ok we've decided on <BR>chicago - Niagara falls - Toronto - Boston - Washington DC - New york. We leave on saturday and can't wait to get started!!!!! Any last minute tips on things we HAVE to do???!!!

A few years back, when we were in Ireland, hitchiking was a standard (and apparently safe) way for young travelers to get around. Don't know whehter that is still the case, but since it hasn't been mentioned here, I thought I would: Under NO circumstances should you consider any sort of hitch-hiking in the US. It's not safe. Period. The train travel on the other hand, is a wonderful way to see this country. And train folk are a friendly bunch, so it's easy to strike up conversations and meet the locals (and Americans, I think as a rule, LOVE chatting with folks with Irish or Brit accents. Or maybe it's just me...!) Have a WONDERful time and do come back and post your report! (I think the NYC subways are a quick, safe and easy way to get around - just don't be too friendly in those confines with folks who want to chat you up. Common sense goes a long way in American cities).

Hi Victoria -<BR><BR>I live in Connecticut about 30 miles N. of NYC. (I'm going to be in Ireland with a friend in November, maybe you have some advice for me for places to see in your area...?)<BR><BR>When in New York, *do* see Ellis Island. I always take family and friends there when they visit me, and I never grow tired of seeing it myself. It's the second stop the ferry makes after the Statue of Liberty, and the common mistake is to devote too much time to the statue and not enough to Ellis Island.<BR><BR>The Empire State Building at twilight or at night is also worth it. These things sound corny and cliche to some, but they are rewarding experiences.<BR><BR>For "real" NY experiences, the neighborhoods around NYU are make for fine walking. Bleeker Street is nearby and has a lot of great record/cd shops.<BR><BR>Be sure to buy a flashmaps book - it's a paperback book of maps for subways, shopping, theaters and a hundred other categories in Manhattan and environs.<BR><BR>The problem with NYC is where to stay that won't break the bank or be too seedy for comfort. Since I live here, I have no experience to offer. But I have a friend from Australia who did some travel here last summer while I was away on vacation. He ended up paying $75/night at a YMCA (he was on a budget). I'll ask him about particulars and get back to you; I think he was generally happy with the location and level of cleanliness. <BR><BR>Unfortunately, staying outside of Manhattan and taking the train in doesn't offer a lot of price relief in accomodations, and some of the boroughs are tricky as to maintaining your comfort level about safety. <BR><BR>On the upside, if you like pizza, NYC is heaven. You can get a meal-sized slice and a coke for about $5 (which is about as cheap as a meal out will get).

I've stayed at the HIAYH hostels in NYC and in Boston (Hemway). NYC's was $31 per person, clean, safe, comfortable. check their website for these & other locations http://www.hiayh.org<BR><BR>(btw- have 19 yo nephew who hitchhikes all over, with no problems (so far) except drivers reluctance to stop. I think maybe the publics perception of the danger is worse than the reality.)

Hey Mike Holesbigg - maybe she should bring a real small micrometer to measure something of yours too, you *PIG*. I'd like to measure how far my foot can go your your a..!

Hi Hobby Wizard<BR> i'm from Northern Ireland so i can only give detail advice on there i'm afraid!! Both Ireland and Northern Ireland really do live up to the American perception of grass fields and countryside which is great but there are loads of things to do. A trip into Belfast shopping is a must, it's nowhere near the size of American cities but it is really nice, i can recommend buying a coffee or an ice- cream and sitting outside City Hall! Theres also The Giants Causeway in Portrush which is great. It sounds strange but its lots of stones and rocks you'll discover the irish folk tales when you get there! For a really good night out partying head to Belfast you can't go wrong in any clubs but 'Milk' is a really good one it's a cross between a bar and a club. If you are heading to Southern Ireland Dublin is the most amazing place, it has so much history and the night life is fantastic. Temple Bar is the best place for a pint of Guiness, and trust me it tastes so much better in Ireland!! Let me know where in Ireland you are going and i can give you more specific places to go. No matter what you do you will have a fantastic time. Wrap up warm!!!

I've used Contiki before. 18-35 year olds, they take you on a motorcoach and you get to see the major sightseeing points throughout America (Big Apple Explorer is their infamous New York tour). YOu might wanna check them out. Their website is www.contiki.com. It's great if you're alone or not familiar w/ the area at all.<BR><BR>Take care and email me if you have any questions.<BR><BR>Xena