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When I calculate costs for a trip figuring what one day will be, then multiply by 30, for a month. It's been years since my last trip to Europe, but a travel agent helped tremendously and the service cost me nothing. For meals, I don't go hungry, but I don't go to expensive restaurants and often just buy sandwiches and eat in a park. I like to have enough money, but I also know how to budget and sticking to it is important. I don't want to run out of funds before time to go home.
With all due respect to the DC-area proprietor, I don't know if I'd personally want to rent a room/apartment for my first trip to a particular city overseas. Of course, your mileage - or "kilometerage" - may vary.
No offense taken! Obviously my suggestion was only for those who don't mind such a thing…I know some people are a bit wary. Just like some people don't want to ride uber or lyft with the potential for commercially uninsured and unlicensed drivers. But the majority of us accept the risks involved. Airbnb in only four years topped ten million bookings. I've used it in a handful of countries, a few that I'd never been to before. To be honest, it actually makes me feel a bit safer having a native host to look out for me (assuming the host has been verified and vouched for by many other users)
That's all. I am not an employee of the company so I need not defend them, although I suppose as a user I am biased.
For a budget of £1500, there are many interesting places in America that you can explore, and that are accessible using rental car or cheap flights. For instance, in the southern and western U.S., you could fly into Dallas/Ft. Worth and spend a couple of days there. Ft. Worth is actually a fairly interesting city, where "the west begins." Drive farther south in Texas to Austin, which is "The Live Music Capital of the World," and to San Antonio, home of the Alamo and the major Texas city in which Mexican influences are really noticed the most. These cities are all in Texas, and while Texas gets a lot of flack because of certain aspects of its culture (and Texas is pretty unique), it really is a state that practically personifies "Americana."
I agree with this completely. OP claims to be stuck in a Florida rut. So, fly to Las Vegas, rent a car (and get out of Las Vegas just as quick as you can). And then go see the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, Sedona, AZ and Jerome, AZ.
Just big sweeping vistas as far as the eye can see. Joshua Trees -- don't the Irish have a thing for Joshua Trees? And best of all, inexpensive roadside hotels and interesting southwestern food.
And sure thing, Texas is great, too. I could spend a week just in Austin. Austin is one of the best cities America has to offer. And it's a great VALUE, as well. Anyone who doesn't love Austin is someone I cannot get along with. Here's my itinerary for a week in Austin:
Day 1: Go to Congress Ave, and go to the place that has the best music blaring out the doors. Eat and drink and listen to music.
Day 2: Go to Congress Ave, and go to the place that has the best music blaring out the doors. Eat and drink and listen to music. Ask a local for other good places to go.
Day 3: Go to the place that the locals recommended. Eat and drink and listen to music. Ask a local for other good places to go.
And so on....
The ONLY problem with the American West is that winter is often considered "high season." But that really doesn't matter because things are roughly 1/10 the price here than in Manhattan.
Hey, OP, would you go to my Dublin thread and answer my question about things I won't find in the Guidebooks (if you know such places, of course)?
Staying in a 4 star hotel in NYC will probably run you at least £200-250/night (or more). It is an extraordinarily expensive city. Unless you're willing to lower your expectations for lodging, your £1500 won't go very far at all.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Summerwhale
Holiday inn?
I don't mind a holiday inn.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EclecticEars
Summerwhale could visit NYC during the day and then take Metro-North Railroad (still run by the NYC MTA) out to Westchester County at night, or take Long Island Railroad (also by NYC MTA) out to Long Island at night, or take New Jersey Transit out to northern New Jersey at night. And he could take those trains pretty late also, I believe, without concerns of safety, at least as long as his hotel is within 2-4 blocks of a line or he can catch a cab ride. Sure, he'd spend some more time on the train, but he might also save 50%.
I'd also recommend that he fly into Newark, if possible, no matter where he chooses to spend his nights. The NJ Transit line provides a direct connection to Manhattan, and the airport is actually closest to Manhattan. The connections into Manhattan are thus more efficient than they are from JFK or La Guardia, the two airports actually in NYC proper (though not Manhattan). I know, it's crazy, but trust me.
apexgds is right: if you stay in NYC proper, or at least Manhattan, your £200-250/night might go rather quickly. However, one can rest like a king at night for that price in Florida and Washington, DC. But for £1500, I'd be staying at Holiday Inns and Best Westerns.
The OP could find a Holiday Inn or similar hotel in Long Island City, Queens (which is just across East River from Manhattan and a short subway ride to Midtown Manhattan) for approx. $120-$150 per night which is much cheaper than staying in Manhattan. Also JFK and La Guardia airports are in Queens and more easily accessible in this case.
I'm only 18 and never travelled alone so I would like to stay inside NYC itself near the transport and people.
I don't want to use any airport other than ewr as i've used it before and know it quite well. I don't feel safe using JFK
I'm only 18 and never travelled alone so I would like to stay inside NYC itself near the transport and people.
I don't want to use any airport other than ewr as i've used it before and know it quite well. I don't feel safe using JFK
The subway goes to Queens and Brooklyn, it's closer than many parts of Manhattan. They're both part of NYC itself and have plenty of people. JFK is safe.
Plus i've used United twice and I am happy with their service.
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