Anyone been? Much to do there?
I keep getting a funny feeling in my big toe, completely out the blue, that I really really need to go to Chicago. No idea why, but Im even having recurring dreams about it. :tinhat: I dunno the first thing about the place - I couldnt even point it out on a map - but feck it, Im gonna check it out, probably late October. Again, thats what my big toe is saying.
Never been abroad since I was 12, the whole plane flight + cheap hotel thing doesnt appeal. Anyone got any general advice for a newbie? Budgeting, what to take, n tips for not getting mugged?
if you look anything like the avatar, its a given certainty that youll be mugged :D
Seriously, never under estimate how much money youll need on spends, i constantly keep doing that abroad, take as much as you can afford.
Ive never been to America, but i guess the tourist advice is the same as anywhere, try not to advertise the fact you are a tourist, no camera/camcorder hanging out on show, no bumbags or backpacks, avoid venturing into unknown terrorities, its alright saying your going to explore suburban Chicago, but before you know it you might stumble across Roughville with blinged up homies touting you as easy pickings for your wallet.
I know the Americans can be incredibly strict when it comes to entry, any previous convictions might hamper your efforts to get into the country.
not been to Chicago... but its supposed to be bloody cold there.... cold enough that in the city center all the buildings have joining doors, so you can walk half a mile to a resterant... without ever going outside just buy hopping from one to the next ! (which everyone does)
anyway.... was in Philadelphia in jan, and it was pretty good, food is really really cheap there... cheap enough that you laugh at the bill... drinks are about the same price... but if you go at the right time they have happy hours everywhere where pints are one dollar (50p)
everyone we met was really really friendly so we were never bored... oh and American girls LOVE English accents :D
Yes Alan makes a good point there, Im sure they dont call it the Windy City for nothing.
The general guidance of dont stick out like a sore thumb is obvious. Id get a map and a rough idea of what you want to do and see. Look up some landmarks and places of interest beforehand, plan out an itinerary.
Noes, I dont do planning. Nothing worse than a planned out holiday.
I was looking at New York. K it aint Chicago but the flights are cheaper and its probably more busy and more cool. Looking at hotels there but it looks like London - good bits and bad bits.
from when i was over there every american i talked too said new york is great if you were born there.... otherwise you get a bit of a shock, rude people etc... (but like london but more so)
but... ask sam, hes been iirc :)
Quote from: SwissToniif you look anything like the avatar, its a given certainty that youll be mugged :D
Dont diss Bubbles man.
Put mouse traps in your pocket to stop pick pocketers!
works every time :D
I know its no help, but we planned a road trip from New England to Memphis & would have went to Chicago... then someone got married and it fell apart.
Ive been to chicago though... Didnt leave the airport & only saw the place in the dark :(
It doesnt look like theres loads to do in Chicago, Im gonna go for NY instead.
Can I use my maestro card in the u.s or is it worth getting a credit card?
You can use your Maestro card cos its really a mastercard. NYC is very busy and I dont like it because you dont really meet any Americans, you will be just another tourist in Times Square. But if youre going to see the sights or as a group then its a good choice. Go and see a musical on broadway, that is something I would recommend.
You should be paying £275 to NYC in september, and <£250 nov onwards. I will be next flying there in September if you want details of cheap flights.
Get a Nationwide credit card, they are the cheapest to use on holiday and can be very useful. Get a current account with them too. Use the CC to pay for purchases directly, use the direct debit card to withdraw money out as you need it.
Do this right and you shouldnt incur bank charges.
chicago = sears tower. amazing view. you actually look down on the planes that are coming in to land. theres a micro brewery that i was too young to visit when i went. theres umteen hooters that i was too you... you get the score.
NY probly has more recognised sites to visit. but dont neglect Chicago just cos of that, its still a big american city and will show you why our cities are ruccish.
and yeah, you can get from one block to another without going outside. in fact the shopping malls in the centre are under the business blocks and all conjoined.
Matt
Quote from: bytejunkieNY probly has more recognised sites to visit. but dont neglect Chicago just cos of that, its still a big american city and will show you why our cities are ruccish.
:stupid:
NOT!
I so wanted to edit that! :(
If I go to NY is it better to get a dive in Manhattan or stay a way outside in a nicer place. How good is the public transport?
Pub T is fine, will get you anywhere. Manhatten is safe whereever you are. You are ok in Queens too. Just avoid Astoria as that can be a bit of a dive. Generally speaking though NYC and London are about as safe as each other, you will be ok as long as you stay out of Harlem or Brixton :)
Anyway, go to Filthadelphia, youll have a good time there :)