Thorn Tree travel forum

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posted
13-Mar-2003 19:38
by: romanb »

last reply
06-Dec-2009 13:04
by: mrpenney »

271 replies , 189,112 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 , 8,306 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
07-Dec-2009 05:23
by: bobetpine »

last reply
07-Dec-2009 05:23
by: bobetpine »

0 replies , 9 views

Shopping for groceries between Anza Borrego and Joshua Tree NP?

Hi,

We'll leave Anza Borrego State Park via route 86 northbound (along Salton Sea) and then merge on I-10 eastbound through Cactus City and then reach JTNP Cottonwood entrance.

Where could we stock up on groceries along the way without having to make a 15 miles detour?

And is it a better idea to take a shortcut via Box Canyon Road near Mecca instead of going all the way to Indio to catch I-10?

Thanks

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posted
07-Dec-2009 04:17
by: ldiller98 »

last reply
07-Dec-2009 04:17
by: ldiller98 »

0 replies , 17 views

Dining in Anaheim/Disneyland

I'm going to a convention at the Anaheim Convention Center (staying at the Marriott) for five days and I'd like find restaurants serving dinner that are within a 20 minute drive that have some character or soul. All kinds of ethnic dining are fine. I'm trying to avoid the bland, corporate, touristy, expensive places though spending money on an otherwise rewarding dining experience is fine with me. P.S. I can't believe the Thorntree forum has only one branch for the entire United States (I live in the Bay Area and still know relatively squat about Orange County).

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posted
07-Dec-2009 02:10
by: Pajarito15 »

last reply
07-Dec-2009 04:41
by: montereyjack »

5 replies , 68 views

Train or bus- experiences

I am planning a trip to the US in August 2010. I will visit some friends and probably include one or two other stops. I usually prefer to travel by train or bus (rather than flying), because I can see more of the country. Of course I know that distances in the US are huge, but I don't mind being on the bus/train for many hours. (One trip I'm considering is NYC- Buffalo)
Has anybody travelled by bus or train in the US before? What are your experiences? Would you recommend it? I only know Greyhound busses. Are there other companies, that you can recommend? What are the trains like?

Thank you.

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posted
06-Dec-2009 13:13
by: anyone101 »

last reply
06-Dec-2009 13:13
by: anyone101 »

0 replies , 25 views

Space Travel the final frontier ....

While NASA frets over a looming hiatus in its ability to launch people into space, a commercial company is poised to unveil the first spaceship for private passenger travel.

The formal presentation of Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo is scheduled for Monday afternoon in California's Mojave Desert, the home base of legendary designer Burt Rutan and his team at Scaled Composites.

Read more on:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34279630/ns/technology_and_science-space/?gt1=430011

or the official site on: http://www.virgingalactic.com/

Posted on the USA branch because they are launching the tourists from Mojave Air & Spaceport in California's Mojave Desert. more »

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posted
06-Dec-2009 09:34
by: aussiespud »

last reply
07-Dec-2009 04:56
by: zeldasdad »

10 replies , 175 views

Where to after LA/Vegas??

Hi all!

Planning my next trip, so back on here for more great advice. I'm spending 2/3 nights in LA then 2/3 nights in Vegas, around April next year.... I'd like some suggestions for another 2/3 nights. I don't drive, but happy to jump on a plane for an hour or two. (You don't know how lucky you are to have such CHEAP air fares in America!) I'm a 44 year old female, from Australia, keen photographer, love the scenery/landscape things, and a bit of history....and jumping on a plane to some random destination! Give the theme parks and amusement parks a big miss, and I'm not a big beach person. San Francisco was one thought; the 17 Mile Drive down the coast sounds lovely. I'd even considered Mount Rushmore, but read where that is quite over-rated. So over to you guys for some ideas or local secrets that mightn't be obvious or well known to Aussies.

Thanks in advance. more »

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posted
06-Dec-2009 09:06
by: bobberwyn »

last reply
06-Dec-2009 15:05
by: bobberwyn »

2 replies , 55 views

New air and ground travel options for Colorado ski areas

Some information on new flights, "two-for-three" deals, kids-fly-free deals and other travel options for Colorado ski and snowboard areas: http://bit.ly/7tURkn

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posted
06-Dec-2009 05:42
by: chrisheadrick »

last reply
07-Dec-2009 01:20
by: Websterella »

8 replies , 168 views

New Yorkers, how safe is Javits Center/Hudson Yards area?

Hello, New Yorkers--

I have the opportunity to rent a fantastic loft on 37th between 9th and 10th for the holidays...

...but my elderly parents will be visiting for a few days, and I 'm wondering how safe the area is at night? I guess the area is the new Hell's Kitchen...near the Javits Center and GEM Hotel Midtown West. I've Google Earthed it, and it seems that there are a lot of warehouses that have been converted into great living spaces.

The loft is fantastic, but it is a ten-minute walk to the 34th St. / Penn Station stop. As night falls, I can always taxi anywhere my parents wish to go. But during my stay, I also plan to go out for drinks until late with friends and by myself...so I'll be making the ten-minute walk again and again. At night, should I count on taxiing back to my rental?

I ask this question knowing full well that safety is a nebulous subject to ... more »

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posted
06-Dec-2009 03:45
by: mavi »

last reply
06-Dec-2009 09:59
by: mavi »

4 replies , 102 views

Where to stay in NY

I am going to NY in February for 10 days to work but I will be taking all my family with me (including two very small kids) and I am looking for an apartment. Do you have any recommendation regarding the best website to use to find it and also the best are to stay in. I have found some places in Greenwich Village and also others in Midtown (both on the East side, close to Sutton Place) and the West side (between 52 street and 10 Avenue): which is better? THANK YOU!!

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posted
06-Dec-2009 01:33
by: cobb »

last reply
07-Dec-2009 00:42
by: BubbaK »

3 replies , 86 views

Top 10 City Hotels from under $100. USA.

I found this on the internet. FYI.
_________________________________________________
Atlanta Laurel Hill BB
Boston Milner Hotel
Chicago Magnolia Studios
Las Vegas Golden Nugget
LosAngeles Miyako Hotel
Miami The Loft Hotel
New York City The Jane
Phoenix Zenyard Guest House
San Francisco Good Hotel
Washington DC Adam's Inn

Hope this helps.

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posted
05-Dec-2009 17:44
by: jefscottmpls »

last reply
06-Dec-2009 02:35
by: Websterella »

3 replies , 96 views

New York state to Brooklyn driving route queston

I will drive to Brooklyn (downtown) from Canada (via Syracuse on I-81) Christmas Day (Friday 2pm).
Google Maps shows a route using Holland Tunnel - Canal St. - Brooklyn Bridge.
My destination is 1 mile east of Brooklyn centre. The obvious, but longer distance, alternative is I-278 approach from the S.E. It appears to have toll bridges and no tunnels.
I welcome your wisdom on the matter.

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posted
05-Dec-2009 10:43
by: mairebear »

last reply
06-Dec-2009 22:28
by: Bisbee »

6 replies , 139 views

Driving from Seattle to Sun Valley

Hi, my friends and I are planning a trip to Sun Valley ID in early January. Financially, it makes sense to drive since gas split several ways will be much cheaper than multiple roundtrip plane tickets.

However, I've heard this drive can be pretty treacherous in the winter months (bridges closed due to snow, icy unmaintained roads, etc.)

Has anyone made this drive before and what was your experience? We will have a 4wd vehicle, obviously. Thanks!

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posted
05-Dec-2009 05:53
by: TonSommerville »

last reply
05-Dec-2009 22:53
by: qwovadis »

7 replies , 203 views

Getting from Austin to Houston

Hi everyone,

I'm going to be in Austin in mid December without a car and need to get to Houston. Aside from the Greyhound bus does anyone know of any other options for making the trip (alternative bus lines, train, ect.)? I considered renting a car but it's pretty expensive, especially picking up in Austin and dropping off in Houston.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

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posted
04-Dec-2009 18:31
by: nerak1 »

last reply
06-Dec-2009 09:48
by: CascadeBob »

10 replies , 234 views

Jeep rental for Death Valley...

Hi...does anyone know if I can still rent a jeep from...

Death Valley Jeep Rentals
Amargosa Opera House and Hotel
PO Box 8, Death Valley Junction CA 92328
760-786-2345
www.deathvalleyjeeprentals.com

They have a toll free number that I can't access from Canada..877-970-JEEP...and the local number above isn't them!

Am hoping to rent a jeep for December 13th and 14th...and these guys rent jeeps so that one can go to the 'racetrack' in Death Valley...

If they're not open anymore, would anyone have any ideas of where I can rent one, so that I can get to the 'racetrack'? A tour is not an option, but renting a driver and jeep for a day is, if that's an option...

Would appreciate any help!

Thanks,
Karen!

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posted
04-Dec-2009 15:14
by: AliD001 »

last reply
06-Dec-2009 09:51
by: Johann »

4 replies , 141 views

Reagan to Dulles

I wonder if anyone could assist me - I have been booked on a flight by my (inept) traval agent from Boston Logan to DC's Reagan airport. However i have to catch an international flight departing from Dulles 3 hours after landing in Reagan. (All the flights are United Airlines) . Is there enough time to commute from Reagan to Dulles, still leaving enough time for check in? Could anyone advise on the fastest method of doing so? any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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posted
04-Dec-2009 12:06
by: Rowdyman »

last reply
06-Dec-2009 04:14
by: nutraxfornerves »

9 replies , 226 views

US dollars to UK pounds in Orange County, CA

Any have a suggestion for getting a good deal exchanging dollars to pounds in Orange county, CA? I am headed to the UK for Xmas and wasn't sure if a local source was better than exchanging in the UK...

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