Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Where do you get $100 in tolls between Baltimore and Boston?
Baltimore Tunnel $4
MD portion of 95 $8
DE Tpke $4
DE Memorial Bridge $4
NJ Tpke $13.30
Holland Tunnel $14.00
There are other routes which have even less tolls. Come through Philadelphia on 95, take that to Route 1 in NJ, take that to 287, take that to 78, and come through the HOlland that way (or to 80 and use the Lincoln Tunnel) That shaves off all but $16 in tolls. There are no tolls leaving NYC, no tolls on the cross Bronx, no tolls in CT, RI or MA. Depending on how you enter Boston there could be another $3 or $3.50 toll.
Atlantic City is a pit, and there is nothing to be bothered with there unless you want to gamble. Additionally outside a block or so from the main drag is flat out dangerous. Suggesting people just drive around there to look at street signs is a fools parade.
It makes no sense to stay "further out" and commute to NYC daily. Daily parking in commuter lots is $10-25, daily train fares are $20+ per person. You completely lose the feeling of visiting NYC, you lose an hour commuting each day (not to mention the very limited parking at the commuter lots with daily spaces usually filling by 7:00 am) and you don't save any money.
My estimate is based on the fact that presumably they will also be driving back which means that they will incur most of the ones that you have mentioned twice and I was allowing for the possibility of having to access a toll roads more than once because of where they visit. If they wanted they could shave off the MD tolls too by adding more time to their journey but it seems you'll be spending more in gas and wear and tear on the car to save 12 bucks. Glad to see you took the time to try to prove that my estimate was a little high and advise them on how to save $30 by adding hours to their journey. Plus your rant has nothing with my point that if they intend to drive from DC to Boston getting an EZ Pass would help make the trip easier
As for AC, I agree the city itself isn't that great but if you read my advice, it was
1. The drive to Atlantic City on Route 40 is nice, in addition to seeing the country side in a way that you don't in south Florida, I also forgot to mention that you'll also drive through a few quaint towns, nothing to stop for but nice to see.
2. Check out the beach towns outside of Atlantic City, unlike AC they are nice and are a different beach town vibe.
3. Visit the boardwalk, though it's been a few years. casinos, the boardwalk, and the White House sub shop are the best parts of Atlantic City. I never said to go look for the signs as much as noting them as they passed by them on their way to the boardwalk.
Finally your last comment is combining my advice for DC and NYC. For me, when in New York City staying further out means being outside of the high tourist areas like times square and staying either in one of the quieter areas like the financial or garment district or even in another borough like Brooklyn. Staying further out in DC is a different experience, you could stay in an area like Silver Spring or Arlington and be a short walk or drive to a Metro Station that can get you to the heart of DC in 20 minutes. Parking at the Metro stations that offer parking is cheap (about $5)
My estimate is based on the fact that presumably they will also be driving back which means that they will incur most of the ones that you have mentioned twice and I was allowing for the possibility of having to access a toll roads more than once because of where they visit. If they wanted they could shave off the MD tolls too by adding more time to their journey but it seems you'll be spending more in gas and wear and tear on the car to save 12 bucks. Glad to see you took the time to try to prove that my estimate was a little high and advise them on how to save $30 by adding hours to their journey. Plus your rant has nothing with my point that if they intend to drive from DC to Boston getting an EZ Pass would help make the trip easier
You obviously have never lived and worked in NY and NJ for 20 years of my life and traveled that route a lot. It can actually be shorter to go through Philly, up 95 to 1 to 287 and across 78 depending on traffic on the Turnpike.
Quote:
As for AC, I agree the city itself isn't that great but if you read my advice, it was
1. The drive to Atlantic City on Route 40 is nice, in addition to seeing the country side in a way that you don't in south Florida, I also forgot to mention that you'll also drive through a few quaint towns, nothing to stop for but nice to see.
2. Check out the beach towns outside of Atlantic City, unlike AC they are nice and are a different beach town vibe.
3. Visit the boardwalk, though it's been a few years. casinos, the boardwalk, and the White House sub shop are the best parts of Atlantic City. I never said to go look for the signs as much as noting them as they passed by them on their way to the boardwalk.
If they want to go to the Jersey shore, Cape May is a FAR better option but a much a longer drive. The other option is across Route 33 and through Holmdel and Colts Neck and stopping at Sandy Hook. Colts Neck is some of the nicest scenery in the State.
Quote:
Finally your last comment is combining my advice for DC and NYC. For me, when in New York City staying further out means being outside of the high tourist areas like times square and staying either in one of the quieter areas like the financial or garment district or even in another borough like Brooklyn. Staying further out in DC is a different experience, you could stay in an area like Silver Spring or Arlington and be a short walk or drive to a Metro Station that can get you to the heart of DC in 20 minutes. Parking at the Metro stations that offer parking is cheap (about $5)
Obviously you know nothing about Brooklyn and it's lack of hotels or you wouldn't suggest that. You realize that there really aren't any hotels except around JFK and LGA which are an hour or more with multiple transfers each way to midtown, right? They'd be better off staying in Jersey City at the Westin in an area where they could walk a few minutes to the PATH and be in midtown in half an hour.
Do you know anything about Manhattan? The Garment District is midtown. There can be better deals on hotels in the Financial District on weekends, although they would still be paying for parking.
You obviously have never lived and worked in NY and NJ for 20 years of my life and traveled that route a lot. It can actually be shorter to go through Philly, up 95 to 1 to 287 and across 78 depending on traffic on the Turnpike.
.
Never claimed to have live there. I've made the drive many times and know first hand that trying to take a route to save money can come to bite you in the rear. But back to the main thing I was trying to advise them, if you're from from south Florida and you want to drive to Boston you should get an EZ Pass because the main thing it will do it make it faster to get through the toll lanes. Especially when you are planning on being in these areas in the summertime when there is more traffic in these areas.
Quote:
Originally Posted by annerk
If they want to go to the Jersey shore, Cape May is a FAR better option but a much a longer drive. The other option is across Route 33 and through Holmdel and Colts Neck and stopping at Sandy Hook. Colts Neck is some of the nicest scenery in the State.
.
Wow actual useful advice, it could be something they may want to consider depending on how much off the route to Boston they want to go. Either way I think it would something nice to see on a road trip up north, I find it fascinating to see how the beaches people in the Mid-Atlantic flock to differ from those in South Florida.
Quote:
Originally Posted by annerk
Obviously you know nothing about Brooklyn and it's lack of hotels or you wouldn't suggest that. You realize that there really aren't any hotels except around JFK and LGA which are an hour or more with multiple transfers each way to midtown, right? They'd be better off staying in Jersey City at the Westin in an area where they could walk a few minutes to the PATH and be in midtown in half an hour.
Do you know anything about Manhattan? The Garment District is midtown. There can be better deals on hotels in the Financial District on weekends, although they would still be paying for parking.
Obviously it's been a while since you have been to Brooklyn because there are several hotels across the bridge from Manhattan and many are new. I did a simple search and as you can see there are more hotels near Manhattan than are near JFK which BTW is in Queens.
What does it matter that the Garment District is in midtown? It is a place where you can stay in New York City where it would cost you less than staying in times square and you have a chance of finding free street parking, which I was able to do my last two stays there, my car was no more than 100 yards away from the hotel entrance. I wouldn't say that would be possible all the time but for my one night stays it was nice to not have to pay the parking fee.
Location: Now in SP, hopefully for a very long time
249 posts, read 440,523 times
Reputation: 103
Thanks to you all for your precious advice. We have to study all, but so you know we are in our 70s, and my husband has had 2 hips replacements in a row, so walking and flying and commuting with heavy luggage can't be considered.
It's not too much an issue to drive all the way, since I drove alone from Cancun to Florida a few years ago. I have seen things that I would never have seen by plane (which I did many times too). It was exhausting but worth it. Also I am originally Parisian, drove in crazy countries like Africa and Mexico, also in London and... South Africa (my profile should mention it), so it's not too bad. However, I have an important question: are drivers in other states as CRAZY as Floridians? I have never been so stressed in my life. I have been to Nevada, they drive "normally". I have even met a girl from NY who told me it was easier to drive in Manhattan than here.
We will have to choose the hotels knowing what you say, or maybe vacation apartments. The EZ Pass is a good idea, thanks.
Another question: is it true that the Cape Cod area is closed before May 25?
One more . Is the public transportation (buses) very dangerous in NY? We are used to buses in Paris, and other "dangerous" places. But it seems that in NY everyone is ready to cut your throat any time.
Of course, we will have to come back ... unless we find a wonderful place and decide to stay there
My husband is originally from Boston but left 65 years ago () and never went back, so it's a re-discovery for him and for me it's a first. I am very excited. We are not in a hurry and can go out of our... route to see nice places.
Thanks to you all for your precious advice. We have to study all, but so you know we are in our 70s, and my husband has had 2 hips replacements in a row, so walking and flying and commuting with heavy luggage can't be considered.
It's not too much an issue to drive all the way, since I drove alone from Cancun to Florida a few years ago. I have seen things that I would never have seen by plane (which I did many times too). It was exhausting but worth it. Also I am originally Parisian, drove in crazy countries like Africa and Mexico, also in London and... South Africa (my profile should mention it), so it's not too bad. However, I have an important question: are drivers in other states as CRAZY as Floridians? I have never been so stressed in my life. I have been to Nevada, they drive "normally". I have even met a girl from NY who told me it was easier to drive in Manhattan than here.
We will have to choose the hotels knowing what you say, or maybe vacation apartments. The EZ Pass is a good idea, thanks.
Another question: is it true that the Cape Cod area is closed before May 25?
One more . Is the public transportation (buses) very dangerous in NY? We are used to buses in Paris, and other "dangerous" places. But it seems that in NY everyone is ready to cut your throat any time.
Of course, we will have to come back ... unless we find a wonderful place and decide to stay there
My husband is originally from Boston but left 65 years ago () and never went back, so it's a re-discovery for him and for me it's a first. I am very excited. We are not in a hurry and can go out of our... route to see nice places.
thanks again
According to this list you're planning on visiting the number 1 (Boston) and 2 (DC) cities with the worst drivers in America and you have to pass by cities 3 and 4 to get there. How New York, missed the top 20 is a mystery to me. Personally, I think Miami is worse than DC, except when it comes to driving in the rain. For some reason anytime moisture hits the ground in this area, the region grounds to a halt. You sound like an experienced drive so you should be fine, just try to stay off the roads during the peak rush hours roughly 6 to 10 am and 3 to 7 pm. Also around that time of year it can be a pain to be on the road between DC and New York from Thursday evenings to Monday afternoons because of people going to or from the beach. It's not a complete slowdown but you shouldn't be surprised to hit slow patches in the middle of the afternoon or late at night.
Thanks to you all for your precious advice. We have to study all, but so you know we are in our 70s, and my husband has had 2 hips replacements in a row, so walking and flying and commuting with heavy luggage can't be considered.
It's not too much an issue to drive all the way, since I drove alone from Cancun to Florida a few years ago. I have seen things that I would never have seen by plane (which I did many times too). It was exhausting but worth it. Also I am originally Parisian, drove in crazy countries like Africa and Mexico, also in London and... South Africa (my profile should mention it), so it's not too bad. However, I have an important question: are drivers in other states as CRAZY as Floridians? I have never been so stressed in my life. I have been to Nevada, they drive "normally". I have even met a girl from NY who told me it was easier to drive in Manhattan than here.
New York drivers really aren't too bad. A lot of stop and go but most of the city is laid out in a grid. IMHO the worst two stretches of road in NJ and NYC are the AC Expressway on Friday night around 8:00 pm and Route 17 in Paramus, NJ.
Boston on the other hand can be crazy. There is no rhyme or reason to the streets, and the drivers are overall just flat out bad drivers. Think London but worse driving habits.
Quote:
We will have to choose the hotels knowing what you say, or maybe vacation apartments. The EZ Pass is a good idea, thanks.
Another question: is it true that the Cape Cod area is closed before May 25?
Closed, no. But you will find about half the businesses and hotels are closed for the season still. A few years back I stayed at the Sea Crest a few years ago in the off season--the rates were low and all resort amenties were available.
Quote:
One more . Is the public transportation (buses) very dangerous in NY? We are used to buses in Paris, and other "dangerous" places. But it seems that in NY everyone is ready to cut your throat any time.
We always found the subway in Paris to be safe. In fact we find Paris and New York to be similar in many ways. NYC in general is safe, just use common sense. You'll also find New Yorkers are very helpful if you get lost or need assistance. Same with Boston. Philadelphia, not so much. (We have always found the subway in Paris to be safe, I'm not sure why you would think otherwise.
Smithsonian One of the world's largest concentration of (free of charge) museums. If you visit D.C., stay either downtown in the city, or else in Arlington, Crystal City, or Alexandria, close to a metrorail station. Do NOT try to drive in the city - especially on weekdays. Avoid driving in the whole region during the horrendous rush-hours (6 - 9 a.m. and 3 - 7 p.m. weekdays). Even the metrorail station parking lots, fill up early on weekday mornings. Most of the museums and monuments are within a close walking distance, or a short taxi or metro-ride. Some people consider the hop on- hop off trolley tours to be a rip-off, but if you're older and slow walkers, you might consider them.
Annapolis.com take a guided tour of the Naval Academy, visit the nation's oldest state capitol building, stroll quaint narrow streets past many nautical-themed art and gift shops, and have a drink by the yacht harbor. Park in 1 of the 4 downtown parking garages
Last edited by slowlane3; 04-24-2015 at 02:18 PM..
Location: Now in SP, hopefully for a very long time
249 posts, read 440,523 times
Reputation: 103
Quote:
Originally Posted by annerk
We always found the subway in Paris to be safe. In fact we find Paris and New York to be similar in many ways. NYC in general is safe, just use common sense. You'll also find New Yorkers are very helpful if you get lost or need assistance. Same with Boston. Philadelphia, not so much. (We have always found the subway in Paris to be safe, I'm not sure why you would think otherwise.
Considering the millions of people who use the subway in Paris, yes, it's safe, but depending on the line and time, it can be scary. And the RER more so. Common sense is always a good thing but I see Paris not as a tourist but having lived there for long, you have to go to work and shop when and where you have to. However I go to so-called dangerous places without any problem (so far). But getting a bit... not so young, we prefer to take buses, first there are no stairs and endless corridors, and you can visit the city at the same time. It's better not to have an appointment though . We could do that in NY but my husband is really scared. i take him to Paris everywhere, he would never do it alone but by taxi .
One of our "hidden" purposes of the trip is to consider where to move to. We need a relatively large city with culture (library, events, community center etc...), medical facilities, but FAR smaller that Fort-Lauderdale-Miami, human size, close to everything. Relatively warm (so SC would fit) and with people able to live without A/C all year round (as a French, I just can't, I used to live in Cancun -on the beach- with almost no A/C). Preferably close to the beach or waterfront. I read from someone that Mount Pleasant is nice, but it doesn't seem to be in our budget. Any suggestions?
Considering the millions of people who use the subway in Paris, yes, it's safe, but depending on the line and time, it can be scary. And the RER more so. Common sense is always a good thing but I see Paris not as a tourist but having lived there for long, you have to go to work and shop when and where you have to. However I go to so-called dangerous places without any problem (so far). But getting a bit... not so young, we prefer to take buses, first there are no stairs and endless corridors, and you can visit the city at the same time. It's better not to have an appointment though . We could do that in NY but my husband is really scared. i take him to Paris everywhere, he would never do it alone but by taxi .
One of our "hidden" purposes of the trip is to consider where to move to. We need a relatively large city with culture (library, events, community center etc...), medical facilities, but FAR smaller that Fort-Lauderdale-Miami, human size, close to everything. Relatively warm (so SC would fit) and with people able to live without A/C all year round (as a French, I just can't, I used to live in Cancun -on the beach- with almost no A/C). Preferably close to the beach or waterfront. I read from someone that Mount Pleasant is nice, but it doesn't seem to be in our budget. Any suggestions?
Considering the millions of people who use the subway in Paris, yes, it's safe, but depending on the line and time, it can be scary. And the RER more so. Common sense is always a good thing but I see Paris not as a tourist but having lived there for long, you have to go to work and shop when and where you have to. However I go to so-called dangerous places without any problem (so far). But getting a bit... not so young, we prefer to take buses, first there are no stairs and endless corridors, and you can visit the city at the same time. It's better not to have an appointment though . We could do that in NY but my husband is really scared. i take him to Paris everywhere, he would never do it alone but by taxi .
One of our "hidden" purposes of the trip is to consider where to move to. We need a relatively large city with culture (library, events, community center etc...), medical facilities, but FAR smaller that Fort-Lauderdale-Miami, human size, close to everything. Relatively warm (so SC would fit) and with people able to live without A/C all year round (as a French, I just can't, I used to live in Cancun -on the beach- with almost no A/C). Preferably close to the beach or waterfront. I read from someone that Mount Pleasant is nice, but it doesn't seem to be in our budget. Any suggestions?
Thanks again
Charleston would have the arts, culture, food scene, and climate you are interested in.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I have never been so stressed in my life. I have been to Nevada, they drive "normally". I have even met a girl from NY who told me it was easier to drive in Manhattan than here.
. Is the public transportation (buses) very dangerous in NY? We are used to buses in Paris, and other "dangerous" places. But it seems that in NY everyone is ready to cut your throat any time.
... unless we find a wonderful place and decide to stay there 
) and never went back, so it's a re-discovery for him and for me it's a first. I am very excited. We are not in a hurry and can go out of our... route to see nice places.
. We could do that in NY but my husband is really scared. i take him to Paris everywhere, he would never do it alone but by taxi 
