A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

[melmac]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

While I like the idea in theory, I tend to agree that many people already do 5-10 over the limit anyway. When it's 70, we do 75-80. So if you make it 80, we'll be doing 85-90, and the nutjobs will be weaving in and out of traffic at 100+.

Personally, I would only support I-75 being 80 MPH north of the US-23 junction at Standish. Anything south of that carries way too much traffic on Friday and Sunday evenings (weekenders going up north and coming home). And I-94 should not be 80 until you get out past Ann Arbor, towards Chelsea.

Let's not forget the other part of Michigan. 80 across the Seney Stretch and other long, boring stretches of road? Okay! And I would like to think (dangerous, I know) that most people would be smart enough to watch their speeds in the snow up there.

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

I agree about the area for 75/23, but not I94- there is WAAAAY too much truck traffic that would make it reasonable to have cars doing 80 and trucks doing what they do. It's hard enough to do 70 with the truck traffic and not change speeds all the time- I can't imagine what it would be like at 80. Maybe 96 from Brighton west, since it seems as if they have a lot fewer trucks. But unless they move 70% of the trucks to the rail that runs along side, 94 would be a mess much faster than it is now. Remember, Michigan is one of the few states that allow higher axle limits on trucks, so it would be pretty hard for them to actually speed up and stay that way. And if the limits are lowered to speed them up, the number of trucks will double- which would make traffic much, much worse.

None the less, it's interesting to consider speed/time. It's ~275 miles to Mackinaw City from here in AA- at 70mph, it should take just under 4 hours, whereas at 80, it's just under 3:30. So you save all of a half an hour IF you can take the entire lenght 10 MPH faster- which, of course, is unrealsitic. Not much time saved. If you add the 45 miles to the border, it is the longest length of freeway not around Detroit (which would limit the speed), and you save all of 30-40 min IF the whole span could be done that fast. Kinda pointless. Better to soften the enforcement- let the impaitent waste their fuel.

One little thing that people ALWAYS forget that I believe you touched upon: A speed limit does NOT mean the speed at which people need to drive, but rather the road-design-based safe speed. Many of us have misguided our minds to thinking it means the former simply because of the politically motivated limits we have seen (e.g. NMSL, toll vs. free expressway, speed traps). During my trip to St. Cloud this past year, I took a side trip to Lincoln for a junior game (also to get some states under my belt), and took I-29 through South Dakota. I was driving the speed limit of 75 MPH. Hey, my first time seeing such a speed limit; of course I'm going to drive it! Not to mention, the quality of the road was safe enough to do so. I found that I was passing pretty much everyone on the road, as most of them were going about 70 MPH. The moral of the story is that once a speed limit is set, sure in the short-term you may see people try it out for curiosity's sake, but in the long run, people are going to go a speed at which they feel comfortable driving. If the speed limit is 80 and you want to go 70, by all means, go 70. Although Massachusetts' general speed law has this fact clearly written, many roads are still with illegal speed because of the after-effects of the NMSL.

If there's ANYTHING that really needs to start being utilized and enforced in this country, it's Rechtsfahrgebot. For those that do not understand German, that means keeping your vehicle to the right with only the exception of passing. I understand that in heavy traffic that this isn't exactly possible, but as traffic becomes lighter, it'd be a good idea. I know I practice it, and I also increase speed when passing before returning to original speed when the lane is clear. This would also greatly help the issue that you mentioned of not being able to do a speed with truck traffic. Of course, for the same reason, speed governors should be either outlawed or equipped with a "push to pass" feature that allows 20-30 seconds of higher speed to get around traffic before returning to the governed speed.

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Let's not forget the other part of Michigan. 80 across the Seney Stretch and other long, boring stretches of road? Okay! And I would like to think (dangerous, I know) that most people would be smart enough to watch their speeds in the snow up there.

There are several parts of Da Yoop where I would support 65 MPH rural speed limits.

[manurespreader]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Well first the traffic load is not light anywhere in this state that has a freeway. Second traffic at times on 75/ 23/ 94/ 96/127 is very heavy with a lot of trucks. Third, we have very poor driver training and in order for the limit to be raised without a significant increase in fatalities, we would need to vastly improve training. Not happening. I'm sure the road has been engineered for a much higher speed than 70, but population density here is much higher than west of the Mississippi. In other words, there's too many idiots.
I'm in favor of raising it in the upe. Especially on the seney stretch. it could be 100 there with no problem.

[Greyeagle]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Paris from 12/25 - 12/29
London from 12/29 - 1/5

First time for me in each city for me (wife went 25+ years ago) - any suggestions beyond the obvious?

[pgb-ohio]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

London from 12/29 - 1/5... any suggestions beyond the obvious?

If lodging is still an open question, we had a great experience at Durrants Hotel on George Street. The West End location was important to us. The goal was something local and upscale, but not prohibitively expensive. It delivered.

Regardless of what you choose, your specific location will structure your stay. The closest Tube Station to Durrants is Bond Street. It's walking distance from the British Museum and Hyde Park; and a short ride to Buckingham Palace and the West End Theaters. Not a bad list. But if your wish list is different, use a travel guide to find a hotel close to your preferred tourist sites.

With regard to the theaters, I hope and assume that the Half Price Ticket Booth at Leicester Square still exists. Just like its Broadway counterpart, you often can bag great seats among the tickets released at the last minute. And the benefit of going at half price is obvious.

Among the historic sites, we really enjoyed being in Buckingham Palace. Can't exactly say why; I'm not a huge fan of the royal family or anything like that. But I recall the tour as being well done. All of the history, especially the artwork, was fascinating. In contrast, at the White House in DC, I remember being hustled through the tour and thinking that the few brief glimpses weren't really worth the wait. FWIW.

Oh, in case you're a Sherlock Holmes fan, resist the temptation to make a pilgrimage to 221-B Baker Street. The site is now occupied by a small office building. A single plaque marks the location. It's a nice enough plaque, just not worth a special trip.

Disclaimer: My information is 15 years old and things do change. But given that Durrants has been in business since 1790, I'm guessing that standards have been maintained. Buckingham Palace has been around a while too.

Have a great trip!

[theprofromdover]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

I'm visiting Camp Red Cloud in South Korea in October. Any must-see ideas?

[pgb-ohio]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

I'm visiting Camp Red Cloud in South Korea in October. Any must-see ideas?

Seriously? If you have a family member stationed there, please thank them for their service.

OK, I've never been to Asia, so I've got no personal recommendations. But if I were planning such a trip, I might start with this:

http://redcloud.korea.army.mil/Trave...ions/Downloads

Best wishes for a safe and meaningful trip.

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

I'm visiting Camp Red Cloud in South Korea in October. Any must-see ideas?

So THAT'S why he keeps referring to Cornell as Pyongyang...

[manurespreader]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Paris from 12/25 - 12/29
London from 12/29 - 1/5

First time for me in each city for me (wife went 25+ years ago) - any suggestions beyond the obvious?

For Paris, some of the departments stores on the Champs Elysees, sell Louve tickets at a discount. ask around for where the ticket office is, and it saves you tons of time waiting in line because the line at the louve is really long.

If you are coming in from the airport, catch the RER into the city and get off near your hotel. The road out to the airport is under construction so do not drive out there when you leave. You can get as good a view as the eiffel tower provides without the line by going to the top of the Montparnasse tower at sunset. and it's cheaper. It's across the street from the Gare du Montparnasse. The ticket machines at the subway/train stations only take ccards with chips. Get a navigo pass at one of the bigger subway stations. free rides for a week. If you have to buy a ticket, you will have to go to the ticket office and wait in a long line during business hours. A big pain.

There are a tons of things to do of course. We had a great romantic evening on one of the dinner cruises that leaves from the base of the Eiffel tower. make reservations ahead if you do this. you can do it on line.
I would also say, plan this out carefully ahead of time. oh also, the guillotine during the revolution, I believe was located on the traffic island at the end of the Champs Elysees near the ferris wheel.
Don't believe the BS that Frenchmen are anti American. it's not true. Most of them speak good english too, they just are looking for you to be polite.

Have a blast. it's safe most everywhere to walk around btw, and the food is to die for.

[Greyeagle]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

If lodging is still an open question, we had a great experience at Durrants Hotel on George Street. The West End location was important to us. The goal was something local and upscale, but not prohibitively expensive. It delivered.

Regardless of what you choose, your specific location will structure your stay. The closest Tube Station to Durrants is Bond Street. It's walking distance from the British Museum and Hyde Park; and a short ride to Buckingham Palace and the West End Theaters. Not a bad list. But if your wish list is different, use a travel guide to find a hotel close to your preferred tourist sites.

With regard to the theaters, I hope and assume that the Half Price Ticket Booth at Leicester Square still exists. Just like its Broadway counterpart, you often can bag great seats among the tickets released at the last minute. And the benefit of going at half price is obvious.

Among the historic sites, we really enjoyed being in Buckingham Palace. Can't exactly say why; I'm not a huge fan of the royal family or anything like that. But I recall the tour as being well done. All of the history, especially the artwork, was fascinating. In contrast, at the White House in DC, I remember being hustled through the tour and thinking that the few brief glimpses weren't really worth the wait. FWIW.

Oh, in case you're a Sherlock Holmes fan, resist the temptation to make a pilgrimage to 221-B Baker Street. The site is now occupied by a small office building. A single plaque marks the location. It's a nice enough plaque, just not worth a special trip.

Disclaimer: My information is 15 years old and things do change. But given that Durrants has been in business since 1790, I'm guessing that standards have been maintained. Buckingham Palace has been around a while too.

Have a great trip!

Thank you, appreciate the suggestions ! We are actually in the process of booking a flat (just across the Tower Bridge from the Parliament area) as there will be five of us. Appreciate the tips - unfortunately it appears Buckingham place is not open for tours when we'll be there.

[Greyeagle]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

For Paris, some of the departments stores on the Champs Elysees, sell Louve tickets at a discount. ask around for where the ticket office is, and it saves you tons of time waiting in line because the line at the louve is really long.

If you are coming in from the airport, catch the RER into the city and get off near your hotel. The road out to the airport is under construction so do not drive out there when you leave. You can get as good a view as the eiffel tower provides without the line by going to the top of the Montparnasse tower at sunset. and it's cheaper. It's across the street from the Gare du Montparnasse. The ticket machines at the subway/train stations only take ccards with chips. Get a navigo pass at one of the bigger subway stations. free rides for a week. If you have to buy a ticket, you will have to go to the ticket office and wait in a long line during business hours. A big pain.

There are a tons of things to do of course. We had a great romantic evening on one of the dinner cruises that leaves from the base of the Eiffel tower. make reservations ahead if you do this. you can do it on line.
I would also say, plan this out carefully ahead of time. oh also, the guillotine during the revolution, I believe was located on the traffic island at the end of the Champs Elysees near the ferris wheel.
Don't believe the BS that Frenchmen are anti American. it's not true. Most of them speak good english too, they just are looking for you to be polite.

Have a blast. it's safe most everywhere to walk around btw, and the food is to die for.

Thanks for the tips!
We plant to take the train from CDG to our hotel and we're taking the train to London when we leave Paris...but many thanks for the heads up and the info about the tickets.

[FadeToBlack&Gold]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Tower of London was fun. The tour of the Crown Jewels was impressive even for a 17 year-old boy, and balanced with a healthy amount of bloody and gory history throughout the rest of the place.

Definitely use the Tubes to your advantage. They're nothing like New York's creepy subway system. Just be sure to "Mind The Gap".

If you can make it down to Canterbury, the Cathedral has awesome architecture - there is also an audio tour, and you can view the spot where Thomas Becket allegedly lost his head.

Advice circa 2004. HS band marched in the New Years Day Parade, though I'm not sure the locals really understood our funky dance to KC & the Sunshine Band's "Celebration".

[manurespreader]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

Thanks for the tips!
We plant to take the train from CDG to our hotel and we're taking the train to London when we leave Paris...but many thanks for the heads up and the info about the tickets.

any time. the " Train" from CDG to central Paris is almost certainly the RER B. It will stop at a lot of spots you don't want to be and eventually get you to Gare Du Nord, where you will have to change, most likely to RER A or possibly the subway. Really pay close attention to the signs inside the subway stations as it's easy to end up on the wrong one.
Once you are ready to leave, the Eurostar, which it looks like you are taking to london, leaves from Gare du Nord as well. It's upstairs, kind of behind you as you enter the main concourse. There are at least 5 train stations in Paris btw.

I believe the eurostar comes in at St Pancreas, where you change. it's walking distance to Kings Cross from there. I would not spend the time and money to catch the special Heathrow subway which does save time going to Heathrow, but it's expensive and hard to get to. I'd just take the regular tube. Make sure you know which terminal you are leaving from because terminal to terminal can take a long time. However long you figure it will take to get out to Heathrow, add 30 to 45 minutes to that. If you are going out of london, say to stonehenge or to Stratford on Avon, most of the trains go out of Euston station.
It's worth the time to study the subway and train maps of both cities before you leave.

My biggest advice is that most of the stress in traveling is time related. If you have plenty of time to do something, then any delay is no big deal, but if you are pressed, any delay can be hard on you. Give yourself plenty of time.

Right now I'm headed for a beach in the Cyclades from which I hope to never return.

[pgb-ohio]

Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas

...We are actually in the process of booking a flat (just across the Tower Bridge from the Parliament area) as there will be five of us...

Tower of London was fun. The tour of the Crown Jewels was impressive even for a 17 year-old boy, and balanced with a healthy amount of bloody and gory history throughout the rest of the place.

Yup. Given the location of the flat, Tower of London is at the top of the list.

Definitely use the Tubes to your advantage. They're nothing like New York's creepy subway system. Just be sure to "Mind The Gap".

Strongly agree. I'd only add that if you see a sign for a "subway" in London, it means "pedestrian underpass." No matter how hard you look, you won't find any trains in a London subway.