2 Weeks 2 Kids 2 Countries In July
Jul 8, 2014, 7:53 am
#76
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,665
Outlets and right turns on red
Outlet malls are really no bargain - mostly created for marketing. Outlets were originally by factories that actually produced the items. You would have to go to China these days for the real thing. There are general discount merchandisers of remainders - TJ Maxx and Marshall's are the most common. There are several near I-80 in Pennsylvania (Dubois, State College, Williamsport), all with hotels in the area. They tend to be in discount store malls.
It is important to know that in most places a right turn is allowed on a red light after a full stop unless there is a sign prohibiting it. The exceptions are they are not permitted without a special indication sign in New York City. The same goes for everywhere in Montreal and all places on the same island. You are never required to make a right turn on red so if you are uncomfortable, it is better to wait for a green light.
It is important to know that in most places a right turn is allowed on a red light after a full stop unless there is a sign prohibiting it. The exceptions are they are not permitted without a special indication sign in New York City. The same goes for everywhere in Montreal and all places on the same island. You are never required to make a right turn on red so if you are uncomfortable, it is better to wait for a green light.
Jul 9, 2014, 10:35 am
#77
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 13,573
In case you have internet when you arrive:
1. The laws for moving over a lane, or slowing right down for an emergency vehicle apply here in Ontario too.
2. The child seat laws apply in Ontario for any "child under the age of 8 who weighs less than 36 kg (80 lb.) and stands less than 145 cm (4 ft. 9 in.)" so it sounds as though you will need at least one, probably 2 (I think I read your kids were both under 6?)
3. When you cross the border into the US you will be required to pay $6 per person (think that is the same for kids but not sure) in US cash - they won't take credit cards etc.
4. Be aware that roads in Canada use kilometers and roads in the US use miles - renting a car in Canada the big numbers on the dial would normally be the km, with miles in smaller number (hopefully they are sensible enough to have both - my car only has km so I have to remember that 50mph is 80kmh, and calculate accordingly!
5. Canadians both under- and over-take - this can be unnerving if you try and sit doing the limit in the middle lane so practice good lane discipline (because others around you sure won't!) Leave a good distance between you and the car in front - on the 401 in particular people drive far too closely together!
6. For up to date traffic reports in Ontario, AM680 on your radio has traffic news every 10 minutes at 1,11,21 etc. minutes past the hour.
7. Most of the drive to / from Cleveland - the border is very boring, pack some DVDs, books etc. for the kids!
8. Driving wise, there are less stopping places, gas stations etc. than one might expect, so especially with the kids, stop when you see one, even if you aren't 'quite' ready to stop!
9. A GPS can be very handy in Montreal, Toronto, etc. when it comes to 1 way streets, or streets shut down because of construction for finding alternatives (e.g. at the moment, the major intersection of Front/Bay in Toronto is restricted, you can only go straight ahead, and I frequently see paniced tourists who are trying to get to the Fairmont Royal York Hotel freaking out at the fact they can't turn or, if they try, at every single motorist honking at them!!)
10. Stop at Niagara on your way through, it isn't an interesting dirve between there and Toronto, so don't make it more than once! The actual Falls are amazing, I love them, the town, not so much. There are some good family hotels, both in the town, and further out (Great Wolf Lodge) that are popular with families because of water parks etc. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a much prettier, if a little sleepy town, a short drive from the Falls. The easiest parking IMO to see the Falls if you are not staying in the town (although not the cheapest) is at the Fallsview Casino Resort (beware, there are two with similar names) and then it is a short walk down the hill to the Falls. There are parking lots at the bottom of the hill nearer, but they are usually full and expensive!
11. The general consensus on the aquarium in Toronto is that it is 'fine' - if you have been to an aquarium before (eg in Australia) it probably won't wow you, and it is not cheap.
12. You may find some of these handy - you can also pick up hard copy at tourist information locations http://attractionsontario.ca/Coupons.aspx
1. The laws for moving over a lane, or slowing right down for an emergency vehicle apply here in Ontario too.
2. The child seat laws apply in Ontario for any "child under the age of 8 who weighs less than 36 kg (80 lb.) and stands less than 145 cm (4 ft. 9 in.)" so it sounds as though you will need at least one, probably 2 (I think I read your kids were both under 6?)
3. When you cross the border into the US you will be required to pay $6 per person (think that is the same for kids but not sure) in US cash - they won't take credit cards etc.
4. Be aware that roads in Canada use kilometers and roads in the US use miles - renting a car in Canada the big numbers on the dial would normally be the km, with miles in smaller number (hopefully they are sensible enough to have both - my car only has km so I have to remember that 50mph is 80kmh, and calculate accordingly!
5. Canadians both under- and over-take - this can be unnerving if you try and sit doing the limit in the middle lane so practice good lane discipline (because others around you sure won't!) Leave a good distance between you and the car in front - on the 401 in particular people drive far too closely together!
6. For up to date traffic reports in Ontario, AM680 on your radio has traffic news every 10 minutes at 1,11,21 etc. minutes past the hour.
7. Most of the drive to / from Cleveland - the border is very boring, pack some DVDs, books etc. for the kids!
8. Driving wise, there are less stopping places, gas stations etc. than one might expect, so especially with the kids, stop when you see one, even if you aren't 'quite' ready to stop!
9. A GPS can be very handy in Montreal, Toronto, etc. when it comes to 1 way streets, or streets shut down because of construction for finding alternatives (e.g. at the moment, the major intersection of Front/Bay in Toronto is restricted, you can only go straight ahead, and I frequently see paniced tourists who are trying to get to the Fairmont Royal York Hotel freaking out at the fact they can't turn or, if they try, at every single motorist honking at them!!)
10. Stop at Niagara on your way through, it isn't an interesting dirve between there and Toronto, so don't make it more than once! The actual Falls are amazing, I love them, the town, not so much. There are some good family hotels, both in the town, and further out (Great Wolf Lodge) that are popular with families because of water parks etc. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a much prettier, if a little sleepy town, a short drive from the Falls. The easiest parking IMO to see the Falls if you are not staying in the town (although not the cheapest) is at the Fallsview Casino Resort (beware, there are two with similar names) and then it is a short walk down the hill to the Falls. There are parking lots at the bottom of the hill nearer, but they are usually full and expensive!
11. The general consensus on the aquarium in Toronto is that it is 'fine' - if you have been to an aquarium before (eg in Australia) it probably won't wow you, and it is not cheap.
12. You may find some of these handy - you can also pick up hard copy at tourist information locations http://attractionsontario.ca/Coupons.aspx
Jul 10, 2014, 6:01 am
#78
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SYDNEY
Programs: *A Gold, HH dia,Hyatt plat,Sixt PLAT,QF , EY Gold
Posts: 1,890
Ok sorry guys I have Been in Beijing for the past 70 hours and this Internet sucks.
I'm still picking up the car from yyz and then driving to montreal stopping at the suggested thousand island parkway for lunch and staying the night. If there's anything exciting or worth noting around the Hyatt in Montreal please let me know il only be there for a overnight then driving into New York City intercontinental TS and dropping off the car there using my hertz points one way rental. Stopping on the way at Woodbury factor outlets for A few hirs fr a quick look in.
After arriving in NYC everything looks fine until I have again a one way rental from NYC to Cleveland . Again stopping at the premium outlets in Pennsylvania for more bargains and then looking for a decent night sleep and breakfast at a town along to the way to Cleveland.
After a two night stay in Cleveland again renting a one way back to Toronto and staying three nights. During the stay driving out to Niagara falls and buffalo and whatever is worthwhile.
How was looking?
P.s I'm dropping of the car in New York batter city location is that close enough to the time square or is there a better option. Then I will need a way to get from IC TS to the andaz Wall Street.
looking at Youngstown to stop after Pittsburg outletsfor the night ,
BIG thanks Emma ! I'm going to drive from yyz to Montreal in a hour and stop at thousand island parklands for lunch. I will be back in Toronto for three nights in two weeks and that's when I'm going to drive to the falls. As for a GPS I was going to buy a sim and use my iPhone
I'm still picking up the car from yyz and then driving to montreal stopping at the suggested thousand island parkway for lunch and staying the night. If there's anything exciting or worth noting around the Hyatt in Montreal please let me know il only be there for a overnight then driving into New York City intercontinental TS and dropping off the car there using my hertz points one way rental. Stopping on the way at Woodbury factor outlets for A few hirs fr a quick look in.
After arriving in NYC everything looks fine until I have again a one way rental from NYC to Cleveland . Again stopping at the premium outlets in Pennsylvania for more bargains and then looking for a decent night sleep and breakfast at a town along to the way to Cleveland.
After a two night stay in Cleveland again renting a one way back to Toronto and staying three nights. During the stay driving out to Niagara falls and buffalo and whatever is worthwhile.
How was looking?
P.s I'm dropping of the car in New York batter city location is that close enough to the time square or is there a better option. Then I will need a way to get from IC TS to the andaz Wall Street.
looking at Youngstown to stop after Pittsburg outletsfor the night ,
BIG thanks Emma ! I'm going to drive from yyz to Montreal in a hour and stop at thousand island parklands for lunch. I will be back in Toronto for three nights in two weeks and that's when I'm going to drive to the falls. As for a GPS I was going to buy a sim and use my iPhone
Last edited by Shanye2233; Jul 10, 2014 at 6:06 am
Jul 10, 2014, 6:08 am
#79
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SYDNEY
Programs: *A Gold, HH dia,Hyatt plat,Sixt PLAT,QF , EY Gold
Posts: 1,890
Outlet malls are really no bargain - mostly created for marketing. Outlets were originally by factories that actually produced the items. You would have to go to China these days for the real thing. There are general discount merchandisers of remainders - TJ Maxx and Marshall's are the most common. There are several near I-80 in Pennsylvania (Dubois, State College, Williamsport), all with hotels in the area. They tend to be in discount store malls.
It is important to know that in most places a right turn is allowed on a red light after a full stop unless there is a sign prohibiting it. The exceptions are they are not permitted without a special indication sign in New York City. The same goes for everywhere in Montreal and all places on the same island. You are never required to make a right turn on red so if you are uncomfortable, it is better to wait for a green light.
It is important to know that in most places a right turn is allowed on a red light after a full stop unless there is a sign prohibiting it. The exceptions are they are not permitted without a special indication sign in New York City. The same goes for everywhere in Montreal and all places on the same island. You are never required to make a right turn on red so if you are uncomfortable, it is better to wait for a green light.
Jul 10, 2014, 7:46 am
#80
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 162
The closest is on 43rd between 10th and 11th (by IC TS I think you are referring to the hotel on 44th between 8th and 9th). Note that the area around that Hertz is, not desolate certainly but not what you will probably be expecting. From that location you would walk two long blocks and one short block to the hotel.
If you stay with the BPC location take the 1 or R subway to Times Square.
From Times Square to Andaz Wall Street take the 2 or 3 from Times Square to Wall Street. The Times Square station is around 42nd and 7th.
You should clarify your timing for arriving in NY. Try not to arrive during morning rush hour. Try not to arrive during afternoon rush hour either and if you do definitely avoid the Lincoln Tunnel. If you're arriving on the weekend don't worry about it.
For your NYC-specific questions you can ask in the NYC forum.
Edited to add: Since there are 4 of you with luggage you should probably just take cabs.
Last edited by NoName678; Jul 10, 2014 at 8:17 am
Jul 11, 2014, 3:02 am
#81
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SYDNEY
Programs: *A Gold, HH dia,Hyatt plat,Sixt PLAT,QF , EY Gold
Posts: 1,890
So i'm currently at the Hyatt in Montreal (presidential suite 
)and heading down to the wood bury outlets today and new york city. Im going to leave early 7-7.30am and hopefully arriving at the outlets around 11. Planning on staying there for a few hours having some lunch and then continuing onto intercon TS.
I have decided to leave the car overnight at the intercon for $30USD per night then in the morning which will be a saturday drive around to the andaz wall street drop off bags and kids then drive the car to the battery park location and wall back to the andaz.
A few questions regarding my rental i did not receive any paperwork and the agent knew i was taking the car into the USA . She told me that the car has a US number plate and i wont need any paperwork is this true? Because if not there is a hertz car rental around the corner here and i can pick up any thing i will need.
And the car does have a plate-pass which im not sure how to use it says open on it. Lastly when driving from the woodbury outlets to Intercontinental Time Sqaure using the sat NAV should i enter the shortest route , fastest route or less freeways .
P.S The presidential suite at the Hyatt is one of the best rooms i have stayed in has a nice fireplace and a desktop computer im using now thanks to flyertalk.
)and heading down to the wood bury outlets today and new york city. Im going to leave early 7-7.30am and hopefully arriving at the outlets around 11. Planning on staying there for a few hours having some lunch and then continuing onto intercon TS.I have decided to leave the car overnight at the intercon for $30USD per night then in the morning which will be a saturday drive around to the andaz wall street drop off bags and kids then drive the car to the battery park location and wall back to the andaz.
A few questions regarding my rental i did not receive any paperwork and the agent knew i was taking the car into the USA . She told me that the car has a US number plate and i wont need any paperwork is this true? Because if not there is a hertz car rental around the corner here and i can pick up any thing i will need.
And the car does have a plate-pass which im not sure how to use it says open on it. Lastly when driving from the woodbury outlets to Intercontinental Time Sqaure using the sat NAV should i enter the shortest route , fastest route or less freeways .
P.S The presidential suite at the Hyatt is one of the best rooms i have stayed in has a nice fireplace and a desktop computer im using now thanks to flyertalk.
Jul 11, 2014, 6:39 am
#82
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 162
Lastly when driving from the woodbury outlets to Intercontinental Time Sqaure using the sat NAV should i enter the shortest route , fastest route or less freeways.
Jul 11, 2014, 8:42 am
#83
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,734
So i'm currently at the Hyatt in Montreal (presidential suite )and heading down to the wood bury outlets today and new york city. Im going to leave early 7-7.30am and hopefully arriving at the outlets around 11. Planning on staying there for a few hours having some lunch and then continuing onto intercon TS.
)and heading down to the wood bury outlets today and new york city. Im going to leave early 7-7.30am and hopefully arriving at the outlets around 11. Planning on staying there for a few hours having some lunch and then continuing onto intercon TS.
Jul 12, 2014, 5:12 am
#84
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SYDNEY
Programs: *A Gold, HH dia,Hyatt plat,Sixt PLAT,QF , EY Gold
Posts: 1,890
I didn't get to the outlets until 12.15 and I didn't have Any issues at border control only 3 cars in front of me. I did get some traffic coming over the bridge but along is street 44th street it took me 45 mins to go 0.8miles .
Today I have to drive around to the andaz and drop the rental off at the battery park location. Then want to go out to the Statue of Liberty on the ferry.
Today I have to drive around to the andaz and drop the rental off at the battery park location. Then want to go out to the Statue of Liberty on the ferry.
Jul 12, 2014, 1:06 pm
#85
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: SYDNEY
Programs: *A Gold, HH dia,Hyatt plat,Sixt PLAT,QF , EY Gold
Posts: 1,890
Went to the staton ferry across and back. Currently in a large andaz suite not bad for $121USD per night. Had brunch was complimentary for diamonds.