2012 big summer trip through America : any ideas ?

[Sigmund]

Hi all !

In order to properly celebrate my 30th birthday next year, I intend to make a great trip in Canada and in the USA during summer 2012. Starting from may or june, my big journey through North America will of course end with the next, next BM.

So I wondered that maybe the Burners here could give some advices about such various things as the best transport opportunities (Greyhound is my friend !), the places to see, your best hostels, etc.

Here's the plan : first NY area and Washington "Dull City" (that's what I heard), then head to the south (Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans ?)... And of course, I think I'll spend about two weeks before BM in Frisco. Anyway, if you have any ideas, sugggestions, I'm all ears !

[AntiM]

Coming up from the South, be sure to go to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Simply the single most amazing geographical feature of this country. You could Grey hound to Vegas and catch a tour out to it.

Atlanta? Miami? I'm not found of the southern states in summer, just too hot, muggy and buggy. I live in Utah, between the mountains and the desert, and I like it that way. I also adore San Diego, but that's out of your way.

Washington DC dull? Not possible with the Smithsonian... but I love museums and history.

[can't sit still]

Sigmund, you need to focus on a couple of things. Are you more interested in seeing natural stuff or man-made stuff? You should take a good look at the itineraries of the travel companies like Kontiki;
http://contiki.com/tours/north_america
Exodus travel has some interesting tours.
Lonely Planet has very good suggestions.
You can pick and choose from their menu. Greyhound isn't as cheap as it used to be. I met a Japanese guy who did your trip on a motorcycle. He rode 33,000 miles on a 125 Yamaha. If you want to see a lot of cities, you can probably get by with a bus-pass. If you lean more towards the natural stuff, you might want your own transport.

[Sigmund]

>AntiM : I also like museums and history, that's why I considered Washington as a "must see". But I've been told that besides the monuments and museums, there is not much to do, that the nightlife is less interesting than in NYC...

>(You know I) can't sit still : When I started my research, I found out that the Greyhound bus pass could be interesting. I like the idea of moving freely, without having to assume the price of a car (BM is a different story). I'd like to see the natural stuff, but as I intend to travel light, I'd like not to take a tent with me. But nothing is sure yet, I give myself some time to make a clear decision.

[knowmad]

Perhaps you could add The Pacific Northwest Between Frisco and burn.
The trip up the coast through the Red Wood forest is a place I take my European friends to, and the Oregon coast Miles of solitude something I Am guessing you've never seen in abundance, as Europe is so crowded. Seattle has a nice hostel and is part of the http://www.greentortoise.com route They (GT) also make day/weekend trips to areas Gray Hound doesn't serve.
Seattle/Portland is also After Frisco the second largest Burner City, Nearly every week we have burn community related functions.

By the Time you make your Trip you will have made allot of New friends and you will mold your travel plans accordingly.

To Add a bit to What AntiM Said. >> THe South is Really Hot, and Buggy/Muggy during summer. The Crazies are Crazier. Temperatures of 35deg C @ 100% humidity and no wind is the norm. That's not to Say There's nothing nice there. When I lived in Miami (South Beach) we would make weekend trips to Key West (great hostel) And for $35 a visit to the dry Tortugas is pretty cool.

Annyhooo, You'll have fun.

[Foxfur]

If you find yourself on I-80 in Nebraska, be sure to eat at Ole's Big Game Bar and Grill. I had the deep fried steer testicles while sitting next to a giant mounted polar bear. Creepy? A little but I won $50 playing Keno for the first time in my life. Last time for both of em as well...
As long as you're in Nebraska be sure to see Carhenge.


In Las Vegas forget the casinos. Check out the Atomic Testin Museum. If you like nuclear weapons, you will LOVE this place.
http://www.atomictestingmuseum.org/index.asp

My brother and I once got there 10 minutes from closing time. We told the docent that our dad worked on the program years ago and not only did he let us in but gave us a custom guided tour, something they don't do except for large groups.
Nuclear weapons have never been so friendly!

Siggy, you are going to LOVE the states. There is so much wacky stuff to see, not to mention the historic stuff. Personally, as a foreign visitor I probably wouldn't have much interest in US historic tourism places. There are so many incredible places, odd festivals, and great people to see.
Be sure to go to a pride parade. They are really fun and don't care about your orientation. I took my wife to the one in Portland, Oregon when I moved her out here from Vermont (rural, farming, not big on alternative lifestyles). She had a blast. Apparently in Vermont they don't have men in leather walking other men on leashes. Weird huh?

[Elderberry]

>AntiM : I also like museums and history, that's why I considered Washington as a "must see". But I've been told that besides the monuments and museums, there is not much to do, that the nightlife is less interesting than in NYC...

>(You know I) can't sit still : When I started my research, I found out that the Greyhound bus pass could be interesting. I like the idea of moving freely, without having to assume the price of a car (BM is a different story). I'd like to see the natural stuff, but as I intend to travel light, I'd like not to take a tent with me. But nothing is sure yet, I give myself some time to make a clear decision.

Two comments. Yes, compared to NYC Washington DC might be 'dull'; but it is one of my favorite cities. You can find lots to do there, they aren't lacking for nightlife or fine dining. And that's not even considering that it is the power seat of the world. (at least for now )

Second, if you do decide to take the Greyhound always remember to keep your guard up. If it were me, I would also make a point of not friending anyone you meet on the buses or in the terminals. Unfortunately, most of the bus terminals are located in the worst parts of town. Additionally, our wonderful prison system uses the greyhound bus system to transport low risk prisoners that are being transferred from one facility to another--they just buy them a ticket and put them on the bus.

I say this all from personal experience. Years ago, the system was much better than it is now; not knowing that, I decided to try the Greyhound from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. It was a nightmare and I feared for my life the entire trip. I'll spare you the details.

AMTrack (the train system) I think has those go everywhere passes and I'm thinking that the stations and the people that use the trains might be a step or two above those that "go Greyhound".

[TomServo]

When your in San Francisco, eat at Tommy's Joynt....1101 Geary Blvd.

[wedeliver]

Hi all !

In order to properly celebrate my 30th birthday next year, I intend to make a great trip in Canada and in the USA during summer 2012. Starting from may or june, my big journey through North America will of course end with the next, next BM.

So I wondered that maybe the Burners here could give some advices about such various things as the best transport opportunities (Greyhound is my friend !), the places to see, your best hostels, etc.

Here's the plan : first NY area and Washington "Dull City" (that's what I heard), then head to the south (Atlanta, Miami, New Orleans ?)... And of course, I think I'll spend about two weeks before BM in Frisco. Anyway, if you have any ideas, sugggestions, I'm all ears !

The United States is not Europe, there is no eurorail, there are no hostels in most of America, just the BIG cities, where you can get soooo lost, if you are on foot. As an option to our lack of good public transit, either rent or buy a car. At the very least get a bike, then you are good to go for Burning Man end of August 2012.. just my 2.5 cents

[TomServo]

Their are Hostels in some cities, like Seattle and S.F. I rescued a German girl from one in Seattle. We had the time of our lives.

[Trishntek]

Being a Wyoming native, I must chime in here for at least visiting the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody. It is actually FIVE museums in one. You would get a rich flavor of the Western Migration of the pioneers.

There is the full-time display of Frederick Remington and Charles Russell paintings and sculptures.

There is the ever-changing display of selected artists depicting rural American life.

There is the Winchester Gun Museum,,,, one of the largest gun collections in the world.

There is the Native American Museum showing a HUGE assortment of aboriginal artifacts and lifestyle depictions.

And then there is the actual Buffalo Bill Museum of memorabilia of the Pony Express rider, hunter, scout and showman.

Of course, nearby is Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

[chiefdanfox]

Yosemite or Kings Canyon National Park, CA

[JStep]

Kudos to you if you can stay on a Greyhound all summer. I can barely stand the thought of more than a few hours on those things. Worst ever was a two day trip from Oregon to Wisconsin. Ugh, horrible.

[Sigmund]

Thanks everyone, you're big help !

>Foxfur : OK, you said the magical words : "Nuclear Testin Museum". Since I'm a child, I'm fascinated with the nuclear weapon, it's the worst thing I know and, although it gave me hundreds of nightmares, I watch and read everything I can find on this subject. So I'll go ! Maybe they sell some plutonium bars at the gift shop. It looks great and lasts way more than the usual LEDs. It gives a great skin too.

>JKisha : Oooook... Bus trippin' sounds a little more dangerous... I can't imagine low risk prisoners taking the bus like everyone else, I mean, that's insane !!! No other country does so, right ? And what if the "prisoner" finally choses to leave, who's gonna stop him ? ... Anyone had also a bad experience with the Greyhound bus ?

>Wedeliver : I also thought of renting a car, but it must be pretty expensive, especially for 2 or 3 months... And buying a car isn't the best option to me, because I'll have to sell it when I'm done, and I fear I'll be crooked...

>TomServo : How did you come to rescuing a German girl from a hostel ?

Trishntek : Sounds promising ! Especially the Winchester Gun Museum... I love the Winchesters ! I'm not a hunter, I don't have guns (most of the French don't have guns) but gee I love the design of some of them ! It reminds me not to forget to visit some shooting ranges during the trip, I'd like to learn how to shoot and the basics of gun handling.

[Packoderm]

I'd do the Green Tortoise from Boston to San Francisco if at all possible. http://www.greentortoise.com/adventures ... dream.html

[littleflower]

Hi Sigmund! And welcome in advance to the states!

i've seen a suggestion for the coast north of san fran ... so now i have to suggest the coast between LA and SF, which will be far sunnier if you do not like fog. LA has some great beach scenes. some of the smaller coastal cities are wonderful as well, and the trip by train is quite lovely.

If you're interested in LA at all, it's actually easy to get from the downtown amtrak station to hollywood and/or santa monica. other stops along the coast are santa barbara and san luis obispo .... and salinas, which is close to the monterey bay area, with monterey and santa cruz.

OK, so i recently moved from all of these places to Idaho, and am waxing a bit nostalgic ...... 8-D

[ibdave]

Yosemite or Kings Canyon National Park, CA

YES to YOSEMITE... http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm early summer the high country is still snow bound in parts (this year is a heavy snow year).
if you want to climb Half Dome you MUST get a PERMIT.. This is new and it fucks campers trips up because they didn't know. Space is limited each day.
There is bus service into the valley floor, and walk in camping 1st come 1st get. Mid week is best during summer but the valley floor is still busy. Great bus service through out the whole park...enjoy

My Wife and I toured DC last year instead on going to Burning Man. No Regrets, DC Rocks...

[JStep]

... Anyone had also a bad experience with the Greyhound bus ?

Yes, as per my above post. I've taken 2 greyhound trips as an adult and they were both unpleasant experiences. The seats aren't comfortable, you eat fast food every day (plus whatever snacks you bring) and in my experience people on the Greyhound fit into two social categories A) stiff as a board, don't talk to me types... or B) people that want to yammer on and on about their lives and families to me. Of course, these are just anecdotes and I'm sure many people have great Greyhound trips all the time, full of interesting stories and new found friendships.... But seriously, those seats you're forced to sit in for hour upon hour.... it's physically painful for me.

If I were you, I'd SERIOUSLY consider taking trains. I've never been able to, but I've heard GREAT stories. You can get up and move, you've got a communal dining car for meals so you can mingle and meet other people than whoever happens to claim the seat nearest yours, just sounds like an overall much better experience.

[TomServo]

>TomServo : How did you come to rescuing a German girl from a hostel ?

I met her at the burnal equinox...its a long story

Definitly visit our national parks! Thanks to some dead guy, we haven't managed to totally rape our land. The Pacific Coast is awesome.

[Sigmund]

>Littleflower : Thanks for this warm welcome ! I guess I'll be a real tourist, and prefer the coast between LA and SF than going up north, in the fog... If I wanted some fog, I'd been to England (a swift & nice tackle to my dear graidawg) !

>Ibdave : I don't know if I'll have the time to go to Yosemite, but if I can, I will ! I've been told it's among the most beautiful natural parks in the world (not less !). And that's where I got made, so it would be a real pilgrimage for this 30th birday !

JStep : Ok, I thought buses were a little more comfortable than you depict... It seems that the Greyhound have nothing in common with our bus companies, like Eurolines. I went to Sarajevo from Paris, 27 hours of bus, and it was OK ! For being quite tall (6') and beefy, I pay some attention to the comfort of my seat...

[AntiM]

There are gun ranges in Las Vegas where you can try out almost any type of weapon. The billboards are up all over the place.

We went to Los Alamos this year, where the nuclear weapons were developed. They have a very good little science museum. Standing next to the replicas was the oddest feeling I've ever had. This is off your path, so the attraction in Vegas will have to do.

[TomServo]

There are gun ranges in Las Vegas where you can try out almost any type of weapon. The billboards are up all over the place.

We went to Los Alamos this year, where the nuclear weapons were developed. They have a very good little science museum. Standing next to the replicas was the oddest feeling I've ever had. This is off your path, so the attraction in Vegas will have to do.

What she said! they have machine gun ranges.

[MyDearFriend]

Sigmund, the East Coast cities (Boston, New York, Philadelphia, DC) are connected by cheap, comfortable, quick bus services; Bolt Bus and Megabus are the ones I know most about. They go from downtown to downtown and are quite safe and popular (wi-fi! plugs to charge your stuff at!).

Leaving the coast, though, I would take the train, or fly between hubs and take short circular driving trips.

Oh oh wait! Megabus now goes to cities in the midwest! Here's the map.

[Fufa]

No trip through Western Canada is complete without going to Jasper National Park and Banff National Park. Absolutely gorgeous views, hikes and attractions for all ages and abilities (canyons, mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, ice fields, trails, lakes, hot springs). Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and the Columbia Icefields are nestled in the area and are three of the biggest attractions in the Canadian Rockies. You will not be disappointed!

[Sham]

I didn't read every post here, but is the idea of a rental car out of the question? It would give you a chance to bounce around a bit and see lots of the country. Most rental companies allow you to pick up in one city and drop off in another.
So many of the great sights in this country are off the beat and path, and the Greyhound bus will be just screaming by those areas on their way to the next bus station.
Check out some pricing on some smaller, fuel efficient cars and see what you think.

[Elderberry]

I didn't read every post here, but is the idea of a rental car out of the question? It would give you a chance to bounce around a bit and see lots of the country. Most rental companies allow you to pick up in one city and drop off in another.
So many of the great sights in this country are off the beat and path, and the Greyhound bus will be just screaming by those areas on their way to the next bus station.
Check out some pricing on some smaller, fuel efficient cars and see what you think.

I agree, and if you do some research you will probably find some good rates on monthly or quarterly rentals as well.

[Savannah]

I say this all from personal experience. Years ago, the system was much better than it is now; not knowing that, I decided to try the Greyhound from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. It was a nightmare and I feared for my life the entire trip. I'll spare you the details.

AMTrack (the train system) I think has those go everywhere passes and I'm thinking that the stations and the people that use the trains might be a step or two above those that "go Greyhound".

This is my exact experience. For some reason, paying the extra $10 or 15 per trip for an Amtrak train is enough to achieve distance from a lot of the chaos that goes on during Greyhound bus trips. Also, on Amtrak you can go sit in the observation car, which is All Windows, or walk around, and there's a dining car, where you can go get a beer. Fewer stops, too.

Among many other bus trips, I have taken the bus from Reno to Seattle after the '01 Burn (about 24 hours; indirect service/layovers) and from Seattle to Vegas once, and while I have some amusing stories and sights from these trips, they do involve having to stay awake 2am to 6am on one trip because my [otherwise innocuous, friendly, female] seatmate had been a little too interested in how much money I was taking to Vegas . . . and playing Scheherazade on the way back from the '01 Burn so that an enormous guy named Junior wouldn't tire of me and kill me (seriously, he was fairly threatening). And then there was the really high dude that wouldn't stop singing. For like . . . hours. He wasn't so much loud as persistent, high, annoying (and not very good at it).

I don't have any "good stories" about the train other than: peace, quiet, and gorgeous views.

No one can stop you from taking the bus, and that may be necessary if you are taking many, many trips--although check out the Everywhere Pass or whatever--but we're also trying to make sure you have a good time in our country here, because it's so embarrassing when the opposite happens.

[Foxfur]

Siggy,
You mentioned one of my favorites, guns!
AnitM and TomServo mentioned the indoor machine gun ranges in LV.
NOT TO BE MISSED. I've fired more automatic weapons there than I ever did in the service. AND, you're a foreign visitor. American gun owners really love to share. When it's an interested international, they'll make sure you get a session above and beyond what the regular customers will get. Just tell em you are very interested and they will LOVE to do the rest.

Also there's Montreal in Canada. St. Catherine Street is a blast. Block after block of bars with every theme rock, techno, country, gay, straight, diagonal, etc. Lots of international visitors AND being in Quebec, French is the dominant language .

Reminds me of a time my mom brought three french gentlemen home for the night. She found them at the library (?) and they were lost. Even thru the language barrier she managed to invite them to spend the night. I was 11. They gave me a Jesus and Mary Chain cassette and I gave them a Jimi Hendrix tape.

Even with the jokes that may be thrown around about the French, they are loved here.
Enjoy!

[theCryptofishist]

You might peruse this site. I have at least one edition of the book. (Yes, I've been a fan that long.)
If you do get to small towns the local history museums are sweet and not overwhelming. I have a horrible amtrak story, but I'm subject to conditions that the rest of the board isn't.

[knowmad]

Siggy,
You mentioned one of my favorites, guns!
AnitM and TomServo mentioned the indoor machine gun ranges in LV.
NOT TO BE MISSED. I've fired more automatic weapons there than I ever did in the service. AND, you're a foreign visitor. American gun owners really love to share. When it's an interested international, they'll make sure you get a session above and beyond what the regular customers will get. Just tell em you are very interested and they will LOVE to do the rest.

Also there's Montreal in Canada. St. Catherine Street is a blast. Block after block of bars with every theme rock, techno, country, gay, straight, diagonal, etc. Lots of international visitors AND being in Quebec, French is the dominant language .

Reminds me of a time my mom brought three french gentlemen home for the night. She found them at the library (?) and they were lost. Even thru the language barrier she managed to invite them to spend the night. I was 11. They gave me a Jesus and Mary Chain cassette and I gave them a Jimi Hendrix tape.

Even with the jokes that may be thrown around about the French, they are loved here.
Enjoy!

I'm just laughing my fucking ass off.
but yeah Montreal is way cool. as is Halifax.

FF
Now there's no way I'd diss on yer mom. don't know the woman, and ... well that would just be low. but you got to know, you just cant start a stry with
"Reminds me of a time my mom brought three french gentlemen home for the night."

setting yourself up for ... we wait and see..