Thorn Tree travel forum

Messages: 150,278 - Threads: 14,539

sort by
jump to
* Read

posted
13-Mar-2003 19:38
by: romanb »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 12:02
by: mrpenney »

271 replies , 186,088 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 »

* Read

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

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

70 replies , 7,636 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 »

Read

posted
25-Nov-2009 11:20
by: anyone101 »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 13:27
by: laketraveller »

1 replies , 19 views

Don't forget to calculate in the luggage fees.....

... they can bite you in the ass. From Bing Travel News.

By Robin Dalmas, Bing Travel

Just in time for the holidays, new fees that airlines charge for your luggage have clocked consumers on the head like a giant nutcracker doll falling out of the overhead bin. If you’re not seeing stars yet, try making sense of each airline’s baggage-fees policy. You’ll need a complex decision tree, and perhaps a calculator.

Do you have one, two or three bags? Do they weigh less than 50 pounds, 51 to 70 pounds or 71 to 100 pounds? Did you buy your ticket this month or last July? Will you pay your baggage fees online or at the airport? Are you traveling domestically or heading abroad for the holidays? Are you flying coach or business class, and are you an elite frequent flier? Are you a civilian or a member of the military? And, if that weren’t dizzying enough, consider this: Are you flyi... more »

Read

posted
25-Nov-2009 08:19
by: jollytrekker »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 09:33
by: qwovadis »

2 replies , 38 views

New Orleans on New Year's Eve?

Hello,

We're travelling around Louisiana between Christmas and New Year and are looking for some inspiration on NYE when we'll be in New Orleans.

Never having visited the town before or spent New Year's Eve in the US we're uncertain whether we'll need to book something in advance or just pitch-up at a bar/restaurant of our choosing?

We're decided that the evening MUST include some live music! Many thanks in advance...

Read

posted
25-Nov-2009 05:46
by: Carneros »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 09:38
by: qwovadis »

2 replies , 62 views

Zero entry pool - Marriot Ocean Pointe

Hi, does anyone know if the Marriot Ocean Pointe resort in Palm Beach has a zero entry pool? I've heard that it does but looking for more confirmation.

If anyone can recommend other family resorts with z/e pools in Florida it would be much appreciated.
Thanks & Cheers!!

Read

posted
25-Nov-2009 05:11
by: fi_e »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 13:27
by: bzookaj »

5 replies , 69 views

Trip - Phoenix, Grand Canyon, LA??

Hi

I'm going to a wedding next April in Phoenix, Arizona, and was thinking about spending a couple of weeks over there - perhaps Grand Canyon, Route 66, LA, maybe Vegas, perhaps up to San Fran. I'd be grateful for any suggestions/hints/ideas from anyone out there!

Thanks
F

Read

posted
25-Nov-2009 05:05
by: travellingdad09 »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 13:59
by: tomtraveller »

6 replies , 92 views

Driving from Seattle to San Francisco in winter

We're driving from Seattle to San Francisco in mid December. We only have 2 days to get there (on the way back we have lots of time) so we're looking for the quickest route as well as one where there is little or no (hopefully) snow or ice.
Any advice ?

Read

posted
25-Nov-2009 02:14
by: ahaight »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 11:03
by: trekker502 »

4 replies , 62 views

Winter trip to Grand Tetons?

I am considering a winter time trip to the Grand Tetons. Does anyone have experience with this region during winter? Obviously there is the cold and lots of snow, but I am interested in x-country skiing, snow shoeing, etc. Are most places just closed or can you still get around okay? Any recommended spots to see? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Read

posted
25-Nov-2009 01:21
by: Kereneni »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 06:06
by: Kereneni »

3 replies , 63 views

Chicago: Hancock Observatory v. Skydeck (fka Sears Tower)

We'll want to go to the Hancock Observatory or the Skydeck - are there any pros and cons to either over the other?

Looks to be pretty much price neutral.

(Another option we're considering is to simply go up to the Signature Lounge in the Hancock Building and enjoy a drink while enjoying the view. This option would also be about the same cost as doing the tour. But presumably no lines and no rush-rush while atop the building.)

Also: Is the only difference between the two buildings' express elevator ticket and the regular admission the faster access to the top? Or is there some other factor I'm not getting? The price for the express is significantly higher than the regular admission.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

Read

posted
24-Nov-2009 21:56
by: manlymite »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 12:25
by: thmeeks »

11 replies , 187 views

Viva Las Vegas .... not so perky????

Been chekin out the Cheapo most 10. Then the Vegas section. Where's all the strip joints? I always thought Vegas was like Kings Cross in Good old Sydney town? No Red-Light District? From what I see you only seem to have Gala Shows with the odd Booby girls strutting about. Where's the hardcore? Is Vegas a dud?

Read

posted
24-Nov-2009 16:42
by: flamingmenudo »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 00:28
by: qwovadis »

2 replies , 55 views

Weather in Kauai in January, places to stay

My question is two-fold.

I know the weather in January in Kauai is rainier, and that the North Shore is going to be one of the rainier parts.

If you were going there for 10 days in January, would you avoid staying on the North Shore?

Also, I'm having difficulty finding options that sleep 5. I've been looking at rental houses, but they are either expensive, in Princeville, or booked already.

Any recommendations and tips appreciated.

Thanks,
N

Read

posted
24-Nov-2009 14:33
by: jtorsch »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 08:46
by: jtorsch »

10 replies , 235 views

100k British Airways miles credit card bonus

Hey everyone, I'm pretty sure you have to be a US resident to qualify for this card so I figured it would fit well on this branch. It's the greatest mileage bonus I've ever seen. 100k British Airways miles! Here's the link to the Chase card and to other Citi bank cards that are offering 30k mile bonuses.

https://applynow.chase.com/FlexAppWeb/renderApp.do?SPID=CQ7K&CELL=6R8Y&AFFID=&CLICK=&CID=&PROMO=DF01&MKID=&MSC=

http://creditcards.citicards.com/usc/Travel/AA/Multi/Aug09/Triple/30000/miles5/default.htm
MC and AMEX - valid till Nov. 30 2009

http://fly9.citicards.com
Valid to 12/31/09. Visa Link

I've been credit card churning for only 3 months and I already have 165k AA miles. Plus I just convinced my parents to each sign up for 3 of these cards and give me the miles for Christmas :) I'm waiting to see if I'm approved for this new chase card. The BA miles can be used w... more »

Read

posted
24-Nov-2009 08:45
by: sharanam605 »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 00:32
by: qwovadis »

1 replies , 50 views

3 nights camping trip to Everglades

This is a question to people who have camped both at Long Pine Key and Flamingo campground: if you had 3 nights in Everglades, which of these two frontcountry campsites would you base yourself at? Or you would rather spend time in both - let's say one night in one and two in the other, or vice versa? Also, if you know any specialized camping-oriented forums, please let me know.

Read

posted
24-Nov-2009 06:36
by: mikebart »

last reply
24-Nov-2009 06:36
by: mikebart »

0 replies , 29 views

Day Hikes Near Salt Lake

Hi guys, I'll be in Salt Lake City this weekend for Thanksgiving with the in-laws and would like to take a day to do some hiking. I was there last January and spent some time at Antelope Island which I enjoyed. This time I'm hoping to do some more forest/mountain-type trails. Does anyone have any reccomendations for trails/areas that are within say an hour or so or Syracuse (north of SLC)? I'm hoping snow won't be as much of a concern at this point in the lower elevations. I'm fit and have good boots, but no technical or mountaineering gear.

I see that the Cache NF is nearby, and a bit further is the Wasatch NF. Any great trails there maybe? All help is appreciated.
-Mike

Read

posted
24-Nov-2009 06:32
by: laura1298 »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 03:24
by: MattwLaw »

4 replies , 93 views

Florida Everglades - which area?

Hi,

I have been researching travel options for a Florida trip next month and I've been having a great deal of difficulty finding the information and/or advice I need.

I will be staying in Tampa for 3 days for work, then heading down to Miami for 3 days. While I am in the area I would like to go into the Everglades, and the original plan was to rent a car in Tampa and dive it one way to Miami, spending one night on the way in Everglades city, and then exploring the Everglades on the drive to Miami the next day. However, I've read that part of the park is more for boaters, and that it is better to see the park via Homestead. Even Lonely Planet Florida states that Homestead to Flamingo Point offers "the best horizons of the Everglades" and "some of the most quietly exhilarating scenery the park has to offer".

I'd love to hear from someone who has been to both areas how much o... more »

Read

posted
24-Nov-2009 04:01
by: oobski »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 03:57
by: ACommonLoon »

5 replies , 121 views

NYC magazine shops

Can anyone suggest a shop in NYC where I can pick up a copy of the British magazine Geographical?

Thanks!

Read

posted
24-Nov-2009 01:15
by: Girlwithabag »

last reply
25-Nov-2009 05:23
by: cobb »

13 replies , 276 views

Where to live in California

Dear all,
I will be studying for a year at University of California next year. I am in the middle of the application proces trying to figure out what campuses to give priority in my application. Besides San Fransisco and L.A. I have narrowed my choice of destination down to either Davis, Santa Barbara or San Diego. The UC campuses in these cities all offer courses that I am interested in. What cities can you recommend living in?
I am looking for cities with the predictable classics: a flourishing art, dance, drama and music scene, bikes, parks, and (ethnic) neighborhoods with a nice atmosphere.
Looking forward to any input from you!
Best,
Anne

Your Recent Threads

 
RSS Subscribe to all

Announcements

  1. Website speed - Facebook...

    Posted By: VenessaP -- 07-Oct-2009 16:30

 
ADVERTISEMENT

Welcome & Getting Started

Welcome to Thorn Tree!

Our Community Guidelines and Community FAQs will help you get started.

Your Community Manager is Venessa, and your moderation team consists of Irene Adler, docbrown and Andreas.

Drop us a line at community@lonelyplanet.com if you have feedback or questions.

Drop us a line if you have feedback or questions.
 

Featured Threads on This Branch


Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon trip
Road trip to all 48 states
Where is the middle of nowhere in the US?
Empire State Building vs. Top of the Rock


Nominate the best threads in this branch by clicking on the heart icon in any thread and we'll highlight it here or in the Community Blog.


 

Popular Travel Interests

 

USA: Destination information

The USA is home to several of the world's most exciting cities, some truly mind-blowing landscapes, a strong sense of regionalism, a trenchant mythology, more history than the country gives itself cre... more »

See » | Map »

 
Thumb

USA travel guide

Follow the heartbeat of America through towering forests, undulating fields, pulsating metropolises and offbeat oases.... buy it »

 
 

Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels and book online.