6-7 wks in USA. Where should we go?

[Pstreet1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pstreet1]

Copied a post from the official Worldmark forum on Yellowstone in winter:

We just returned from Valentine's Weekend at WM West Yellowstone. The resort is beautiful! Far and away the nicest place in town. We've visited the park a couple of times in the summer, but never in winter. This is our new favorite time to see Yellowstone.

Prior to our visit we made snowcoach reservations with Yellowstone Vacations ~ Park Lodging & Tours. Doug, our driver, picked us up in the lobby of the resort at 8AM. After several other stops to gather other passengers we entered the park (at the very edge of town). We spend a good deal of time out of doors, and are well acquainted with western flora, fauna and geology. However we quickly discovered that Doug the driver knew much more that how to pilot our large tracked snow vehicle. He used the whole day as a teaching opportunity and we soaked it up. We had lunch at Old Faithful with almost two hours to explore the other thermal features in the area (though avoiding bison roaming nearby made this interesting). Thank goodness we have digital cameras. If we were still shooting film we'd be broke developing all the pictures we took.

Yellowstonevacations.com also does park tours on snowmobiles. Park rules require groups no larger than 10 lead by a certified guide, all riding 4-stroke machines (less pollution). You can rent machines and clothing from them and use their guides.

Note: There are several other companies running snowcoach tours and renting snowmobiles. As with any competetive business, the prices were pretty similar among all the vendors we checked. Worldmark's West Yellowstone home page has a link to the chamber of commerce website which lists all the tour companies. There are 300+ miles of groomed snowmobile trails outside the park.

We'll be back next winter.

[IreneLF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close IreneLF]

Syd,
Winter can be tough and I'd be concerned about driving /snow storms etc. in many areas of the country.

That said, wanted to specifically add - the first time I went to Niagara Falls was in March.(many yrs ago). The Falls were FROZEN. Apparently this is rare, but can happen.Not too impressive when the water isn't moving...just want you to make you aware of and consider all the possibilities.
Irene

[wackymother Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close wackymother]

I always wanted to see the La Brea Tar Pits, but the California people say they're all touristy. I think we had a thread about it a long time ago! But since you'll be in the neighborhood...

[eal Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close eal]

Banff is a fabulous place to visit, especially in the winter. If you go to Texas I would recommend Austin - your kids will enjoy the music scene.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

I would spend the majority of the time in California. It is such a diverse state with so much to do and see and the weather is usually pretty good in December.

I would allow at least 3-4 days in San Diego, 2-3 days in Los Angeles and 3-4 in San Francisco. Then allow another 3 days or so for driving up or down the coast. I wouldn't go farther north than California on the west coast. You could spend a lot more time of you wish as you can't see everything in 6 months let alone a few weeks.

I would then spend 3-4 days in Arizona.

Doing California and Arizona will give you a lot to see and do without wasting time jumping around the country.

I would then fly to New York City which is a fabulous city. We love New York City and go there each summer. You should allow at least a week in NYC. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. I would also visit Washington DC and Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is spectacular in the winter, especially if there is snow and ice. I have been to Niagara Falls 3 times in both summer and winter.

I would skip the middle part of the country completely. No offense to that area but it is just not practical as you would be jumping from one place to another with nothing of interest in between.

Let me know if you plan on doing the California Arizona part as I can then fill in a lot more information and details. I have lived all over California and Arizona and traveled every square inch of both states.

Weather is a big factor. For that reason I would avoid the Northwest as it is usually dismal and rainy at that time of the year. I lived in both Portland and Seattle. It is a great area to visit in the summer.

[MargeS Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close MargeS]

I lived near Niagara Falls for many years. Beautiful anytime of the year, but I am not a winter kind of person. That said, in winter, many times the trees near the falls are coated with ice, looking almost crystal. Very pretty.

[basham Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close basham]

I know you have done the US before, most of my friends haven't done it again.

Though, there is one who likes Disney and Vegas and New York, all of which I avoid, but friends are friends. I used to see him every 3 years or so but not so much lately.

I think you need to think about the practicalities of winter wear, coats and gloves, and luggage.

Either a vacation in areas with winter conditions, or not.

Alternating locals doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Coming from Oz summer vacation time, personally, I wouldn't do a winter vacation unless expressly wanted.

But, winter/off season can be a great time. Williamsburg, Philly, Boston, Montreal and Quebec all good to visit. Just need the right clothing.

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

I know mentioned avoiding beachy stuff, but it's whale season in Hawaii. And other fun non-beachy stuff.

[MargeS Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close MargeS]

When I had 6 weeks for NZ, Australia and Fiji, during our summer (your winter), we started with NZ (as it was expected to be coldest). For winter gear, we took our oldest stuff and simply left it behind for others to use (donate). Then we could travel lighter for the rest of the trip, yet not miss anything we wanted to visit.

[taffy19 Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close taffy19]

I always wanted to see the La Brea Tar Pits, but the California people say they're all touristy. I think we had a thread about it a long time ago! But since you'll be in the neighborhood...

Yes, we did but I would recommend the Getty Museum instead. There are two.

The new one is worth visiting for the architecture of the building alone. You need a nice, clear day and the architecture incorporates the vistas too with the the way the building is located. On a clear day the view is fantastic.

It may be too much for the youngest kids but they will enjoy the ride up the hill. We have seen strollers there.

I used to have a photo webpage but can't find it so quickly on my phone. Just another suggestion if you spend time in LA and surroundings.

Getty museum - Google Search

[3kids4me Super Moderator and Super Mom Find all posts View Profile Close 3kids4me]

Sounds like you have some great suggestions. My only advice is, if you plan on driving anywhere where there may be snow, make sure that you rent a car with four-wheel drive.

[Sydney Contributor - Bronze Find all posts View Profile Close Sydney]

We'll probably fly in on the 8th/9th Dec. Maybe into SFO/Yosemite so that we can drive down to LA, then Sedona, then Yellowstone. Google Map says it's about 15hrs from Sedona to Yellowstone. If we flew into LAX, we'd have to retrace our steps to fit in Sedona, SFO/Yosemite and Yellowstone.

This morning, I was able to book a 3br at Dolphin's Cove from 15th-22nd Dec. That's our 2nd wk in the US.

Should we spend the next week over Christmas in Sedona or somewhere else?

I don't really want to spend too much time in other places unless they're enroute to the locations above. So Hearst Castle is in and anything along the coast between LAX and SFO. Not quite sure how to get to Yellowstone. Amtrak doesn't go there. Denver is too far from Yellowstone to fly into. Maybe drive there from Sedona with a stop on the way but such a long drive! Am playing around with google map to see where we can stop on the way.

After that, we'll fly to the East Coast and spend a couple of wks in the Northeast.

Chellej and Pstreet1 - Thanks for the information about Yellowstone. I'm excited to be able to keep Yellowstone on our itinierary.

Carolinian - last time we were in the US, we sacrificed a nt at Houses at Summer Bay to experience Amtrak from NOLA to Orlando. We stayed in a cabin with 3 meals included. It took about 24hrs, way too long. We'd prefer not to repeat the Amtrak experience unless it's a much shorter trip.

Was hoping to do Amtrak from Sedona to Yellowstone but it doesn't go there. I really want to get to Yellowstone but want to minimise our flying in the US. I don't like going through the airport with the 7 of us. When we were there last, security at Las Vegas made our 2yr old take off her coat and vest, then wanted to pat her down. She was so scared she cried and ran through the security line. We also missed a flight due to lining up for so long. So I'd prefer to keep the flying to a minimum.

Irene - thanks for the heads up about Niagara. Hopefully, it'll be fine.

Wacky - never heard of La Brea Tar Pits. Will google it. Thanks.

Eal - Banff woud be great but too far North I think.

JWC - We were thinking of spending a week or 2 in Sedona. Do you think a wk will do? I think we'll avoid the Northwest as you say. I think we'll giev San Diego a miss. Nothing much there appeals, although I'm sure it's lovely.

Marges - sound lovely. Looking forward to it. We'll be sure to pack warm clothing.

Basham - Packing for cold and warm weather in one trip is an inconvenience but it needs to be done in this case.

JLB - we have whale season here too so. Hawaii's a tad out of the way for whales and beaches. Maybe for the volcanoes...one day.

Emmy - thanks for the recommendation for the Getty Museum.

Sharon - we'll be sure to rent a 4WD. Thanks. Bit nervous about driving in snow since so many have commented on how bad it can be.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

JWC - We were thinking of spending a week or 2 in Sedona. Do you think a wk will do? I think we'll avoid the Northwest as you say. I think we'll giev San Diego a miss. Nothing much there appeals, although I'm sure it's lovely.

A week is plenty of time to spend in Sedona. It is too bad you will skip San Diego. San Diego is much different and nicer than Los Angeles. Everybody loves San Diego and there is a lot to do and see there. There are a lot of good timeshares in the San Diego area. If I was planning your trip, I would fly into San Francisco ( SFO ), spend a few days there visiting Napa Valley, etc. I would then drive down the coast to Los Angeles stopping along the way at San Luis Obispo or Solvang. I would spend a few days in Los Angeles, and then drive down to San Diego for a few days. I would then drive east to Phoenix and stay there for the night and then drive up to Sedona. That way you won't have any wasted days.

You can visit Yosemite as a day trip while visiting San Francisco. You have to enter Yosemite from the west because the east entrance ( Tioga Pass ) will be closed during the winter.

I wouldn't spend a lot of time in the North East due to the weather. The chances are that driving will be limited due to weather. However, I would definitely visit New York City. I spent 2 weeks in Boston in December and it was miserable due to the weather. It puts a damper on wanting to see the sights. On the other hand the weather will more than likely be pretty good in California and Arizona ( Phoenix and Sedona ) so you will be able to do some good stuff every day. Of course there are no guarantees because we can get bad weather in December but it is not very likely.

[Sydney Contributor - Bronze Find all posts View Profile Close Sydney]

The main reason we'll be going to the Northeast is really to see Niagara Falls. It's a shame that it'll be freezing but we don't have much of a choice when it comes to time of year.

Maybe we'll leave out Boston then. US history doesn't get us too excited. However Washington DC and New York would be good to see. By then, my sis may be back in NYC after working in LA for the last few yrs. I'd like to visit the church on Timesquare started by David Wilkerson and maybe Tim Keller's church. SO NYC is a must I think.
Can anyone suggest where I should book 1 timeshare week in the Northeast please? I'd like us to stay put for a week at least of the two (maybe day trips only for that wk) so that we have a chance to enjoy the area at a slower pace.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

The main reason we'll be going to the Northeast is really to see Niagara Falls. It's a shame that it'll be freezing but we don't have much of a choice when it comes to time of year.

Maybe we'll leave out Boston then. US history doesn't get us too excited. However Washington DC and New York would be good to see. By then, my sis may be back in NYC after working in LA for the last few yrs. I'd like to visit the church on Timesquare started by David Wilkerson and maybe Tim Keller's church. SO NYC is a must I think.
Can anyone suggest where I should book 1 timeshare week in the Northeast please? I'd like us to stay put for a week at least of the two (maybe day trips only for that wk) so that we have a chance to enjoy the area at a slower pace.

I would book a timeshare week in NYC in Manhattan. From NYC, you can do day trips to Niagara Falls, Washington DC, etc. There are tours out of NYC to all of those places. We have stayed at the Manhattan Club, HGVC West 57th Street, and Hilton Vacation Club. All 3 are in mid_Manhattan which is where you want to be. We like the Hilton Vacation Club the best and it has the best location. We exchanged through SFX. NYC is normally a tough trade but maybe it will be easier in December. You can always rent a week.

As much as we like Niagara Falls, I think it is a a long way to go just to see some waterfall. When I was there in the winter, it took just 3 or 4 hours to do everything. Summer is a different story.

To us NYC is the only reason for visiting the North East. While there we have visited other areas but I wouldn't travel across the country except for NYC.

I spent 2 weeks in Boston in December for work.

I spent a summer in Montreal on a consulting gig. It is very interesting and has a whole underground city connected by the Metro. This was built because of the winter. I have also worked in Toronto which I don't recommend as there is nothing that outstanding to warrant the trip.