if we cant afford to come again that i might miss my chance to see this wonderful city. I am also looking forward to Washington.
Thanks so much - you have all been a great help!
At the moment what i am thinking is that we have to be in florida for the cruise therefore we will be on the east coast. So perhaps we should stay in the east coast and do NYC, washington and florida and then one day (hopefully not too far away)we will come back again and see the west in June/July school holidays spending time in LA, San Francisco, San diego. It will probably work out cheaper (in terms of flights) to stay in caliornia next time. There are so many places to see in this wonderful country of yours!! My husband and kids have always wanted to see the snow and tolerate the cold much better than I do so i think that it would be an experience to have a possible white xmas instead of our usual beach xmas that we have here in Australia. Although i dont like the cold, i will enjoy it if the kids are happy! NYC has always been a dream destination for me and i am worried that if we cant afford to come again that i might miss my chance to see this wonderful city. I am also looking forward to Washington.
Thanks so much - you have all been a great help!
Jun 9th, 2010, 03:54 AM
#37
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"My point in all that is you will need one set of clothing, which could be fairly bulky, for visiting New York/Washington, DC – and a different set for California/Florida/cruising.
You will have to decide whether you want to pack and haul around 2 mostly different wardrobes for 4 weeks or so. The shoes you will want in each place will be different. Even what you will want to sleep in is likely to be different in NYC versus Orlando."
Cranachin, you raise a good point...but it can be done with careful planning. In April and May, Mrs. Vic & I spent 4 weeks traveling from the South Island of NZ all the way up to Australia's Top End (Darwin & Kakadu) and then on to Bali. Two vastly different climates and two completely different sets of clothes needed. Layering helped a lot. But, it can be done.
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You will have to decide whether you want to pack and haul around 2 mostly different wardrobes for 4 weeks or so. The shoes you will want in each place will be different. Even what you will want to sleep in is likely to be different in NYC versus Orlando."
Cranachin, you raise a good point...but it can be done with careful planning. In April and May, Mrs. Vic & I spent 4 weeks traveling from the South Island of NZ all the way up to Australia's Top End (Darwin & Kakadu) and then on to Bali. Two vastly different climates and two completely different sets of clothes needed. Layering helped a lot. But, it can be done.
______________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie
Jun 9th, 2010, 04:19 AM
#38
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Emma,
You know best what are the top priorities for your family.
It will be a really long trip for the kids from Australia to NYC. You may want to plan a slow start to activities the first day to give a chance to adjust to the time difference.
If you want to see snow, then you may also want to plan a trip out of NYC while up north. Snow is relatively rare in NYC on Christmas, but totally unpredictable this far in advance. Folks on this board who live in the area could tell you about the likelihood of snow December 15 onward in Vermont ski resorts or other areas. It may be early for them as well.
You can layer long sleeve/pant clothes with and waterproof shoes/boots, hats, gloves, and jackets to handle the weather in NYC and DC. Then you'll have the waterproof jackets to use as windbreakers and jackets in Florida without the layers underneath. If you really need something for the weather, I hear that NYC has lots of stores willing to help.
There are lots of good posts on here about NYC and DC with children and specifically a lot of previous posts about NYC in December in previous years, so I think you will find information to help you get started.
You know best what are the top priorities for your family.
It will be a really long trip for the kids from Australia to NYC. You may want to plan a slow start to activities the first day to give a chance to adjust to the time difference.
If you want to see snow, then you may also want to plan a trip out of NYC while up north. Snow is relatively rare in NYC on Christmas, but totally unpredictable this far in advance. Folks on this board who live in the area could tell you about the likelihood of snow December 15 onward in Vermont ski resorts or other areas. It may be early for them as well.
You can layer long sleeve/pant clothes with and waterproof shoes/boots, hats, gloves, and jackets to handle the weather in NYC and DC. Then you'll have the waterproof jackets to use as windbreakers and jackets in Florida without the layers underneath. If you really need something for the weather, I hear that NYC has lots of stores willing to help.
There are lots of good posts on here about NYC and DC with children and specifically a lot of previous posts about NYC in December in previous years, so I think you will find information to help you get started.
Jun 9th, 2010, 05:40 AM
#39
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Emma if you make NYC part of your trip, you can stop and purchase heavier coats for you and the children at a thrift store for only a few dollars each... thrift stores like Goodwill, Amvets, and Salvation Army resell donated clothing and you won't have to pack and carry sweaters,coats,gloves and hats... at the end of your NY stay, redonate them... it will save you $$$, and eliminate the luggage charges...
Jun 9th, 2010, 06:24 AM
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If your heart speaks NYC- go for it or you'll regret it. In the past, when we've started off in London for business( much cooler & professional clothing), then head off to our warm European summer vacation destination; we ask the London hotel to ship our clothes back. Just another option out there.
