Tips for our trip to the US

[hippi_pixi]

my partner and i are on our way to the US to buy an e-ring diamond. I've had some great help from my other thread below about diamond buying. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-hunt-for-a-big-oec-is-taking-us-to-the-us.183978/

but we'll be doing plenty of non-diamond shopping and sightseeing too so i thought I'd start another thread for general tips. some back story: we've got 3 days in LA, 2 days in Vegas and then a week in NY. We're driving from LA to Vegas via San diego so i can visit H Moradi

Sights: We're already doing a day at universal studios and I'm looking into a helicopter day trip from vegas to see the grand canyon. haven't decided to do a half day west rim trip or a full day south rim trip. apparently only the south rim is the real grand canyon? Any other reccomendations?

Shopping: I've heard clothes are much cheaper in the US than here in Australia but i haven't really seen this online. Any good outlet stores in LA or NY? We've been told to take half empty suitcases because the shopping is so good. also my partners mum insists he buy an Armani suit while in the US anyone know where we might do this? and I'd like to buy my partner a nice watch Tag Heuer or Rolex if i find a good deal while we're over there.

Weather: I live on the Sunshine coast Australia so we're both completely ill equipped to deal with the temperatures I'm seeing in NY. I've bought knee high leather boots to wear with jeans and I'm assuming i will need beanies and scarfs? my partner doesn't own anything but jeans and hoodies... should we try to buy some heavy coat for sightseeing in NY or any suggestions for where we can buy cheaply in the US?

Tipping: any tips on tipping *giggle* but seriously we never have cash we live entirely on cards. do you just keep heaps of dollar bills on you at all times?

Thanks in advance for any tips or advice you have for us!

 

[Loves Vintage]

HP - When will you be in the US? I think the north rim of the GC is closed this time of year, so that would rule it out in any event. Bryce Canyon is maybe a 4 hr drive from the GC and is very impressive, but I don't know that you would have the time to see it. http://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm

There are outlets in CT for clothes shopping, but it's quite a ways from NYC. People come from NYC all the time to these outlets, but I'm sure they are locals. I don't think the deals would really merit the extra travel for you. I think there are also some outlets in NY, north of the city. Posting links below.

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/store_listing.asp?id=12
http://www.tangeroutlet.com/westbrook

One hour north of the city:

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=7

There are lots of people here in NYC, so I think they will be able to point you to deals in the city.

For coats, I'd probably just go to Old Navy, but wonder what they will have left depending on when you travel here.

Re: tips, most tips can be added to credit card receipt when you sign. You would want cash for tipping at your hotel. Someone else can advise re: taxis.

 

[princesss]

As far as tipping in taxis, every taxi I've taken in NYC I've been able to use my card and just add the tip on.

One other thing - don't forget that we add tax AFTER the price you see on the price tag, and that it varies state by state. Not sure about California, but I think New York is around 10%? So don't forget to factor that into prices. You may be able to get some of that back going through customs on the way out (not sure about the rules leaving the US, I know countries in Europe and Asia do this so I would hope we do the same), but it's something to remember especially when you're buying higher priced items like a Rolex.

I would definitely suggest a coat for when you're here - NY is going to be freezing, especially compared to what you're used to. I would suggest a hat, scarf, wool socks, and a coat that goes down past your waist.

 

[vc10um]

I would check the Duty Free Shop on your return flight for the watch. That way you won't have to pay tax stateside, only import fees to AUS. Keep in mind you'll have to declare all your purchases when you return to your country and they will charge you appropriately for them.

When tipping, most places will allow you to add additional tip onto your credit card bill (you will see a line labeled tip below the bill total and then a line for you to write in the new total before you sign). In general, the standard tip at on a restaurant bill is 15-20% depending on the quality of service. I've heard lengthy debates on whether you should tip on the pre-tax total, or the with-tax total. I'll leave the decision up to you. If you're just having drinks at the bar, the standard tip is roughly $1/drink...a little extra if you're somewhere where the cocktails are "artisan" and the barkeeps are doing things like squeezing fresh juices for you as you order. Some places like salons and spas will not permit credit card tipping, so I suggest you ask at the time of booking if you decide you need a manicure or other service of the like, so that you can have cash at hand for the tip. (I usually tip 10-20% depending on quality and if the person is an owner of the salon (lower end) or just an employee (higher end of the spectrum).)

What do you plan on doing/seeing in Vegas? If you're big gamblers, I'd suggest the shorter trip to the Grand Canyon, only because I think you'd be disappointed to only have one day in Vegas otherwise. If you're not big gamblers and just going to see Vegas (and eat!)...well then I'd probably go for the full shebang and do the full day helicoptor tour. When you're in Vegas, take a look at the shows...there's nothing like a Vegas show, for sure! The Cirque shows are amazing...I know some of the ladies are going to see LOVE the night before the big Vegas GTG so that one comes highly recommended. I saw Mystere at Treasure Island back in 2006 and enjoyed it as well. Blue Man Group is also very popular, as is Phantom.

For clothing...omg yes you will need coats and scarves and hats and gloves and boots! Since you clearly won't have any use for them back home, I would go cheap (Old Navy like LV said, H&M, etc.). A lot of the winter clothing is on sale right now to make way for spring stuff, so if you have a place you can ship the items to stateside and have them held until you arrive, that would probably be a good idea.

There are plenty of NYC residents here, so I won't go into much NYC tourism stuff, but you MUST to either Top of the Rock or the Observation Deck of the Empire State Building. Also visit Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rockefeller Center, and catch as many shows as you can!

Enjoy your trip, and I hope you end up with the diamond of your dreams!

 

[Boatluvr]

I would suggest stopping for lunch in Dana Point Harbor. It is probably one of the most picturesque spots on the coast and it is approximately at the halfway spot between LA and SD. I lived in the area for 14 years. There are several really good restaurants in the Harbor. If you have time, stop by 'Turk's' Bar - it's a hoot. You can sit at the bar and watch the boats go by. Truly a gem! Have fun but watch out - the 'average' speed on the 5/405 (the main highway) is about 85 MPH. Californians can be said to have lead foots!

 

[Loves Vintage]

I'm back. Please ignore my links to the outlets in CT!! I don't think you will have time or want to trek all the way into CT. It was early, and I obviously have a Connecticut-centric view of the universe, lol! The outlets in Woodbury seem more logical if that's something you want to do. Looks like you can take a bus up and back.

Oh, and I looked and see you will be traveling quite soon. So, yes, I agree with everyone else, you will want some coats (assuming the weather does not surprise us. It was quite warm last week, yet we are expecting a foot of snow by the end of this week.) I wondered whether you could order on-line and then have shipped to your hotel? Maybe give them a call and see what they suggest. I looked at old navy, and couldn't find any coats on-line, which is surprising! Maybe Macy's?

Where are all the NYC PS-ers?

 

[madelise]

Lots of outlets in SoCal and Las Vegas.

If you're into the name brand stuff, head to the premium outlets branches.
Desert Hills (not too far from San Diego): http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/store_listing.asp?id=6
Las Vegas: http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/store_listing.asp?id=58

For "normal" stuff, outlets won't do much for you.. I'd recommend a TJ Maxx or Ross for that stuff.
But you can get crazy deals off those 4+ digit priced purses and such at the outlets.

I've got to make a few dining suggestions, though.
In Los Angeles, you've got to visit the 360 degree rotating bar at the Bonaventure Hotel. Skip the rotating Stratosphere in Vegas.
In San Diego, visit C-Level for dinner. It's a 10 minute drive away from downtown San Diego, and it has a whole panoramic view of DT SD and Coronado Island. It's breath taking.
If you're a dessert junky, visit Extraordinary Desserts in San Diego, and you have to get the frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity III either in New York or Las Vegas. I've seen the lines in the NY location, so.. may be safer to go to the one in NY.


And if you're still up for it, my offer still stands to meet you and your SO in Los Angeles. You can contact me through my ad on Loupe Troop, at http://loupetroop.com/listings/neck...elsa-peretti-eternal-circle-pendant-and-chain

 

[aviastar]

I'm not in NY, but I am on the East Coast- definitely coats, and hats, probably a scarf and gloves, too. Over a sweater. What I have always found in NYC is that you do a lot of walking, so you are spending more time than you think outside. And if you aren't used to the cold it can be fairly uncomfortable. You can always pick up extra pieces in NYC, if you find you need them- they will be everywhere. Those Pashmina shawls/scarves are on every corner!

 

[mdmc]

When you are in L.A. I would go to Disneyland instead of Universal. No contest there.

 

[tuffyluvr]

Hi HP! If your partner doesn't have a warm coat, you should definitely get him one! You both will need a winter coat/parka in NYC this time of year or you'll be miserable! There is a Colombia Sportswear shop at the Citadel Outlets, but truthfully, the Citadel is pretty ghetto, IMO.

My favorite spot for bargains is Nordstrom Rack--they carry a good selection of designers and they have nice handbags and shoes. Also, they have an excellent selection of suits and other guys stuff. There are several in the LA area, depending upon where you're staying.

I also wouldn't bother with Universal Studios--it's not that amazing and it's expensive! I would suggest going to 3rd street promenade in Santa Monica: fun place to walk around for the afternoon, good shopping and plenty of good places for lunch. Then catch the sunset and have a drink at Shutters, Lowe's in Santa Monica or rooftop at the Standard downtown. If you want to try and see some celebs, go for a hike at Runyon Canyon or at the Santa Monica stairs.

Also--another jewelry store to check out: Claude Morady in Bev Hills
http://www.claudemorady.com/

LMK if you have any questions or need more ideas in LA!

 

[hippi_pixi]

Thankyou all for your helpful tips and for taking the time to write them out. I really appreciate it. I have twice now written a reply addressing you all individually and lost the entire thing while trying to upload a photo now I'm too tired

short version: thankyou all so much theres so much good stuff here i will print this out to take with us and start researching some of shopping outlets. I will drag my partner to one of our outdoorsy stores to get him a coat.

on a side note the photo i was trying to upload was of my ski jacket to see if i would look embarrassingly touristy if i wear it? its light blue tartan and slightly rustley compared to i am assuming the NY sea of black and grey?

 

[tuffyluvr]

Thankyou all for your helpful tips and for taking the time to write them out. I really appreciate it. I have twice now written a reply addressing you all individually and lost the entire thing while trying to upload a photo now I'm too tired

short version: thankyou all so much theres so much good stuff here i will print this out to take with us and start researching some of shopping outlets. I will drag my partner to one of our outdoorsy stores to get him a coat.

on a side note the photo i was trying to upload was of my ski jacket to see if i would look embarrassingly touristy if i wear it? its light blue tartan and slightly rustley compared to i am assuming the NY sea of black and grey?

That's so frustrating when you write a post an lose it!!! NYC is typically a sea of black and grey, like you said, but I would definitely be more concerned about warmth than looks! It's freezing and blizzardy there now. I would bring what you've got, and then maybe you'll find something at the outlets. Personally, I have found some great stuff at the outlets in Vegas:
http://m.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/Vegas

http://www.fashionoutletlasvegas.com/id_contact.shtm

Last year I got a pair of Ferragamo (sp?) sandals for under $100 and a pair of Gucci sunglasses for $50 (regular price $350!).

The outlets in Vegas are a bit closer to town. In LA theyre out in the boondocks, but if you don't mind the drive, the Premium Outlets are good:
http://m.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/Desert/tourism
Also, like I mentioned before, Nordstrom Rack is good and closer to the city:
http://m.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom-rack
Also, like Madelise mentioned, Ross, Marshalls and TJ Maxx--those are all over the place. Loehmann's is good too--there is one in Torrance, and one in (or near?) the Beverly Center.

Excited for you!!!

 

[sonnyjane]

When you are in L.A. I would go to Disneyland instead of Universal. No contest there.

Definitely agree, except that Disneyland is a hike away, but it's by far the better park. If you're heading down to San Diego anyway I'd do your LA shopping then stay somewhere near Disneyland if you go there, then head south to San Diego...unless you really dislike Disneyland and really like Universal, but for the most scenarios I recommend Disneyland over Universal!

 

[hippi_pixi]

i restarted my computer so now my browser doesn't crash everytime i try to attach anything. below is my ski jacket. i think i will stick out like a sore thumb but will just risk looking silly and stick with this. i have normal hip length 'fashion' jackets which should be fine for LA and Vegas and will have to just look a bit silly to stay warm in NY.



We'll have to do disneyland next time i am afraid. my partner is super keen on movies and anything about them and i figure we'll be back sometime soon after we have kids so we can do disneyland then. we wanna get heaps out of this trip cos its our first time in the US but I'm sure it won't be our only trip.

Tuffyluvr thanks so much for those websites thats going to be so helpful! I did recently see a pair of prada sunnys for 350 or 450 so if i see them cheap i will snap them up.

 

[hippi_pixi]

why is it all my photos end up sideways when i post them?

 

[Missy]

hippi- the great thing about NY is that individuality rules so no worries about your jacket or standing out. Personally I find all the black and grey quite boring!! And though my wardrobe does consist mainly of those 2 colors I do break out of that mold once in a while lol.

So much to see and do- what an exciting trip!!!

As for outlets in NYC there is nothing really close to the city. Tanger is out on LI and Woodbury is upstate so I don't recommend a detour for what might be a hit or miss shopping experience. What do you guys want to do and see? I could make some recommendations but there is so much that I would like to narrow it down based on your preferences. But just a quick overview of some highlights of NYC that you might not want to miss:

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge- it's a landmark and a gorgeous experience

SI ferry, Ellis Island, 911 memorial, Statue of Liberty, High line, ESB, Central Park, Any of the museums (my favorites being the Guggenheim, The Met, The Frick Museum, Museum of Natural History), The Grey Line Bus tours- we love doing these lol especially the one that goes into Brooklyn-so much fun!

Anyway, that's just an overview and I left out a lot. Let me know your preferences and I can individualize my recommendations if you'd like.

 

[Wednesday]

For NYC weather through March, you should have a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat. The gloves and hat you may only need if the temp goes below 40, but the jacket you will use. You mentioned having knee-high boots. If those are comfortable walking in, that could work. What I do, and what may be a better option for reducing space in your luggage, is wear a pair of opaque tights under my jeans, and then put on socks and sneakers or other comfortable shoes. It's like wearing two layers, and protects from the cold and wind. Last month, it dipped to 10 degrees one week and I was quite comfortable with this on. Also, certain parts of the city feel colder due to wind conditions (created by proximity to the water and position of the buildings). Like aviastar said, you walk a lot here and so are outside a lot, so be prepared for the range of possible temperatures during whichever month you visit. I imagine tourists are outside a lot more than I am, so stay warm!

I am not much of a shopper, so I can't give you too many pointers on that. I personally shop sales at big department stores in Manhattan and there are some great deals. You can print coupons and savings passes from the store's website, usually, if there is a store you are interested in.

For outlets, NYC itself does not have many. Century 21 (lower Manhattan across from the WTC) draws a crowd, but I do not find their pricing or quality to be worth it. They carry a lot of seconds and it shows. You need to make sure the size is actually as represented, too. They carry a lot of designer names, so if you are able to verify quality and know the price to determine whether you are getting a good deal, it could be ok. But I generally think outlets are overrated. I believe there is also a Nordstrom Rack in Manhattan. I love Nordstrom's (the department store), but unfortunately, we don't have one in the city! Maybe the Rack is ok, but I cannot vouch for it myself.

I do wonder if you even need to worry about discounts, though. Sometimes I go shopping in Manhattan and I see people from other countries buying tons of stuff I would consider expensive. I figure they're getting a deal from their POV. So maybe you should just go to Fifth Ave and go crazy, lol!

Tipping: Almost any place that accepts a credit card will allow you to put the tip on the credit card. Restaurant tipping is generally 20% for your server. At a bar: Drinks are $1/drink, but if it is a complicated cocktail or otherwise calls for extra work by your bartender then $2 could be called for. Cabs accept credit cards, and when you go to pay, they have some pre-set tipping percentages you can choose from to make it easier on you. You may want to carry some singles for tipping porters who carry your bags at a hotel, those who secure a cab for you at a hotel, and people working a coat check.

 

[hippi_pixi]

Thanks everyone for your help! I've printed all of this off for reference. i meant to reply to everyones helpful questions before i left but finishing off work, packing and organising took all my time before we left.

It looks like we won't see much in LA except universal studios which is a shame. but today we were so jetlagged we couldn't manage to do anything except meet with Ari at singlestone. took us over an hour to find a taxi back out to beverly hills. first city i've been in that we couldn't like look up raise a hand and be in a cab within a minute or 2 :S. we'll have to plan better next time we go out.

any suggestions for NY are welcomed. missy i feel since im dragging him around all this diamond shopping most sightseeing should be his choice so museums and anything... cultural probably wont happen . famous landmarks and sports he is into. the brooklyn bridge sounds good, statue of liberty and probably the empire state building if the lines arn't too long. we'd like to see the 9/11 memorial if we get the chance and definitely central park. In movies people go iceskating on central park is that true/still going?

So far in LA we have been into downtown LA and tomorro we will be at universal, sunday we will meet with Grace from JBEG at noon. after that we can do/see 1 thing before we drive on the next day. so if you could do 1 thing in LA as a tourist, 1 afternoon what would you do where would you go? Santa monica, Beverly Hills (where our hotel is), Bel Air, Hollywood Blvd, Sunset strip, venice beach, walk of fame? I'm just listing stuff from a tours website...

and what is there to do/see walking distance from at these venues?

 

[madelise]

Save taxi company numbers on your phone. Taxis aren't common in CA--- that's a NY thing.
If you have to do one tourist thing in LA, I suggest doing the Hollywood & Highlands area for the walk of fame and museums. I hear Wicked is back in LA, too, but I'm not sure if its now.

 

[ame]

You mentioned something about an Armani suit? You can get that for sure in Beverly Hills/LA. or NYC. Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York Bergdorf Goodman or something if not the armani boutiques.

Ill agree with the Old Navy coat suggestions. In March you might have issues still finding coats though, bec even HERE in mid Feb they're not easy to find in Old Navy in the midwest, all the Spring stuff is coming out, Macys might be a place to look, or Columbia/North Face.

When my friend and her DH went to LA they did the TMZ bus tour. They said it was hilarious and fun. I couldn't have paid DH in enough sex or chocolate to have convinced him to do that lol

 

[Sparklelu]

Im a former NYer I highly suggest doing a GRAYLINE tour. Its a double decker bus witha hop n hop off ticket. This way if yu are going past something that looks good you get off then go back to the stop and grab the next bus. They are double deckers butthe top might be too cold!! The ticket isgood for 72 hours!!! just jumpoff in the diamond district!!

We recommend it to all first time visitors. This way you can say you saw it all!
The bus can be picked up in may spots. There are several loops and one i believe is a tour of "movie " famous spots.
http://www.newyorksightseeing.com/
Go to Macy's for a great shopping experience. It is the oroginal featured in the classic MIracle on 34th st..
My mom was working there when they filmed it years and years ago!!

Have fun!!

 

[Missy]

Im a former NYer I highly suggest doing a GRAYLINE tour. Its a double decker bus witha hop n hop off ticket. This way if yu are going past something that looks good you get off then go back to the stop and grab the next bus. They are double deckers butthe top might be too cold!! The ticket isgood for 72 hours!!! just jumpoff in the diamond district!!

We recommend it to all first time visitors. This way you can say you saw it all!
The bus can be picked up in may spots. There are several loops and one i believe is a tour of "movie " famous spots.
http://www.newyorksightseeing.com/
Go to Macy's for a great shopping experience. It is the oroginal featured in the classic MIracle on 34th st..
My mom was working there when they filmed it years and years ago!!

Have fun!!

I totally second that!! It's a blast! We do it every now and then as we like to be tourists in our town haha. It's been a few years since we last did it and we did the Brooklyn tour. So much fun! And the downtown tour is also a blast!

Thanks everyone for your help! I've printed all of this off for reference. i meant to reply to everyones helpful questions before i left but finishing off work, packing and organising took all my time before we left.

It looks like we won't see much in LA except universal studios which is a shame. but today we were so jetlagged we couldn't manage to do anything except meet with Ari at singlestone. took us over an hour to find a taxi back out to beverly hills. first city i've been in that we couldn't like look up raise a hand and be in a cab within a minute or 2 :S. we'll have to plan better next time we go out.

any suggestions for NY are welcomed. missy i feel since im dragging him around all this diamond shopping most sightseeing should be his choice so museums and anything... cultural probably wont happen . famous landmarks and sports he is into. the brooklyn bridge sounds good, statue of liberty and probably the empire state building if the lines arn't too long. we'd like to see the 9/11 memorial if we get the chance and definitely central park. In movies people go iceskating on central park is that true/still going?

So far in LA we have been into downtown LA and tomorro we will be at universal, sunday we will meet with Grace from JBEG at noon. after that we can do/see 1 thing before we drive on the next day. so if you could do 1 thing in LA as a tourist, 1 afternoon what would you do where would you go? Santa monica, Beverly Hills (where our hotel is), Bel Air, Hollywood Blvd, Sunset strip, venice beach, walk of fame? I'm just listing stuff from a tours website...

and what is there to do/see walking distance from at these venues?

Iceskating is still happening in Central Park for sure. That might be fun as long as the lines aren't too long. It's been a while since I did that though so not sure if anything has changed.
The Nets are at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn and they also have lots of other events that you and your dh might enjoy. Check their schedule. It's a very popular destination these days.

If the weather is good I highly recommend the Brooklyn Bridge walk and then Brooklyn Bridge Park where they have the Carousel which has been rebuilt with the original parts. So beautiful and amazing waterviews. A really fun day if that might be something that would appeal to you guys. We love going there! And there is a lot of yummy food in the area! Great pizza too!


Hope you and your dh are enjoying your trip!!!