Travel : United States

[LOLMum]

thanks, will check it out.

[parent_in_west]

It will be very cold in NY in Dec. There are nice museums in NY if you are into museums… Try to watch a Cirque du soleil show in Las Vegas. Book in advance as some shows are popular. I think it is worth the experience.

[thebusybee]

megatron:

Hi all, I will be spending my Dec holidays with my kids (3 and 6) and probably MIL in California as hubby is stationed there (near to LA)

We will be there for about 3 weeks.

I will be spending a few days in Disneyland, probably 2 nights in Las Vegas. Will be skipping SF since was there 10 years back and did not really enjoy it.
I would also like to visit some areas where I can experience snow? Any suggestions?
Lake Tahoe? or should I go to Whistler, Canada? Or any other suggestions?
Lake Tahoe does not seem to be accessible, probably need to drive 8 hours it seems.

I also thought of flying to NY or Orlando for probably a week. Not sure if this is too ambitious

Just got back from 3 weeks LA,SF,LV and a few NParks road trip, we are overwhelmed and exhausted by the many different scenes, with 4yo DS, MIL and both of us. Hubby drove 6000+km, now all still adjusting to sg time.

We drove past Dixie National Forest on the way back to LV from the canyon lands (monument valley, Bryce Canyon.. On scenic byway 95 and 12) bumped into surprises as it was snowing at the top of a few summits.

You can consider visit Brian Head Ski Resort near to Cedar City as we saw thick snow last week, too bad it was dark at night when we drove past, i trust it's beautiful as along the way, both sides of the road were covered with snow. From Las Vegas, take highway 15 to Cedar City, slightly over 300km To reach the resort, will take 2 hrs plus to drive. If you like the nature, drive another 100km+ to see the Bryce Canyon on scenic route. Bryce is different from Grand Canyon, we only managed to catch the last glimpse as we reached there after 6pm and it was getting dark.

For young kids, it is wise to provide them with entertainment while driving. I had mil with my son at the back seats, to accompany him and entertained with iPad and potato chips! Overall, he did well for the trip, but all too tired to continue our 2nd leg in China, which is supposed to be another 3 weeks!

I will be glad to provide you with more infos if you need.

Happy planning!

[dolphinsiah]

:udawoman:


Wow sound so fun....Your husband drove 6000km ...which means from Singapore to Taiwan??-the distance of flying a plane..... :imcool:

My questions for you...KPO a bit if you do not mind
a)too spend 3 weeks in USA , how much did it cost for all of you...exclude airtickets
As a tourist how many weeks are we allow to stay in USA....

b)SFO is in earthquake zone, so did you happen to feel any trembles....

c)USA now economic is down, do the citizens feel the impact...or life as usual for American?

d)Steve Jobs passed away , was it a big commotion is USA???

e)I envy ...how can you manage to have such a long holidays....husband must be high earners....you are a very lucky and blessed woman

[thebusybee]

dolphinsiah:

:udawoman:


Wow sound so fun....Your husband drove 6000km ...which means from Singapore to Taiwan??-the distance of flying a plane..... :imcool:

Thank you! Haha DH loves to drive, but this time round really too much. He'd been to the similar route 2 times before we got married, this time meant to bring his wifey & son there.

My questions for you...KPO a bit if you do not mind

a)too spend 3 weeks in USA , how much did it cost for all of you...exclude airtickets

-We got cheap tix for 4 pax at s$4500. China Eastern
-Rented mini van -Chrysler Town & Country ard US$500 for 3 weeks.
-Motel avg USD70 (2x queen bed), couple of days we slept in van, 1 day free camp ground, picked fallen woods from the forest to burn to keep warm. (great experience!)
-food ard USD50 per day, bought bread n butter for BF, few motels provide simple BF. Generally food portion is big (except fast food chains), we normally ordered 2 mains to share. The Chinese food is great! You can find many Chinese restaurants, even in country side, with HK standard.
-din really calculate the total spending, maybe between s$10-12k incl. air tix. (exclude extras like Disney,Universal Studio tickets & shopping)

As a tourist how many weeks are we allow to stay in USA....

90 days. For s'porean, you have to apply ESTA online before going.

b)SFO is in earthquake zone, so did you happen to feel any trembles....

The earthquake happened after we got back.

c)USA now economic is down, do the citizens feel the impact...or life as usual for American?

Saw many homeless people in big cities. Food and lodging considered cheap, as we eat simple food and stayed in average accommodations. Comments from DH is that general Americans are more humble and friendly as compared to his last trip 20 yrs ago. We met many friendly service staffs, even in remote country sides in Utah. I guess the 911 incident made them changed their attitudes, esp towards Asians.

d)Steve Jobs passed away , was it a big commotion is USA???

We were too tired to turn on the tv, so din notice much. But very impressed with the Apple Store in SFO. It is crowded with many friendly staffs, many providing one-to-one coaching with the elderly Apple users.

e)I envy ...how can you manage to have such a long holidays....husband must be high earners....you are a very lucky and blessed woman

We worked kinda hard together. Right now in between jobs lah. Shop under-going renovation, so decided to prolong the holiday, haha.

We are not high earners, but love to see the nature, which is free!

[Lenny08]

Hi thebusybee,


Greetings from LA.Am on holidays with my family here in US for two weeks.

Thanks for the info on snow.

Just wanna check with you, is there any great premium factory outlet in LV?We just went to one in desert hill.


Thanks.


Rgds
Lenny

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dolphinsiah:

:udawoman:

Wow sound so fun....Your husband drove 6000km ...which means from Singapore to Taiwan??-the distance of flying a plane..... :imcool:

Thank you! Haha DH loves to drive, but this time round really too much. He'd been to the similar route 2 times before we got married, this time meant to bring his wifey & son there.

My questions for you...KPO a bit if you do not mind

a)too spend 3 weeks in USA , how much did it cost for all of you...exclude airtickets

-We got cheap tix for 4 pax at s$4500. China Eastern
-Rented mini van -Chrysler Town & Country ard US$500 for 3 weeks.
-Motel avg USD70 (2x queen bed), couple of days we slept in van, 1 day free camp ground, picked fallen woods from the forest to burn to keep warm. (great experience!)
-food ard USD50 per day, bought bread n butter for BF, few motels provide simple BF. Generally food portion is big (except fast food chains), we normally ordered 2 mains to share. The Chinese food is great! You can find many Chinese restaurants, even in country side, with HK standard.
-din really calculate the total spending, maybe between s$10-12k incl. air tix. (exclude extras like Disney,Universal Studio tickets & shopping)

As a tourist how many weeks are we allow to stay in USA....

90 days. For s'porean, you have to apply ESTA online before going.

b)SFO is in earthquake zone, so did you happen to feel any trembles....

The earthquake happened after we got back.

c)USA now economic is down, do the citizens feel the impact...or life as usual for American?

Saw many homeless people in big cities. Food and lodging considered cheap, as we eat simple food and stayed in average accommodations. Comments from DH is that general Americans are more humble and friendly as compared to his last trip 20 yrs ago. We met many friendly service staffs, even in remote country sides in Utah. I guess the 911 incident made them changed their attitudes, esp towards Asians.

d)Steve Jobs passed away , was it a big commotion is USA???

We were too tired to turn on the tv, so din notice much. But very impressed with the Apple Store in SFO. It is crowded with many friendly staffs, many providing one-to-one coaching with the elderly Apple users.

e)I envy ...how can you manage to have such a long holidays....husband must be high earners....you are a very lucky and blessed woman

We worked kinda hard together. Right now in between jobs lah. Shop under-going renovation, so decided to prolong the holiday, haha.

We are not high earners, but love to see the nature, which is free![/quote]

[thebusybee]

Hi Lenny

DH heard from someone there’s premium outlet in LV, but the locals directed us to Charleston outlet on Charleston St, it has mixed brands, super cheap, most under 5. Mostly factory rejects and 2nd hand goods.

You can head to Barstow on highway 15, from LA-LV or vice versa. Many brands like Coach, Skeches, Gap, Old Navy, Polo Ralph, Guess… We went at 8pm at Tanger Outlets, which is the closing time so din check out the prices.

tips Disney - i din pay the 2 days tix for my just turned 4 DS who is 42in. Told the ticket agent that he’s not yet 3 & din bring ID, she took a glance and said it’s ok, so I saved 146. Most part of California Adventure is under construction for new ‘Cars’ section, suggest you visit Disneyland instead if short of time, as it’s much bigger than CA.

Have fun!!

[Lenny08]

Hi thebusybee,


Thanks for the info.Did u go to charleston street?How was your shopping there?

Hey, the car we rented is the same as yours.Does yours come with the TV as well?which rental company u got it from?

We will be heading to grand canyon tomolo.

Cheers,
Lenny

thebusybee:

Hi Lenny
DH heard from someone there's premium outlet in LV, but the locals directed us to Charleston outlet on Charleston St, it has mixed brands, super cheap, most under 5. Mostly factory rejects and 2nd hand goods.

You can head to Barstow on highway 15, from LA-LV or vice versa. Many brands like Coach, Skeches, Gap, Old Navy, Polo Ralph, Guess... We went at 8pm at Tanger Outlets, which is the closing time so din check out the prices.

**tips** Disney - i din pay the 2 days tix for my just turned 4 DS who is 42in. Told the ticket agent that he's not yet 3 & din bring ID, she took a glance and said it's ok, so I saved 146. Most part of California Adventure is under construction for new 'Cars' section, suggest you visit Disneyland instead if short of time, as it's much bigger than CA.

Have fun!!

[Lenny08]

Hi thebusybee,


Thanks for the tip on disneyland.we went there two days ago.ds was too big to be seen as below 3 years old.

Disneyland is quite a disappointment compared to ten years ago when i brought my dd there.
I think and i hope this will be the last time I go.Disneyland supp to be a happy place but now i feel otherwise.Its a place that u pay to line up and the crowds are getting more hostile too...maybe that was my experience.But, this is sure the worst, after i have been to diff disneyland for the fourth time, LA being the repeated one.

Cheers,
Lenny

Cheers,
Lenny

thebusybee:

Hi Lenny
DH heard from someone there's premium outlet in LV, but the locals directed us to Charleston outlet on Charleston St, it has mixed brands, super cheap, most under 5. Mostly factory rejects and 2nd hand goods.

You can head to Barstow on highway 15, from LA-LV or vice versa. Many brands like Coach, Skeches, Gap, Old Navy, Polo Ralph, Guess... We went at 8pm at Tanger Outlets, which is the closing time so din check out the prices.

**tips** Disney - i din pay the 2 days tix for my just turned 4 DS who is 42in. Told the ticket agent that he's not yet 3 & din bring ID, she took a glance and said it's ok, so I saved 146. Most part of California Adventure is under construction for new 'Cars' section, suggest you visit Disneyland instead if short of time, as it's much bigger than CA.

Have fun!!

[thebusybee]

Lenny08:

Hi thebusybee,


Thanks for the info.Did u go to charleston street?How was your shopping there?

Hey, the car we rented is the same as yours.Does yours come with the TV as well?which rental company u got it from?

We will be heading to grand canyon tomolo.

Cheers,
Lenny

Hi Lenny,

Yes we went Charleston outlet but the items are kinda old and gotta dig thru piles of clothes to search for the branded ones. I think it's better you spend whole day at Barstow.

We rent the Town&Country from Alamo, near LAX, very convenient with the free shuttle to and fro. Just got the CC bill, total 21 days S$630. DH very confident with his driving, as he's careful and experienced 'road-tripper', so did not pay for extra insurance/ collision waiver which is at 14+USD per day.

Grand Canyon is nice but the day we were there it was raining with strong wind, very cold. Certain part (west side from Bright Angel to Hermits Rest) only accessible by the shuttle bus. There are only 3 stops East bound, so it's better to drop at every point on the west bound, view the scenery and wait for next bus.

If you pass by Saligman otw to Grand Canyon, this town is worth a visit as it's one of the towns along Route66, i.e. the movie Cars' Radiator Spring.
This German tourist told us the J&R Mini Mart & Cafe sells nice food. http://i55.tinypic.com/s1rygo.jpg\">

While exiting the town, we saw a rainbow after the rain, very pretty with the setting sunlight. So lucky for us as we exit to this town to pump gas, without knowing its history.
http://i51.tinypic.com/wunwbd.jpg\">