Vacation to the US - I need advice!

[MiloMorai]

Originally posted by frank3
I think the main difference between Holland & the US is the train travelling.
In here, it's the main public transport, and you can go to every part of the country within 4 hours or so (and they run at the minute precise )

The biggest surprise Europians get when they come to North American is the vastness.

Driving normally, it will take you ~5-6 days** to drive from coast to coast.

** depends on how many miles (no metric in the USA) you drive each day.

Frank, years ago had a Dutch friend. His accent got him many a girl.

[Meatwad]

Originally posted by frank3
Haha, Dutch isn't all that exotic...I always hated the Dutch accent (while speaking English that is)

Yesh yesh yesh I lovesh ze dutch accent

[texasmom]

Originally posted by Xjazz


- Prepared yourself for the language shock... The peasants really talk the enrlisk of all flavors... And don't use words/phrases like 'Pardon', 'Shall we..', 'Marvelous', 'Indeed' etc (Royal wave to here).

Have nice trip

I gotta disagree there Xjazz.  It's just delightful to hear someone else who not only knows a second language (ours), but also takes the care to use the manners that so many of us no longer bother with.

[frank3]

That's nicely put Texas, I'll try and use my best English

Originally posted by MiloMorai
Frank, years ago had a Dutch friend. His accent got him many a girl.

Hehe, off to the USA with me
Smoke and a pancake? No?

[Xjazz]

Hi

Looks like I was using way too few 's in my post


Our shoelace budget US climbing trip was fun and enjoyable.


Some US people were talking such slang, that we really didn't understand a word. When we nicely ask them to repeat and/or talk slower, they get hurt... "Learnsumenlglish, ******yurptrash!".  Go figure.

It was often much easier to talk English with other tourists.

[texasmom]

Originally posted by Xjazz
Hi

Looks like I was using way too few 's in my post

Our shoelace budget US climbing trip was fun and enjoyable.

Some US people were talking such slang, that we really didn't understand a word. When we nicely ask them to repeat and/or talk slower, they get hurt... "Learnsumenlglish, ******yurptrash!".  Go figure.

It was often much easier to talk English with other tourists.

Oh, that's awful ~ I'm sorry to hear that Xjazz ~ what a terrible impression that must have given you of us!:( I guarantee any one of those folks who were complaining about your English wouldn't take the time to learn a language other than their own fluently enough to speak to y'all when they travel.  I'm embarrassed for us that you were received that way.

[Ripsnort]

Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. Everything else can wait for your second trip to the U.S.  Do Yellowstone first, then Grand Canyon, and then drive to Las Vegas and you'll have a nice "sampling" of the US.

[tedrbr]

Originally posted by Ripsnort
Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. Everything else can wait for your second trip to the U.S.  Do Yellowstone first, then Grand Canyon, and then drive to Las Vegas and you'll have a nice "sampling" of the US.

Caveat:
If Yellowstone, don't go there anywhere near the time of a U.S. summertime holiday (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day), or Canadian summertime Holiday (Canada Day July1st, Civic Holiday 1st week August) and best if done during the week (Monday thru Friday) to avoid the worst of the crowds that Yellowstone sees.
Also, don't limit yourself just to Yellowstone: there is a lot worth seeing beyond the boundaries of the park itself.  Wind River Indian Reservation may be worth a visit, Grand Tetons definately worth a look.

If the Grand Canyon, stay in Vegas as "basecamp" and visit the Canyons from there.

Again, really depends on what kind of vacation you are looking for.  Lists what interests you, and the suggestions you get should be more applicable.

[Shaky]

Originally posted by frank3
That's splashing advice, I shall remember that! ()

I think the main difference between Holland & the US is the train travelling.
In here, it's the main public transport, and you can go to every part of the country within 4 hours or so (and they run at the minute precise )

I was thinking of renting a small car or something, my driver's training was pretty good (small spaces and alot of roads in Holland!) so I think I'll be okay there.

Driving in the US is nothing like driving in Europe. If all you are used to is urban/town driving, then when you come to America and get on the interstates you may have problems. Speed limits as "suggestions", many high speed tractor trailers, highway hypnosis, and variations in traffic violation enforcement are a few issues that come to mind

If you plan on driving any distance, to NOT rent a sub-compact or compact car. Get something mid-sized or better.You'll want the additional space, comfort, power and stability on the highways. See if you can get a GPS/Map/directions display as well. Get a cell phone that you can use in any area you plan on driving.

Plan on city hopping? You can always try flying from place to place. You can get from NYC to Orlando or Miami for less than $100 one way if you can find the deals.

[Sting138]

Originally posted by frank3
Hey everyone,

I've always wanted to take a vacation in the US, and I've been browsing trough google maps abit, it seems like a beautifull country! (all parts of it)
Only thing is, I, of course, haven't got months or years of vacation, and I can only visit a relative small part of the States

My question now is, can the Americans among us advise me a good place to go to?
Perhaps even the non-Americans with States-experience can help me too!

I'm not sure when I'll go, perhaps as soon as I've got the money (woa, €1000,-/$800 for a return ticket!) or when I have the time (not for a few years)
But I'll keep y'all posted!

Thanks in advance

Anything you could want to do, you can do in Texas, Theme Parks, Camping, Fishing, Hunting, DRINKING =), Water Skiing, Hiking, Rock Climbing, etc. we have it! Just bring plenty of cool clothes i.e. shorts and short sleeve shirts in the summer and lots of sunscreen!

[mandingo]

Originally posted by Sting138
Anything you could want to do, you can do in Texas, Theme Parks, Camping, Fishing, Hunting, DRINKING =), Water Skiing, Hiking, Rock Climbing, etc. we have it! Just bring plenty of cool clothes i.e. shorts and short sleeve shirts in the summer and lots of sunscreen!

dude u can do this stuff in almost any state, whiskey tango foxtrot?

[frank3]

Thank you all again, for all the suggestions, I have enough things to choose from now!
I might not be leaving for another year or so, but I'll let you know where I'm going, perhaps I could meet some of you

Thanks again!

[Makarov9]

Don't drink the water, don't take any wooden nickels and don't eat yellow snow. Other than that you'll have a lovely time.

[rpm]

I'd recomend visiting Texas, then work your way to the West Coast. There's some breathtaking scenery out west. The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and the California Redwoods.

[JB88]

texas.