This trip was a little bit country heading to the Midwest and the south states. I was lucky enough to be sent on work training during this time and to squeeze in visiting some old friends.
Highlights!
Ground work
Itinerary
FRI 7TH - VEGAS SAT 8TH - VEGAS SUN 9TH - VEGAS MON 10TH - 4:58 PM LAX / CHICAGO 10:40 PM TUE 11TH - CHICAGO WED 12TH - CHICAGO THUR 13TH - CHICAGO FRI 14TH - CHICAGO SAT 15TH - EAU CLAIRE SUN 16TH - Ixonia MON 17TH - Ixonia ~ CHICAGO 12:43PM ~ St Louis 1:52PM - MEMPHIS TUE 18TH - MEMPHIS WED 19TH - MEMPHIS ~ NASHVILLE THUR 20TH - NASHVILLE FRI 21ST - NASHVILLE ~ St Louis SAT 22ND - St Louis SUN 23RD - 5:05PM STL / 9:11PM HOUSTON - COURTYARD MON 24TH - HOUSTON TUE 25TH - HOUSTON WED 26TH - HOUSTON THU 27TH - HOUSTON FRI 28TH - HOUSTON SAT 29TH - HOUSTON SUN 30TH - HOUSTON MON 1ST - 5:48 PM HOUSTON - 7:58 PM SAN FRAN - 10:57 PM SYD WED 3RD - 6:25 AM SYDNEY
View USA – Midwest and South in a larger map
Flights
Flew between Australia and USA with United Airlines (fortunately covered by work). Can’t really complain with the flights though the entertainment wasn’t as tech as other airlines for such a long flight
I would also recommend making a stopover in Hawaii on the way back if possible to break up the flying. Can’t speak from experience but its something I want to do!
Accommodation
Planet Hollywood (Las Vegas)- 3 Nights
Sweet hotel right on the strip, though they charge like its on the strip too! Worth looking to see if any coupons are floating on the internet if you’re looking to book.
Sweet hotel right on the strip, though they charge like its on the strip too! Worth looking to see if any coupons are floating on the internet if you’re looking to book.
Hosteling International Chicago (Chicago) – 4 Nights
Nice hostel conveniently located in the Chicago CBD, met some cool people traveling here.
Nice hostel conveniently located in the Chicago CBD, met some cool people traveling here.
Super 8 (Memphis) - 2 Nights
Almost put it in the cheap and nasty group, though conveniently located and well priced. Offers a drop off / pickup from Beale st.
Almost put it in the cheap and nasty group, though conveniently located and well priced. Offers a drop off / pickup from Beale st.
Courtyard Marriott (Houston) - 5 Nights
Just another Courtyard Marriott. The usual standard and close to work!
Just another Courtyard Marriott. The usual standard and close to work!
Friends House Downtown (Houston) - 3 Nights
Walking distance from Houston CBD. As the name states, its almost just like staying at a friends house!
Walking distance from Houston CBD. As the name states, its almost just like staying at a friends house!
On the ground
$$$$$
Just the visa debit and 28degrees credit card.
Getting around
This trip was pretty low key, I either drove or flew between cities. USA is quite easy to get around if you have a car and a GPS!
Sightseeing
Las Vegas
- The Strip - Be sure to check out Bellagio Fountains, The Mirage Volcano and Sirens of TI
- Fashion Show Mall - Interesting looking shopping mall
- Pure nightclub - One of Vegas’ many happening night clubs
- Circus du Soleil show - Pretty fancy circus
Places that I didn’t go (or have been before) that could be worth checking out
Chicago
Its worth getting a city pass if you plan on doing some serious sight seeing.
- Millennium Park / Cloud Gate - The bean!
- John Hancock Observatory - Just as impressive as the Sears Tower. Why not go to the Signature Room on the 95th floor and buy a drink or a meal instead of paying entry to the observation deck
- Willis Tower - Formally known as the Sears Tower when completed (1973) it was the tallest building in the world
- Chicago River - If walking around Chicago its hard to miss!
- Museum of Science and Industry - Largest science museum in the western hemisphere
- Adler Planetarium - First planetarium in the western hemisphere
- Resting place of Al Capone - Well known American gangster
Other places worth a look
Eau Claire / Minneapolis / Ixonia
The main sightseeing here was catching up with some old friends, thought managed to catch a college football game, a brief trip to the twin cities and a Juicy Lucy at the 5 8 club.
Memphis
- Sun Studio - Labeled as the birth place of Rock and Roll and where some major historical names recorded
- Graceland – Take a tour of the life of Elvis Presley
- Mississippi River -Forth longest river in the world
- Beale Street - Home to many blues clubs
Other places worth a look
Nashville
- Franklin / Battle of Franklin - Battle ground for the American civil war
- Opry Mills - Shopping mall
- Flying Saucer Draft Emporium - Good luck trying all the beers in this place!
Other places worth a look
St Louis
- Gateway Arch - One sweet as arch!
Probably worth mentioning the Saint Louis Cardinals seemed to be a big thing here
Houston
If your spending a bit of time in Houston a city pass is probably worth it.
- Houston Museum of Natural Science - One of the most popular museums in the United States
Other places worth a look
Food
Well priced in comparison to Australia. Highlights were the ribs in Memphis and Nashville and the Chicago style pizza and hot dog.
Cost
Travel Insurance = $91.08AUD (TID - 10% DISCOUNT CODES: SPRING2011 WINTER2011 TIDTHANKS)Flights to/from Australia = ~ $1800AUDConnecting flights = $454AUD ( LAX – LAS – LAX $275| STL – IAH $179 )Accommodation = $1520.41 AUD (Las Vegas | Chicago | Memphis | Houston)Car hire = $360AUD ($206 5 days in Chicago + $154 4 days in St Louis)
Food
Burger and drink = $8.41 Subway sub + drink = $6.70 Chicago Classic Pizza = $14.79 Memphis Ribs and Beer = $24.83
Misc
Minnesota vs western Michigan football match = $30 Wallet = $25.70 Houston science museum = $15 Petrol = $3.599/gal (95c/l) Hat = $25 Emmett's beer (signature lounge) = $9.14 Sun Studios tour = $13 Gateway Arch tour = $14 Houston Rail ticket (downtown) = $1.25
APPROX TOTAL PRICE = $4225.49 + spending money ($2300 for food, partying and random expenses).
Final words.
This trip was more work related, seeing old friends and a bit of sight seeing mixed in. Price is probably pretty close since I would have had to pay for additional accommodation where staying with friends, but could have spent less on where I did splash out. Good times!
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