USA Trip Option - Any Advice??

[bnroz]

Hi,

My Family (me, wife, 3yr old & 8 month old) are planning a holiday to USA next year around May/June.

Now, we are undecided on where to go, we have a few options, which are below :

Option 1
Fly into San Fran/LA from Australia, stay 1 night in SF/LA, then fly to Chicago for around 4 nights, then to Boston for 5 nights, then to DC for 5 nights then NY for 5/6 nights, then fly back home.

Option 2
Fly into San Fran/LA from Oz, stay 1 night in SF/LA, fly to Boston for 5 nights, drive down to Cape Cod area and stay 3 nights, back to Boston and fly down to DC for 5 nights then to NY for 5/6 nights, then fly back home.

questions, what would be better, flying into SF or LA for the 1 night stopover, been to US few times and from memory there is not much around the LAX area, but same for SF airport, but im thinking it easier to get into city of SF (using public transport?) rather than the big area of LA??

Also, Chicago, is this city worth going to, 4 nights be plenty?

cheers

 

[Maca44]

Chicago and Boston are two of the best cities in the USA, and there is heaps to do in both places. I personally prefer to fly into/out of SFO rather than LAX..nicer airport..customs/immigration officers seem to treat you better, and as mentioned you can use the BART to get downtown. QF73 arrives into SFO about 10am so (depending on how wasted you are) you could have a good look around SFO that day and the following day and fly out the second evening, however, there are many places to visit such as Sausalito/Alcatraz/Fisherman's Wharf, trolly cars etc. The problem I can see is that you want to visit some of the best places in the US with such limited time. NY is great, but Chicago is my favourite. Then, you have the problem with the two small children..and I can see a lot of carrying there.

 

[The Beast]

I agree with the above comments re the relative merits of SFO and LAX. SFO is a smaller airport, generally quite quick to process you on/off the plane and the staff seem less aggressive. LAX is bigger and nastier, generally much slower to get on/off. I'd take SFO any day, and indeed would also recommend it pretty highly for a short stay in its own right. It's a great town.

 

[bnroz]

Thanks for the advice, definitly look at going into SFO.

We have been to USA with our first child when he was 1 yrs old and 2 1/2 yrs old, so we are aware of how to travel with children, so its all good.

We are looking at staying in vacation rental apartments in each city, except for DC where we have friends....

Also we have $300US worth of Delta travel vouchers each to use ($900US total) so most of the internal flights will be used with this.

cheers

 

[bnroz]

sorry, plus i am a huge fan of the baseball in the US and there is a ballgame on in SF the day i am looking at flying in!

just need to stay away all day as its a night game

 

[The Beast]

You travel past the baseball stadium on the way into the city from the airport, can't miss it!

 

[Soundguy]

I always like to rent a car in the US and do some travel that way; last trip we drove 4000 miles through the south. the cities are great but I reckon the real American folk are found outside the large cities & much of the country scenery and sights are superb with a great deal of variety. Besides it is generally the easiest & cheapest way to get around within the big cities and not too hard, easier than driving in Melbourne. (you don't need a car in NY of course). Always wanted to be there for July 4th but never managed it yet.....

Have a great trip bnroz!

 

[drron]

Thanks for the advice, definitly look at going into SFO.

We have been to USA with our first child when he was 1 yrs old and 2 1/2 yrs old, so we are aware of how to travel with children, so its all good.

We are looking at staying in vacation rental apartments in each city, except for DC where we have friends....

Also we have $300US worth of Delta travel vouchers each to use ($900US total) so most of the internal flights will be used with this.

cheers

Be very careful with vacation rental apartments in NYC-most are illegal.NYC housing laws are different to virtually anywhere else.Reccomendations even from people you know doesnt mean an apartment rental is legal-it often takes authorities some time to catch up.There are instances of tourists in NYC coming back to their rented apartment finding their gear on the street and locks changed.
This is one topic where it is wise to check the Trip advisor forums-there is a sticky there on the subject and i believe a short list of legal rentals.most legal rentals though are for 30 days plus.If you ask a question about it there be prepared to be flamed.

 

[kiwitripper64]

Sounds like a great trip. If you are planning on visiting Alcatraz and/or Statue of liberty, make sure you book at least a week in advance.
We really liked Chicago. We got some tourist deal that got access to Sears Tower, Museum, planetarium and aquarium for overall good price.
We also stayed at Rays Bucktown B and B. Its in Chicago suburb, 10 min walk to train with lots local cafes etc. We got Master suite. Private with its own spa bath and most important your own washing machine and dryer. Definately worth a look.
Kids favs in NY was MnM world in Broadway and in SF, Ghiradelli icecreams just off Fishermans wharf. Just swap a gold bar for the Sundaes and smile

 

[GoldCoastGuy]

sorry, plus i am a huge fan of the baseball in the US and there is a ballgame on in SF the day i am looking at flying in!

just need to stay away all day as its a night game

If you end up going to Boston, make sure you see a game at Fenway Park. Great atmosphere and you are really close to the action.

Keep checking the Red Sox website for ticket sale dates as all games sell out (depending on who they are playing, it could sell out within hours).


Evan :->