BootsnAll Travel Community

Im a 31yo female travelling to the States in May/June 2001. At this stage I will be visiting San Francisco, Las Vegas, Memphis, Atlanta, Philladelphia, New York - are there any local people who would be willing to show me around their city for a day?? This is my first time travelling solo and am a bit nervous about doing this especially in New York so the company would be appreciated. I am willing to do the same for someone coming to Adelaide, Australia. Thanks

Hi Lyndall -- One place you might consider adding to your list is Washington, DC. You could stop through there on your way from Atlanta to Philly.

DC is a GREAT place to visit, especially for people on a budget, because the majority of major museums and attractions are FREE. Among the other things you can do/see for FREE:

* The Smithsonian
* Air & Space museum
* National Gallery of Art
* Museum of Natural History
* The Holocaust Museum
* Museum of American History
* The White House
* Lincoln Memorial
* National Archives
* Washington Monument
* The Capitol
* Arlington National Cemetery (where JFK, among others, is buried)
* The National Zoo

* * * * * ALL FREE! * * * * *

There are other things as well, but these are the ones I could think of. You could literally spend a week here siteseeing and exploring all the museums and not pay one penny to do so. Additonally, it is easy to get around DC without having to rent a car. Take the Metro (which has stops within walking distance to all major attractions) and save yourself the hassle of parking. In fact, I've lived outside DC for about 20 years now, and I've actually gone into the city in a car maybe 15 times! I ALWAYS take Metro!

There are a couple of hostels in DC as well, although I don't think they're as cheap as hostels are in other countries (the US isn't known for it's hostels). But they're certainly cheaper than any other kind of accommodations you'll be able to find in and around DC, especially for the months you're travelling.

Check out this website -- and yes, it's an Australian site (just your luck!) -- www.backpackers.com.au. From there, click on "VIP Guide to Backpackers Resorts in North/South America." Then you can check the DC hostel listings.

You'll want to get a VIP card, which is AUS$29, and you can get it at any VIP hostel. In your case, because you're in Australia, you can also get it via this website by email. It has all sorts of discounts to offer, so check it out!

As far as showing you around DC for a day, should you decide to stop here, I'd be happy to... Except that by May/June 2001, I don't know if I'll still be around here! But if I am, I'll be glad to be your tour guide!

Thanks for your help Jenney. I am planning to go to Washington and will be probably meeting up with a friend from Atlanta there for a few days but if this falls through and if you are around I would be very grateful if you could show me around. My email is lyndalle@yahoo.com Please send me your email address and I may contact you closer to my trip. Thanks again

Hey Lyndall,
My job has me driving about the country all the time. If you would like, stay in touch. Might be able to offer advice, or even a ride. Always happy to meet fellow travelers.
Dave

RONIN01 (Dave)
Thanks for your post - please email me on lyndalle@yahoo.com with your email address so that I can contact you.

Lyndall

should your travel take you further north of San Francisco to Victoria, British Columbia I would love to show you around. It seems a shame to come all the way from Australia and miss Canada!
Sabina

Hi!

Can show you around SF and in California if you are ready!
I have been driving a lot around California lately and I am becoming a sort of "Tourist guide"!
I am a 30 year old female.....so do not hesitate if you want a place to stay a few days as well.....

See ya

Valou

hello lyndall...
well, since you find nyc the scariest of all, how can i not volunteer? i live & work in brooklyn and id be happy to be a tourist for a day. send me an email - but forgive my slow response, im not on too regularly.

jennifer
tortuga28@hotmail.com
(i used to write some of the nyc updates when i had computer access)

Lyndall, if you do decide to come up the west coast, also be sure to try to come through Eugene. That's where the guys and I run BootsnAll; feel free to stop in for a cuppa or a beer, and lots of chat. (Especially if you're making your way towards BC as well, as Sabina suggested!)

If while you're in San Francisco and such you do get interested in going north, a really good way to do it is the Green Tortoise. They operate hostels in San Francisco and Seattle, and they also run a shuttle service between the two cities. The prices are great, the bus has some interesting stops, and I've heard lots of good things about it. You can get details on theirsite.

Cheers

Anthony

Writer & Editor
BootsnAll.com
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