possible short break in the USA
Oct 11th, 2001, 03:36 AM
#1
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possible short break in the USA
I have some money and holiday time owing to me and I am considering a short break to the USA. By short I mean about 5 nights.
What I am looking for is somewhere that has enough going for it during the day to keep me interested (I shall be alone) eg museums, galleries, sights and activities that also has a reasonable night life.
I don't drive so it would have to be based in one place, or possibly two, but touring is out.
I did think of New York, but I am not sure this is the time to visit (it's also horribly expensive for accommodation). In a similar vein, would you think that this is an appropriate time to visit (I am English).
Could anyone suggest a possible location? Budget is around $1000-1500, but I don't want to spend it all on hotels.
All help gratefully received.
David
What I am looking for is somewhere that has enough going for it during the day to keep me interested (I shall be alone) eg museums, galleries, sights and activities that also has a reasonable night life.
I don't drive so it would have to be based in one place, or possibly two, but touring is out.
I did think of New York, but I am not sure this is the time to visit (it's also horribly expensive for accommodation). In a similar vein, would you think that this is an appropriate time to visit (I am English).
Could anyone suggest a possible location? Budget is around $1000-1500, but I don't want to spend it all on hotels.
All help gratefully received.
David
Oct 11th, 2001, 04:15 AM
#2
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Please come to Boston! Whatever sort of night life you want, we have it, along with plenty of museums and other cultural attractions.
People have been getting excellent hotel rates on Hotwire for some of the nicest hotels in Boston, in Back Bay/Beacon Hill or the waterfront, both of which are within walking distance to the most popular attractions.
People have been getting excellent hotel rates on Hotwire for some of the nicest hotels in Boston, in Back Bay/Beacon Hill or the waterfront, both of which are within walking distance to the most popular attractions.
Oct 11th, 2001, 05:37 AM
#3
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Chicago, Chicago, Chicago. There is so much to do there--fantastic music scene, great restaurants, world-class museums, shopping, and so on. Good hotel deals, too, as long as you don't pick the week immediately after Thanksgiving (a convention week with all hotels sold out). Plus there are daily direct flights from the UK to Chicago.
BTilke (Brussels)
BTilke (Brussels)
Oct 11th, 2001, 05:41 AM
#4
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WEll, I live in Chicago and it is a very fun city so I give it a vote, BUT my heart would be in New Orleans! This is a great time to vist, its still warm there but not too hot like summer. There is a great music scene, the garden district trolley tour, FRENCH QUARTER, maybe a plantation visit or swamp tour. I would never have a car in Nawlins either. You can easily get around. Another suggestion would be San Francsico, ahven't been but it is on my list.
Oct 11th, 2001, 05:50 AM
#5
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Beth, New Orleans would be fun, but for a short break you're talking a long plane trip with at least one change...are there any nonstops to New Orleans from the UK? I don't think there are. Chicago sounds good to me. SF is too far for a short trip, otherwise I'd suggest that or Vancouver, BC (not in the US, but still great to visit).
Oct 11th, 2001, 06:04 AM
#6
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VEGAS!!! Great city in small doses, about 4 days at a time is all I can take. Its not all casinos either. Tehre is plenty of other stuff to do. As a matter of fact when I go for my regular visit of 2n/3d, I spend only one day at the casino and byt he way even that is casino hopping and viewing different hotels. All kinds of show at night and VERY cheap right now.
Oct 11th, 2001, 06:20 AM
#8
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Hi David:
I live in Pittsburgh but think you'll love Washington, D.C. I use to live there. You don't need a car because of the subway goes to all tourist sites. Go to lodging.com to get cut rate hotels/motels (make sure you get one close to metro/tube. All Smithsonian buildings are free admission. I'd go to the Air and Space, American History and National History museums. There is the Old Post Office w/shops and restaurants on the bottom, FBI Building has tours, U.S. Mint - where money is made! If the Supreme Court is in session, attend a court case. Along with this there is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Holocause Museum, Ford Theatre (where Pres. Abraham Lincoln was shot). Travel on the tube and go to Old Towne Alexandria to tour the various 18th Century mansions and taverns. Our 1st president's estate is a bus ride from Old Towne - YOU HAVE TO GO TO THIS ONE. Go to Georgetown for nightlife and shopping (I think clubs are open until 2 or 3 a.m.). The list of things go on an on - believe me - you need one or two weeks to see everything!!!!
I live in Pittsburgh but think you'll love Washington, D.C. I use to live there. You don't need a car because of the subway goes to all tourist sites. Go to lodging.com to get cut rate hotels/motels (make sure you get one close to metro/tube. All Smithsonian buildings are free admission. I'd go to the Air and Space, American History and National History museums. There is the Old Post Office w/shops and restaurants on the bottom, FBI Building has tours, U.S. Mint - where money is made! If the Supreme Court is in session, attend a court case. Along with this there is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Holocause Museum, Ford Theatre (where Pres. Abraham Lincoln was shot). Travel on the tube and go to Old Towne Alexandria to tour the various 18th Century mansions and taverns. Our 1st president's estate is a bus ride from Old Towne - YOU HAVE TO GO TO THIS ONE. Go to Georgetown for nightlife and shopping (I think clubs are open until 2 or 3 a.m.). The list of things go on an on - believe me - you need one or two weeks to see everything!!!!
Oct 11th, 2001, 06:31 AM
#10
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Come to NYC. I still see double decker tour buses packed. The other cities mentioned here are fine but world-class art, need I say more? We are moving on here and your tourist dollars are a way to help out. I think you will find reasonable breaks in all of our hotels right now. Our economy will no doubt change in the next year with that as I have seen in the past, if there is a decline, the amazing restaurants will go, wonderful shops and some hotels. I would come now and still see NYC in prosperity. Yeah it might be heavy when you look at the many American flags but it is not like people are walking around crying anymore, we are getting on with life here. I suspect we will have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. The mood is keep going, stay positive. The stock market took a jump the highest it has taken since before the crash just yesterday. The Wall Street Journal attributed this to renewed confidence in our security.
BTW our Mayor told people a few weeks ago to read about the battle of Britain if they want to understand how ordinary people coped with bombardment. Come to NYC we would love to see you. I think it is a great time to see a wonderful city. We are as strong as London and you will see that when you come. Will you ever forgive yourself if something happens that makes travel more difficult in near future . This helped me keep my November plans for Paris. Not sure how long it has been since you have been to NYC but you would not believe how the economic boom of the past 9 years has transformed this city.
BTW our Mayor told people a few weeks ago to read about the battle of Britain if they want to understand how ordinary people coped with bombardment. Come to NYC we would love to see you. I think it is a great time to see a wonderful city. We are as strong as London and you will see that when you come. Will you ever forgive yourself if something happens that makes travel more difficult in near future . This helped me keep my November plans for Paris. Not sure how long it has been since you have been to NYC but you would not believe how the economic boom of the past 9 years has transformed this city.
Oct 11th, 2001, 07:01 AM
#11
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David -- I just got back from New York and had a great time. I think this is a fine time to visit. The city needs tourists right now!
I go to New York several times a year to see theatre, often by myself. In the last three times I've gone I have never paid more than $100 per night for a hotel room, and I have stayed at very nice places. The best way to get hotel deals is to bid on Priceline. I bid $75 for a 3-star in midtown west in August and got the Hilton Times Square, and bid $85 for a 3-star in midtown west last weekend and got the Novotel. Both were very comfortable.
I go to New York several times a year to see theatre, often by myself. In the last three times I've gone I have never paid more than $100 per night for a hotel room, and I have stayed at very nice places. The best way to get hotel deals is to bid on Priceline. I bid $75 for a 3-star in midtown west in August and got the Hilton Times Square, and bid $85 for a 3-star in midtown west last weekend and got the Novotel. Both were very comfortable.
Oct 11th, 2001, 07:15 AM
#12
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David: Since you only have five nights - stick to the east coast - anywhere else, & you'll use up your time flying. Go to NY, or Boston - hub cities where you won't have to transfer planes. I live in Chicago & would give it my vote, for museums, galleries, activities & night life, except for your time restriction. (P.S. We have the same surname.)
Oct 11th, 2001, 08:06 AM
#13
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David, yes, the flight is around 2-3 hours longer, but so what, a day spent on a plane is a day spent on a plane. San Francisco. The City has it all - scenery, weather, cultural attractions (lots of cultures), food, great day trip/outing possibilities..
Other possibilities I'd recommend include NYC - if not now, when? and Washington DC, which is a fab visitor's town, or Montreal, or Charleston SC.
Other possibilities I'd recommend include NYC - if not now, when? and Washington DC, which is a fab visitor's town, or Montreal, or Charleston SC.
Oct 11th, 2001, 09:08 AM
#14
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John: 2-3 hours longer from NY to San Francisco, try 5 hours longer not factoring wait time at both airports and the time you loose on your return as you will pass by two more time zones enroute. Northern California is chilly this time of year if you get a clear day at all, in San Francisco even. Come on David what is going to be A CITY or a town ....Start spreading the news, I m leaving today, I want to be a part of it in old New York.
Oct 11th, 2001, 09:30 AM
#15
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David,
Here is my two cents (pence?) worth, as an American. I would be inclined to send you to a region that has scenery and landscape different from what you have at home. However, given your criteria and fact that you do not want to tour an area, I echo the suggestions above of New York City or Washington DC.
I love NYC, but I am partial to DC (I was born there). I think the mall area of DC (described above, where all of our government buildings and monuments are) is the most special place in the US. And it is great for walking.
Have a great time wherever you go! I am sure you will be welcomed, especially by any American who has seen Tony Blair speak and appreciates the UK's unwavering support for the US during recent events.
Here is my two cents (pence?) worth, as an American. I would be inclined to send you to a region that has scenery and landscape different from what you have at home. However, given your criteria and fact that you do not want to tour an area, I echo the suggestions above of New York City or Washington DC.
I love NYC, but I am partial to DC (I was born there). I think the mall area of DC (described above, where all of our government buildings and monuments are) is the most special place in the US. And it is great for walking.
Have a great time wherever you go! I am sure you will be welcomed, especially by any American who has seen Tony Blair speak and appreciates the UK's unwavering support for the US during recent events.
Oct 11th, 2001, 09:34 AM
#16
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I vote for Boston! There are plenty of museums and sites to keep you busy, and it's a very walkable city. If you come within the next week or so, you'll also catch some great foliage! I've never made the trip, but I understand flying from the UK to Boston is a breeze, so I think you'd get the best bang for your buck here!
Oct 11th, 2001, 10:09 AM
#18
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Sorry, Sarah, the difference from IAD to LHR compared to SFO is almost exactly 3 hours en route, both ways, not counting time in the NYC pattern, which is inevitably much longer than around the Bay area. Plus this time of year the jetstream often makes the eastbound leg really zoom. And although I'm certainly no booster for SFO, it's a fur cry from IAD or JFK in terms of time to city center, customs congestion, and all the add-on time sucks involved with international travel. Just my opinion, of course. I love NYC too, and think David would be well served in going there. But there are other alternatives.
Oct 11th, 2001, 10:23 AM
#20
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From here in the UK (London) flights to Washington DC or New York are around 7-8 hours while non-stop to SFO or LAX is around 10-11 hours. If you have to connect in the US you can add 2-3 hours to clear customs as you head west.) Generally 1 hour shorter going back from the US to UK due to the prevailing winds.
The main problem with the West coast of the USA is the increased time difference ( 8 hours) compared to the east coast ( 5 hours) so you are likely to feel worse for a couple of days upon your return if you went to the West coast. Sleeping on the plane on the return will help.
The main problem with the West coast of the USA is the increased time difference ( 8 hours) compared to the east coast ( 5 hours) so you are likely to feel worse for a couple of days upon your return if you went to the West coast. Sleeping on the plane on the return will help.
