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Raileurope.com: See Europe by train
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Old 07-25-2006, 02:53 AM   #1
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Hello, long-time lurker, first time subscriber (although I have a feeling I used to have an account, but I don't remember it...).

I'm Stephanie from Sydney, Australia. 22 y/o. Just finished university. Currently working full time but need a break.

So, my parents told me last night that they're going to the USA to visit my grandpa this November. They told me I can come along, but they're booking their tickets tomorrow. They've left me enough time to clear it with my boss and to actually decide whether I want to. Unfortunately all of my friends cannot save money (spent on rent / students / unemployed). I only really know one person in the USA (besides family) and am unsure of whether she'll be home or if she'll be in Croatia still (that is, if she decides to go).

This would be my 3rd time overseas, 1st time over the age of 10!

My dilemmas are:
1. Friends and I planned on Europe 07. Taking a trip to USA = my savings will diminish (although dad will pay for my return plane fare).
2. I don't want to stay with family for the whole trip. I'm absolutely terrified of travelling by myself. Any suggestions of budget-but-not-tacky tours I can do to meet people?
3. WHERE THE HECK AM I GOING TO GO? I will definately start in Washington DC, and provided my friend hasn't gone on her own trip, New York. Any suggestions would be awesome.

I would LOVE to do the following: find an awesome tattoo studio; see some awesome bands for (are the get up kids planning on doing a reunion show yet?); visit art museums.

Should I be posting all this to another part of the forum???
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Old 07-25-2006, 07:00 AM   #2
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3. WHERE THE HECK AM I GOING TO GO? I will definately start in Washington DC, and provided my friend hasn't gone on her own trip, New York. Any suggestions would be awesome.
There are tons of places to visit on the East Coast, especially if you are already planning on going to D.C. Just heading north you can hit Baltimore (fun day trip), Philadelphia (easily spend 2 days here - it's where i live!), New York (as many days as you want), head further north to Boston, another great city.

Or forget the east coast and head west across the country.

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2. I don't want to stay with family for the whole trip. I'm absolutely terrified of travelling by myself. Any suggestions of budget-but-not-tacky tours I can do to meet people?
One of my best friends from college is a tour operator for some company here in the U.S., basically they just do bus tours all over our fine country here. It's a pretty good deal because we don't have the cheap rail system or hostels that Europe and most of the rest of the world has. We have Motel 6 and Greyhound. There are some trains sure, but its not as ubiquitous as the rest of the world.

I just emailed my friend, as soon as she pulls in somewhere with email and a free minute she'll send me some info and i'll post it here for you.

And finally, i would let you crash at my place, couchsurfer style, but my fiance isn't really down with the backpacker mentality (sad, i know, trying to change that) and letting a nice young girl from Australia sleep over probably won't go over so well.

Let us know what you decide and welcome to the boards!

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Old 07-25-2006, 08:48 AM   #3
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Welcome to the boards Stephanie! If your looking for good live music, New York can certainly fit the bill - you can check out the legendary CBGBs in Greenwich Village before they move locations later this year. Boston also has a pretty good local scene. Once you finalize your itinerary, post it up and I am sure people can give you some more specific recommendations.

Also, coming from Australia you will quite likely transit through a west coast U.S. airport, either San Francisco or Los Angeles on your way to the east coast (DC, NYC, etc.). You might want to take a few days in either SF or LA to check out the west coast. Both have a lot to offer.
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Old 07-25-2006, 10:52 AM   #4
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And always check for hostel availability. I know New York, DC, LA, New Orleans, Atlanta, and many others do have them, just not as many as most other cities.

Travelling alone and staying in hostels is great. As a young Aussie girl with the accent in america you will have no trouble meeting people. Just hit a bar and I PROMISE someone will chat with you. Contrary to popular belief we can be a friendly bunch, especially in the south.

I say go for it!

Foo

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Old 07-25-2006, 04:10 PM   #5
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Hey Stephanie! I agree with Foo. Americans can be really nice. And we are all accent junkies so you'll make friends in seconds. (shallow aren't we...lol) :D

Anyway I don't know much about the East Coast. I've been to D.C. once and really loved it. There is so much to do! But there is also a lot on the West Coast! If for some reason you find yourself in Oklahoma hit me up and you can crash on my couch...
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Old 07-25-2006, 04:12 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally posted by mbo108@Jul 25 2006, 09:00 AM
Philadelphia (easily spend 2 days here - it's where i live
[snapback]132338[/snapback]
Ever heard of G Love and Special Sauce?
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Old 07-25-2006, 04:38 PM   #7
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Get thee to the west coast. It's far better than any other part of the country
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Old 07-25-2006, 05:02 PM   #8
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OK, i'm going to go against the flow here and probably offend 90% of the board members, but if i had to choose between Europe and America i would choose to go to Europe. I've spoken to quite a few people that have backpacked America and they all said that the backpacking scene isn't the greatest over there. I see it more as a place to go and work or study abroad for a while, rather than a backpacking place.

Sorry if i offended anyone, it was not my intention, this is just my opinion.
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Old 07-25-2006, 05:12 PM   #9
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You didn't offend me. I agree. We don't have the resources that Europe has, such as trains, cheap airfare, and in general public transport.

Plus we are huge. I definitly recommend coming to America, maybe even a few times and trying different places because contrary to what some people think we have a varity of culture. It just isn't old culture, like Europe.

But if you are saving for Europe, 2007 isn't far. Maybe go to Europe and when you get back go to school here or try to intern or volunteer here. In my own opinion living here for a period and travling around might be better than backpacking America. Though it can be done.
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Old 07-25-2006, 10:28 PM   #10
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Ehhh, the US Army is invading your convict-ridden country next, Farmboy

Just kidding. I'd recommend Europe over the US any ol' day. Hence why I'd like to move there. The US isn't without merit - there's a lot of amazing stuff to see - but it is a royal bitch to get around, especially on a budget.
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Old 07-26-2006, 01:37 AM   #11
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Firstly, thanks to everyone's replies... WOW is all I have to say...

Secondly, Dad is paying for the trip (my dad has NEVER been this generous before in his life...) so that is my huge incentive to go. As long as I fly home with them, I don't pay for flights or (most of my) accommodation. All I need is spending and a bit of living money. Right?

I figure I can save enough for Europe anyway between now and when I want to go. I'm good at saving if I have to... and if not... hello credit card!

Thirdly, to avoid any more arguments I just agreed to whatever flights my dad wanted me to go on.
It is so far:
Nov 18th depart Syd arrive Washington DC
(insert New York trip here plus everything East Coast related)
December 4th depart DC arrive San Fran (I'm wayyy excited about this one - my only memories of SF was the way the mountains looked like a painting and also the opening sequence of Full House
December 10th depart San Fran arrive Sydney 12th

Now, I considered Contiki-type tours but none fit in my schedule...
I'd love to do the west-coast thing while I'm in SF...
Las Vegas, LA, San Diego...

So anyone in those areas let me know and take me to cool places!!!! Although I'm thankful for the kind couch offers, I'll be staying in hostels for the parts where I don't have relatives to stay with. So just some company would be nice and you know that the favour will be returned if you ever want to come to the land down under!!!!!!

If any of you kind folk are looking to help out a poor girl who doesn't know what she is doing, the easiest way to contact me is prob myspace (username: cattlikewoah) - send me a message with travelpunk so I know you aren't some weirdo trying to add me (completely) randomly.

Thanks again!!!
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Old 07-26-2006, 06:23 AM   #12
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COME DOWN HERE TO FLORIDA!!! You can come visit us Americans here in Florida and enjoy the (nice) sun and the ocean...but if thats not enough, feel free to go to Orlando and visit the only Universal in world...I think its the only one anyways :P. Unless you are going on a vacation to learn about the US...then I dont suggest Florida...its more for relaxing :P.

OH! OH OH! I got an idea...you can go down to Key West Florida and swim with dolphins :P...yeah! And if you liek geting drunk, then Key West is for you!
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Old 07-26-2006, 08:02 AM   #13
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I think you'll have a great time seeing both coasts of the states especially since you dont have to pay for your flights!!

From a Canadian point of view I've visited both including Boston, Philly, New York, Seattle, L.A......no San Fran, but I have friends in LA and they say San Fran is twice the place. I find traveling the states for most people ends up being more of a city to city tripr ather than exploring the country, which is sad because they have so much to offer it's just that theres almost to much to cover. Either way you will definetely have a blast just hanging out at some of those cities.

Don't know if you know where your staying but I crashed at Chelsea International Hostel in Manhattan (new york) and it was full of great people, after a a week or two we had nearly twenty people going out to the bars together and killing days hanging out so you should have no problem meeting people. Oh....and I'm still not sure but I think its the gay district because there was some pretty funny leather short shorts guys were sporting at 4 in the morning, but we still found it safe.

Also its probably worth going to Vegas for a few nights, even though it is about the tackiest place on earth. Just be ready to have a good time...its not a place where you go to backpack and save money, what I mean is if you go you've gotta do it right and spend a little cash.

Hope you have a good time...enjoy the states!!
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Old 07-26-2006, 09:58 AM   #14
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Yeah, that's the one where my friend works, Contiki tours...i just got her schedule for the next couple months but since you said you weren't doing it, i won't bother posting it...

If you wanna get a drink in Philadelphia, see some sites, whatever, let me know. Just message me on here or email me at matthew.oconnor@comcast.net


That goes for the rest of you punks in the Iladelph as well.
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Old 07-26-2006, 11:03 AM   #15
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I'll be glad to show you around San Francisco - I actually live 4 blocks from the Full House house.
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Old 07-27-2006, 12:23 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally posted by omisan@Jul 27 2006, 04:03 AM
I'll be glad to show you around San Francisco - I actually live 4 blocks from the Full House house.
[snapback]132461[/snapback]
OMG! THAT IS THE BEST NEWS EVER.
It's more exciting than visiting "Ramsay Street" in Melbourne (for all you Neighbours fans)!!!

If you can take me to the house where the Tanners "lived" then I would be forever in debt to you!!!

famguylvr12, I would LOVE to go to Florida and I think I may *try* to go, considering I've just extended my time in the east coast by 2 days (I'm now leaving Sydney THU 16th so that I have the weekend in NY). How long does it take to get to Florida from Washington DC and tell me, is there REALLY a Kokomo???

mbo108 - how far is Philly from DC? I may take you up on that offer I'm peeved that I cannot do a Contiki-type tour. It just means I'll be relying heavily on my accent to make friends!
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Old 07-27-2006, 09:48 AM   #17
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Quote:
If you can take me to the house where the Tanners "lived" then I would be forever in debt to you!!!
Eeeexcellent. I love people endebted to me. Smithers, prepare the papers!
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Old 07-27-2006, 10:06 AM   #18
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famguylvr12, I would LOVE to go to Florida and I think I may *try* to go, considering I've just extended my time in the east coast by 2 days (I'm now leaving Sydney THU 16th so that I have the weekend in NY). How long does it take to get to Florida from Washington DC and tell me, is there REALLY a Kokomo???

I mean no disrespect to Florida folks, because I like Florida, but if you can't make it to Florida, don't sweat it too much. I have been to the Gold Coast in Oz, and if you have been there, you have essentially been to Florida, IMHO. BTW - Kokomo I think was actually supposed to be in the Bahamas and not Florida.....yes...anyone? Wherever you go, you will have a good time - from my experience Aussies ALWAYS know how to have a good time.
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Old 07-27-2006, 10:40 AM   #19
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Correct, Kokomo is in the Bahamas... not that far from Florida, but a different beast altogheter.

And yeah, I'd agree that if you've been to the Gold Coast (and northern Queensland) you've pretty much seen Florida, though Miami is a beast unto itself. A sexy, glitzy, expensive beast.
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Old 07-27-2006, 11:55 AM   #20
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Philly is like 3-4 hours from DC based on your mode of transportation. There are a bunch of trains too. Never done it myself but everyone says its simple, takes you right into the city at 30th St Station. The Amtrak Acela line actually goes from DC all the way up to Boston in like 7 hours. Amtrak Acela - Northeast Corridor

When would you be coming again? (roughly, month/year)

Good luck with everything
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