Planning an America trip...

Seeing as most of the posters on here are from the USA/Canada, I figured this would be a good place to start to get a guideline of where I should and shouldn't go when I do get over there. I'll be staying there for one and half to two months, so I've got a lot of time to see plenty of places. Obviously the big cities and major tourist spots I will definitely hit, but I was wondering if someone could provide any places you won't hear much about but is a great time.

Obviously places such as LA, NY/Jersey, San Francisco, Orlando, Miami, Washington, Houston, Texas and Vegas are all on my list. I'll be visiting Toronto and Vancouver as well. Grand Canyon as well, etc.

Unsure about places like Philly, New Orleans, San Diego, Seattle, but I think New Orleans in the end would be a great place to visit simply since I've heard great things about the food and music there.

Can anyone add any major cities I should visit apart from the 11 I mention in my second paragraph? As well as some major tourist destinations, and give their opinion on the other cities I'm unsure about.

Cheers fellas.

have a safe trip
:cheers:

If you're going to san Antonio don't hit the strip clubs because they suck. Fat girls are tye main attraction over there!

[QUOTE=Bandito]If you're going to san Antonio don't hit the strip clubs because they suck. Fat girls are tye main attraction over there![/QUOTE]

I'll be too busy trying to work my Aussie accent on non stripper girls. Hopefully its a hit.

I don't know how you can possibly come to Canada in the Spring/Summer and not pass by Montreal. Incredible night life, festivals, restaurants, women. It would be a big mistake to go to Toronto over Montreal imo. Vancouver, I understand, especially if you're a fan of the big outdoors.


Also, I don't think a month and a half is enough for all these locations. North America is huge dude, I wouldn't spend half the time travelling. I would focus on one of the coasts. Like you can do Montreal, Toronto, NYC, Philly, Florida....or Vancouver, Bamf, Seattle, Vegas, California...Spread yourself too thin and you won't be able to really see what the cities are about. Say you visit 7 cities, you can stay 4-5days in each city, plus travel time, that's a month and half easy.

[QUOTE=plowking]Seeing as most of the posters on here are from the USA/Canada, I figured this would be a good place to start to get a guideline of where I should and shouldn't go when I do get over there. I'll be staying there for one and half to two months, so I've got a lot of time to see plenty of places. Obviously the big cities and major tourist spots I will definitely hit, but I was wondering if someone could provide any places you won't hear much about but is a great time.

Obviously places such as LA, NY/Jersey, San Francisco, Orlando, Miami, Washington, Houston, Texas and Vegas are all on my list. I'll be visiting Toronto and Vancouver as well. Grand Canyon as well, etc.

Unsure about places like Philly, New Orleans, San Diego, Seattle, but I think New Orleans in the end would be a great place to visit simply since I've heard great things about the food and music there.

Can anyone add any major cities I should visit apart from the 11 I mention in my second paragraph? As well as some major tourist destinations, and give their opinion on the other cities I'm unsure about.

Cheers fellas.[/QUOTE]

New Orleans is a great place to visit. And I would have it higher than Orlando, Miami or Houston on your list. Seattle is also a great place to visit.. However, if you are already doing Vancouver, you can maybe skip Seattle since they share some similar characteristics in terms of food/weather.

San Diego is a beach town. Seems like you can get that in Australia.

In terms of Texas, I would visit Austin over Houston. Some of the best barbecue in the world, famous as a music town.

I like places that have culture, great food, great music (live music, not just dance clubs), are physically beautiful. I love San Francisco, I've never thought about visiting Orlgando. I get antsy if I'm on a beach for a couple of days straight. So that's my preferences.

[QUOTE=plowking]I'll be too busy trying to work my Aussie accent on non stripper girls. Hopefully its a hit.[/QUOTE]

If you go to New Orleans stay on the beaten path. The beaten path is very nice, and it's fun, and the food is fantastic. Great place. Been there many times.

Off the beaten path looks like a scene from a zombie film complete with real danger.

If you come to NY, go to NY. Jersey isn't anything special i would travel to as a world traveler.

San Fransisco and Boston are two cities i love. I thought was Austin was pretty boring. Grand Canyon or anything like that?

[QUOTE=macmac]I don't know how you can possibly come to Canada in the Spring/Summer and not pass by Montreal. Incredible night life, festivals, restaurants, women. It would be a big mistake to go to Toronto over Montreal imo. Vancouver, I understand, especially if you're a fan of the big outdoors.


Also, I don't think a month and a half is enough for all these locations. North America is huge dude, I wouldn't spend half the time travelling. I would focus on one of the coasts. Like you can do Montreal, Toronto, NYC, Philly, Florida....or Vancouver, Bamf, Seattle, Vegas, California...Spread yourself too thin and you won't be able to really see what the cities are about. Say you visit 7 cities, you can stay 4-5days in each city, plus travel time, that's a month and half easy.[/QUOTE]

Thanks, I completely forgot about Montreal, and the original plan was to actually do a road trip down the east coast. The Vancouver visit it simply to see a friend more than anything, but I would have visited anyway. Have heard good things.
You live in Montreal macmac? I think I remember talking to you about coming up there and gambling at one point.

[QUOTE]New Orleans is a great place to visit. And I would have it higher than Orlando, Miami or Houston on your list. Seattle is also a great place to visit.. However, if you are already doing Vancouver, you can maybe skip Seattle since they share some similar characteristics in terms of food/weather.

San Diego is a beach town. Seems like you can get that in Australia.

In terms of Texas, I would visit Austin over Houston. Some of the best barbecue in the world, famous as a music town.

I like places that have culture, great food, great music (live music, not just dance clubs), are physically beautiful. I love San Francisco, I've never thought about visiting Orlgando. I get antsy if I'm on a beach for a couple of days straight. So that's my preferences.
Read more at [url]http://insidehoops.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=8576029#Sg7VCbYRaTBAJzKp.99[/url] [/QUOTE]

Miami is a must visit, and long stay for me simply because of the Heat. Want to be able to at least see the big 3 play live. Glad my trip coincides with a decent time for the Heat and not like it was back in 08... :oldlol:

New Orleans sounds nice then from what you and niko say. I'm a tourist so I won't be straying too far from the typical stuff. I think the Orlando thing is simply for theme parks, since my friends and I are all in our early to mid 20's. :oldlol:
Plus the women in Orlando and Miami are more suited to my taste. :lol

Austin over Houston? Fair enough. I probably won't have time to see all of Texas, as much as I'd want to, so I want to have the best experience possible there. Would like to see the input of other posters too in terms of Dallas, Austin and Houston.

[QUOTE=plowking]Thanks, I completely forgot about Montreal, and the original plan was to actually do a road trip down the east coast. The Vancouver visit it simply to see a friend more than anything, but I would have visited anyway. Have heard good things.
You live in Montreal macmac? I think I remember talking to you about coming up there and gambling at one point.



Miami is a must visit, and long stay for me simply because of the Heat. Want to be able to at least see the big 3 play live. Glad my trip coincides with a decent time for the Heat and not like it was back in 08... :oldlol:

New Orleans sounds nice then from what you and niko say. I'm a tourist so I won't be straying too far from the typical stuff. I think the Orlando thing is simply for theme parks, since my friends and I are all in our early to mid 20's. :oldlol:
Plus the women in Orlando and Miami are more suited to my taste. :lol

Austin over Houston? Fair enough. I probably won't have time to see all of Texas, as much as I'd want to, so I want to have the best experience possible there. Would like to see the input of other posters too in terms of Dallas, Austin and Houston.[/QUOTE]

Unless you are going to a special big game you don't need to get Heat tickets in advance, stubhub it a week or so before with pick up at game if possible. It's cheaper that way.

I went to New Orleans 2 years ago and stayed with friends. Went to get some sandwiches and got lost on way back. Pulled to the curb to set the GPS to get me back. Was parked next to an abandoned apartment building. All of a sudden i look and EVERY window has eyes looking out. Seriously, like a freaking horror movie. Then you see hands pushing at the boards to open them. LIKE WTF.....just left out of there. Just ****ing ridiculous. It's the post Katrina that made it worse, essentially the areas that got hit by floods have stayed abandoned.

I spent a week in Arizona last month. Amazing place. Spent time in Scottsdale, Sedona and the Grand Canyon. I was in awe the whole time. Definitely worth a trip.

I'm an East Coast guy so my fave cities are Portland, Maine, Boston, NYC, Washington DC, Charleston, Atlanta, Gulf coast of Florida and the Keys. New Orleans is great but like people have said you gotta be careful, especially at night.

What time of year are you going? Summers in South Florida, Louisiana, Texas, etc. can be unbearably hot and muggy.

[QUOTE=niko]Unless you are going to a special big game you don't need to get Heat tickets in advance, stubhub it a week or so before with pick up at game if possible. It's cheaper that way.

I went to New Orleans 2 years ago and stayed with friends. Went to get some sandwiches and got lost on way back. Pulled to the curb to set the GPS to get me back. Was parked next to an abandoned apartment building. All of a sudden i look and EVERY window has eyes looking out. Seriously, like a freaking horror movie. Then you see hands pushing at the boards to open them. LIKE WTF.....just left out of there. Just ****ing ridiculous. It's the post Katrina that made it worse, essentially the areas that got hit by floods have stayed abandoned.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I'm just keen for a game. I really don't care what. The quieter it is the better since I'll be looking for decent seats.

Hmm that does sound freaky. :oldlol:

Orlando amusement parks huh? As someone who has been to each 20+ times:

You will enjoy Universal Studios a lot more as 20 year olds than Disney.

1) Islands of Adventures: for roller coasters
2) Universal Studios: for Harry Potter land and other decent rides

3) Animal Kingdom: my favorite Disney park. I love animals though.
4) Magic Kingdom: best rides of the Disney parks
5) Epcot: 2 good rides, nice culture exhibits
6) Hollywood Studios: Meh...

Sea World is one of my favorite parks as well and has my favorite roller coaster in Orlando. Go to Wet N' Wild for water parks. Disney water parks are meh. For Dining around amusement park area, hit up the Rainforest Cafe. Decent food but a really cool environment imo.

Univeral Citywalk is nice for bars and late night stuff. I honestly have only been there once since it is more touristy stuff but it gets great reviews. And whats better after a crazy day at Universal then stepping right outside into a nice bar?

If you drive down south, go to Bush Gardens as well. That rivals Islands of Adventure for the best park in Florida. Fantastic roller coasters. Great animal exhibits too.

EDIT: And for shows, Blue Man Group is amazing as well as Cirque Du Soleil. If you are in to those type of things, definitely check one of them out.

I Gotta Get In On A Leg Of This Voyage Bro!!

Plow, we should kidnap Macmac and Rufus so that they can get away from poker tables and disgusting mouths and relive their youth. since they are old as shit. I think it will earn their hearts.

[QUOTE=Just2McFly]Plow, we should kidnap Macmac and Rufus so that they can get away from poker tables and disgusting mouths and relive their youth. since they are old as shit. I think it will earn their hearts.[/QUOTE]


I'm so old one night of partying would probably kill me. Then it would be like Weekend At Bernie's.

[QUOTE=Just2McFly]I Gotta Get In On A Leg Of This Voyage Bro!![/QUOTE]

Yes sir!

[QUOTE]Plow, we should kidnap Macmac and Rufus so that they can get away from poker tables and disgusting mouths and relive their youth. since they are old as shit. I think it will earn their hearts.
[/QUOTE]

Absolutely. Plus they're both loaded. Get them to cover some expenses.

You should go to Detroit. It is customary to wear completely blue if the natives there wear all red. This is a sign of respect and an indication you are a visitor. You will get many hugs and kisses because you are paying respect to their tradition.

When you're out west try to get to some national parks. Grand Canyon, Red Wood forest, Petrified Forest, Joshua Tree, etc are all really cool.

[QUOTE=Jailblazers7]When you're out west try to get to some national parks. Grand Canyon, Red Wood forest, Petrified Forest, Joshua Tree, etc are all really cool.[/QUOTE]

Joshua's Tree?

Oh the tall, white tree with a stub that looks like a huge schlong? I saw that one. Still not as impressive as Tyrone's Tree.

[QUOTE=Just2McFly]Plow, we should kidnap Macmac and Rufus so that they can get away from poker tables and disgusting mouths and relive their youth. since they are old as shit. I think it will earn their hearts.[/QUOTE]

Hey if I had my walking cane on me you would catch a whooping, son.

I've always put a hand out for Ishers that wanna chill in my city. Northern hospitality, I love and know the city like the back of my hand

[QUOTE=IamRAMBO24]You should go to Detroit. It is customary to wear completely blue if the natives there wear all red. This is a sign of respect and an indication you are a visitor. You will get many hugs and kisses because you are paying respect to their tradition.[/QUOTE]I was actually going to suggest Detroit, simply for the street cred. Downtown Detroit is actually a pretty normal place where one can go to a Tigers, Red Wings, or Lions game and have a pretty normal night out thereafter. So for out-of-towners it's kind of low risk, high reward. Normal and fun night out, the ability to say you went to Detroit and survived.

I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention the hundreds of miles of fresh water beauty along the coast of Lake Michigan.

[QUOTE=Rake2204]I was actually going to suggest Detroit, simply for the street cred. Downtown Detroit is actually a pretty normal place where one can go to a Tigers, Red Wings, or Lions game and have a pretty normal night out thereafter. So for out-of-towners it's kind of low risk, high reward. Normal and fun night out, the ability to say you went to Detroit and survived.

I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention the hundreds of miles of fresh water beauty along the coast of Lake Michigan.[/QUOTE]

Who would fly to the US with the choice of every city and go to Detroit. Because there's a bunch of places (that you wouldn't go to) that resemble war zones? That sounds terrible.

[QUOTE=Rake2204]I was actually going to suggest Detroit, simply for the street cred. Downtown Detroit is actually a pretty normal place where one can go to a Tigers, Red Wings, or Lions game and have a pretty normal night out thereafter. So for out-of-towners it's kind of low risk, high reward. Normal and fun night out, the ability to say you went to Detroit and survived.
[/QUOTE]


True. Comerica park is a great place to see a game. The Tigers are really good this year too.

It's sad that I've been to nearly all 50 states, seen most of the attractions, yet have lived in Arizona all my life and never seen the Grand Canyon. :lol

Heard it is amazing, though. Arizona has a ton of natural beauty, but you'd probably want to plan a more extended trip here to really take a lot of it in.

OP: [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbhGEr-zmZQ[/url]

[QUOTE=PHX_Phan]It's sad that I've been to nearly all 50 states, seen most of the attractions, yet have lived in Arizona all my life and never seen the Grand Canyon. :lol

Heard it is amazing, though. Arizona has a ton of natural beauty, but you'd probably want to plan a more extended trip here to really take a lot of it in.[/QUOTE]

I was impressed with the sheer diversity of the state: desert, high plains, dense forests, mountains, etc. And yes you should take a drive up to the GC. Breathtaking doesn't even begin to describe it.

[QUOTE=niko]Who would fly to the US with the choice of every city and go to Detroit. Because there's a bunch of places (that you wouldn't go to) that resemble war zones? That sounds terrible.[/QUOTE]Oh yeah. I couldn't recommend Detroit as a #1 attraction over many of the other cities mentioned. But as a Michigan resident, I felt it was worth giving my state a mention.

And I apologize, but I didn't understand your second sentence. Are you saying Detroit resembles a war zone? Because what I was trying to say is that for as bad of a rap Detroit seems to get, there's actually a lot of great areas both downtown and metro. One could definitely carve out a Michigan adventure with a visit to the great lakes, perhaps a stop in Ann Arbor, and a Tiger game downtown followed by a comfortable nightlife at whatever may be your fancy (Greektown, casinos, Cheli's, Fox Theatre, etc.).

Again, I'm not claiming Detroit to be a #1 tourist attraction, but I certainly don't feel someone should be scared away by its reputation. The region actually has a ton to offer. It's honestly not all rubble and ruin porn like people like to suggest. So if someone was looking for an underdog USA locale, that's why I threw Detroit into the mix.

[img]http://media.expedia.com/hotels/1000000/10000/7500/7472/7472_206_b.jpg[/img]

[img]http://cbsdetroit.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/detroit-campus-martius-christmas.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.fancymag.com/images/coneyisland01.jpg[/img]

[img]http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_luoj7sPvh11qbyoaio1_500.jpg[/img]

As for other parts of Michigan, a lot of natural beauty to behold:

[img]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6191/6069436402_97d632db93_z.jpg[/img]

[QUOTE=ProfessorMurder]Yeah Arizona is amazing, especially for backpacking and hiking... [B]But I'm assuming Plowking is going later this summer, which is the worst possible time to be in Arizona. Unless you like 115 degree weather.[/B]


Late suggestion:

[URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDGDgc1qNCA"]Wayne and Garth promoting Delaware.[/URL][/QUOTE]

Very good point. I guess I'm so used to it, it doesn't really occur to me that some others find that shit unbearable. :oldlol:

[QUOTE=PHX_Phan]It's sad that I've been to nearly all 50 states, seen most of the attractions, yet have lived in Arizona all my life and never seen the Grand Canyon. :lol

Heard it is amazing, though. Arizona has a ton of natural beauty, but you'd probably want to plan a more extended trip here to really take a lot of it in.[/QUOTE]

Do you find a lot of Canadians where you are at? I've know several people that have property down there since it's relatively cheap and the weathers nice.

No, keep out. We're full to bandwagon capacity with all these Filipino Kobe/LeBron stans.

[QUOTE=Kungfro]Do you find a lot of Canadians where you are at? I've know several people that have property down there since it's relatively cheap and the weathers nice.[/QUOTE]

There are a lot of Canadians that roll in with the snowbirds around winter time.

I prefer them to the old people who increase our traffic accident rates. Delivering in areas that attract a lot of snowbirds is a death wish. You'd think people who are accustomed to driving on snow could manage pretty well on dry asphalt.

Every Aussie I've met here absolutely loves Austin and have enjoyed Houston and Dallas as well.

But they especially love Austin. So check that out.

There are direct flights from Sydney to Dallas and then direct flights from Dallas to Brisbane so maybe you can work something out like that where you start and end your american journey in Texas.

I've been all over america. I'll elaborate more later.

[QUOTE=Rake2204]Oh yeah. I couldn't recommend Detroit as a #1 attraction over many of the other cities mentioned. But as a Michigan resident, I felt it was worth giving my state a mention.

And I apologize, but I didn't understand your second sentence. Are you saying Detroit resembles a war zone? Because what I was trying to say is that for as bad of a rap Detroit seems to get, there's actually a lot of great areas both downtown and metro. One could definitely carve out a Michigan adventure with a visit to the great lakes, perhaps a stop in Ann Arbor, and a Tiger game downtown followed by a comfortable nightlife at whatever may be your fancy (Greektown, casinos, Cheli's, Fox Theatre, etc.).

Again, I'm not claiming Detroit to be a #1 tourist attraction, but I certainly don't feel someone should be scared away by its reputation. The region actually has a ton to offer. It's honestly not all rubble and ruin porn like people like to suggest. So if someone was looking for an underdog USA locale, that's why I threw Detroit into the mix.

[img]http://media.expedia.com/hotels/1000000/10000/7500/7472/7472_206_b.jpg[/img]

[img]http://cbsdetroit.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/detroit-campus-martius-christmas.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.fancymag.com/images/coneyisland01.jpg[/img]

[img]http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_luoj7sPvh11qbyoaio1_500.jpg[/img]

As for other parts of Michigan, a lot of natural beauty to behold:

[img]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6191/6069436402_97d632db93_z.jpg[/img][/QUOTE]

Not detroit as a whole, some areas. There are specific neighborhoods that are the reason the city gets a bad rap, like any bad city. Orlando has neighborhoods that are terribly dangerous. D.C. too.

My point was you said to go to Detroit so you could wear as a badge of honor you went to a dangerous city. Didn't seem fun to me or remotely necessary.

[QUOTE=niko]Not detroit as a whole, some areas. There are specific neighborhoods that are the reason the city gets a bad rap, like any bad city. Orlando has neighborhoods that are terribly dangerous. D.C. too.

My point was you said to go to Detroit so you could wear as a badge of honor you went to a dangerous city. Didn't seem fun to me or remotely necessary.[/QUOTE]Ah, I understand now. The honor portion was tongue-in-cheek to lightheartedly defend the mere mention of Detroit. Tongue-in-cheekness sometimes does not come through well on a keyboard.

^^ not sure why you are arguing for your state, people who insult Detroit are not worth arguing against. Although Detroit has fallen the last 50 years, it has tons of history and monuments.

Not sure why OP wants to visit the mid-west this time of the year, but you are making a mistake not going to SD when it's only a two-hour drive down the I-5 from LA.

[QUOTE=PHX_Phan]Very good point. I guess I'm so used to it, it doesn't really occur to me that some others find that shit unbearable. :oldlol:[/QUOTE]

60 minutes from Phoenix and you're in the mountains with beautiful weather in the summer. Much more scenic as well.

Sedona, Flagstaff, White Mountains. etc

Might I also suggest the Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater area, though Miami probably is the better place to party and have a good time (not that TB is bad), but def. not the better city overall.

Wow, thanks for all the replies guys.

I might actually see what Arizona has to offer after several favorable replies about it, since I will be visiting around New Years time, hence weather shouldn't be too much of a problem. Austin definitely seems to be getting more love than Houston, and from the little reading I've done last night, it seems to be favored.

As for the Jersey part of the trip, its simply for family. As is San Fran, though that is a highly recommended place anyway.

[QUOTE=mlh1981]Might I also suggest the Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater area, though Miami probably is the better place to party and have a good time (not that TB is bad), but def. not the better city overall.[/QUOTE]

I have heard good things about Tampa, though is it much like Miami? Just a beachy type of town?

[QUOTE=plowking]I'll be too busy trying to work my Aussie accent on non stripper girls. Hopefully its a hit.[/QUOTE]
Seriously dude, i'm ugly as all hell and the accent works bloody wonders on starting up conversations with people.

Also worked in talking down a dude who was going spastic at the hotel I was staying at.