Irish students travelling round america HELP!!!!!!!!!
 

hi, i'm a student from N.Ireland and my best friend and i want to travel round America starting in chicago and ending in New york on a budget. We have 17 days, can anyone give us a few ideas to see the best of America the safest way? Are there any places to avoid safety wise we are only 19!

What are you interested in? Cities? Countryside? Mountains? Outdoor activities? Museums? Beaches? Rocky coastlines? Historical sites? Party towns?<BR><BR>Also, what time of year will you be travelling?

hi , we are in chicago from the 20th aug and leaving from new york on the 8th sep. We are looking to go to museums, shop lots!!, see all the hisoric sites. We want to see all the touristy things but get a look at the 'real' america things!!

Renting a car would give you the most flexablilty, but since you are only 19, you might have trouble with that. Most car rental companies wont rent to people under 25. You might check the Alamo rental company if you want to rent a car because I think that for an extra fee they will rent to younger people. <BR><BR>I think Amtrak, which is the train, offers a 30 day pass for a set price. Check out their website. Basically, you buy the pass and use the pass to purchase tickets at any Amtrak station. If there is room on the train, you can get on. I've always thought this would be cool way to see the country because it would take you through big cities as well as small towns. Or, you can plan your itinerary ahead of time and buy tickets for your specific itenerary. <BR><BR>I have heard bad things about travelling on long range buses, like Greyhound. People having to sit next to dirty, smelly, or scary passengers, problems with crime, and so on, so I wouldn't plan on taking the bus from city to city. Within a the cities, buses are a good bet for transportation though.<BR><BR>There are several regions in the US - Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Westcoast, Rocky Mountains, Northwest, Southwest - and all have different character. <BR><BR>I would suggest the Northeast region because you are coming into Chicago and leaving from New York. Since you are on a budget, staying in this region would cut down on transportation costs. The south will be pretty hot and muggy during your visit, so although there are some great places to visit, the weather is miserable. The midwest is pretty much farmland with nothing really to see. August and September are beautiful months weatherwise for the Westcoast and the Northwest, but it's about a 2000 mile trip from Chicago. You could get there by train, which would take a few days, or by plane, which would eat up more of your budget. <BR><BR>You might also look into tours which will take you around and show you the sites.<BR>

Hi Victoria,<BR><BR>That sounds like fun! I agree with the other posters - your best bet might be on Amtrak. I am sure they have lots of suggested routes. <BR><BR>I live in DC, and although it is EXTREMELY hot here in August usually (today is actually gorgeous w/o humidity), I really wouldn't come all the way over the pond and not see Washington, D.C. It is truly a beautiful city with lots of museums, etc. <BR><BR>You might want to contact the local universities (George Wash U, American U) to see if they could point you to some local hangouts for college students. That might also be fun (meet some American college boys!).<BR><BR>The other suggestion is you might try a tour. Contiki caters to 18-30 year olds and from what I've read they direct you not only to the historical sites but night life as well. Not sure where they go but you might want to check it out.<BR><BR>Have a great time!<BR><BR>JB

Amtrak Capitol Ltd. Departs Chicago 7:PM August 20, arrive Washington Union Station 1:45 PM. Student advantage fare, 73.95USD.<BR><BR>How about Chicago - Washington - Providence/Newport - Boston - New York. Avg 2 days per destination, 3 days travel time, and you've got 4 swing days to spare.<BR><BR>Go to:<BR>http://www.amtrak.com/<BR>

There is a ton to see on east coast- Washington DC, Philadelphia, NYC could keep you busy for at least 7 of those days. It may be fun to try and go to Ocean City, Maryland and have fun on beach for a few days. For shopping- in DC go to Georgetown. In Chicago it is fun to window shop on Michigan Avenue. Philadelphia- definitly check out Old City Area, Manayunk, South Street, Rittenhouse Square Area and King of Prussia Mall. You could probably spend an entire day shopping at King of Prussia. In NYC- shopping i s everywhere.

Thanks loads for the suggestions, i think i'll go with your advice on the amtrack method of transport i'd rather not sit next to a scary smelly thief!!

I agree with Carly- Ocean City, MARYLAND (NOT N.J.)would be great for you. There is a very large amount of Irish and American students working there in the summer and they have a great beach and nightlife with very little crime. You will be able to find low price accomodations near the boardwalk area but definitely make reservations if you will be there before Labor day. If you go to D.C.first then O.C. is a 3 hour drive. The bus from D.C. to O.C. is cheap and not as scary as going between 2 big cities. I think it is greyhound and since it is only 3 hours it can't be that bad!) You don't need a car in O.C. Once you are in O.C. you can take the city bus everywhere (safest and cleanest bus system I've ever been on- all "normal" people!!) Once you are there, there is tons to do- they even have an Irish students office somewhere "downtown" - sorry I don't know the name but they could definitely help you out- maybe ask around at home about people who have been there before. Like I said tons of Irish and American students and VERY FUN - I used to live here every summer (we loved those Irish boys!!) As for N.Y., staying somewhere safe on a low budget is tricky - I would contact the Visitors center to help you. Have FUN!

If you are going to Chicago, try to see these:<BR><BR>Field Museum of Natural History (all day)<BR>Shedd Acquarium (right across the street from the Field Museum).<BR>Planetariam (near the Shedd Aquarium).<BR>Allow 1/2 day for each of these.<BR><BR>Go to the BIG Marshall Fields (not the one at Water Tower), just to see it, and get a taste of shopping in Chicago.<BR><BR>Ride the "L" to Wrigley Field and see a baseball game. <BR><BR>Be sure to get some "Chicago style" pizza when you are there. Pizzaria Uno is very good!<BR><BR>Have fun!

there is always the Hostels to stay in...or college dorms if not yet in session....cheap way to travel

try http://www.hiayh.org for lodging at hostels<BR><BR>for Amtrak USA unlimited travel visit http://www.amtrak.com/savings/usarail.html<BR><BR>for US and Canada (a very nice place to visit as well) visit <BR>http://www.amtrak.com/savings/northeast/promo-passintro.html<BR><BR>Amtrak has 10-15% savings for students who have purchased Student Advantage ($20/year), visit http://www.amtrak.com/savings/banner2.html - and Greyhound buses give 15% off to StudentAdvantage members too.<BR><BR>Greyhound buses have "unlimited travel" passes for non-US citizens of about $250 for students ... go to www.greyhound.com and hunt around that site. Intercity bus travel can be good or bad, but Americans, being used to relatively sparse population (by European standards) are usually loath to travel this way ... most are uncomfortable having less "personal space" than they're accustomed to. However the bus stations really are often in less desirable parts of towns.<BR><BR>

I agree that Chicago, Washington, DC and New York are "must sees." I think visiting the Smithsonian Museums (Natural History, Air and Space and American History) in DC is a great way to see some of what America is about. The best news . . . they are all free and open to the public every day of the week.<BR><BR>Being from Florida, I have not been back up there since I was a teen, but I am looking forward to going again. Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia was also interesting. If you are looking for a theme park diversion, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is fun.<BR><BR>I also agree that Amtrak trains are the way to get around. With over two weeks, you could cover the entire eastern seaboard. Have fun!

Victoria- if you are going to venture into Canada, (Toronto) consider taking VIA (Canada's "Amtrak") to Montreal, then south to Albany, on to Boston, or from Montreal to Springfield MA (bus shuttle from Montreal to Montpelier) on to Boston. Did you look at the US / Canada pass Amtrak offers? Your itinerary sounds very nice, and hope you have a great trip.

Victoria,<BR><BR>This itinerary makes my head spin!!! <BR><BR>However, you are young, and it will be a trip of a lifetime that you will always remember. You go, girl! <BR><BR>Post a message to this web-site after your trip, and let us know how you enjoyed it. <BR><BR>Be sure to take a gazillion pictures.<BR><BR>Maureen

There is a tour that a young Aussie friend of ours and her boyfriend took leaving from LA and ending in NYC. I wish I remember the name, but it sounded wonderful and they had great fun. Maybe one of the other travel boards like Rick Steves or Lonely Planet would give you more info. I know it's out there, however. They traveled in a van and stayed mostly in hostels.Very safe and a great itinerary.

Seven cities in 17 days?? Have you figured in how long it will take to get between these cities using Amtrak?

Here is a possible itenrary (better to have something specific to argue about, I think):<BR><BR>Chicago 4 days. (One day to recover from jet lag). Go to Marshall Fields and get some Frango Mints (for me). Visit the museum complex, stroll along the lake shore. Ride the el, taste the chicago-style pizza. Go on a tour of blues clubs (they have some organized ones). <BR><BR>Amtrak: Lake Shore Limited to Boston. (a lonnnng trip, overnight I think). The route passes along some of the great lakes and many of the finger lakes, about as scenic as this area gets. Chat with people on the train, usually a friendly bunch. <BR><BR>Maybe you can break your trip and stop for a day at Niagara Falls (don't know how convenient to get to). Take the Maid of the Mist boat ride. Visit the tacky (but kinda fun) museums. (Ask Amtrak about how best to get there.)<BR><BR>Boston 3-4 days.<BR>Take the Duck Tour. Walk the freedom trail (historical sites). Shop at Fanuel hall. Visit the aquarium, art museums, science museum. Ride swan boats in the public gardens. Eat fish, lobster, seafood of all kinds. Take the ferry to Provincetown (Cape Cod) for the day. <BR><BR>Amtrak to Washington D.C.(this is their fastest route,nt so bad, maybe 6 hours?) <BR><BR>D.C. 3 days. Smithsonian Institute. Visit the memorial sites (Washington, Jefferson, Vietnam, Lincoln, ...), tour the White House. Dinner in Dupont Circle area (lots of embassies, lots of variety in cuisine. Try ethiopian.)<BR> <BR>Train to NYC (maybe 2-3 hours). <BR><BR>NYC 4 days. Shop. See a Broadway play, or try Radio City for a budget thrill. Times Square at night. The empire state building. Stroll in Central Park. Visit the art museums. Go see the Statue of Liberty, visit Ellis island museum. <BR><BR>I think that leaves you a day or two extra. Safety-wise, stay out of dark parks at night, stay aware of your surroundings, and you'll be fine. The NYC subway gives me the creeps, but the ones in Boston and DC are great.

<BR>Or maybe you could break your train trip in Cleveland and see the Rock&Roll hall of fame. (I think its there, but you should confirm it just in case). <BR><BR>

If you want to see a show in NY, get your tickets at HOTTIX. My friends saw "42nd Street" (lots of tap dancing) for half the usual price