I need itinerary help - pretty please

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Hi all,

I'm trying to lock in our itinerary for our December trip because I want to book some of the accom when and if any deals come along but I'm having trouble with the last few weeks of the trip. I was hoping some of you more experienced travellers would be able to give some advice.

Okay so far:-

9 Dec - fly to Orlando (this is a definite date)
Staying at Pop Century with 2 rooms (this may change if MIL doesn't come)

20 Dec - fly to NYC (this date is definite)
Thinking of either staying at Doubletree or Hilton New York. Can get 2 adjoining rooms at Hilton for less than one room at Doubletree. Like that you get a fridge and a microwave at Doubletree, location is great but I also loved the location of Hilton last time, and having 4 beds to spread between 5 people along with 2 bathrooms sounds pretty appealing. Actually now that I've typed that out I'm thinking Hilton .

Now this is where I can't decide so any and all advice would be welcome.

I was originally thinking this:-

29 Dec - train to Washington DC, NYE in Washington

2 Jan - fly to Boston

4 Jan - fly to Quebec City

9 Jan - fly to Toronto, bus to Niagara Falls

11 Jan - fly home

This is my question for those experienced flight booking with lots of different legs people. Will the fact that we are training it down to Washington have a big annoying impact on our air travel ticket options? As in there is a break in the continuity?

Would we be better to fly from NYC-Quebec-Toronto-Boston-Washington-home?

Happy to spend NYE in Quebec. My question is, this would be mean going through customs one extra time so potentially a big time suck and annoyance.

What do you think the smoothest itinerary would be after the NYC portion of the trip?

Any and all help would be great as I am keen to book our Quebec accom because I have found a deal for a hotel that I think would be great but need to know my dates obviously before making a final enquiry for pricing.

Thanks thanks thanks.

 

[shushh]

The first part of our trip was similar to yours. It didn't change cost of airfares too much.

We flew SYD-MCO, MCO-LGA, and then the last leg was LAX-SYD. The only reason that we didn't book DCA to MCO was that the route wasn't covered by Delta and we didn't want to make such a short journey complicated by multiple stops! So we bought a jetblue ticket separately for that leg. So the only consideration was that we didn't get the international baggage allowance for that leg. This was fine as we left some luggage at WDW. I think jetblue includes 1 piece in their fare, so you'd only have to buy 1 more luggage allowance if you have 2 each. Alternatively I think southwest includes luggage allowance? Need to check.

Which airlines are you thinking of flying with?

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Hi Shushh, we aren't all that fussed about airlines. Probably Delta, Qantas or Virgin but it will depend on what deals are around and what my TA can find for me.

 

[queenie82]

Which airlines are you thinking of flying with?

PICK ME PICK ME!!!!
I know I know which one.... she's not flying with



I'm confused though....
There was mention of a BUS

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

PICK ME PICK ME!!!!
I know I know which one.... she's not flying with



I'm confused though....
There was mention of a BUS

I knew you'd chime in with something smart to offer .

I don't remember mentioning a bus.

 

[queenie82]

I knew you'd chime in with something smart to offer .

I don't remember mentioning a bus.

9 Jan - fly to Toronto, bus to Niagara Falls


I'm actually really confused about this part...



And in regard to
My question is, this would be mean going through customs one extra time so potentially a big time suck and annoyance.

I find security itself to be the biggest annoyance. As I mentioned before the body scanners mean if you opt out you have to have a 5 minute frisk...which in terms of being patted down I don't mind. But it just takes time.
Then there is the luggage restrictions depending on how much is on an international ticket.
Clearing customs can be a pain. But for me it's security that does my head in...as well as ensuring luggage weight is ok.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

9 Jan - fly to Toronto, bus to Niagara Falls


I'm actually really confused about this part...



And in regard to
My question is, this would be mean going through customs one extra time so potentially a big time suck and annoyance.

I find security itself to be the biggest annoyance. As I mentioned before the body scanners mean if you opt out you have to have a 5 minute frisk...which in terms of being patted down I don't mind. But it just takes time.
Then there is the luggage restrictions depending on how much is on an international ticket.
Clearing customs can be a pain. But for me it's security that does my head in...as well as ensuring luggage weight is ok.

Oh yes, bus from Toronto to Niagara Falls. Is there a train because I could do that too . Sorry I forgot about the bus in that part.

I have no problem with bodyscans. I am happy to share my "hotness" with the airport staff. There are some things you just can't unsee and I'm sure they will regret it .

I'm more concerned with going through customs 1 extra time as it does tend to take time.

What are you thoughts on my two itineraries Miss Queenie, oh vastly travelled one?


P.S. The day United put inseat entertainment in they will jump to the top of my list

 

[PrincessInOz]

There'll be no issue with air $$. I've done MEL-SFO and then flown back Boston-LAX-MEL. We used a combination of Trains, Planes and Automobiles (sounds like a good title for a movie) to get us to Toronto, Montreal, Quebec, NYC and Boston.

You know my views about travel in one direction and don't double back. I prefer your option of NYC, Quebec, Toronto/Niagara, Boston, Washington best.

Quebec is a relatively small airport. I know we didn't have a lot of issue with customs because we were flying in from a North American port. And because we were on the train from Montreal to NYC, we only had our passports checked at the border (the border patrol came on board the train; so we didn't even need to vacate our seats).

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

OH and for the record I have flown United, twice, domestically in the US and they were perfectly nice.

I don't see you giving anyone else a hard time about United, and I'm pretty sure most everyone else doesn't fly with them .

 

[queenie82]

There'll be no issue with air $$. I've done MEL-SFO and then flown back Boston-LAX-MEL. We used a combination of Trains, Planes and Automobiles (sounds like a good title for a movie) to get us to Toronto, Montreal, Quebec, NYC and Boston.

You know my views about travel in one direction and don't double back. I prefer your option of NYC, Quebec, Toronto/Niagara, Boston, Washington best.

Quebec is a relatively small airport. I know we didn't have a lot of issue with customs because we were flying in from a North American port. And because we were on the train from Montreal to NYC, we only had our passports checked at the border (the border patrol came on board the train; so we didn't even need to vacate our seats).

Yup...I'm with her...
Re customs and not doubling back...

TIME wise security is where I've had it taken most these days with exception to Hawaii once customs was horrendous.

It isn't always you that causes delay. There is the Russian roulette with picking the right lane at security. BAM...someone has something to check. And if you opt out of the body scan you may have to wait as you won't be the only one.
TIME TIME TIME is taken more and more by airport security...

TIME is what you're talking about in hassle of extra flights
- checking baggage weights and making sure you have your liquids sorted is a pain with air travel
- security and having your luggage tossed like a salad that extra time and a risk of loss or damage...
- customs...not so much between the US and Canada an issue...particularly those locations

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

There'll be no issue with air $$. I've done MEL-SFO and then flown back Boston-LAX-MEL. We used a combination of Trains, Planes and Automobiles (sounds like a good title for a movie) to get us to Toronto, Montreal, Quebec, NYC and Boston.

You know my views about travel in one direction and don't double back. I prefer your option of NYC, Quebec, Toronto/Niagara, Boston, Washington best.

Quebec is a relatively small airport. I know we didn't have a lot of issue with customs because we were flying in from a North American port. And because we were on the train from Montreal to NYC, we only had our passports checked at the border (the border patrol came on board the train; so we didn't even need to vacate our seats).

I hear you about the doubling back thing - however aren't I still doubling back with the NYC-Quebec-Toronto-Boston-Washington scenario? I've going back past NYC to get to Washington aren't I, airwise?

Yup...I'm with her...
Re customs and not doubling back...

TIME wise security is where I've had it taken most these days with exception to Hawaii once customs was horrendous.

It isn't always you that causes delay. There is the Russian roulette with picking the right lane at security. BAM...someone has something to check. And if you opt out of the body scan you may have to wait as you won't be the only one.
TIME TIME TIME is taken more and more by airport security...

TIME is what you're talking about in hassle of extra flights
- checking baggage weights and making sure you have your liquids sorted is a pain with air travel
- security and having your luggage tossed like a salad that extra time and a risk of loss or damage...
- customs...not so much between the US and Canada an issue...particularly those locations

Yes time time time. It's such a bugger to lose time on these trips.

I hate to even think about this but what about something along these lines:-

9 Dec - fly to Orlando
19 Dec - fly to Washington
23 Dec - train to NYC (I'm inclined to want to be in NYC earlier to really enjoy Christmas and the atmosphere but perhaps this would work)
31 Dec - either train or fly to Boston
2 Dec - fly to Quebec
7 Dec - fly to Toronto, bus to Niagara
9 Dec - fly home

It means losing a day in Orlando and not being in NYC as many days before Christmas.

Not sure how I feel about this scenario personally but would welcome your thoughts on basic logistics and whether this makes more sense if you remove the emotion from it.

 

[Caroline NZ]

Hi Ms Shuttergirl, I have never been to Canada, but I just wanted to say I am so envious of you and your planning. Hopefully we will make it one day ( maybe in around 5 years time and the focus will hopefully be a ski holiday).
Good luck with working out an itinerary that works for you and your family

 

[PrincessInOz]

Can you add a day to your travel plans? It seems a shame to be in NYC for NYE and not stay? Unless you don't want to chance the crowds.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Hi Ms Shuttergirl, I have never been to Canada, but I just wanted to say I am so envious of you and your planning. Hopefully we will make it one day ( maybe in around 5 years time and the focus will hopefully be a ski holiday).
Good luck with working out an itinerary that works for you and your family

Caroline, that is such a sweet comment. Thank you so much. We are very lucky and are very excited to check out a little of Canada. We do not intend to ski at this stage but would like to go back to Canada another time and do the east coast as well.

Can you add a day to your travel plans? It seems a shame to be in NYC for NYE and not stay? Unless you don't want to chance the crowds.

Not being in NYC for NYE is a conscious decision. After doing some research, Times Square isn't really for families and is like a military operation on NYE. The other option was Central Park for the fireworks but we just felt it would be like a grid lock in NYC for 31 Dec and 1 Jan so we decided it was wasted days for us so we are moving on so we aren't there for NYE. My 13 year old daughter is shattered , but I told her to go back when she is 21 and she will enjoy it then.

Some of the reviews I read for Times Square were scary. No way to go to the toilet. No getting in and out after 6pm. Can't take food and drink in. Wouldn't all of that be fun with kids . I think I will pass on that one.


Note:- mentioned to the kids the proposed 3rd itinerary and it was met with a resounding NOOOOOO to cutting down WDW by a day and only having a day and a half in NYC prior to Christmas so the 3rd scenario is out.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Boston it is for NYE then.

You're not doubling back too much...you're heading in a circle, one way.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Boston it is for NYE then.

You're not doubling back too much...you're heading in a circle, one way.

Well Boston would be a better option for NYE but the original itinerary is Washington for NYE.

So, is your opinion the first scenario which was NYC-Washington-Boston-Quebec-Toronto-home or the Canada first option with NYC-Quebec (NYE)-Toronto-Boston-Washington-home????

Sorry to be so "needy" but this is kind of stressing me out.

Or is your opinion - both options are fine??????????

 

[PrincessInOz]

Shuttergirl, both options seem as good as each other. Pick the one that suits your family best. My personal preference would be NYC - Quebec - Toronto - Boston - Washington home.

But only because in my mind, going to NYC - Washington - then Boston is doubling back. That's just me.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Okay, well I will see what the TA says and when it comes time for me to do some flight research, can I enlist you to help me work on some dates and figures with airlines? You are very good at this stuff and I am such a novice.

Suck suck,

 

[PrincessInOz]

Flattery sometimes gets you what you want.......chocolate always works.


Sure. Happy to help, if I can. And you know everyone else will also want to share as well.

 

[Lulu83]

Oh yes, bus from Toronto to Niagara Falls. Is there a train because I could do that too

We caught the train from Toronto to Niagara with no hassles. Our travel agent actually booked all of our train legs for us; but you can check out the VIA Rail website to give you a rough idea of times/cost (http://www.viarail.ca/en) Looks like the cheapest fare to do this leg is $22.60 and it's about a 2 hour trip.

We also used VIA to travel between Toronto and Montreal (and then Amtrak for our train trips in the states)