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America next December

Hi all,

Me and my fiance are planning my dream trip for next December for two weeks, just before Christmas.

We've decided on...

Manchester - Boston - New York - Washington - Manchester

Now, my question...we were originally going to fly to the other US destinations on internal flights, however, would it be cheaper and feasable to drive?

My fiance is happy to drive, but we're not sure if it would work out cheaper?

Also, with it being December, are the roads between these places safe with the snow?

Comments

  • richardw
    richardw Posts: 19,470 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Perhaps also consider https://www.amtrak.com
    Posts are not advice and must not be relied upon.
  • sturll
    sturll Posts: 2,582 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Hi all,

    Me and my fiance are planning my dream trip for next December for two weeks, just before Christmas.

    We've decided on...

    Manchester - Boston - New York - Washington - Manchester

    Now, my question...we were originally going to fly to the other US destinations on internal flights, however, would it be cheaper and feasable to drive?

    My fiance is happy to drive, but we're not sure if it would work out cheaper?

    Also, with it being December, are the roads between these places safe with the snow?

    US Roads are much different to those in the UK in they are are extremely well kept and dont take 100 miles to get 20. You will the Interstates are almost always kept clear of snow, but any that may not be you are advised well in advance to don snow chains. However, its likely if there were any issues the hire company would waste no time in telling you you need them (they cost $25)

    To drive from Boston to New York and then to Washington is not far in terms of the US, Boston to NYC is about 200 miles and then New York to Washington is 230 miles, so nothing major in terms of distance. However, 2 problems spring to mind which you should really account for, the first being parking fees, it can be notoriously expensive to park in any of the places you mention (as in $40 per day). Secondly many car hire firms charge a one way fee of up to $500.Something you really need to consider. If it were me i'd drive for the scenery and experiance. But on a budget you're almost certainly going to find it cheaper flying or indeed getting the Greyhound or Amtrak.
  • Thanks a lot for them links :) and for the advice.

    I should also ask - is it possible to collect a car at Boston and drive to NCY and drop it off with the company there? And the same with NYC to Washington?

    I'll have a look into Amtrak and Greyhound :)
  • Greyhound looks good from first look.
  • blindman
    blindman Posts: 5,695 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Thanks a lot for them links :) and for the advice.

    I should also ask - is it possible to collect a car at Boston and drive to NCY and drop it off with the company there? And the same with NYC to Washington?

    I'll have a look into Amtrak and Greyhound :)

    I'm sure you would get stung with one-way drop off fees.

    Have a look at this post about China Bus and other coach options. We did BOS-NYC by bus and NYC-WAS by Amtrak

    Amtrak may be good. There used to be discount codes for them as well.
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