Thorn Tree travel forum

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posted
13-Mar-2003 19:38
by: romanb »

last reply
29-Nov-2009 20:06
by: mrpenney »

271 replies , 187,338 views

Pages 1 2 3 4 ... 19

USA branch FAQ

This branch covers: Mainland USA, Hawaii & Alaska

So many posts request the impossible - that a bunch of people who have never met you magically intuit how much you have to spend and what will make you happy on vacation, generally planning out your route for three months and helping you get discount flight reservations.

So, what can you do to get great travel advice?

1. Do your homework
The web is filled with basic information like how far it is from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, or how to get from JFK to Manhattan (all major US airports have websites with transit info). Google is your best friend. See the list of indispensable sites below. Get your basic info first, then you can ask intelligent questions on the TT and pick the brains of the many knowledgeable locals who frequent this site just hoping someone will ask about a romantic B&B in New Orleans or a baseball g... more »

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posted
13-Jan-2009 03:16
by: Yersinia »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 12:09
by: dmudgeau »

70 replies , 7,922 views

Pages 1 2 3 4 5

New Visa Waiver Requirements, effective January 12, 2009

US Department of Homeland Security Reminds Visa Waiver Program Travelers of ESTA Requirements Effective Today

Release Date: January 12, 2009

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today reminded travelers from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries that they are now required to obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States. This requirement, effective today, applies to all eligible citizens or nationals traveling under the VWP.

“We have been collecting information from visa waiver travelers for decades, and establishing a program to get that same information in advance is one enhancement that allowed us to extend the valuable benefit of visa-free travel to eight new countries in 2008,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “In... more »

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posted
30-Nov-2009 01:43
by: pimbz »

last reply
30-Nov-2009 03:08
by: cobb »

2 replies , 39 views

Lone travelling in the Deep South - any advice?

Hello! I was wondering how safe it is for a 39 year-old woman to travel alone in Louisiana, Mississipi, Alabama, maybe Tennessee. I would be driving. I am hoping to get out of the tourist route, visit small places, do a bit of people watching, listen to local music, this kind of thing. What do you reckon?
Cheers for any tips!

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posted
30-Nov-2009 00:15
by: cobb »

last reply
30-Nov-2009 00:15
by: cobb »

0 replies , 10 views

Go Bama.Bama vs. Fla. Atlanta.

The big football game is coming up.

Any ideas about budghet hotel rooms for the weekend? Hostels etc?

Thanks.

RTR.

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posted
29-Nov-2009 23:03
by: jazzeriffic »

last reply
30-Nov-2009 02:49
by: CascadeBob »

5 replies , 86 views

Looking for activities and accommodation for 3 weeks in Western USA

Hi there!

We are 2 young Aussie girls trying to get some tips for an itinerary for a 3-week trip to Western USA in February 2010. We will be spending the first 4 days in Los Angeles, then are sailing from LA to Mexico and back on a 7 night cruise.

Our plan so far is to then get a train to San Francisco, where we intend to stay for 3 nights. Then we want to head up to Portland for 3 nights via bus to catch some of the countryside. After that, we plan to fly to Las Vegas for the final 3 or 4 nights of the trip.

We'd like to know if anyone around our age (20, 21) has been to San Francisco and Portland recently? If so, is it a cool vibe for young people? We're very keen on Portland, but are not too sure about San Francisco, as we've heard there isn't a whole lot to do there. Does anyone know any cool stuff to do in San Francisco that would make a stop there worthwhile?

Also, ... more »

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posted
29-Nov-2009 15:50
by: chomsky4prez »

last reply
29-Nov-2009 18:10
by: anyone101 »

2 replies , 33 views

SEATTLE BEST HOTEL FOR NEW YEARS EVE W/ MY BF

Anyone ever stay where you could see the Space Needle to get a view of the fireworks or are the hotels near there not too nice? I live in Seattle but want to spend the evening celebrating away from my home....any recommendations. Price not over 250.00. Anything special you can think of...my BF's been away and I'd like to surprise him for New Years.

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posted
29-Nov-2009 15:22
by: poweraoife2 »

last reply
30-Nov-2009 00:31
by: bzookaj »

2 replies , 75 views

Advice on area in NY please!

Hi,
just looking for some advice please, myself and my husband are looking to stay in New York over christmas and new years eve. we already had some accomodation booked but we got let down today so am starting to look again. We have found an apt on craigslist on East 57th Street (Lexington Ave and Third Ave). Just wondering can anyone give advice as to whether this is a safe area which is close to amenities? Would you recommend staying here? Thanks!

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posted
29-Nov-2009 12:46
by: aimeelemonde »

last reply
29-Nov-2009 13:02
by: laketraveller »

1 replies , 45 views

Rent a motorbike in Miami, ride to the Keys

Hi! In January I'd like to rent a motorbike and ride to The Keys and stay for 2 days.
A few questions

  • anyone know of a NON-HARLEY rental place in Miami (Harley's are everywhere and I'm looking for something smaller)
  • is it a 'crowded' ride from Miami? Don't want to be in stuck-n-go traffic

  • Any recommendations for not-so-fancy places in Key West? Not looking for super cheap (e.g no hostels), maybe 1 or 2 star?

Thanks,
Aimee

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posted
29-Nov-2009 10:35
by: rxw67 »

last reply
30-Nov-2009 00:21
by: cobb »

2 replies , 66 views

sedona, AZ-- recommendations for tour companies to grand canyon?

ok,
so my GF has the phoenix-to-sedona route covered, but can anyone give a recommendation for a tour company going from sedona to the grand canyon?

she and her sister (limited english abilities, both in their 50's) simply have to take in a whirlwind trip while out there, and neither of them can drive on their own here in the U.S..... i've looked up a few tour companies, and some seem alright while others seem to have phony-sounding testimonials, but i don't want to rush to judgement on any of them. of course i'm still researching, but if any forum-member has had experience or is familiar with the different companies out there, or heard any traveler-reviews, could you please respond.......
she's looking for comfort and great views, and of course, a great deal!

thanks!

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posted
29-Nov-2009 07:42
by: budgnbear »

last reply
29-Nov-2009 23:25
by: qwovadis »

4 replies , 97 views

Colorado for Xmas

My hubby and I have the 'back end' of a business trip in the US and would like to find a cozy, romantic place to stay for Xmas in Colorado. Our plan is to catch an overnight train from Chicago (yes we could fly cheaper and quicker, but want to experience the train for a bit of fun).

So we have roughly 6 days; I'm not sure we want to stay the ENTIRE time in our cozy cabin but I just do not know where to start ! Perhaps somewhere that is close enough to skiing but not a long and difficult drive. It would be also fun to do a couple of sleigh activities for something different. There seems to be so many great options for this style of place. Here are a few "parameters". Hoping others can share some advice.

1. Willing to drive and rent an appropriate vehicle but don't want to spend too many stressful hours in the car with challenging weather.
2. We both ski, but not 'gung ho' ... more »

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posted
29-Nov-2009 07:10
by: rejseglad »

last reply
30-Nov-2009 00:22
by: cobb »

2 replies , 48 views

cheap Hostel in Miami

Hallo out there.

Iam going to Ecuador in febuary. I have one nights stay - 24 hours in Miami. Can anyone recommend a cheah hostel at Miami south beach??
I would like to have a single room. Thank you for reading this :-)

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posted
29-Nov-2009 04:49
by: cerveza83 »

last reply
29-Nov-2009 08:15
by: nutraxfornerves »

4 replies , 130 views

Vaccinations

Hi all.

I'm heading to the US for the first time in a couple o weeks. In that case I'm wondering if I need to bring my vaccination certificate??Or anything else for that sake.. I'm going to Boulder and the Colorado Rockies, but probably having a transfer in another state.. Just asking cus u never know with American bureaucracy.. It took me two months just to get a visa...

Also, any good tips on galleries/stuff to do in Denver, Boulder???

Thank youuu!

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posted
29-Nov-2009 04:45
by: quitenito »

last reply
29-Nov-2009 22:11
by: Venona »

7 replies , 133 views

1 night in New York (JFK - stoppover)

Hi,

I will travel from Europe to South America in early December and I will have 21 hours stopp-over in New York (JFK). I am from Germany and "signed" this special EATS (or whatever, you know what I mean), so I think, that I can enter the country and leave the airport for this time under Visa Waiver. Right?

That was the first question and the second one is, where should I stay?

I am a budget traveller and more than 100 $ for a room is unrealistic for me, especially because my final destination is cheap Ecuador. Nevertheless I wish to have some security, because I probably will have tons of things with me (or is there a locker in the airport)? Would be nice if the hotel/hostel is near the airport.

So to conclude: I want to pay little money for a safe place to stay near the airport, from which I can go to Manhattan and other must-sees in New York that evening.

Any advic... more »

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posted
28-Nov-2009 16:08
by: sarahb24 »

last reply
29-Nov-2009 13:39
by: windy »

7 replies , 159 views

Portland VS San Francisco in late-January

Hi all,

I'm heading over to the States in January for a friend's wedding. I've got almost a week to kill post-wedding and am having trouble deciding where to go!

I think I've pretty much narrowed it down to two choices - Portland or San Fran (I posted here last year about what I could get up to for 10 hours in San Fran during a stopover on another trip, so I've had another look at those suggestions).

I'll be staying in hostels and I'll be flying (from Phoenix to wherever I pick, then from there on to LA). I'll be arriving on a Sunday evening and need to be back in LA for an onward flight the following Friday afternoon, so I've got four full days.

From what I've read, weather in both places is somewhat miserable in late January - cold and rainy. I don't have too much of a problem with that.

The stuff I'd be interested in doing/seeing would be modern art museums, shoppin... more »

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posted
28-Nov-2009 13:25
by: SoloHobo »

last reply
28-Nov-2009 13:34
by: SoloHobo »

0 replies , 38 views

Saint Louis- Lafayette Square Micro Brewery

I am back in my hometown of St Louis the the holiday and was showing my new wife a native of Beijing the French influences of the city and had not been to this historical area in over a decade, how nice it already was then and what it has been transformed to now is astonishingly beautiful and rich.

We ended up having lunch at this great micro brew named http://www.squareonebrewery.com/ that is part of the Augusta Brewery south on 94 in the heart of the wineries.

They had beer pairings with the food, and the menu was extensive from pub sandwiches to chili, salads, all fresh and organic locally grown ingredients.

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posted
28-Nov-2009 07:44
by: miss_hollie »

last reply
29-Nov-2009 15:21
by: windy »

6 replies , 164 views

Where can I stay with young kids in New York and LA?

Hi there...

So this is my first time on Lonely Planet so forgive me if I'm asking the same questions that have been asked before. I did read the FAQ post and searched what I was looking for but couldn't find anything about children as young as mine...

I am planning on going to America in October 2010. I will be going for somewhere between 1-3 months. I have 2 kids and will more than likely have a friend travelling with me. So it will be your typical 2 adults, 2 kids.. (They will be 18 months and 5 years old) I have googled (LA) where I can stay with kids and alot of hostels came up that they have private rooms. I would be fine with this but when I did the conversion, they seemed too cheap. They were saying about $36 AUD a night. Surely I must have done something wrong?

Has anyone stayed with kids in LA or New York and would recommend the place they stayed? I am expecting to... more »

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posted
28-Nov-2009 07:06
by: jamface »

last reply
28-Nov-2009 08:03
by: qwovadis »

1 replies , 73 views

Yummy veggies and other delights of NYC

Hi!

I'm taking my boyfriend to the big apple for his 30th (ssssh its a surprise!) at new year and wondered if any of you luvverly people had any recommendations for nice veggie restaurants in NYC/brooklyn. We like all 'styles' of food that isn't made of animals/fish.

Any other 'must sees' or recommendations for fun stuff are much appreciated (we are new york virgins and like general sightseeing, history, architecture, people watching, nature, sports (him not me) and pecan pie).

Thanks
=^..^=

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