See I haven't done NY before, but I am willing to explore.. hopefully with someone!
But Daniel you are right I suppose because there will be many solo travellers maybe it would be better..

I really should get my act together and book things... like a flight lol

Next week I'm paying for my tour in one go, I figure I then have 6 months to save hardcore before we leave.

Anyone going to San Francisco after New York? I'm trying to do price comparisons for a domestic flight from New York to SF, and have checked out United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta. Does anyone know of another good, reasonably priced airline besides these ones?

Other than the domestic flight, Tim and I only have to do our travel insurance, book/prepay our accommodation in San Francisco and buy a few things for the trip. It's all coming together nicely

This is probably a lame question, but I couldn't help but wonder anyway. Can you buy Vegemite fairly easily in the USA or would I be better off bringing a small jar from home and just declaring it at Customs? I'm all for embracing American culture whilst I'm there but I don't like anything else on my toast!

I don't think you can buy Vegemite in the US, so it'll be best to bring some yourself.

Both tours I have been on someone has had a tube of Vegemite with them.... especially when I went to Europe and a lot of the people were staying in the UK to work.
Comes in very handy at breakfast, and is fun to give to non Aussies who've never tried it. I'm thinking about bringing some myself because I always miss it when I travel.

I wish I had time to go to San Fran afterwards. There are so many different airlines over there that do internal flights - your travel agent will be able to help best with that. All I know is that American Airlines is partners with Qantas.

When I first went overseas, it was to NYC so I was pretty nervous about travelling on my own. I didn't get around and see everything I wanted to, so that's where the NY Explorer would come in handy.

Hi Guys!

My names Ashley...I'm 22 female and live in England (cold and wet) I'm going to be going on the Grand southern on the 24th Sept and will be doing the NY explorer at the end also..
Is anyone else doing the same? this is the first time I will be travelling on my own, kinda jazzed about it though!
I've been to alot of places in Europe and Africa but this is this first time in the US..can't wait! September can't come quick enough

Ash x

can't belive there is a forum group for this tour already! it's awesome!
i'm mel, 23 from brisbane. last year i lived in scotland, travelling all over the place, came back 'home' for my sisters wedding and i can't get back out on the road quick enough!
im hoping to spend a few days in san fran before the tour, is anyone else keen to wander around and maybe do a 2 day drive back down to la before the tour starts?
x mel.

Hey guys!
I am officially doing GS tour! woohoo. I was like Bel, on the Eastern Discovery - but now changed.
Just wanting to know for those who are staying on in NY afterwards, who would be interested in seeing a Broadway show? I was organising it on the ED forum, but I don't mind doing both, after all we ultimately end up travelling together

let me know

I would definately be up for a broadway show!! I've heard the NBA's will be around that time too...would be cool to catch that also.

I am getting a bit confused as to whether to do a few days in LA before...or NY after. My work wont let me take more time off to do both Wish I could just jack it in and stay out there!

What does everyone think will be better?

If I go to LA before instead I would definately be up for travelling with you Mel...what are you thinking of doing?

Ash x

Hey Ash
Because you are from the UK, NY is closer to you correct? Maybe do LA, as you could always take a trip anytime after this Contiki to do NY? But from everyone I know who has been to the US and my travel agent, they all have been saying LA is not what you dream it up to be, but NY is 1000 times better because of all the sights and things to do... but hey I am doing both...only to get a taste.
New York New York... ok so anyway lol, you in for a broadway show?
Bel was talking about doing an NBA game too.

Our tour departure is listed as full now. I guess this means they can't cancel it, right?

hey guys, im booked in on doing the European discovery, trying to get aboard the GS on 24th but unfortunately its full booked so if anyone hears of anyone dropping out let me know.. i have to ring contiki every day to find out haha..

thanks guys.. ill prob see u as we run along side u guys from new orealens

hahahah
Ah miss jussie you are too funny. Why don't you call Contiki tomorrow, tell them to put you on the "request" list, that way if there is a cancellation, you are automatically upgraded to this tour? Thats what my agent did =)

good luck dear!

Wat agent did u go thru cos i rang contiki slash also asked my travel agent and they bother reckon there is no such thing as a request list sash waiting list

Fingers cross for you Justine - would be great to have you on GS. But did you know that the Eastern Discovery actually joins the Grand Southern tour. You will replace the people who do the Southern Adventure tour which is from LA to NO. So we'll be on the same bus from New Orleans to NY!!

reaally?? i was told by the contiki lady that it dose not actually join we just drive along side u guys or some shizz nizz..??!! still i want to do las vegas and the canon etc maybe i shuld do the southern adventure as well haha