US help.

[Shiny Things]

Hey! Need some help regarding a solo trip to USA. Plan to do a slightly budget trip over to experience how is it like in US.

Is there any itinerary for reference?

Edit: Not yet decided on which city.

New York/Boston/LA/SF which is more newbie-friendly

So I'm biased here, but I really like SF. I feel like it's newbie-friendly; it's a bit closer than NYC; and the weather will be nicer, especially if you're over here in the northern winter.

I'd say if you like the city, go to the east coast because that's where the big cities are; if you like the outdoors, go to the west coast, because that's where the great outdoors is.

Yeah I saw a friend's vacation pics of Utah, went to this amazing place called Antelope Canyon, looks amazing. Then there's the salt flats as well. I think I'll dedicate more time to Utah then, the West coast is rly amazing for outdoor activities.

Good pick. And yeah, Antelope Canyon is just near Page, on the way down from Moab to the Grand Canyon.

In July, i will be going to Vancouver, canada for 5 days work, then 2 days work in San Jose..
whats there in San Jose at night? i have the nights free and 1/2 day on the 3rd day.

Eh. Honestly San Jose at night is not particularly exciting - that's why everyone goes to San Francisco instead. The Tech Museum is pretty good fun, I guess, and Santana Row is where all the nice shops are, but that's the only thing that comes to mind.

I will then take a bus to San Franc to meet my gf. spend 1.5 days there.
recommend me the bus (from SJC to SFC) and hotel (4* in SFC? What to do in SFC? first time in USA

The easiest way to get from San Jose to SF is definitely Caltrain - it takes a couple of hours, runs 15 or 20 times a day, and it only costs about $20.

For a hotel - we need to know your price range and your dates, otherwise I'm just going to go ahead and recommend the Palomar.

What are the must go places?

As for "what to do in SF" - absolutely everything. Rent a bike and go all around the city - hit up Golden Gate Park and the Cal Academy museum; bike all the way up across the GG Bridge and down to Sausalito, then take the ferry back; head down to Valencia Street or Hayes Street for some great shopping and food; I guess there's the touristy stuff like Pier 39; and you can even hop on the BART train over to Berkeley and get some awesome, ridiculously cheap food.

And also, i want to buy things from USA. what should i buy there? I am a HWZ person, looking to buy intel NUC, iwatch, anything off amazon?
what are the must buys? Amazon can ship to me on time?

Don't bother with Apple stuff - Apple's pretty good about maintaining its retail prices across the world. You might get things a little bit cheaper, but no guarantees.

Amazon can probably ship to you, yes - just get it shipped to your hotel.

Public transport in SF is bad.....that's what all my American friends tell me. Apparently the public transport in NY is so much better.

Nah, SF public transport is fine, it's just that the coverage could be a bit better (and the buses are dog-slow). You can get pretty much anywhere you want to go in SF.

 

[patryn33]

So let's say 3 weeks , budget will be around $6kSGD total?
How much are public transport there?

Possible to share your itinerary if you still have?

When u traveling?
Do you drive?
6k excluded air fare?
Most impressive want u wanna do, see?

Public transport cost various
Eg
http://web.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm
http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/subway/
http://www.wmata.com/fares/

 

[paul02]

Planned Itinerary
Day 1 (Sunday, 28th Sep 14)
- (morning) St Patrick's Cathedral
- (afternoon) The Museum of Modern Art
- (night) Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Day 2 (Monday, 29th Sep 14)
- (morning) Times Square
- (afternoon) Grand Central
- (afternoon) Bryant Park
- (night) Times Square

Day 3 (Tuesday, 30th Sep 14)
- (morning) Intrepid Museum
- (afternoon) Century 21 Department Store
- (night)

Day 4 (Wednesday, 1st Oct 14)
- (morning) Theater District *TKTS
- (afternoon) American Museum of Natural History
- (night) New World Stages *Avenue Q

Day 5 (Thursday, 2nd Oct 14)
- (morning)
- (afternoon) The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- (night) The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Day 6 (Friday, 3rd Oct 14)
- (morning) High line
- (afternoon) Hells Kitchen
- (night)

Day 7 (Saturday, 4th Oct 14)
- (morning)
- (afternoon) Statue of Liberty Ellis Island / Famous Bull @ Wall Street
- (night)

Day 8 (Sunday, 5th Oct 14)
- (morning) St Patrick's Cathedral
- (afternoon)Empire State Building - Herald Square - Macy's
- (night)

Day 9 (Monday, 6th Oct 14)
- (morning) Central Park
- (afternoon) Central Park
- (night) <insert suggestion here>

Day 10 (Tuesday, 7th Oct 14)
- (morning) Brooklyn Bridge
- (afternoon) 9/11 Memorial *5pm-9pm
- (night)

Executed itinerary
Day 1
Touchdown NYC
Checked in AirBnB place
Headed to Times Square (9-10pm)
Checked in AirBnB place to sleep (2am)

Day2
Attended Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral in late morning
Lunch at restaurant
Top of The Rock
Visited Macy's
Times Square (day view)
Walked to Empire State just to check out the sights
Checked in.

Day 3
Late morning stroll on High Line
Got off halfway and visited and ate at Chelsea's Market (Taco's and Mexican Coke)
Had coffee while continuing High Line stroll
Walked to Intrepid Museum just to check out the sights
Went to take Staten Island Ferry
Visited Footlocker in evening
Walked to Bryant Park and sat in the middle of the field
Went to Grand Central

Day 4
Had lunch at Dallas BBQ
Visited Metro Museum Of Art
Checked out BestBuy for tech stuff
Went to TKTS to buy cheap tickets to a show

Day 5
Had breakfast in with host.
Went to Museum of Modern Art
Had lunch at John's Pizzeria
Crossed Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan
Tried a hot dog
Visited 9/11 Memorial
Visited Micro Centre for computer parts in evening
Headed to S'Mac for dinner

Day 6
Katz Deli for lunch
Visited Museum of Natural History
Walked around Upper West Side
Ate Gray's Papaya hotdogs w/ papaya juice for dinner
Visited Footlocker and Macy's again

Day 7
Had breakfast with host
Broke off my itinerary and went to Babylon
Walked on Fire Island Nude Beach (no nudists since it was during the cold period)
Walked to Fire Island lighthouse

Day 8
Went around Fire Island again
Visited the Hampton's (home to the rich and famous people)
Visited Montauk beach and lighthouse

Day 9
Had breakfast with host
Attended church nearby (St Peter and Paul)
Visited Empire State Building (day view)
Lunch at Penelope's
Visited Washington Bridge and it's Lighthouse

Day 10
Went on Circle Line Cruise (part of NYC Pass)
Visited Statue of Liberty
Visited Ellis Island
Headed to Chinatown Joe's for lunch (tried Singapore Fried Rice and Dim Sum)
Shopped at AC Gear (headphone stuff)
Visited Century 21 (like Macy's)
Had Dunkin Donuts for dinner (yeah lol right?)
Shopped at Kmart

Day 11
Ate Ramen for lunch
Did a bike rental and cycled the lower half of Central Park
Walked around Brooklyn prospect park walks.
Visited Flushing's asian community and ate there (like NYC, just the Chinese version of NYC)
Visited Korean Spa Castle
Ate Korean BBQ for dinner

As you can see, most of my mornings are wasted as I gave myself more time to rest and have dinner with host.

 

[winthony]

So I'm biased here, but I really like SF. I feel like it's newbie-friendly; it's a bit closer than NYC; and the weather will be nicer, especially if you're over here in the northern winter.

I'd say if you like the city, go to the east coast because that's where the big cities are; if you like the outdoors, go to the west coast, because that's where the great outdoors is.

I'm probably aiming to go late aug early sept? will that be a good timing to head over to either SF or NYC?

TBH, im not quite sure which i want to experience more. Heard good experience from people that gone to Brooklyn and nyc. as for SF, i dont have any friends that went there before.

When u traveling?
Do you drive?
6k excluded air fare?
Most impressive want u wanna do, see?

Public transport cost various
Eg
http://web.mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm
http://www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/subway/
http://www.wmata.com/fares/

Drive yes. But never drove overseas and moreover on the left before.

one of the bro here said he went to nyc on budget of 4ksgd.
I am planning to trim it down a little maybe. airfare now around 2kSGD on probably Eithad or British Air.

As for what i want to do and see, mainly combination of cities and nature. Was thinking NYC region would be nice. but im a total noob in regards to USA so im here to seek some help and recommendation!

 

[dilphinus]

I'm probably aiming to go late aug early sept? will that be a good timing to head over to either SF or NYC?

TBH, im not quite sure which i want to experience more. Heard good experience from people that gone to Brooklyn and nyc. as for SF, i dont have any friends that went there before.



Drive yes. But never drove overseas and moreover on the left before.

one of the bro here said he went to nyc on budget of 4ksgd.
I am planning to trim it down a little maybe. airfare now around 2kSGD on probably Eithad or British Air.

As for what i want to do and see, mainly combination of cities and nature. Was thinking NYC region would be nice. but im a total noob in regards to USA so im here to seek some help and recommendation!

Airfare is $1k plus on Delta, Air China, China Eastern, etc. $2k plus can take SQ, CX, NH, BR, etc.

 

[winthony]

Airfare is $1k plus on Delta, Air China, China Eastern, etc. $2k plus can take SQ, CX, NH, BR, etc.

well i saw air china and china eastern all these are at the lower end pricing. but how isit? D: pretty skeptical about china airlines...

 

[paul02]

well i saw air china and china eastern all these are at the lower end pricing. but how isit? D: pretty skeptical about china airlines...

I almost took the China Airlines but I didn't want to spoil my virgin experience so I took Japan Air Lines.

Plus I have this idea in my head that I would hear a lot of noise in-flight. Chattering in Chinese and all that jazz.

I might try them next time though, their flights are actually the shortest compared to the other airlines (21-22hours) and unbelievably cheap too!

Or Delta.

 

[winthony]

I almost took the China Airlines but I didn't want to spoil my virgin experience so I took Japan Air Lines.

Plus I have this idea in my head that I would hear a lot of noise in-flight. Chattering in Chinese and all that jazz.

I might try them next time though, their flights are actually the shortest compared to the other airlines (21-22hours) and unbelievably cheap too!

Or Delta.

yeah china airlines is the cheapest among all the tix. but... well would prefer others.

Is etihad any good?

 

[dilphinus]

I almost took the China Airlines but I didn't want to spoil my virgin experience so I took Japan Air Lines.

Plus I have this idea in my head that I would hear a lot of noise in-flight. Chattering in Chinese and all that jazz.

I might try them next time though, their flights are actually the shortest compared to the other airlines (21-22hours) and unbelievably cheap too!

Or Delta.

Air China is actually better than Delta! Someone told me that the seats at MacDonalds are much better than Delta's!

Air China just received new air crafts for the USA and Canada routes.

Most people would have taken Air China over Delta if not for the language issues. Apparently the flight attendants on the US routes for Air China can't speak basic/decent English. Otherwise, aircraft, seats, and safety are pretty alright.

China Airlines is a Taiwanese airlines, not from Mainland China.

 

[dilphinus]

yeah china airlines is the cheapest among all the tix. but... well would prefer others.

Is etihad any good?

I usually avoid the Middle Eastern carriers. I hate transiting in the middle of the night, ie, arrive at 1am and connecting flight is at 6am or 9am kind. The return timings seem to be much better though.

 

[paul02]

yeah china airlines is the cheapest among all the tix. but... well would prefer others.

Is etihad any good?

Never tried. Remember this was my first trip overseas. Means it's the first airplane I have ever flew on.

Also in your response (sorry not enough characters to type out).

ah, right. the pricing of airbnb you state was close to 800sgd for your whole trip? Thats nice.

Did you purchase the unlimited metro card or simply pay the fare? Yeah i think i will be walking but it seemed like its easy to get lost looking at the avenue and roads around.

haha, have been trying to plan this for a long time and finally step out of my comfort zone to do it!

Yes to the cost of my AirBnB stay.

I purchased a 7-day and then 3-day unlimited.

Honestly, getting around in NYC is REALLY easy once you understand how their system works. The structure is like that of blocks (reminds me of legoland). Give yourself 2-3days of walking around and you will understand how easy it is. YouTube videos and look at the google maps.

If you look at NYC in google maps now. You will see that the Ave (1 to 10)

The 'odd' Ave runs down the map. Example: 1st Ave will see traffic driving in only one direction which is down.

The 'even' Ave runs up the map. Example: 2nd Ave will see traffic driving in only one direction which is up.

Now look at the 'odd' and 'even' streets. It goes left and right directions. Do you see the pattern?

 

[paul02]

Air China is actually better than Delta! Someone told me that the seats at MacDonalds are much better than Delta's!

Air China just received new air crafts for the USA and Canada routes.

Most people would have taken Air China over Delta if not for the language issues. Apparently the flight attendants on the US routes for Air China can't speak basic/decent English. Otherwise, aircraft, seats, and safety are pretty alright.

China Airlines is a Taiwanese airlines, not from Mainland China.

Thank you for the info!

 

[winthony]

I usually avoid the Middle Eastern carriers. I hate transiting in the middle of the night, ie, arrive at 1am and connecting flight is at 6am or 9am kind. The return timings seem to be much better though.

ahh, right. didnt think about that but was more excited to know there is a stop over so can at least land in some middle east country to see how its like for that few hours.

Never tried. Remember this was my first trip overseas. Means it's the first airplane I have ever flew on.

Also in your response (sorry not enough characters to type out).



Yes to the cost of my AirBnB stay.

I purchased a 7-day and then 3-day unlimited.

Honestly, getting around in NYC is REALLY easy once you understand how their system works. The structure is like that of blocks (reminds me of legoland). Give yourself 2-3days of walking around and you will understand how easy it is. YouTube videos and look at the google maps.

If you look at NYC in google maps now. You will see that the Ave (1 to 10)

The 'odd' Ave runs down the map. Example: 1st Ave will see traffic driving in only one direction which is down.

The 'even' Ave runs up the map. Example: 2nd Ave will see traffic driving in only one direction which is up.

Now look at the 'odd' and 'even' streets. It goes left and right directions. Do you see the pattern?

ahh, ultimately i want to fully experience. if you were to break down your cost, would you say food took up the biggest chunk aside from accommodation and airfare?

haha, you bought a mobile data sim to access google maps?

 

[paul02]

ahh, ultimately i want to fully experience. if you were to break down your cost, would you say food took up the biggest chunk aside from accommodation and airfare?

haha, you bought a mobile data sim to access google maps?

Yes. NYC Pass was only $140+ and I bought tickets to some other places as well.

Food is a little more costly but the portion is HUGE! Which was why I felt it was quite a waste to eat alone since sharing a meal with two persons was possible.

Pictures:

The buffalo wings were like half the size of my hand.

As for the half-rack of ribs, the fries was even more than a 'L' McDonalds fries. To top it off, a piece of thick bread with butter and jam.

I only ate two buffalo and finished the rack with 1/3 of the fries. Doggy-bagged the rest and gave it to some homeless person on the street. On other occasions, I would save it for dinner.

 

[dilphinus]

ahh, right. didnt think about that but was more excited to know there is a stop over so can at least land in some middle east country to see how its like for that few hours.

Few hours ain't sufficient to get out of the airport to 'experience' or see how it's like.

 

[winthony]

Yes. NYC Pass was only $140+ and I bought tickets to some other places as well.

Food is a little more costly but the portion is HUGE! Which was why I felt it was quite a waste to eat alone since sharing a meal with two persons was possible.

Pictures:

The buffalo wings were like half the size of my hand.

As for the half-rack of ribs, the fries was even more than a 'L' McDonalds fries. To top it off, a piece of thick bread with butter and jam.

I only ate two buffalo and finished the rack with 1/3 of the fries. Doggy-bagged the rest and gave it to some homeless person on the street. On other occasions, I would save it for dinner.

wow, that looks amazing. Now im really really keen

will this be the best time to book a flight?
And im not sure if im settling with cash or cc payment. im quite sure im not able to apply for any good cc for overseas transaction purposes

Few hours ain't sufficient to get out of the airport to 'experience' or see how it's like.

so sorry for misleading you! i meant more like getting a stop over at another foreign land for that few hours to just relax since it will be my first long haul flight and im not sure if i can endure the whole journey without a stop.

 

[patryn33]

i rather fly in the shortest time and spend a day recovering for jag lag, why stop over day in Europe for 6-10 hours. Your body clock still messed up.

Flight schedule vary so u can start looking now for the date u interested to fly to get an idea. You can use kayak.com or flightscanner.com

 

[winthony]

i rather fly in the shortest time and spend a day recovering for jag lag, why stop over day in Europe for 6-10 hours. Your body clock still messed up.

Flight schedule vary so u can start looking now for the date u interested to fly to get an idea. You can use kayak.com or flightscanner.com

yeah actually searching around, i realised i rather not waste the time in transit.

that being said, most direct or one stop flight is kinda expensive...

 

[dilphinus]

so sorry for misleading you! i meant more like getting a stop over at another foreign land for that few hours to just relax since it will be my first long haul flight and im not sure if i can endure the whole journey without a stop.

UAE airports ain't good enuff for a 'rest and relax'. Pretty crappy actually.

 

[paul02]

wow, that looks amazing. Now im really really keen

will this be the best time to book a flight?
And im not sure if im settling with cash or cc payment. im quite sure im not able to apply for any good cc for overseas transaction purposes

I think so. I can only say fares range from $1.2-$1.6 when I was doing my searches on kayak two weeks before my travel date. Some people say booking 6 months in advance is cheaper but I don't see the difference.

Settle with cash then. Carry notes in $20 bills and put your money in both pockets. Yes. That way if you get robbed, just take out the money from the pocket with less amount.

Do not put your wallet in your back pocket too. Keep it in front.