suggestions for a USA trip
Jun 11, 2008, 5:15 am
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: BCN
Posts: 120
HereAndThereSC: 'real America' is a term I don't understand very well. I can think about the term 'real Spain’, which maybe can fill a clichés trip to Spain (Toros -bullfight-, paella, sevillanas -music-. I borrow the term from other threads, and I think it has an ironic content.
As DLFan2 says, I think my intercontinental flight will be BCN-Washington, this city being my first stop. I'm compiling (googling) a list of companies that are offering bus tours (mostly day trips, as Grey Line) to historical places and NP. But I see that most of these tours stop at the end of September.
Tanya934: thanks for your information.
dgwright99, alm5150: I take note of your suggestions. I have always being attracted by the foliage, but I think that best places are difficult to reach without a car.
As DLFan2 says, I think my intercontinental flight will be BCN-Washington, this city being my first stop. I'm compiling (googling) a list of companies that are offering bus tours (mostly day trips, as Grey Line) to historical places and NP. But I see that most of these tours stop at the end of September.
Tanya934: thanks for your information.
dgwright99, alm5150: I take note of your suggestions. I have always being attracted by the foliage, but I think that best places are difficult to reach without a car.
Jun 11, 2008, 6:53 am
#17
Join Date: Jul 2007
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May be the term "real America" has an "iconic" content, too 
When I was 5-7 years old living in Canada, to me, the US was the Great West with cowboys and indians! Of course I was only 5-7
JP
When I was 5-7 years old living in Canada, to me, the US was the Great West with cowboys and indians! Of course I was only 5-7
JP
HereAndThereSC: 'real America' is a term I don't understand very well. I can think about the term 'real Spain’, which maybe can fill a clichés trip to Spain (Toros -bullfight-, paella, sevillanas -music-. I borrow the term from other threads, and I think it has an ironic content.
Jun 11, 2008, 8:29 am
#18
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Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
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Sounds like a great trip.
I applaud your interest in not just seeing the cities. So many Europeans visit New York, DC, Disneyworld, and San Francisco and think they have seen the US. They've seen 2% of it.
I second the recommendation for Colorado. Washington (state), Oregon, and Texas would be good, too, as would a bit of time in the "Deep South."
Your planned time of year would be perfect to watch some American football, especially a Friday or Saturday night high school game in a town somewhere like Texas, Ohio, or Pennsylvania. Now THAT'S some real Americana. Strike up conversations and you will probably be invited to someone's home for a visit.
Try to see a big-time college football game or maybe even a baseball World Series game if you are still here (this you will have to plan at the last minute, since the teams won't be known until about mid-October).
If your travels take you through my former home state of Kentucky, the famed horse track Keeneland in Lexington, considered one of the most beautiful in the country, is having its Fall races during October: http://ww2.keeneland.com/racing/events/calendar.aspx. It's almost across the street from the Lexington airport.
Also worth seeing if you are in Kentucky is Shakertown (officially Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill): http://www.shakervillageky.org/
To do most of these things, you will almost certainly need to rent a car, or endure very long stretches of irregular public transportation.
I applaud your interest in not just seeing the cities. So many Europeans visit New York, DC, Disneyworld, and San Francisco and think they have seen the US. They've seen 2% of it.
I second the recommendation for Colorado. Washington (state), Oregon, and Texas would be good, too, as would a bit of time in the "Deep South."
Your planned time of year would be perfect to watch some American football, especially a Friday or Saturday night high school game in a town somewhere like Texas, Ohio, or Pennsylvania. Now THAT'S some real Americana. Strike up conversations and you will probably be invited to someone's home for a visit.
Try to see a big-time college football game or maybe even a baseball World Series game if you are still here (this you will have to plan at the last minute, since the teams won't be known until about mid-October).
If your travels take you through my former home state of Kentucky, the famed horse track Keeneland in Lexington, considered one of the most beautiful in the country, is having its Fall races during October: http://ww2.keeneland.com/racing/events/calendar.aspx. It's almost across the street from the Lexington airport.
Also worth seeing if you are in Kentucky is Shakertown (officially Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill): http://www.shakervillageky.org/
To do most of these things, you will almost certainly need to rent a car, or endure very long stretches of irregular public transportation.
Jun 11, 2008, 12:50 pm
#19
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Santa Cruz, CA USA
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I divide most tourism into two types - culture and scenery. Sometimes they can be combined, but I think it is important to identify which of those you prefer and how much of each you want on a given trip.
Citiies are, for the most part, cultural. I'm not sure why you are reluctant about New Orleans, but it is one of the most unique cities in the US, even still with the problems that remain after Katrina, and one of my favorites. I would include it on any list of must-see.
Scenery tends to be difficult without a car, as public transportation is limited. Lake Tahoe is one of the most spectacular places in the US and can be reached easily from Reno.
Citiies are, for the most part, cultural. I'm not sure why you are reluctant about New Orleans, but it is one of the most unique cities in the US, even still with the problems that remain after Katrina, and one of my favorites. I would include it on any list of must-see.
Scenery tends to be difficult without a car, as public transportation is limited. Lake Tahoe is one of the most spectacular places in the US and can be reached easily from Reno.
Jun 12, 2008, 4:41 pm
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: BCN
Posts: 120
HereAndThereSC: Sure! Maybe Taschen has a book about these icons...
toomanybooks: thanks for pointing me to sports. When I went to NYC, I tried to see a preseason game of New Jersey Nets, but it was impossible. But I'll google more about sports in October.
JerryFF: My first planning is a northern trip, so New Orleans was a bit out of track. But many people has recommended me the city and it is now in my list.
toomanybooks: thanks for pointing me to sports. When I went to NYC, I tried to see a preseason game of New Jersey Nets, but it was impossible. But I'll google more about sports in October.
JerryFF: My first planning is a northern trip, so New Orleans was a bit out of track. But many people has recommended me the city and it is now in my list.
Jun 15, 2008, 6:41 am
#21
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I forgot to mention a good website if you are going to be traveling around the US and want authentic, good food.
www.roadfood.com
They have a book by that name that will steer you to some excellent places.
www.roadfood.com
They have a book by that name that will steer you to some excellent places.
Jun 15, 2008, 11:44 am
#22
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Mass
Programs: Independent
Posts: 4,829
The US is quite a diverse country. And much of what really gives it identity is not the cities but the rural areas. And unfortunately that does make it difficult without a car, as the Us is very auto dependent. So I might suggest doing some research on bus tours. They can be a bit touristy, but if you shop around you can find some that are not too bad. I would possibly try to combine a few of them. And Instead of trying top cover the whole country in one swoop, focus on one area.
The Northeast is pretty beautiful, even in October (if a bit cold). Base in Boston and explore the coast of main and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. New York City is fairly close, too. Lots of small town stuff around here.
Colorado and the rockies are also another must see. Totally different landscape and lifestyle there. the big national parks are all in the west, but I don't think you can possibly get a good introduction to them all in one trip - so I would choose which ones I would want to see.
The Southeast is also home to a lot of nice small cities - Charleston, Savannah, Charlotte. Again. Again, some of the best places to visit in the US are the smaller cities.
You might also think about Texas. There are some good cities there - San Antonio and Austin in particular. Keep in mind Texas is big and spread out, so you will need careful planning. But I think you could find a good bus tour there.
The Northeast is pretty beautiful, even in October (if a bit cold). Base in Boston and explore the coast of main and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. New York City is fairly close, too. Lots of small town stuff around here.
Colorado and the rockies are also another must see. Totally different landscape and lifestyle there. the big national parks are all in the west, but I don't think you can possibly get a good introduction to them all in one trip - so I would choose which ones I would want to see.
The Southeast is also home to a lot of nice small cities - Charleston, Savannah, Charlotte. Again. Again, some of the best places to visit in the US are the smaller cities.
You might also think about Texas. There are some good cities there - San Antonio and Austin in particular. Keep in mind Texas is big and spread out, so you will need careful planning. But I think you could find a good bus tour there.
Aug 27, 2008, 11:51 pm
#23
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 90
Wow, there is so much to see and recommend. I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Hawaii for over 25 years.
Check out the Southern states. I also agree with the recommendations for San Antonio and Austin. I always have a good time in Ft. Worth, with its old stockyards. And Santa Fe. Sounds like you could do a Spanish theme trip.
And then of course there is Hawaii - I would definitely recommend that you visit an outer island like Maui or Kauai. There is a ferry operating now between Oahu and Maui or you can fly directly to most of the islands.
Good luck and bon voyage.
Check out the Southern states. I also agree with the recommendations for San Antonio and Austin. I always have a good time in Ft. Worth, with its old stockyards. And Santa Fe. Sounds like you could do a Spanish theme trip.
And then of course there is Hawaii - I would definitely recommend that you visit an outer island like Maui or Kauai. There is a ferry operating now between Oahu and Maui or you can fly directly to most of the islands.
Good luck and bon voyage.
Aug 30, 2008, 1:10 am
#24
Join Date: Jan 2006
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sioFont have you decided upon your itenerary? It would be interesting to know which areas of the USA you have decided to visit.
BOS - if you use this as a hub you could spend 1-2 days in BOS, 1-2 days bus tour to VT/NH. If you could find a tour to Maine it would be worth it (1-2days). There are also some casinos in CT (1 day)
WAS - landmarks/government buildings, Smithsonian, there is an Air and Space Museum near IAD, Annapolis is also close by.
PHL - you could get here by train. Liberty Bell and Indepence Hall, Ben Franklin museum, Philadelphia Art Museum, Valley Forge. Bus tours may be available to Gettysburg and Lancaster. Longwood Gardens is close to Philadelphia but would be better to see in spring/summer.
SAV - wonderful city but it may still be hurricane season.
Mt Rushmore - I was able to go in the fall and thought the weather was great and there were not many tourists. I am not sure if there are bus tours that operate this time of year. You might look at DEN, RAP, CPR, COD, BIL, JAC as places that you could start your tour from. In addition to Mt Rushmore you could see Crazy Horse Monument, Devil's Tower, the musuem in Cody, Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP (a tour like this would probably take a week or more).
Custers Battlefield in Montana and Thermopolis WY (this town had hot springs) were two other places I enjoyed visiting when I vacationed in this area of the country.
Here is a list of ideas for other places to visit in the US (that you have not yet been to):
Oregon: the drive along the coast and along the Columbia River, Crater Lake, Silver Falls St Park
California: San Diego, Red Woods NP
Rocky Mountains - Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico
Michigan: upper peninsula
Florida: beaches, Orlando, space center
North Carolina: Outer Banks, Kill Devil Hills
BOS - if you use this as a hub you could spend 1-2 days in BOS, 1-2 days bus tour to VT/NH. If you could find a tour to Maine it would be worth it (1-2days). There are also some casinos in CT (1 day)
WAS - landmarks/government buildings, Smithsonian, there is an Air and Space Museum near IAD, Annapolis is also close by.
PHL - you could get here by train. Liberty Bell and Indepence Hall, Ben Franklin museum, Philadelphia Art Museum, Valley Forge. Bus tours may be available to Gettysburg and Lancaster. Longwood Gardens is close to Philadelphia but would be better to see in spring/summer.
SAV - wonderful city but it may still be hurricane season.
Mt Rushmore - I was able to go in the fall and thought the weather was great and there were not many tourists. I am not sure if there are bus tours that operate this time of year. You might look at DEN, RAP, CPR, COD, BIL, JAC as places that you could start your tour from. In addition to Mt Rushmore you could see Crazy Horse Monument, Devil's Tower, the musuem in Cody, Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP (a tour like this would probably take a week or more).
Custers Battlefield in Montana and Thermopolis WY (this town had hot springs) were two other places I enjoyed visiting when I vacationed in this area of the country.
Here is a list of ideas for other places to visit in the US (that you have not yet been to):
Oregon: the drive along the coast and along the Columbia River, Crater Lake, Silver Falls St Park
California: San Diego, Red Woods NP
Rocky Mountains - Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico
Michigan: upper peninsula
Florida: beaches, Orlando, space center
North Carolina: Outer Banks, Kill Devil Hills
Aug 30, 2008, 1:56 am
#25
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Since this is not a "the West"-specific topic, I am going to move this to Travel Buzz where the op can get even wider input than just in "The West" forum.
cblaisd
Senior Moderator
cblaisd
Senior Moderator
Aug 30, 2008, 3:40 am
#26
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San Diego has become much more accessible without a car in recent years. There's a lot downtown and on the waterfront, and you can take the trolley to Tijuana if you are so inclined. The Zoo is the best in the world. San Diego also has a great group of FTers.
Colorado is awesome, but difficult without a car. There's also a lot of FTers there, and would probably host you for a day trip somewhere. In addition to Rocky Mountain National Park, you have Boulder, Garden of the Gods and Pike's Peak.
Wherever you go, be sure and post in CommunityBuzz to find locals.
Colorado is awesome, but difficult without a car. There's also a lot of FTers there, and would probably host you for a day trip somewhere. In addition to Rocky Mountain National Park, you have Boulder, Garden of the Gods and Pike's Peak.
Wherever you go, be sure and post in CommunityBuzz to find locals.
Aug 30, 2008, 8:47 am
#27
Join Date: Nov 2005
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Posts: 193
If you're looking for organized tours, I recommend TrekAmerica. They do a lot of trips to national parks and major cities, plus they also stop in smaller places that have the elements of the "real America" that you might be looking for.
I went on a trip with them last year and went to San Francisco, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Las Vegas and Los Angles. We also made stops to do things like see a movie in a drive-in theater or to get ice cream along Route 60.
The tour group offers a lot of trips ranging from one week to 6+ weeks, so you will probably find something that suits you. They also do all the driving, so you don't have to worry about not having a driver's license. If you need more info, feel free to PM me.
I went on a trip with them last year and went to San Francisco, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Las Vegas and Los Angles. We also made stops to do things like see a movie in a drive-in theater or to get ice cream along Route 60.
The tour group offers a lot of trips ranging from one week to 6+ weeks, so you will probably find something that suits you. They also do all the driving, so you don't have to worry about not having a driver's license. If you need more info, feel free to PM me.
Aug 31, 2008, 7:57 am
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: BCN
Posts: 120
Thanks!
It's a pity that I don't know when I'll stop working, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to start my holiday.
But I have bought some guides and I have made 2 'realistic' itineraries (if I can go in October):
a) Boston (4 nights: 1 Boston adjusting jet-lag + 1 day trip to 'fall in Cape Cod' + 1 day trip to see foliage + 1 day Boston main sights)
--> Washington (I want to try Boltbus or Megabus from BOS to WAS, as I have found some 1$ tickets, via NYC) (4 nights: 1 after coach trip from Boston; 2 days WAS main sights- Smithsonian; maybe 1 day trip to Charlottesville/Monticello or Williamsburg)
--> Savannah and Charleston (4 or 5 days in the area; from WAS by plane)
--> St Augustine (2 nights, from Savannah by coach, 4 hours)
--> Buffalo/Niagara (by plane from Jacksonville; 2 nights, 1st for a day flight, 2nd for visit)
--> Toronto (by train or coach from Niagara/Buffalo; 3 nights)
--> back to Boston (1 night; far cheaper BUF-BOS than YYZ-BOS, so maybe train or bus Toronto-Buffalo) and flight back to Spain.
b) the same for Boston and Washington (8 night total), then to Niagara and Toronto (by plane; 5 nights)
-->Seattle (by plane from Buffalo; 3 nights)
-->Vancouver (train or bus; 2 nights)
-->1-2 nights non assigned (maybe long stopover in NYC if I go by bus from BOS to WAS)
I didn't know TrekAmerica. I'm checking the website now. Thanks
As for Colorado and Rocky Mountains, I think I'll wait to have a driver license. I have tried to fit Yellowstone in plan B (between Toronto and Seattle, not visiting Vancouver), but it's very difficult. Going there (to Jackson, West Yellowstone or Cody) it's not easy after the summer season. Also, most day or multiday trips from these cities stop in mid-September.
I haven't check Mt Rushmore and Rapid City yet.
My doubts about a) and b) plans are:
--Philadelphia. Looks like it's a great destination, with lots of interesting sights, according to guidebooks. But a priori it's a city that I don't think of putting in a list. There is a direct flight from BCN (Barcelona, my city) to PHL (US Airways) and it's easily accessible from WAS and NYC. Swap Toronto by PHL?
--New England. Maybe spend more time there, going to Maine and Acadia NP and/or Vermont-Airondacks (I must check transport options); and not going so South or so West
--Uff, I have a lot of doubts more. Better to stop here.
It's a pity that I don't know when I'll stop working, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to start my holiday.
But I have bought some guides and I have made 2 'realistic' itineraries (if I can go in October):
a) Boston (4 nights: 1 Boston adjusting jet-lag + 1 day trip to 'fall in Cape Cod' + 1 day trip to see foliage + 1 day Boston main sights)
--> Washington (I want to try Boltbus or Megabus from BOS to WAS, as I have found some 1$ tickets, via NYC) (4 nights: 1 after coach trip from Boston; 2 days WAS main sights- Smithsonian; maybe 1 day trip to Charlottesville/Monticello or Williamsburg)
--> Savannah and Charleston (4 or 5 days in the area; from WAS by plane)
--> St Augustine (2 nights, from Savannah by coach, 4 hours)
--> Buffalo/Niagara (by plane from Jacksonville; 2 nights, 1st for a day flight, 2nd for visit)
--> Toronto (by train or coach from Niagara/Buffalo; 3 nights)
--> back to Boston (1 night; far cheaper BUF-BOS than YYZ-BOS, so maybe train or bus Toronto-Buffalo) and flight back to Spain.
b) the same for Boston and Washington (8 night total), then to Niagara and Toronto (by plane; 5 nights)
-->Seattle (by plane from Buffalo; 3 nights)
-->Vancouver (train or bus; 2 nights)
-->1-2 nights non assigned (maybe long stopover in NYC if I go by bus from BOS to WAS)
I didn't know TrekAmerica. I'm checking the website now. Thanks
As for Colorado and Rocky Mountains, I think I'll wait to have a driver license. I have tried to fit Yellowstone in plan B (between Toronto and Seattle, not visiting Vancouver), but it's very difficult. Going there (to Jackson, West Yellowstone or Cody) it's not easy after the summer season. Also, most day or multiday trips from these cities stop in mid-September.
I haven't check Mt Rushmore and Rapid City yet.
My doubts about a) and b) plans are:
--Philadelphia. Looks like it's a great destination, with lots of interesting sights, according to guidebooks. But a priori it's a city that I don't think of putting in a list. There is a direct flight from BCN (Barcelona, my city) to PHL (US Airways) and it's easily accessible from WAS and NYC. Swap Toronto by PHL?
--New England. Maybe spend more time there, going to Maine and Acadia NP and/or Vermont-Airondacks (I must check transport options); and not going so South or so West
--Uff, I have a lot of doubts more. Better to stop here.
Sep 6, 2009, 12:32 pm
#29
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Washington D.C.
Posts: 2
East coast rules
My reply is a few years overdue. Hopefully you can still use my advice. I suggest renting a car and traveling the east coast. Just remember to carry plenty of U.S. change for the northern stretch, as toll booths are heavy from Baltimore to New York City if taking 95. Traveling south of Maryland and north of New York, is almost toll free.
When visiting the east coast, please take two or three days to experience Savannah, GA. For more information, visit my website www.bridgetblog.com and read my travel blog http://www.bridgetblog.com/?p=10.
Forgive the amateur appearance as it was my first entry ever!
Best of luck to you for your future travels.
Bridget
When visiting the east coast, please take two or three days to experience Savannah, GA. For more information, visit my website www.bridgetblog.com and read my travel blog http://www.bridgetblog.com/?p=10.
Forgive the amateur appearance as it was my first entry ever!
Best of luck to you for your future travels.
Bridget
Sep 15, 2009, 8:37 pm
#30
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: UA 2P, NWA & AirTran A+ refugee
Posts: 188
Ah, leaf-peeping in New Hampshire. A good bet this time of year. Plus, with more liberal liquor laws than Massachusetts, it is like the Tiajuana of New England!