USA travel tips and discussion
- Thread starter petetherock
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petetherock
Senior Member
I my recent trip to USA, I was surprised that the efficiency of the customs system and the TSA has improved by so much.
Yes, there were pat downs, and the checks were more stringent, (actually the most stringent was at Frankfurt airport en route to USA).
But things moved along and you could get by with a 2 hour check in, whereas, it used to be much slower.
Yes, there were pat downs, and the checks were more stringent, (actually the most stringent was at Frankfurt airport en route to USA).
But things moved along and you could get by with a 2 hour check in, whereas, it used to be much slower.
petetherock
Senior Member
Another point is that many airlines in USA now use automated check ins, so those who have elderly parents going and don't speak English or are less familiar with machines may face some difficulties.
One of the best airlines in USA now is Jetblue and I highly recommend it for domestic travel. Their terminal hub has free wi fi and the first check in bag is free. Many others charge for check in bags now.
They deserve to be the top airline in USA now.
One of the best airlines in USA now is Jetblue and I highly recommend it for domestic travel. Their terminal hub has free wi fi and the first check in bag is free. Many others charge for check in bags now.
They deserve to be the top airline in USA now.
Can you close the catch without locking it? If you can, then you can do that and buy a suitcase strap with a TSA approved lock to secure your suitcase instead.
Edit: Oops, I just realised that I didn't read the latest posts and the question has already been answered. :embrass:
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Zichar
Senior Member
Had a fantastic experience with www.airbnb.com for temp stay
Some of them are tastefully done, very much so
Guess it still hasn't the criminals and creeps that lurk in craigslist .... yet
Some of them are tastefully done, very much so
Guess it still hasn't the criminals and creeps that lurk in craigslist .... yet
Hi petetherock,
I am planning to go to Yosemite on 2nd Jan 2012 till 6th Jan 2012, 4 night stay. Will be staying at Yosemite Lodge at The Falls.
I plan to drive there from Irvine or LA by myself.
After reading all the questions and answers from u all about the Yosemite Park. I think My biggest question or should I say that my most worry is, will I be able to make it there by myself driving?
It's about 6 hours drive if 1 take CA-41N, about 7 hours from CA-140(If there's snow storm).
Do u have any winter driving experience there in US or any advice that u can share with me expecially to Yosemite during winter?
Please tell me I'll be Ok.....:embrass:
Thanks
petetherock
Senior Member
Actually dude, the quick answer is no... it will be best for you to take a tour, instead of driving, esp if you have no experience in winter, with wheel chains, slippery conditions, and a new unknown place.
I have been there 4 times and can go without a map, but that's in Spring or Summer. Snow storms are no fun.
Take the bus friend...
I have been there 4 times and can go without a map, but that's in Spring or Summer. Snow storms are no fun.
Take the bus friend...
petetherock
Senior Member
The Smoky Mts is an excellent place that Singaporeans don't often go to, but it offers plenty of photo opportunities.
Take a week to drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway...
View from Chimney Rock, NC, USA...
Where they flimed the Last Mohican:
Take a week to drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway...
View from Chimney Rock, NC, USA...
Where they flimed the Last Mohican:
petetherock
Senior Member
Hurray, it will be easier to visit USA now (instead of being treated like a criminal at customs)..
http://travel.asiaone.com/article/news/expedited-entry-into-us-for-sporean-travellers-on-the-cards
http://travel.asiaone.com/article/news/expedited-entry-into-us-for-sporean-travellers-on-the-cards
Nikonzen
Senior Member
Interesting thread coming from an American. 
Nowadays the Europeans are doing their grand tours by renting cars and/or motorcycles, individually or in big groups led by travel companies, and driving the mother road Route 66 staying on the original alignment as much as possible from beginning to end or just various legs of it. This is the best way to see America because you see the real America (much of which is just flat open boringness). Talk about a photo trip. NYC, LA, and Vegas...make me puke (although Vegas and LA are connected by 66).
Nowadays the Europeans are doing their grand tours by renting cars and/or motorcycles, individually or in big groups led by travel companies, and driving the mother road Route 66 staying on the original alignment as much as possible from beginning to end or just various legs of it. This is the best way to see America because you see the real America (much of which is just flat open boringness). Talk about a photo trip. NYC, LA, and Vegas...make me puke (although Vegas and LA are connected by 66).
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petetherock
Senior Member
Bro
I am planning a trip to Vegas in November and need some tips:
Places to shop in Vegas?
Any particular group to join for an air tour of the Grand Canyon?
Will do a road trip to SF via Death Valley, Yosemite, any tips.
Recommendations on places to eat will be appreciated too
Thanks!
I am planning a trip to Vegas in November and need some tips:
Places to shop in Vegas?
Any particular group to join for an air tour of the Grand Canyon?
Will do a road trip to SF via Death Valley, Yosemite, any tips.
Recommendations on places to eat will be appreciated too
Thanks!
Nikonzen
Senior Member
Pete I would like to advise you on this topic but I am just not familiar enough with that part of the country. It has been over 25 years since I have been over that way and those are vacations for me too just like you. (Well boot camp in San Diego was not exactly a vacation LOL)
If anyone ever decides to come to the Great Plains then we are talking...
I will share this with you because this is freaking cool...a must watch video for your San Francisco leg.
http://rollingthroughthebay.com/sf1.html
IMHO Vegas is over-rated but maybe someday you could come to Oklahoma and check out some of our Indian casinos...lot slower pace in my neck of the woods and some incredible hotel/casino/entertainment districts. Bob Dylan is playing this weekend I think!
Tomorrow I'll try to find my old Best BBQ joints of America book and see what it says. BBQ is my personal favorite American food.
If anyone ever decides to come to the Great Plains then we are talking...
I will share this with you because this is freaking cool...a must watch video for your San Francisco leg.
http://rollingthroughthebay.com/sf1.html
IMHO Vegas is over-rated but maybe someday you could come to Oklahoma and check out some of our Indian casinos...lot slower pace in my neck of the woods and some incredible hotel/casino/entertainment districts. Bob Dylan is playing this weekend I think!
Tomorrow I'll try to find my old Best BBQ joints of America book and see what it says. BBQ is my personal favorite American food.
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You can't be just doing Vegas, right?
As for shopping in Vegas, I suppose you are referring to outlet shopping mall and nothing beats this
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=58
As for shopping in Vegas, I suppose you are referring to outlet shopping mall and nothing beats this
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=58
Bro
I am planning a trip to Vegas in November and need some tips:
Places to shop in Vegas?
Any particular group to join for an air tour of the Grand Canyon?
Will do a road trip to SF via Death Valley, Yosemite, any tips.
Recommendations on places to eat will be appreciated too
Thanks!
petetherock
Senior Member
Thanks
As I posted:
So I will fly into Vegas, the other half shops to her heart's content, then we drive west towards SF..
Looking for nice places to eat, and perhaps a few places that are off the beaten track to chill.
I have been to the usual places in SF, so it's more to show her some of the nice places.
The Wharf, the Bridge, and Lombard St will all be on the menu, but if you know a hole in the wall with nice food, that will be even nicer than those fine dining places
Cheers
As I posted:
So I will fly into Vegas, the other half shops to her heart's content, then we drive west towards SF..
Looking for nice places to eat, and perhaps a few places that are off the beaten track to chill.
I have been to the usual places in SF, so it's more to show her some of the nice places.
The Wharf, the Bridge, and Lombard St will all be on the menu, but if you know a hole in the wall with nice food, that will be even nicer than those fine dining places
Cheers
Hi petetherock,
I am planning to go to Yosemite on 2nd Jan 2012 till 6th Jan 2012, 4 night stay. Will be staying at Yosemite Lodge at The Falls.
I plan to drive there from Irvine or LA by myself.
After reading all the questions and answers from u all about the Yosemite Park. I think My biggest question or should I say that my most worry is, will I be able to make it there by myself driving?
It's about 6 hours drive if 1 take CA-41N, about 7 hours from CA-140(If there's snow storm).
Do u have any winter driving experience there in US or any advice that u can share with me expecially to Yosemite during winter?
Please tell me I'll be Ok.....:embrass:
Thanks
If you have no experience driving in snow conditions, please do not attempt to self drive. Even for some of us who stayed there more than a decade, I have seen friends and even locals get into accidents when we drive up to Lake Tahoe or Yosemite. I had my car lose traction once, but was able to pull it back slowly. No joke bro.
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Thanks
As I posted:
So I will fly into Vegas, the other half shops to her heart's content, then we drive west towards SF..
Looking for nice places to eat, and perhaps a few places that are off the beaten track to chill.
I have been to the usual places in SF, so it's more to show her some of the nice places.
The Wharf, the Bridge, and Lombard St will all be on the menu, but if you know a hole in the wall with nice food, that will be even nicer than those fine dining places
Cheers
From Vegas to SF, you will be passing 152 yes? then up 101 to SF? If you are going that route, can stop by Casa De Fruita on 152. It is sort of like a farm style rest stop. The diner there is amazing, with an old uncle spinning coffee saucers and cups onto your table. You can also get a lot of dry produce there.
You can also stop at Gilroy factory outlets. Leavesley road exit on 101 once you merge onto 101 from 152. One more thing about Gilroy is, it is not just about the factory outlet. I actually explored that area back in the day. It is the Garlic capitol of USA, so if you love garlic, you will love Gilroy. The town is quaint and interesting as well, with one of the best mexican restaurants I have ever been to. Problem is the staff spoke no english, but in the end the young son of the restaurant owner translated for us, and we ended up with the best and most authentic mexican dinner of my life. We also ran into a Singaporean restaurant (why open there I have no freaking idea) but it was closed.
And remember to eat in-n-out burger on the way. There is one right at the factory outlets. If you like your onions grilled with cheese melted, remember to make your burger an "Animal", and no the options are not officially on the menu...
Gilroy also has it fair share of wineries. At the Gilroy outlets, there is an information section. You can get brochures with maps to the wineries in the area. Remember to spit out the wine when wine tasting if you are driving.
Right before you pass the mountains, you can also see Lake Anderson. It is a very beautiful lake, I used to go fishing for fresh water bass there.
Let me know if you want to know more. I lived in the region for 12 years...
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petetherock
Senior Member
Thanks bro
My route in mid November:
Vegas - 3 nights for meeting (other half shops)
+ Flyover Grand Canyon
Day 4:
Road trip
Hoover Dam
Valley of the Fire State Park & Red Rock Canyon National Park
End up in Death Valley (place to stay?)
Day 5:
Barstow one night + shopping
Day 6-7:
Yosemite
Might spring for Ahwanee hotel for one night
2nd night in El Portal ?
Day 8-9
SF sights + food - tips on food + hotel?
Stay Wharf area / Union Sq?
Day 10:
Fly home
How's that?
My route in mid November:
Vegas - 3 nights for meeting (other half shops)
+ Flyover Grand Canyon
Day 4:
Road trip
Hoover Dam
Valley of the Fire State Park & Red Rock Canyon National Park
End up in Death Valley (place to stay?)
Day 5:
Barstow one night + shopping
Day 6-7:
Yosemite
Might spring for Ahwanee hotel for one night
2nd night in El Portal ?
Day 8-9
SF sights + food - tips on food + hotel?
Stay Wharf area / Union Sq?
Day 10:
Fly home
How's that?
Thanks bro
My route in mid November:
Vegas - 3 nights for meeting (other half shops)
+ Flyover Grand Canyon
Day 4:
Road trip
Hoover Dam
Valley of the Fire State Park & Red Rock Canyon National Park
End up in Death Valley (place to stay?)
Day 5:
Barstow one night + shopping
Day 6-7:
Yosemite
Might spring for Ahwanee hotel for one night
2nd night in El Portal ?
Day 8-9
SF sights + food - tips on food + hotel?
Stay Wharf area / Union Sq?
Day 10:
Fly home
How's that?
Death Valley is huge. You may consider Stove Pipe Wells if you want to stay in the park. http://www.deathvalleyhotels.com/
Stove Pipe Wells is essentially next to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. So you could wake up and see the sunrise over the sand.
Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon are in two different directions. Valley of Fire is closer to Hoover Dam (northeast of Las Vegas). Red Rock is just to the west of Las Vegas. Depending on your schedule, you might want to escape Las Vegas during the first three days of meetings and visit Red Rock Canyon. Maybe visit in the early morning or in the late afternoon. Or you can quickly stop by on the morning of your drive to Death Valley.
The problem is that there is so much to see and you are going to be pressed for time.
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