Wanting to travel to the US in 2020

Bottom Dollar on 03/09/2019 - 12:51
Last edited 03/09/2019 - 15:22

Hi All

My husband and I are looking at travelling to the US in June/July next year (during uni holidays). It'll be our last big holiday before we go from a couple to family.

Just wanted to get opinions or reassurance on whether or not to go. I've been doing some research and the prices of hotels are an absolute killer (must admit, I do like 4 star +) and given how weak the US$ is, it is not helping me make a decision.

Any recommendations or suggestions on how to plan would also be greatly appreciated.

Not sure if it helps, but we're looking to go LA (3 nights + 1 night whilst doing the Coastal drive), Napa Valley (1 night), San Fran (2 nights), Ohio (with family for 4 nights), New York (5 nights) , Miami (2 nights), Cuba (4 nights) and Jamaica (3 or 4 nights). Or considering a cruise around the Caribbean. Transport and accommodation for this is coming to about $12k (excludes spending money - don't anticipate doing alot of shopping)

EDIT: I should add that we both enjoy going to bars and enjoy good food (not Michelin star but more authentic) in addition to the main attractions (find some uncommon places along the way)

Thanks in advance for your help!

Poll Options

  • 3
    Save your money - don't go
  • 18
    You only live once - just go!
Travel

Comments

  • Skramit on 03/09/2019 - 12:55
    +7

    Not sure if it helps, but we're looking to go LA, San Fran, Napa Valley, New York, Miami, (maybe Mexico as you can't fly direct from US to Cuba) Cuba and Jamaica.

    Speaking from experience, unless you're planning on going for 3 months, I would highly suggest picking East or West and doing just one side. It will mean much less time wasted travelling.

    E.G. Do East coast this trip, there's just so much to see/do in NYC, Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami etc etc. And that way you can get the Caribbean in as well.

    NYC you want a good 5 or 6 days minimum. 3 or 4 days in Washington DC. SO right there you're already 10 days in.

    If you try to do LA/SanFran/Napa as well…. you're gonna be short on time IMO. Save West coast and Mexico for another trip down the track. If you do the longer distance trip to the east coast this time before kids, you can always take the kids to disneyland in 5 or 6 years and it's a shorter trip to the west coast.

    My 2c.

    • Bottom Dollar on 03/09/2019 - 13:27

      Appreciate it! This has been common feedback. Just thought we'd do the lot in 4 weeks! Definitely open to the idea though.

      • Skramit on 03/09/2019 - 14:15
        +1

        Just thought we'd do the lot in 4 weeks!

        You'd still have a great time, but doing all that in 4 weeks and doing it justice is just not possible. You just wont get bang for buck in each location. Your days will be go go go to get stuff in before you hop on the next plane/train. You're already going to lose about 7 days worth due to travel between cities.

        Anyway, it's your money, suit yourself! But you came here for advice :P

  • watwatwat on 03/09/2019 - 13:11

    Just wanted to get opinions or reassurance on whether or not to go.

    You've provided pretty much no info other than you find hotel prices an "absolute killer". If you can't afford to go, then don't.

    • Bottom Dollar on 03/09/2019 - 13:19

      Can happily provide more information. It's not the case of being able to afford it. It's value for money.

  • HardlyCharly on 03/09/2019 - 13:12
    -4

    Third world countries are always dangerous, but you're particularly likely to get shot in the US. If you have nothing to lose definitely go for it though. Also, kids won't stop you from having big trips, just pay a full-time nanny to look after them for the time you're gone, that's our plan.

    • Bottom Dollar on 03/09/2019 - 13:25

      I know you can still travel after kids, I just feel you don't have full freedom when you enjoy. Depends on what you do but that's my personal take on it. And, don't have the $ for full time nanny and family would not approve of that.

      • fantombloo on 03/09/2019 - 20:29

        You don't have "full freedom" but you do have a family experience that you all cherish. There's nothing our clan loves more than reminiscing about past holidays and dreaming about new ones.

  • GG57 on 03/09/2019 - 13:12

    I agree with Skramit above, you will need a lot of time if you want to do all of that itinerary justice.

    FYI: American Airlines, JetBlue and Delta all fly from USA to Cuba, with Miami - Havana the most popular.

    • Bottom Dollar on 03/09/2019 - 13:18

      Thanks, just checked this. Travel agent told me otherwise.

      • GG57 on 03/09/2019 - 13:18
        +2

        I would find a different / better travel agent.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/09/2019 - 13:21
    +3

    Save LA until you have kids. Napa Valley and Northern California are more suited to adults.

  • Zedsdeadbabyzedsdead on 03/09/2019 - 13:53

    The wall should be fully built in many places by 2020, well worth a visit. I'd lay a few bricks myself if I had the time:)

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 03/09/2019 - 14:22
    +2

    Been to the USA about a dozen times in the 9 years prior to Donald Trump

    Your suggestions are alot to squeeze in, sometimes its best to just slow down and enjoy a few spots then run around to enjoy alot. I do understand why people do that though.

    As much as I love SF, maybe skip that and go to New Orleans or Las Vegas (got married there) because you are visiting something 'different' rather than a large city.

    For Cuba, been there twice, try squeezing in more time and also consider getting away from Havana. There are much more unspoilt, genuinely authentic areas of Cuba.

    • Skramit on 03/09/2019 - 14:43

      As much as I love SF, maybe skip that and go to New Orleans or Las Vegas (got married there) because you are visiting something 'different' rather than a large city.

      Agreed. SF and LA is a bit the same as going to Miami or any of the other big cities…. it's not overly exciting for tourists unless Hollywood and Disneyland are on your must-do list. I would save LA this for when you have kids.

      New Orleans I highly recommended for couples, same with Las Vegas. Very different experiences and not "just another city". Both are really energetic and fun. And the food in New Orleans is a great experience.

    • Bottom Dollar on 03/09/2019 - 15:08

      I'm not all that keen on SF but wanted to do the coastal drive. Can even do it as a stopover en route to Napa Valley.
      Vegas I'm saving for my 30th - group of girls rather than just husband and I - will be much more fun haha.
      More time in Cuba? I thought 4 nights would be suffice. Happy to extend it another night. What did you find was the best way to get around in Cuba?

  • ThithLord on 03/09/2019 - 14:32

    I could not recommend you any more seriously to cut down your time spent in LA - it is a complete waste of time. Ugly city, horrendous to drive in. That's my main take away, lmao. I've been to the States twice and have covered over 8000 miles on the road - absolutely loved it. LA was a terrible place to visit. El Paso is also horrible. Other than that, you'll have fun!

    • Skramit on 03/09/2019 - 15:13

      Agreed. I suspect a lot of tourists end up visiting LA purely as it's the major port of entry on the west coast, so most people assume "hey lets spend a couple days in LA on the way" and it's highly overrated IMO.

      • Bottom Dollar on 03/09/2019 - 15:19

        Have also found it's the cheapest to fly into?

        • Skramit on 03/09/2019 - 15:31

          Yep, lots of competition with lots of airlines servicing SYD/MEL/BNE to LAX.

        • brad1-8tsi on 03/09/2019 - 15:36

          SFO has cheaper taxes and then fly up to a regional like John Wayne Airport. It worked out cheaper for us.

    • fantombloo on 03/09/2019 - 22:12

      First time I saw LA (as a 1 day pit stop) I thought the same. But after visiting again I changed my mind completely and have fallen in love with the place, going back numerous times now. Sometimes you need to see a place more than once and / or more than just on the surface to feel the "vibe."

      • try2bhelpful on 04/09/2019 - 08:39
        +1

        Nah, been there a few times, still think it is hole. But it is horses for courses. I just think it is a bunch of suburbs looking for a centre and you need a car to drive everywhere.

      • ThithLord on 05/09/2019 - 12:32

        I've been twice - once in summer, once in winter. So I wholeheartedly disagree, mate

        • fantombloo on 05/09/2019 - 16:50

          Fair enough. Everyone likes something else. I think it also has to do with the company you keep (I've been places for work I hated, then next time took along partner / family and loved it), what you intend to do there, who you might randomly meet up with, etc.

          • try2bhelpful on 05/09/2019 - 17:20
            +1

            @fantombloo: Travelled with my guy each time, still hated it. However, if it is your thing then enjoy. Means we aren’t competing against each other for accomodation :)

          • ThithLord on 06/09/2019 - 07:40

            @fantombloo: lol, I get ya. Both times were with very good company, though

  • brad1-8tsi on 03/09/2019 - 15:35
    +1

    GF & I went April 2018. She's a 4 star girl and likes trendy bars and restaurants. It was expensive but it's a holiday I'll always remember and that's what holidays should be about.

    We did
    LA West Hollywood (The Charlie) 1 night (USD260) and it was worth it.
    San Diego (Gaslight District) Staypineapple at Hotel Z. 3 nights $AUD620 Worth it.
    Palm Springs La Quinta Resort. 3 nights. USD4500 inc Coachella VIP tickets, bus transfers to/from Coachella. Worth every penny.
    Las Vegas Treasure Island (we wanted to be on the strip) 2 nights AUD210. Never again. I think Old Vegas might suit us more.
    Zion National Park. Springdale. The Driftwood Lodge AUD500 - worth it for the location.
    Orem, Utah friends 3 nights (bought them a worm farm as a thank you:-) )
    Moab Glamping 1 night USD300 - it was a bit of a rip-off but the national parks (CAnyonlands, The Arches, Dead Horse Point) around Moab are worth the trip.
    Orem, Utah 2 nights.

    Car hire was AUD1000 for 17 days in a Camry sized Nissan.

    We spent USD200/day on fancy food, expensive booze and fuel

    • Bottom Dollar on 03/09/2019 - 15:55

      Thanks - this is really insightful!

  • try2bhelpful on 03/09/2019 - 16:12
    +1

    If you are looking at California I would suggest minimum time in LA and hire a car to drive between LA and SAN Francisco going via Yosemite and Monterey, the aquarium is fantastic. There is an outlet place, I think at Gilroy, that was worth going to for shopping. “Gilroy, garlic capital of the world”.

    If you are looking at Florida etc you should drop in New Orleans for a few days. The food and music is amazing. Personally my least favourite places in America are LA and Miami. However, if you are a geek them the triangle of Disney World, Kennedy Space Centre and Busch gardens in Florida is worth a look.

    I agree with others, pick a couple of areas and don’t get too overwhelmed.

  • myusername on 03/09/2019 - 18:44

    you can never be too prepared to travel to the US

    https://shanghai.ist/2019/08/28/chinese-student-denied-entry…

    • try2bhelpful on 03/09/2019 - 18:53
      +1

      The mistake he made was to bring his own with him. Should’ve just bought an Uzi when he arrived.

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