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Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






I've decided to treat meself to a proper Holiday for the first time in pretty much ever, certainly the first of my adult life (I've not been outside the UK since 1997, fact fans).

Having spent a fortnight in the US on a school exchange programme, I'm keen to see more.

And I'm thinking some sort of coach tour, a holiday which would let me just sit back and enjoy the scenery and locales without having to worry about driving, finding petrol stations, or indeed winding up down a back road into the hands of mutated hillbillies (because movies don't lie, yeah?)

Don't suppose anyone else has tried a package tour of this kind?

   
Made in us
Never Forget Isstvan!





Chicago

Well the US is huge so I would focus on one area if you don't have a lot of time. It also depends on when you plan on visiting cause the south west can get very hot and the south east super humid and hot during the summer months. Though the south west and western States are very beautiful if you are into nature. I am biased about chicago but it is an amazing city to vist with our world class museums, resturant scene and just things to do

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Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






I'm probably looking around May, more likely June next year, so I've got plenty time to pay for the hol and save up some spending munneh.

I do fancy a tour rather than visiting a single city.

   
Made in us
Never Forget Isstvan!





Chicago

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
I'm probably looking around May, more likely June next year, so I've got plenty time to pay for the hol and save up some spending munneh.

I do fancy a tour rather than visiting a single city.


Well there is a tour called the lake michigan circle tour that goes around all of the states that circle the lake that is pretty cool


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Made in gb
Bryan Ansell





Birmingham, UK

I hear Mar a Largo is pretty nice. Some people go there every weekend!
   
Made in gb
Calculating Commissar




Frostgrave

I'd have a look at what Geek Nation Tours are running and see if any of the tours takes your fancy.

You can get mini tours in most big cities so you should be fine to just pick a few cities and wing it.

Assuming you're a white UK national you shouldn't have much difficulty getting in, but expect the immigration staff to give you a hard time anyway and don't take it oersonally / let it put you off.
   
Made in us
Longtime Dakkanaut




On a surly Warboar, leading the Waaagh!

Pacific Coast by rail...or bus up the Pacific Coast Highway(I know zip about bus tours, so you're on your own to research them). Cali to Washington. LA, San Diego, San Francisco, Napa, Portland, Seattle...

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2017/03/19 21:16:22


 
   
Made in us
Proud Triarch Praetorian





You can also use Amtrak to get from place to place. Though, I would definitely limit yourself to a region of the US for your first trip. Seriously, do not try to see it all in one go. Stick to a time zone or something, this country is huge and there are a lot of amazing things to see.
   
Made in gb
Storm Trooper with Maglight





I have done organised tours in various countries, mostly in less developed and hard to get around places. Since I work this is an efficient (though comparatively expensive) way of seeing places in the little holiday time that I have.

I've been to the US a few times, and am going again this summer for 3 weeks. I've always travelled independently so can't give much advice on doing tours in the US. The tour company I normally use for other countries is www.gadventures.com They are good for travelling on a budget, as they tend to go for cheap accommodation and travel, while still showing you the highlights. If you take a look on the website there may be some US tours that are of interest to you.

Also, if I were leaving the UK for the first time in 20 years I'd choose somewhere a bit more exotic than the US. The heart wants what it wants though I guess

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/03/19 21:52:46


 
   
Made in us
Legendary Master of the Chapter





SoCal

I'll second the West Coast by rail, specifically the Coast Starliner, from San Diego to Seattle. You won't have much time in any of the cities along the way, but the views are tremendous.

   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Rail one sounds kind of fun.

I've had a nose, and biggest issue there is I don't which station is which.

Do you know if there's a website that does packaged deals on that line? I'd hate to fly out, show up only to find I've blobbed my arrangements!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
El Torro wrote:
Also, if I were leaving the UK for the first time in 20 years I'd choose somewhere a bit more exotic than the US. The heart wants what it wants though I guess


I need to be really careful. Last time I was abroad was Cyprus. I ended up horrifically ill (Delhi Belly type) which lasted two weeks after, and my poor, pasty skin got blistered from the strong sun, even through high factor sun screen.

So start off easy - go somewhere where it's not too hot, and I'll be alright on the food.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/03/20 08:34:40


   
Made in gb
Slippery Ultramarine Scout Biker




East Coast would be good for the skin and I'll echo comments on how bloody BIG everything in the US is. We spent a week in NY and didn't even get off Manhatten Island.

If you want to go somewhere safe, Croatia is really nice at that time of year... (and it's cheap!).
   
Made in es
Inspiring Icon Bearer




US cities are boring. The great outdoors is where it's at.

Alaska, Washington, Montana, the Rockies.....

   
Made in gb
Crazed Spirit of the Defiler




Newcastle

The older I get the more I feel like the US is somewhere I want to visit several times in my life (never been before). I have a friend in Texas who would put me up, and my cousin lives in Florida now- I'd love to be there to see a rocket take off, and see alligators in the Everglades. I feel like New York would have to be a separate trip

Grand Canyon would be good. Somewhere outdoorsy like Idaho would be good. Colorado (the Overlook Hotel!). I have no interest in LA

I saw a train route across the country in more or less a straight line from New York (?) to the west coast somewhere. That might be a good way to see lots of the country in one go

And it would be awesome to be in Vegas to see a big fight (boxing)

edit: and playing at one of the big 40k tournaments would be crazy but the extra headache of transporting models would be too much I think

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/03/20 10:21:22


Hydra Dominatus 
   
Made in us
Monstrous Master Moulder




Rust belt

My only advice when in the countryside is stay on the main roads...You ever seen Diliverance?
   
Made in us
Rough Rider with Boomstick






jouso wrote:
US cities are boring. The great outdoors is where it's at.

Alaska, Washington, Montana, the Rockies.....



I'll have to second that, I'd definitely recommend places outside the cities. Acadia, Maine is gorgeous.

You say Fiery Crash! I say Dynamic Entry!

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Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Given the sheer size of the USA, and the variety of its people, where would people say are the best places to visit to get as many different slices of that American Pie as possible?

I don't mind doing multiple trips as needs be!

   
Made in us
Pestilent Plague Marine with Blight Grenade





Tornado Alley

Well for multiple environments, Texas has them all, hill country, dry arid desert, forests, plains, however Texas is huge. I would recomment west coast as stated above. California encompases the majority of that, and it is amongst the most expensive area in the US, however a rail tour all the way up to Seattle would be something awesome. At lease to some time and get pictures on the Hollywood board walk, but don't buy anything or your budget is shot. Enjoy all the good things the USA has to offer, and try to stay away from the bad.

Also you might find California to be closer to the UK as far as laws and people. Very few gun toting southern freedom loving rednecks running around, which is why I never go there.

(people this last bit was a joke and an attempt at humor, do not lose your gak.)

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Made in us
Incorporating Wet-Blending





Houston, TX

The US is so big, it really is like separate countries. I recommend you pick a region that looks good to you and start there. US cities are much younger than in Europe and the UK, and, especially as you move west, much more spread out. (Keep in mind that Texas alone is about the size of France!) The coasts tend to be the most concentrated, so you can see more in less distance. They also tend to have the most developed mass transit.

-James
 
   
Made in us
Legendary Master of the Chapter





SoCal

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Rail one sounds kind of fun.

I've had a nose, and biggest issue there is I don't which station is which.

Do you know if there's a website that does packaged deals on that line? I'd hate to fly out, show up only to find I've blobbed my arrangements!

.


Here you go. Looks like I was wrong on a few of the details. It's the Coast Starlight, and technically it starts in LA. I've taken it quite a few times, taking a Metrolink train to LA and transferring at LA Union, so that's why I thought it started south of me. The view is great but the stops are short. If you are prone to motion sickness, stay away.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Magister wrote:
East Coast would be good for the skin and I'll echo comments on how bloody BIG everything in the US is. We spent a week in NY and didn't even get off Manhatten Island.
.


I spent a week just on Manhatten and still didn't get to see enough of it. That was my favorite vacation, but I'm a city person.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Given the sheer size of the USA, and the variety of its people, where would people say are the best places to visit to get as many different slices of that American Pie as possible?

I don't mind doing multiple trips as needs be!



If you go to a big city, you can meet all kinds of people. There are all kinds of cultural enclaves and often a lively artistic scene where the melting pot is really uh, melting. Then you can head to the suburbs and meet very different people, and eventually drive out to the country and see how people differ from one place to another. Get the full spectrum.

Or go to Disneyland and eavesdrop outside the medium-priced restaurants.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2017/03/22 17:47:54


   
Made in us
Fixture of Dakka





TN/AL/MS state line.

I'd avoid the Southeast in May/June. Temperatures get up to(and occasionally over) 100°F with high humidity. Not to mention swarms of mosquitos, ticks, chiggers, and other parasites. Locals are friendly though, and the food is good.

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Made in us
The Last Chancer Who Survived





Norristown, PA

If you're looking for an escorted tour, like where you visit a few different places and travel on a bus with a tour group, these might interest you.

https://www.gate1travel.com/usa-canada/usa-canada

Shameless plug, it's the company I work for for, my day job. We're based in the US, so I think you would have to arrange your own flights, but once you get here the guides take care of everything you could possibly need. I've heard lots of good things about the national parks tours but haven't done them myself.

 
   
Made in us
Stubborn Hammerer





As someone who lives there, you might want to avoid the south for your summer trip.

The best weather definitely has come and gone by the time you want to visit and the sun will be a factor.
   
Made in us
Daemonic Dreadnought





Eye of Terror

Another way to approach the problem...

http://www.businessinsider.com/the-11-nations-of-the-united-states-2015-7

The US breaks down into a set of cultural regions. Your experience will be very different depending on which regions you head to.

I live near DC, which would be considered part of New Netherland. I have also lived in Las Vegas and New York. Both of those places have their own distinct culture which is worth seeing.

My suggestion would be to pick 2 or 3 cities in different regions and go for it. Travel between Boston / New York / Baltimore / DC is pretty easy by bus or rail, but it's best to take a plane if you are planning to go further West. The quality of service for both bus and plane travel drops dramatically once you are outside this corridor.

If you are going to head South, a few towns to consider would include Charlottesville, New Orleans, Austin, St Petersburg, and Miami. Not saying the rest is bad, but these ones are definitely good.

If you are heading West, Los Angeles is driving distance from Las Vegas. Did the drive through the Mojave many times when I lived there. The drive up the Pacific Coast highway to San Francisco is legendary. Big Sur is an amazing place to spend time.

The midwest is less exciting. You have been warned.

   
Made in us
Regular Dakkanaut



SF, USA

So Summer months are crazy hot in the south and on the west coast. If you're willing to travel around a bit there i would try and hit all the different culture spots. Probably fly into NYC since it will be a shorter flight, then hop to New Orleans, Las Vegas, San Francisco. The flight back might be insane them but you would probably be laid over in Chicago or Texas on the way back.

There is a company called "Big Bus Tours" which has a company in every major city, if you buy a ticket they stop at every major location within those cities. Its the best way to get around without risking getting absolutely lost with our gakky public transit system.

If you do come in the summer I know Las Vegas and New Orleans can easily be over 100F, and it's possible for SF to get close to mid-80s. Slather on some sunscreen and pull on an obnoxious baseball cap and you should be fine in the heat.
   
Made in au
Anti-Armour Swiss Guard






Newcastle, OZ

I did a west coast by bus trip 22 years back.

LA-San Francisco-Portland, Seattle (then did a Canadian Leg into Vancouver) before jetting across to NY for a few days and then flying home.

I'm still indebted to friends over their for allowing me to couch surf with them for a few days in each place. Saved me a fortune in accommodation costs - a bottle of their favourite hooch was a lot cheaper.

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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/03/25 10:14:22


 
   
Made in us
Frightening Flamer of Tzeentch




 darkstar6783 wrote:
Stay out of he Mid West if you are going to the United States of America. The East Coast & West Coast are the only places of note.


Depends on what you're into realy lots of good natural landmarks and parks in the mid west and shows how truly BIG the US is

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Made in us
Calculating Commissar




pontiac, michigan; usa

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
I've decided to treat meself to a proper Holiday for the first time in pretty much ever, certainly the first of my adult life (I've not been outside the UK since 1997, fact fans).

Having spent a fortnight in the US on a school exchange programme, I'm keen to see more.

And I'm thinking some sort of coach tour, a holiday which would let me just sit back and enjoy the scenery and locales without having to worry about driving, finding petrol stations, or indeed winding up down a back road into the hands of mutated hillbillies (because movies don't lie, yeah?)

Don't suppose anyone else has tried a package tour of this kind?


I remember our family got an exchange student from Spain during christmas or thanksgiving. She really loved the food and the holiday. She wished she could do that back there. My family tends to make great food and have big family get togethers during holidays so that might be why (also a bunch of the family is older and fairly well off monetarily).

I would just like to say foreigners that visit would do well more than to judge us just by our big cities or politically extreme cities. Going to texas, california, washington d.c. (our capital doesn't belong to any state) or the big cities in them isn't all what we're about. I'm a mid town guy myself. Small towns are too small and big cities are way too big and often awful. If you visit smaller cities your friends in the usa live in you might have a bigger appreciation for the city in question.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2017/03/26 16:14:14


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Made in us
The Last Chancer Who Survived





Norristown, PA

Another thing to consider.. a lot of states do their state fairs in the summer.. Once you figure out where you want to go, if you can time it right, it would probably be worth checking one out. Just all the crazy amounts and kinds of foods you can find at them would make it worth it. If anything can be deep fried, you will find it there. My girlfriend is from wisconson, and she always brags about her state fairs were just acres and acres and acres of food as far as the eye can see.

Also, weather wise, the upper-mid to southern east coast is usually really humid in the summer, and can get pretty hot and the humidity makes it worse. West coast is a lot dryer, I lived in L.A. for 2 years and I remember the summers there were a lot nicer than they were in Philadelphia, just cuz of the humidity.

 
   
 
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