Annie

Hi, I'm a mother with two daughters, planning to visit the USA sometime this year. My question one would be, what time of year is best, price and temperature wise? I know that pre-May, post-Oct.31 is offpeak, but I don't really want to get snowed on (being the shallow, heat-loving Aussie that I am).
Also, as I am planning on crossing the country with the eventual twin destinations of New Orleans and Wisconsin state (friends there) what would other travellers, especially locals recommend I do and avoid doing, being that I'm sort of alone, except for the kids. All advice much appreciated and . . . G'day. *g*

gail

Off-peak really does not matter all that much except at specific locations - like DisneyWorld, certain beaches - so pick a time that is good for you to travel. As far as weather, generally New Orleans is always warm, and oppressively hot in June-Aug., Wisconsin snows all the time (not really and sorry to natives from the Badger State. but winter cold is often Nov-March). How old are your kids? Are you going to fly, drive or combination. Our train service generally stinks, so you probably want to avoid that (do a search of Amtrak on this site for comments). With a few more details I am sure there are many who post on this site who will have a lot of fun helping you plan your trip.

Annie

Okay, thanks. I'm up for that. My friend in Wisconsin (the cheesehead? LOL) had a GOOD experience with Amtrack, but I am interested in hearing the downside too, as well as alternatives. My daughters are 12 and 10 and the vague plan was to cross from LA to Chicago by train, visit WI. and then chuff on down to NO (this city being the major reason for my wanting to visit USA in the first place). After that, I'm open to suggestion as the amount of time we spend in USA is openended at this stage. 2-3 weeks?

Spider

If I remember correctly, there is a train that runs from Chicago across the Rocky Mtns to California. That might be fun, but I've never done it so maybe someone else has some comments about it.

Are your daughters interested in the Disney thing, or do they want something more hip? Maybe you could stop in LA and take in a taping of one of their favorite American TV shows.

Give us some more details about what you are interested in, and we can help more.

Dan

I've taken the train from Chicago to Boston and I definitely wouldn't do it again. Airfares in the USA are dirt cheap now, usually less than Amtrak. If you get a sleeping berth on the train it will be really expensive. If you don't, sleeping in your seat is no fun. Trains in the US aren't as nice in Europe, and although you'll see some nice scenery, I wouldn't do it. Wisconsin is hit or miss in October. It was warm this year, but it can be cold. April is usually pretty nice, especially the end. I'd really try to look into May or June though. Milwaukee's Summerfest music festival in the end of June is fun. Door county in Wisconsin is nice, and I've always considered the Milwaukee area to be one of the US's best kept secrets. I live in Chicago, but I'd love to live up there. Have fun on your trip

Barbara

The only thing I can add is that trains stations tend to be in bad areas because they were built so long ago. I got off a train in Oakland, California and it was late and deserted. It even took awhile to find a cab. Wow it was scary.

cg

If you're going to Wisconsin and Chicago, you'll definitely want to go in May or June. The weather could be miserable any earlier, but in early summer, there's no place on earth I'd rather be. September can also be very nice.

As for the train thing, when I was 10 (about 17 years ago), my grandparents took me on a train trip from Wadena MN, over to Chicago, across to LA, up to Portland, OR and back over to Wadena. At that age, it was an amazing experience for me. We were always budget travelers anyway, so sleeping in seats on the train didn't bother me in the least and I met lots of interesting friends and saw lots of interesting country on that trip. It's one of my fondest childhood memories.

So, depending on how comfort-oriented you are, the train might be a great way to see the country. It's not fast or cushy, but it is an experience if you have the patience for it. That being said, I'm not sure that I'd be very happy doing it as an adult, but for a 10-year-old, it was great. If you come in May, June or Sept, you might want to do the trek from LA up the coast to Seattle or Portland, and then across through the mountains. It should be really beautiful that time of year. The south might be a little hot, but probably not too bad compared to what you're used to. A trip up to the northeast (NYC, Boston, Wash. DC) would also be a great way to spend a couple of weeks and see some of our best cities.

Have a great trip!

bj

My son took the train from Colorado to Wisconsin 2 years ago.
The good news: he had a ball talking to all the people. Everyone was incredibly friendly, laid back and cheerful.
The bad news: Got derailed (not serious) but they were delayed over 24 hours in the middle of no where!!
All in all he really enjoyed the experience but would not recommend it if you're worried about timetables.

xxx

Hi Annie,
Being a Wisconsin native who still lives here and also having spent some time living in South Lousiana, I would give strong consideration to the month of October. While still warm in NO then, it is not as oppresively hot as the summer months. In my opinion, October is one of the most beautiful months in Wisconsin. The fall foliage is spectacular and at its peak. While it is possible to have snow flurries in October, it is rarely little more than flurries. We also usually have some Indian Summer with days in the 60's. April, May and even early June can have surprisingly cold days. It just depends on the type of spring we're having or if we're having one at all. In what part of Wisconsin do your friends live--that can impact the type of weather to expect.

gail

For the kids, wherever you decide to go, get 2 ringed notebooks. Get extra copies of maps, brochures, etc. Let them follow along where you are going, pick what to do at the next stop, etc. It has kept my 2 kids (now 11 and 15) engaged in many trips and lets them feel part of what is going on. As far as the train, you will need to take a cab from the train station to anywhere you want to go - most stations are not relly near much. While there are incredible sights along the route you are considering, there are also miles and miles of nothing. How do your kids do with that? On a train you do get to walk around, though. How do you feel about driving long distances. Car rentals are not that expensive, cheap hotels with pools exist in most places, and you can even rent a car one-way and combine flying, driving, train if you want.

Annie

Soooo...Amtrack is sounding worse and worse....delrailed? Yikes! I'd originally thought of driving, but the thought of getting lost combined with having to drive on the 'wrong' side of the road, put me off it. Maybe I should reconsider. I'm the wuss who doesn't want to 'do' Disney. Perhaps I should mention that I have a slight disability in the walking department, but a TV show taping might be fun. Is that Universal Studios for example?
The end of Sept., beginning of Oct. is sounding better and better, thanks to all for that piece of useful advice.