US travel advise.

[Weird Harold]

Originally posted by Xander:
I will be heading west through Pennsylvania. to Michigan to my first stop. Big Rapids.

http://lodging.yahoo.com/

There is a state by state listing of places to stay here.

I've traveled across the USA a couple of times. The one time I went literally coast to coast (Lincoln City, OR to Bayonne, NJ) It took exactly 36 hours behing the wheel.

On more leisurely trips, I generally prefer Best Western Hotels/Motels. They aren't as expensive as Holiday Inn and have very consistent quality in their lodgings.

I used to have a directory of Best Western Hotels listing every location with the price and a map to locate it. TravelLodge, Days Inn, Motel 6, and Holiday Inn have similar free directories. All probably have websites also.

The Yahoo link should point you in the right direction. It should at least give some numbers to budget with.

 

[Xander]

Thanks WH, I'll look into it.
I need all the pointers I can get. And I really appreciate your replies.
I got a budget who says no more than 70-80$ a day for lodging. Preferable less.
I've been sleeping in some really really REALLY disgusting places here in Europe, so don't hold back.

 

[Boo]

Xander:

Thanks for trip info. Your proposed route is pretty much outside of my neck of the woods and recent travel destinations. In fact, last time I made any long auto trek in the North EAst U.S. was somewhere around the mid seventies, family vacation for the boo family. Orginating somewhere in the wild west and headed for the big apple in a decidedly crowded vw bus......"are we there yet?"

As far as general travel tips I think DCL covered all the key points. I'd add that if you are going to try the campgrounds, I prefer state park campgrounds to the privately run deals.

I'd suggest purchasing a travel guide to the North East (its okay to be a tourist when you ARE a tourist) for info on restaurants, lodging, local festivals and places of interest etc. Be careful about choosing an independent author, one who is not bound by the advertisement that pays for the publishing, in making assessments about restaurants, lodging, nightlife etc.....

**Important Note: Make sure the CD player works in your rental car....was 150 miles out of Santa Fe on route to Jackson Hole Wyoming last fall when realized that I was gonna be stuck on a very long journey with not much other to listen to than the droning monologue of my hypochondriac aunt and country and western stations on the radio.

Boo

 

[Xander]

Boo:
As long as there is a station who plays Rock occasionally, I'm happy.
If I have to listen to Country and western for 2 hrs, I'll go crazy.
Variaty is the key word here LOL

 

[Xander]

As some of you may have heard. I'm off to spending my summer vacation in the land of the free. America.

In a few months I'll be touching down in Newark Airport. And all ready to drive through the country.

However, I'm finding it quite difficult to find out about cheap motels and the such from way over here in little Denmark. The only thing they can offer from here, is hotels, with a price per night, from 200$ and up.
I ain't that rich.

I would really appreciate if any of you guys could give me a few pointers on some affordable motels and other things that may come in mind.

I'll be a stranger in a strange land. LOL

As it looks right now, I'll be travelling alone. Just me and a car. I don't mind though.
I'll be roaming the north states, and basically just let the wind lead me.
If any of you have some ideas on how i can do this, without going back broke. I would really appreciate some advise.

 

[Hecate]

How about you take me with you and we can share the cost?? Would that help?

Can't help with cheap places - sorry. But from my expereince it was just drive down the road and stop when you see a place you like - and there is always affordable places around. THat was in CA though ... but I can't recall any of the names etc.

 

[ShyGuy68]

Xander.

How about you, Hecate and I go?? I'm sure we could have fun, and it would be even cheaper if it was the 3 of us! lol

But the sad thing it, I probably won't be able to go since I'm going there next week, so I have spend my vacation money for a few months!


ShyGuy

 

[Boo]

Xander:

Woo Hoo for you getting to spend some time visiting the U.S. Would love to give you some advice about inexpensive lodging and cool places to visit but it is a rather large area ya know. Be easier to point you in the direction of reliable travel guides and drop personal words of road dog wisdom if I knew generally what areas (other than the Newark airport) you were interested in visting. So let us know whether your heading north, east (geographically, that'll be a short trip, but lots to see), west or south upon your arrival.

Boo



[This message has been edited by Boo (edited 03-30-2000).]

 

[Xander]

Okay Boo, I guess I wasen't accurate enough.

It's gonna be like this. Newark Airport. From there, I'll be heading west. Proberly through Pennsylvania. Then Michigan, Big Rapids to be exact. After that I'll be pointing my nose towards Minneapolis.

I don't think I'll be getting much further than that. I have to be back in NY no later than 20 days from starting point.

This is what I had in mind.

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

As an avowed Manhattanitte my advice is to land at Newark, take the 20 minute bus ride to New York, and spend your vacation there. But if you insist...

Your route doesn't exactly take you through the country, unless you dip down a bit more south as you go through Pennsylvania. Still, it's a nice ride.

I've driven across the country many times, and there are plenty of cheap motel options (do they have "motels" where you are? Short for Motor Hotel). Look for them along the Interstate routes, found mostly on the outskirts of the bigger cities. (If you simply want to go from Point A to Point B always take the Interstates, even if another route looks shorter on the map. Believe me, the Interstates are always faster. To find the Interstate routes pick up a road map at any local gas station.)

As I recall you can make the trip in two-three days if you do nothing but drive.

One thing you might look into is AAA, the Automobile Association of America (you must be able to find them on the Net). For a small membership charge (or a small fee if you don't want to be a member) they offer detailed maps showing motel/hotel locations, places to stop for food and gas, places of interest, all designed around the route you want to take. (They also provide free roadside assitance -- EXTREMELY valuable, and a good thing to have if you're travelling hundreds of miles.)

Another option are campgrounds. AAA can also help you find these. Many campgrounds have small cabins and showers and offer a more rustic, scenic way to get across the country.

Of course, in every mid-size to large town there is a YMCA (Young Man's Christian Association) which offers dorm style housing very cheaply.

To find a place like the YMCA in any city dial 411 on the telephone for local phone number Information.

Avoid staying in the bigger hotels located in the downtown areas of the cities and towns. They're more expensive, and there's no point in paying that kind of money to stay in a town you're just passing through.

Or, just find out where all the Literotica people live, and stay at their houses.


[This message has been edited by Dixon Carter Lee (edited 03-30-2000).]

 

[Xander]

Thanks for the advise Dixon. Triple A. I'll look into that.
To be perfectly honest, the route is planned with the purpose of seeing some of the children of Laurel. But I definately don't wanna impose on any of them.
But you'll never know.

 

[Renee]

Okay here is my first bit of advice. I live in Jersey and you said you were landing in Newark.. DON'T STAY THERE! Highest Crime Rate in America... They rated 2 in the Top 10.

Next I would have to say, I don't know anything about Denmark but as far as the States go.. New Jersey is very expensive.

Last, where were you planning on going once you touched down in Newark? Are you heading North? West? And, how long do you intend on staying here? Let me know and I will see if I can help you as far as where to stay.

 

[Xander]

Renee.
Should you ever come to my little corner of the world. I'll give you all the advise you want.
Anyway, when I land in Newark, my plan is to get the car immidiately and drive away from that area. I will return of course. But I figured I see how much time I got when I return there, I've been in that area before.

I will be heading west through Pennsylvania. to Michigan to my first stop. Big Rapids.

Oh I forgot. I'll be landing on June 9th and will be returning on June 29th.

[This message has been edited by Xander (edited 03-30-2000).]

 

[Lmj]

Xander sounds like great fun. I do not know alot about the east coast but as you are heading towards Minneapolis from Michigan you may want to follow along the shores of Lake Michigan there are some wonderful little towns right on the lake that have nice realativly cheap places to stay. If you swing thru Chicago I would suggest staying out of the downtown area $$(loop) but there are many neighborhood motels that are safe and nice. As you head towards Minnesota you may want to get off the Interstate and take some back roads thru Wisconsin. It is really green and fresh that time of the year, Many small enjoyable places to stay. Minnesota has some very reasonable priced hotels again stay out of the immediate downtown areas and you will pay between 45-75$$ a night. As you are heading up Minnesota way and you wish to see one of the most all American Americana places I suggest a stop in Wisconsin Dells you will be amazed at what you will see there. If I can help in any other way just let me know.

 

[Wizard]

Hi Xander,
I live just outside of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and have traveled all over the US myself for work for years and found that hotels like Day's Inn and confort inn's Red roof Inn's , Quialty Inn's all start at 50.00 and up depends where they are ( they won't be that cheap along the beaches and so forth but there are clean and neat (most are)
As I said I'm in Pa. outside Pittsburgh and if you need more help feel free to e-mail me or if your down this way let me know , The wife and I would love to show you around town.
I had to say this also sorry Renee just in fun but the best thing about Newark is leaving......Been there many times watch your wallet....Just a joke about leaving but watch in Newark and New York they are a speical type there, enjoy I love New York myself but just be careful there !!!They prey on out of town folks. Don't mean to scare ya off there is alot of fun to be had there.

E-mail me if you would like too.
kidney2@tcsinternet.net

 

[Rowan]

Being a Southern girl, I'm sorry to hear you won't have the time to visit "us". There's just nothing like Southern hospitality. Not to mention all the clean air and sunshine. (okay, so I left off the humidity...)

Have a wonderful trip, Xander. Be safe.

 

[Laurel]

Xander baby... Besides the book-long west coast travel email I sent you a while back, I haven't a thing to add. Only been to the East Coast once, and spent the whole time in NYC. It was cool, different from LA. I echo the advise on staying in motels instead of hotels. Also, you should get one of those Lonely Planet guides - they give you an overview of the area (where to be and where not to be), plus specific info on eating, sights, etc.

If there's any East Coasters out there who'd be willing to help Xander out with advise or possibly even a couch for a night, you can post here or email him directly.

 

[Xander]

Laurel: I'm sorry to say this. But I never got your email. Must be one of those mail server probs.

 

[Wordmage]

Originally posted by Xander:
I got a budget who says no more than 70-80$ a day for lodging. Preferable less.
I've been sleeping in some really really REALLY disgusting places here in Europe, so don't hold back.

Motel 6, Super 8 or the plethora of small hotels you'll find along the way. Motel 6 is the way to go if all you want to do is sleep. If you'd like a phone or TV, be prepared to pay extra. Cost will run you $29.95 + tax to $80 +tax per night at most places, unless they've upped the prices.

If money is tight, I'd vote for contacting those of us along your route. Floor space is usually pretty cheap.

 

[Eve_of_destruction]

Xander: The best vacations I have had were the ones where I just flew by the seat of my pants, if you get my drift. Nothing planned, just drive, and stop at a motel when you get tired. And one of the greatest things about that is I can usually get some great rates on motel rooms. Coupons for $$$ off the regular room rates can be found at large gas stations/convenience stores along most major interstates. Last summer on my way to Chicago, I picked up one of these coupon books, and stayed at a wonderful Radisson Hotel for $49.95 per night in Northbrook, IL, just minutes from downtown Chicago. The regular room rate was $139.95, and I must say this: The over-size elevator, covered floor to ceiling with plush red velvet and mirrors, is the most AWESOME elevator for sex! (God, my bare butt is probably gonna show up on one of those Fox TV shows like "The Stupid Things People Do in Public Places - Caught on TAPE!" some day when I least expect it...)

If you can't find one of these coupon books, and all else fails, just ask for the rack rate when you check in... This is simply a discount a motel will give you late at night if they have a lot of vacancies.

Last but not least... have fun!

EOD

 

[SpecialK]

As a Canadian, I'm not sure how valid my advice is going to be but as far as cheap lodging is concerned...

I know here in Canada most of the colleges and universities open up their dorms as youth hostels during the summer months when there are not as many students around. The cost is very affordable ($20 or so). I'm not sure what kind of ammenities are provided however.

I seem to recall a book that listed all the places that provided this sort of thing and the details. I haven't a clue if it was a Canadian publication or a North American one however.

If you are going to be near the Canadian border, I would recommend going to see Niagra Falls. If I recall, it right across from New York (but see the falls from the Canadian side... better view).

Bon Voyage Xander!

K

 

[Xander]

Thank you all so much for all your advise. I really appreciate it.

Rowan:
Next time I will drive across the south states. That has already been planned. So Xanderman will most definately come to enjoy the southen hospitality, dry heat and humidity

You just wait and see.

EOD:
That's exactly what I had in mind. 20 days. No plans other than meeting people, drive around and have fun.
Oh, and then there of course is the most exciting events. Meeting Literotica people.

Wizard:
Thank you for that very generous offer. I'm not sure I will be around Pittsburg. But one never knows. If I am, I promise to drop you a mail.

SpecialK:
I've already been to Canada. And not very far from you. And I have seen the falls from the Canadian side. Beautiful country you people got there. I'm a bit of a sucker for wast forest and moutain areas. I've never since, seen such beauty as I have in Canada. There was nothing like struggling to get to the top of a cliff, and stand there taking in the sight. Phew...took my breath away.
I will be driving along the border part of the trip. But I don't think around Niagra Falls.

Laurel:
You rock babe. And I dig you totally. I still feel a little bad about, you having written so much, in a mail to me, which then turns out to disappear somewhere in the wirering across the world. And I don't even receive it. *sniff sniff*

All you people, Thanks for all the advise and good wishes.
Now, US of A. Prepare for Xander. Muhahahaha

 

[Gil]

Xander,

In my travels throughout the US, I have always looked for Ramada Inns along the interstate or close by. They are reasonable, usually the 40-50 dollar range, and are clean.

Always ask if you are eligible for any type of discount. Most places will find some discount category that you fit in.

If you know your next days itinerary, they will also make reservations ahead at the next place down the road.

Holiday Inns are a comparable second choice.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[Renee]

I didn't forget about you Xander...

Okay, leave Newark get on the Turnpike and follow signs for Route 3 West. When you are on Rt. 3 you will see signs that say Clifton and there will be a Diner that is closed called the Clairmont. Right after that is a Howard Johnson's they are pretty cheap and pretty clean. Now, stay there if you are landing here late and want to relax and then get an early start... otherwise, continue on Route 3 West to Rt. 46 West.. they actually merge together. Rt. 3 turns into 46 at the Clifton/Valley Road extension... proceed on Rt. 46 and you will see a Holiday Inn in Totowa, and further out you will come across the Ramada, and Best Western in Fairfield. The are both nice and not too expensive. If you got beyond Fairfield, you will come to real flea bag motels in the Pine Brook area and then nothing after that area. Because once you go through Pine Brook, it isn't long thereafter, that you will once again be going back to Rt 80 West, which will bring you into PA. If you decide to travel onto 80 rather than stop before hand.. then all along Rt. 80 you will see hotels off of the exits. However, they are the more expensive ones like the Ramada, Hilton, Marriot etc.

So my suggestion is if you get in later in the day then stay in Jersey anywhere before or definitly in Fairfield.

If you do decide to stay in Jersey in the Clifton, Totowa area... try Chevy's or On the Boarder for great Mexican Food... or Bella Napoli for great Italian. If you just want a quick good meal then in Clifton go to the Tick Tock Diner, and in Totowa go the The Park West Diner. Both on the Highway both have good food and are cheap. Cheap according to Jersey standards anyway... $9.95 for a burger.

I'd offer you a couch, but I no longer live up that way. I moved to the Southern Part of Jersey, so that wouldn't help you. I hope this helps you and I also hope you have a safe trip.

 

[Hullo_nurse]

If you will be skirting thru the Chicago area on your way from Michigan to Minnisota drop me a line... I ould be more than hoppy to lead you to a cheap place to stay at the least or floor space at the most (depending on hubbie's reaction to the idea, of course). I am pretty much due west of the city.