EAST AMERICA & CANADA TOUR: DAY BY DAY GOINGS ON
11:04
Oh my God. Okay. I cannot recommend this coach tour enough. I cannot recommend Contiki enough. Basically I had the most incredible time visiting top locations on America's East Coast and into the boarder of Canada with beautiful people. Stunning sights, a new place every day, fun attractions, great food, great hotels, crazy nights out, endless shopping...I was living the dream! Read on to find out exactly what I got up to and all the typical Trip Advisor style comments and tips!
Day One: 14/08/15
Let me just set the scene for you right now. The day before was our last day in Disney, so I'd had a full day in the parks with my very best Disney pals, cramming in all of our favourite rides, stuffing our faces with Mickey Ice-Cream Sandwiches and taking selfies with characters we hadn't met yet. We stayed in Magic Kingdom until the early hours, soaking in the last of the magic and then took the dreaded Transtar bus home to our apartment for the last time. It must have been nearly 2am at this point. But do we all hug each other goodnight and go to bed ready for the early start? No! Are you crazy!? We packed! So yeah, I managed to get my head down for about a solid 45 minutes before it was 4am and I had to grab an Uber taxi to Florida International Airport and kiss goodbye to my home for the past two and a half months.
I was flying to Philadelphia via Chicago. The tour actually begins today in New York City but as my Disney College Program didn't officially finish until today, I couldn't really go any earlier and miss out on my last day having fun in the parks. Even if I was super tired.
471840781401 hours later. I arrived in the hotel in Philadelphia! The Holiday Inn Express. Very, very nice! With Contiki you share a room with another member of the tour of the same sex for the duration of the tour, which is nice as you'll get to really know them! I was on the tour with my fellow Disney bestie so we asked to room together.
There was an included dinner tonight but I was too tired for food (yeh, that's how tired I was!!) - Time to hit da Zzzz's
Day Two: 15/08/15
Philadelphia > Washington
There's no sugar coating it but with Contiki every minute matters so be prepared for early starts! There was an included buffet breakfast at the hotel today and we were leaving the hotel at 8am - ouchies. We had a few hours drive to our first stop off in Baltimore but our awesome tour manager made the drive fun with games designed to get to know each other and lots of good tunes. Every morning he'd play the "day song" which was The Mowgli's 'Bad Dream' - It became sooo addictive!! It's stuck in my head to this day.
Generally, the drives to each place are broken up so you actually see more places than are advertised on the initial booking form. We stopped at an Amish Village! Whilst the farm itself was free to explore, it was an extra $8 to have a tour of one of the Amish homes. It didn't last long but it was interesting to hear about the every day lives of an Amish family.
Baltimore was the stop-off for lunch, which was obviously welcomed by 'Good Morning, Baltimore' by the cast of Hairspray on the coach. We had about an hour here to get some food and look around the pretty harbour.
Now, onto Washington D.C!! Again, the tour manager was super good at telling us all about the history of each place as we approached it. We stopped off at Arlington National cemetery and witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We also saw the graves of J.F.K and his family. Whilst it may seem morbid, it's a really interesting place to visit full of history and fascinating stories.
Next the tour manager checked us into the hotel. Again, it was a pretty good place. The included dinner tonight was a bit of a let down, just a few slices of pizza and salad in paper plates. But it does get way better throughout the tour! I thought all the included dinners would be a bit crappy like this, but I was pleasantly surprised.
After dinner, we had an included night tour of all the famous monuments and memorials in Washington D.C. We were told bags and bags of information about all these historical fugues such as Martin Luther King Junior, Franklin Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln and many more. It was incredible to see all these well documented places in person, I have to say the Lincoln Memorial was spectacular! Especially standing on those steps looking back across the pond at the lit up Washington Monument at night! I feel it was far more special visiting in the dark.
There's no sugar coating it but with Contiki every minute matters so be prepared for early starts! There was an included buffet breakfast at the hotel today and we were leaving the hotel at 8am - ouchies. We had a few hours drive to our first stop off in Baltimore but our awesome tour manager made the drive fun with games designed to get to know each other and lots of good tunes. Every morning he'd play the "day song" which was The Mowgli's 'Bad Dream' - It became sooo addictive!! It's stuck in my head to this day.
Generally, the drives to each place are broken up so you actually see more places than are advertised on the initial booking form. We stopped at an Amish Village! Whilst the farm itself was free to explore, it was an extra $8 to have a tour of one of the Amish homes. It didn't last long but it was interesting to hear about the every day lives of an Amish family.
Baltimore was the stop-off for lunch, which was obviously welcomed by 'Good Morning, Baltimore' by the cast of Hairspray on the coach. We had about an hour here to get some food and look around the pretty harbour.
Now, onto Washington D.C!! Again, the tour manager was super good at telling us all about the history of each place as we approached it. We stopped off at Arlington National cemetery and witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We also saw the graves of J.F.K and his family. Whilst it may seem morbid, it's a really interesting place to visit full of history and fascinating stories.
Next the tour manager checked us into the hotel. Again, it was a pretty good place. The included dinner tonight was a bit of a let down, just a few slices of pizza and salad in paper plates. But it does get way better throughout the tour! I thought all the included dinners would be a bit crappy like this, but I was pleasantly surprised.
After dinner, we had an included night tour of all the famous monuments and memorials in Washington D.C. We were told bags and bags of information about all these historical fugues such as Martin Luther King Junior, Franklin Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln and many more. It was incredible to see all these well documented places in person, I have to say the Lincoln Memorial was spectacular! Especially standing on those steps looking back across the pond at the lit up Washington Monument at night! I feel it was far more special visiting in the dark.
Day Three: 16/08/15
Washington
This was our first 'free day' of the tour! Meaning, there are no included tours or meals, you are just free to do whatever you want. In theory you need far more than just one day to explore Washington D.C but I was quite proud of what I managed to squeeze in. Our tour manager was really helpful and was sure to tell us all about everything there is to do and how we can get there, even recommending places to eat.
I purchased a day long ticket to use the Metro (like the sub) which was simple enough to get around via. I used that to visit the Zoo! Which was free to enter! Then it was onto the museums: The Holocaust Memorial Museum (really hard hitting, probably best to get some sweeties after this one), The Smithsonian Air & Space (where you can see Amelia Airhart's actual plane, touch a moon rock and visit the location of Night at the Museum 2!) and The Natural History Museum (all free to get into!). Finally, I took some typical white gal toristy shots by the Washington Monument and The White House of course! Phew. Even though that doesn't sound like a lot, it was a heck of a lot of walking and I was absolutely cream crackered by night fall!
Day Four: 17/08/15
This was our first 'free day' of the tour! Meaning, there are no included tours or meals, you are just free to do whatever you want. In theory you need far more than just one day to explore Washington D.C but I was quite proud of what I managed to squeeze in. Our tour manager was really helpful and was sure to tell us all about everything there is to do and how we can get there, even recommending places to eat.
I purchased a day long ticket to use the Metro (like the sub) which was simple enough to get around via. I used that to visit the Zoo! Which was free to enter! Then it was onto the museums: The Holocaust Memorial Museum (really hard hitting, probably best to get some sweeties after this one), The Smithsonian Air & Space (where you can see Amelia Airhart's actual plane, touch a moon rock and visit the location of Night at the Museum 2!) and The Natural History Museum (all free to get into!). Finally, I took some typical white gal toristy shots by the Washington Monument and The White House of course! Phew. Even though that doesn't sound like a lot, it was a heck of a lot of walking and I was absolutely cream crackered by night fall!
Day Four: 17/08/15
Washington > Pittsburgh
Another early 8am wheels on the road morning! There was breakfast again at the restaurant next door to the hotel, which was kind of gross and just as disappointing at the dinner the other night... Basically lots of warmed up, dried outcardboard carbs. No likey. So! It was onto Pittsburgh!
We also had an included tour of the battle of Gettysburg. Which included a cinematic experience and a tour of the actual battle grounds which was cool! This was recently featured on Educating Joey Essex: The American Reem on ITV2.
There was no included meal tonight but there was an optional event to go to a baseball game with included dinner at the local stadium. It would have been such a good experience to go to a game but it was around $50 and I just did not have the dollah to be spending on that. So myself and my gal pal found this pretty little square full of every kind of restaurant you can imagine; American, Greek, Italian, Chinese, fast food, pub food - so good!
And I need to take second to rave about this hotel! Oh my goodness, it was soooo posh! We stayed in the Wyndham Grand Hotel, it was so fancaaay! Here I was expecting to stay in the cheapest of cheap skanky hostels and we got this! Winning.
Another early 8am wheels on the road morning! There was breakfast again at the restaurant next door to the hotel, which was kind of gross and just as disappointing at the dinner the other night... Basically lots of warmed up, dried out
We also had an included tour of the battle of Gettysburg. Which included a cinematic experience and a tour of the actual battle grounds which was cool! This was recently featured on Educating Joey Essex: The American Reem on ITV2.
There was no included meal tonight but there was an optional event to go to a baseball game with included dinner at the local stadium. It would have been such a good experience to go to a game but it was around $50 and I just did not have the dollah to be spending on that. So myself and my gal pal found this pretty little square full of every kind of restaurant you can imagine; American, Greek, Italian, Chinese, fast food, pub food - so good!
And I need to take second to rave about this hotel! Oh my goodness, it was soooo posh! We stayed in the Wyndham Grand Hotel, it was so fancaaay! Here I was expecting to stay in the cheapest of cheap skanky hostels and we got this! Winning.
Day Five: 18/08/15
Pittsburgh > Niagara Falls (Canada side)
Omg t'was super excited for this day! Again 8am driving off. We stopped off in a Walmart which wasn't exactly a new and exciting thing for me as I'd been basically living in one all summer at Disney, so myself and da galdem amused ourselves with cosplay outfits...
We had to go through customs at the Canadian boarder (after raiding Duty Free). It was easy enough for everyone else, it was just us Disney workers had to show an additional form because of our visa status and then they were all good and happy to let us in.
OMG. So, we had this included boat trip through the falls. Apparently the better views and better experience is on the Canadian side, so that's a plus. It was just incredible! Everyone got given red ponchos which did the world of good at keeping us dry... You couldn't really take too many pictures right in the middle of the falls unless you didn't mind your camera getting a soaking! But the sights were breathtaking - I can't wait until I can visit there again! I wrote a more detailed post about Niagara Falls here if you wish to find out more about this particular attraction!
The hotel here, The Quality Inn, was probably the least snazzy hotel, it was a simple budget choice but close to everything tourist-y. After getting dry and having a few hours to explore Clifton Hill's attractions, there was a non-included meal which we signed up for a few days ago. Not just any ol' meal!!! Dinner over da falls!! It was pretty reasonable at $35 for a three course set meal with a beautiful panoramic view of the falls. The grub grubs were rather nice too! No complaints! By this time, everyone on the tour were becoming friends and we could have a great time together over dinner. Was cute.
After some more pics by the falls, our coach driver took us to a cute little beer garden on Clifton Hill. There was cheap drinks and karaoke - what more could you want!? It wasn't a crazy night out but it was fun to relax and get to know everyone a bit better.
Omg t'was super excited for this day! Again 8am driving off. We stopped off in a Walmart which wasn't exactly a new and exciting thing for me as I'd been basically living in one all summer at Disney, so myself and da galdem amused ourselves with cosplay outfits...
We had to go through customs at the Canadian boarder (after raiding Duty Free). It was easy enough for everyone else, it was just us Disney workers had to show an additional form because of our visa status and then they were all good and happy to let us in.
OMG. So, we had this included boat trip through the falls. Apparently the better views and better experience is on the Canadian side, so that's a plus. It was just incredible! Everyone got given red ponchos which did the world of good at keeping us dry... You couldn't really take too many pictures right in the middle of the falls unless you didn't mind your camera getting a soaking! But the sights were breathtaking - I can't wait until I can visit there again! I wrote a more detailed post about Niagara Falls here if you wish to find out more about this particular attraction!
The hotel here, The Quality Inn, was probably the least snazzy hotel, it was a simple budget choice but close to everything tourist-y. After getting dry and having a few hours to explore Clifton Hill's attractions, there was a non-included meal which we signed up for a few days ago. Not just any ol' meal!!! Dinner over da falls!! It was pretty reasonable at $35 for a three course set meal with a beautiful panoramic view of the falls. The grub grubs were rather nice too! No complaints! By this time, everyone on the tour were becoming friends and we could have a great time together over dinner. Was cute.
After some more pics by the falls, our coach driver took us to a cute little beer garden on Clifton Hill. There was cheap drinks and karaoke - what more could you want!? It wasn't a crazy night out but it was fun to relax and get to know everyone a bit better.
Day Six: 19/08/15
Niagara Falls > Toronto
Today we didn't have to leave until 12ish so we got to have a bit of a sleep and have another look down Clifton Hill for breakfast. There was an optional activity of a helicopter ride over the falls, which would have been spectacular I'm sure but again, it was a little pricey for me, I think it was around $60+.
The first stop was to a Canadian vineyard. We had a tour of how the wine is made and got to sample some wines too. It wasn't really my cup of tea but it turned out to be quite interesting, I especially liked tasting the Ice Wine. I think this Ice Wine can only be made in certain climates, something to do with how the grapes are frozen. It was super sweet but the price wasn't so sweet! But I am kicking myself for not buying a bottle as it was so delicious! Contiki = #noregrets damnit!!
The hotel we stayed in here apparently didn't have free WIFI but the system was down, allowing us to have some cheeky free WIFI hehe. That made up for the single beds! No, it was a really nice modern hotel! There was an included dinner in Toronto, in the town centre in quite a posh restaurant. We had to pre-order what we wanted and there was plenty of choice and everything seemed delicious. After dinner, the coach driver and tour manager took us to an Irish Pub - I didn't go much on this place but then we went to a proper club which was too good! It was a really, really good night out!
Today we didn't have to leave until 12ish so we got to have a bit of a sleep and have another look down Clifton Hill for breakfast. There was an optional activity of a helicopter ride over the falls, which would have been spectacular I'm sure but again, it was a little pricey for me, I think it was around $60+.
The first stop was to a Canadian vineyard. We had a tour of how the wine is made and got to sample some wines too. It wasn't really my cup of tea but it turned out to be quite interesting, I especially liked tasting the Ice Wine. I think this Ice Wine can only be made in certain climates, something to do with how the grapes are frozen. It was super sweet but the price wasn't so sweet! But I am kicking myself for not buying a bottle as it was so delicious! Contiki = #noregrets damnit!!
The hotel we stayed in here apparently didn't have free WIFI but the system was down, allowing us to have some cheeky free WIFI hehe. That made up for the single beds! No, it was a really nice modern hotel! There was an included dinner in Toronto, in the town centre in quite a posh restaurant. We had to pre-order what we wanted and there was plenty of choice and everything seemed delicious. After dinner, the coach driver and tour manager took us to an Irish Pub - I didn't go much on this place but then we went to a proper club which was too good! It was a really, really good night out!
Day Seven: 20/08/15
Toronto
Today we had another free day to explore Toronto. Some of us chose to go visit one of the optional attractions: The CN Tower. This is basically a viewing/sky tower where you can see the whole of Toronto from and get some great pics It was $21 for this, which I feel was a little bit over priced because there aren't really any famous landmarks to look out for like there are in New York or Washington D.C, but it was still pretty cool. There was also a glass floor which was tres strange.
Some Contiki peeps also opted to go on a brewery tour of some beer place - clearly not my fave interest. I think this was around $15 and you got to sample beer.
Toronto is said to be very similar to New York, with it's Times Square-like centre. There was a really huge mall with like every decent shop imaginable. Save your money for this! Overall, I didn't go much on Toronto, there wasn't a lot I wanted to do, lots of begging and felt like I couldn't relax walking around. As you go up the main strip of shops, it kind of gets a bit run down and freaky but I did enjoy the main mall.
Today we had another free day to explore Toronto. Some of us chose to go visit one of the optional attractions: The CN Tower. This is basically a viewing/sky tower where you can see the whole of Toronto from and get some great pics It was $21 for this, which I feel was a little bit over priced because there aren't really any famous landmarks to look out for like there are in New York or Washington D.C, but it was still pretty cool. There was also a glass floor which was tres strange.
Some Contiki peeps also opted to go on a brewery tour of some beer place - clearly not my fave interest. I think this was around $15 and you got to sample beer.
Toronto is said to be very similar to New York, with it's Times Square-like centre. There was a really huge mall with like every decent shop imaginable. Save your money for this! Overall, I didn't go much on Toronto, there wasn't a lot I wanted to do, lots of begging and felt like I couldn't relax walking around. As you go up the main strip of shops, it kind of gets a bit run down and freaky but I did enjoy the main mall.
Day Eight: 21/08/15
Toronto > Ottawa
Back to early starts! There was a nice breakfast included in this hotel. We had a function room hired out for us with a big continental breakfast laid out. On the way to Ottawa, Canada's capital, we stopped into a funky store called The Big Apple which basically sold lots of apple related products and pies and confectionery.. Several of the Contiki tour guys took part in an apple pie eating contest which was pretty gross but hilarious.
When we arrived in Ottawa, we had an included tour of the houses of Parliament on Parliament hill. Again this wasn't really my thing, but surprisingly was quite interesting and got to visit some of the beautiful rooms in the building. Our tour guide was really informative and gave us loads of information about how the government works in Canada and some interesting facts about the relationship between our Queen and Canada's parliament.
Our tour manager said tonight's hotel wouldn't be the best we stay in but I thought it was perfect! It was dead modern! Dunno if he was being sarcastic perhaps... It was definitely the best bed of the tour! These things are important when there isn't a lot to moan about.
The included meal tonight was a short walk from the hotel to a sports foody bar place. I had a spicy bean burger and it was insaaaanely good. Afterwards, some of us went to get a 'Beaver Tail' which is a dessert thingy, kind of like a really flat, unsweetened croissant covered in whatever you want. Mine was Nutella, peanut butter and Reese's Pieces. Apparently it's like a tradition or something, so had to try it - It was a yummy well worth it heart attack!
Back to early starts! There was a nice breakfast included in this hotel. We had a function room hired out for us with a big continental breakfast laid out. On the way to Ottawa, Canada's capital, we stopped into a funky store called The Big Apple which basically sold lots of apple related products and pies and confectionery.. Several of the Contiki tour guys took part in an apple pie eating contest which was pretty gross but hilarious.
When we arrived in Ottawa, we had an included tour of the houses of Parliament on Parliament hill. Again this wasn't really my thing, but surprisingly was quite interesting and got to visit some of the beautiful rooms in the building. Our tour guide was really informative and gave us loads of information about how the government works in Canada and some interesting facts about the relationship between our Queen and Canada's parliament.
Our tour manager said tonight's hotel wouldn't be the best we stay in but I thought it was perfect! It was dead modern! Dunno if he was being sarcastic perhaps... It was definitely the best bed of the tour! These things are important when there isn't a lot to moan about.
The included meal tonight was a short walk from the hotel to a sports foody bar place. I had a spicy bean burger and it was insaaaanely good. Afterwards, some of us went to get a 'Beaver Tail' which is a dessert thingy, kind of like a really flat, unsweetened croissant covered in whatever you want. Mine was Nutella, peanut butter and Reese's Pieces. Apparently it's like a tradition or something, so had to try it - It was a yummy well worth it heart attack!
Day Nine: 22/08/15
Ottawa > Montreal
We had a bit of a useless breakfast at the hotel today. Basically the staff didn't refill the breakfast very well and there was like nowt left... So I was full up, energetic and super happy today! I was cheered up however when we got to watch Blades of Glory on the coach in homage of our trip to Montreal!
Once in Montreal, the city completely French speaking, we went to a beaut park at the top of a hill to take some stunning panoramic shots of the city. Then headed to the harbour where we had a group photo taken. It was about $15 to have this printed. Then we had some spare time for lunch until most of us were doing another optional activity - $61 for jet boating. It was worth every cent! We got geared up in these huge sumo style 'waterproof' coats and life-jackets, I use that phrase lightly as they were not waterproof in the slightest, we all got absolutely SOAKED. In true Contiki style, the coach driver set us up with some water pistols filled with honey Jack Daniels which we squirted into each others' mouths while we were driving out to the rapids. The baso idea of the jet boating is that the boat's nose is shaped so that it dives straight through the big waves, chucking all the water all over us unsuspecting victims. The guide for this was absolutely hilarious, he reminded me so much of Alan Carr haha!! He had some good adult humour for us Contikis' and just made the whole experience that much more enjoyable! Even squirting our hair with Minion shampoo! It was so, so, so much fun, I'd recommend it to anyone who loves fast water rides!
Once we got dried off, we were treated to a hot chocolate and we could purchase a group photo. We then got back on the coach and headed to our hotel - The Sandman. No prizes for guessing what song everyone was singing as we approached this one. Another really lovely hotel! And it had a free pool!
We all went out together for probably the best included meal of the tour at a restaurant who opened just for us! It was super posh and snazz. We had a choice between fish and chicken - both were incredible and had unlimited drinks and a delicious dessert. Such a nice meal with great company! Afterwards, we headed out! First stop was a kind of arcade, old fashioned games themed bar where you could play old Playstation games and stuff. I took a particular liking to 'Cards Against Humanity' game!
Next we headed to a club where the drinks were $2. Which is about 50p!? So good! As you can imagine everyone was white girl wasted. A brilliant night out!
We had a bit of a useless breakfast at the hotel today. Basically the staff didn't refill the breakfast very well and there was like nowt left... So I was full up, energetic and super happy today! I was cheered up however when we got to watch Blades of Glory on the coach in homage of our trip to Montreal!
Once in Montreal, the city completely French speaking, we went to a beaut park at the top of a hill to take some stunning panoramic shots of the city. Then headed to the harbour where we had a group photo taken. It was about $15 to have this printed. Then we had some spare time for lunch until most of us were doing another optional activity - $61 for jet boating. It was worth every cent! We got geared up in these huge sumo style 'waterproof' coats and life-jackets, I use that phrase lightly as they were not waterproof in the slightest, we all got absolutely SOAKED. In true Contiki style, the coach driver set us up with some water pistols filled with honey Jack Daniels which we squirted into each others' mouths while we were driving out to the rapids. The baso idea of the jet boating is that the boat's nose is shaped so that it dives straight through the big waves, chucking all the water all over us unsuspecting victims. The guide for this was absolutely hilarious, he reminded me so much of Alan Carr haha!! He had some good adult humour for us Contikis' and just made the whole experience that much more enjoyable! Even squirting our hair with Minion shampoo! It was so, so, so much fun, I'd recommend it to anyone who loves fast water rides!
Once we got dried off, we were treated to a hot chocolate and we could purchase a group photo. We then got back on the coach and headed to our hotel - The Sandman. No prizes for guessing what song everyone was singing as we approached this one. Another really lovely hotel! And it had a free pool!
We all went out together for probably the best included meal of the tour at a restaurant who opened just for us! It was super posh and snazz. We had a choice between fish and chicken - both were incredible and had unlimited drinks and a delicious dessert. Such a nice meal with great company! Afterwards, we headed out! First stop was a kind of arcade, old fashioned games themed bar where you could play old Playstation games and stuff. I took a particular liking to 'Cards Against Humanity' game!
Next we headed to a club where the drinks were $2. Which is about 50p!? So good! As you can imagine everyone was white girl wasted. A brilliant night out!
Day Ten: 23/08/15
Montreal
Unfortunately this free day was kind of wasted for the majority of us who were nursing our sleepy hangovers. I ventured out as far as the Metro station about 20 steps away from the hotel for a McDonalds. Later that day, most of the group met at a laser quest arcade (not included just a bit of fun) and had two games for $20. I forgot how fun laser quest was! My inner competitive child came roaring out as we battled against our new friends! The staff were like "don't run, don't duck, don't swear" but of course we were going to run, duck and swear! It was literally life or death! My team won yaaaaaah!! I'm not even ashamed to admit that was probably the best $20 I'd spent during the whole trip.
Unfortunately this free day was kind of wasted for the majority of us who were nursing our sleepy hangovers. I ventured out as far as the Metro station about 20 steps away from the hotel for a McDonalds. Later that day, most of the group met at a laser quest arcade (not included just a bit of fun) and had two games for $20. I forgot how fun laser quest was! My inner competitive child came roaring out as we battled against our new friends! The staff were like "don't run, don't duck, don't swear" but of course we were going to run, duck and swear! It was literally life or death! My team won yaaaaaah!! I'm not even ashamed to admit that was probably the best $20 I'd spent during the whole trip.
Day Eleven: 24/08/15
Montreal > Boston
There was no breakfast today, so I'd stocked up on some snacks from the local minute-mart. Today we were heading back in the USA! We Disney gals had a bit of a faff at customs because of our J1 visa status. Let's just say, the USA customs were far more strict at letting us into the country than Canada were! We had to wait for like half an hour extra than everyone else while they sorted us out with a different temporary visa or something but we got in eventually.
On the way to Boston we watched some strange film I can't remember what it was called, it was something to do with cops, apparently set in Boston. We also stopped off in a funny little old town to have lunch and grab some all important snacks!
But the most important stop off was to Vermont to have a guided tour of the Ben and Jerry's original factory! We got to see all where it's made, hear all about the history of the company and even sample some of the new flavours. And purchase some merch of course!
Once in Boston we had another good history lesson about the city which was all very interesting. The hotel here wasn't very grand either come to think of it, but it was literally so close to everything, you could walk everywhere. So it was good for that reason.
Our final included meal as a group was tonight at a place called Dick's Last Resort. It's basically a restaurant where the waiters are paid to be dicks to the customers. I'd been to several of these type of places in America, they're really funny and you don't need to be afraid to dish it back to the staff! They throw your cutlery down on the table or expect you to eat with your hands, everyone's ripping the table cloths apart and throwing paper at each other and the staff create these paper hats for everyone with insulting phrases on them - it really is such a laugh. We rounded off the evening with my first trip to a Cheesecake Factory! Yummy!
There was no breakfast today, so I'd stocked up on some snacks from the local minute-mart. Today we were heading back in the USA! We Disney gals had a bit of a faff at customs because of our J1 visa status. Let's just say, the USA customs were far more strict at letting us into the country than Canada were! We had to wait for like half an hour extra than everyone else while they sorted us out with a different temporary visa or something but we got in eventually.
On the way to Boston we watched some strange film I can't remember what it was called, it was something to do with cops, apparently set in Boston. We also stopped off in a funny little old town to have lunch and grab some all important snacks!
But the most important stop off was to Vermont to have a guided tour of the Ben and Jerry's original factory! We got to see all where it's made, hear all about the history of the company and even sample some of the new flavours. And purchase some merch of course!
Once in Boston we had another good history lesson about the city which was all very interesting. The hotel here wasn't very grand either come to think of it, but it was literally so close to everything, you could walk everywhere. So it was good for that reason.
Our final included meal as a group was tonight at a place called Dick's Last Resort. It's basically a restaurant where the waiters are paid to be dicks to the customers. I'd been to several of these type of places in America, they're really funny and you don't need to be afraid to dish it back to the staff! They throw your cutlery down on the table or expect you to eat with your hands, everyone's ripping the table cloths apart and throwing paper at each other and the staff create these paper hats for everyone with insulting phrases on them - it really is such a laugh. We rounded off the evening with my first trip to a Cheesecake Factory! Yummy!
Day Twelve: 25/08/15
Boston
The final official day of the tour! Sad, sad! It was mainly a free day apart from the included tour around Harvard University. This was fascinating to learn about the history of the place and what famous faces had been to school there. And you couldn't visit Harvard without purchasing some Harvard merch! After that the day was ours! We checked out Quincy Market, which is full of incredible eating stalls, stalls of Boston merch, handmade bits and pieces and unique products. We then visited the common and gardens and took a ride on the swan boats. It's really a beautiful city. A couple of us returned to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner before heading back to the hotel to pack.
The final official day of the tour! Sad, sad! It was mainly a free day apart from the included tour around Harvard University. This was fascinating to learn about the history of the place and what famous faces had been to school there. And you couldn't visit Harvard without purchasing some Harvard merch! After that the day was ours! We checked out Quincy Market, which is full of incredible eating stalls, stalls of Boston merch, handmade bits and pieces and unique products. We then visited the common and gardens and took a ride on the swan boats. It's really a beautiful city. A couple of us returned to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner before heading back to the hotel to pack.
Day Thirteen: 26/08/15
Boston > New York
Waaaah the tour is basically over!! It was incredibly emosh for me arriving into New York, as it's almost unbelievable that this place actually exists! It's just a film set right? On the coach we played like every New York related song as we drove into it, it was so atmospheric and just incred!! But I also didn't want to be here because it meant the end of the tour and meant that I'd have to leave all of my new friendlings! Crrryyyyy.
Luckily, the majority of the group were staying in New York for a little while, like I was. Except my bestest little wee Disney sista from another mista!!! Much sad times when we departed after being joint at the hip for 3 months solid!
I had a good old explore of Times square after checking into my lovely grotty hotel, Hotel Pennsylvania. I do not recommend it. Not only was it gross, the pillows were flat, carpet fraying with a less than clean bathroom... There was no free WIFI and I could barely get 3G signal in my room, so I felt really cut off from the group who were staying in the city, making it really awkward to make plans. Side note: I went back to New York this year and stayed in the Westin which was waaay nicer and much closer to Times Square!
Anyway, those of us left in New York had a end of tour final meal together in an Italian restaurant in the heart of Times Square. It was lush even though I was feeling a bit down at the thought it was all coming to an end! After dinner we got to see beautiful Times Square in all its glory at night! It was so breathtaking and surreal! I'm so in love with this place.
Waaaah the tour is basically over!! It was incredibly emosh for me arriving into New York, as it's almost unbelievable that this place actually exists! It's just a film set right? On the coach we played like every New York related song as we drove into it, it was so atmospheric and just incred!! But I also didn't want to be here because it meant the end of the tour and meant that I'd have to leave all of my new friendlings! Crrryyyyy.
Luckily, the majority of the group were staying in New York for a little while, like I was. Except my bestest little wee Disney sista from another mista!!! Much sad times when we departed after being joint at the hip for 3 months solid!
I had a good old explore of Times square after checking into my lovely grotty hotel, Hotel Pennsylvania. I do not recommend it. Not only was it gross, the pillows were flat, carpet fraying with a less than clean bathroom... There was no free WIFI and I could barely get 3G signal in my room, so I felt really cut off from the group who were staying in the city, making it really awkward to make plans. Side note: I went back to New York this year and stayed in the Westin which was waaay nicer and much closer to Times Square!
Anyway, those of us left in New York had a end of tour final meal together in an Italian restaurant in the heart of Times Square. It was lush even though I was feeling a bit down at the thought it was all coming to an end! After dinner we got to see beautiful Times Square in all its glory at night! It was so breathtaking and surreal! I'm so in love with this place.
Day Fourteen: 27/08/15
New York
Luckily, several of us wanted to do the same thing. I'd bought a New York City pass from our tour manager for $101 which is a little bit cheaper than the actual price of the pass. This pass gains to access to the majority of all the main attractions in New York and if you do about 3 or 4 of them you will certainly save yourself a few dollars.
So we jumped in a yellow cab and headed to the doc to the Statue of Liberty! A big ferry takes you out to Liberty Island where you get off and have as much time as you like taking up close snaps of Lady Liberty and the beautiful New York skyline. You can book to go onto the balcony of the statue or even up into her crown but the waiting list is apparently around 6 months!! Another side note: I went up to the crown this year!
Next we went to visit the 9/11 memorial site. Just a 10 minute walk from where we got back off the ferry - it's surprising how close everything is in New York! Woh, what an experience this was, such a calm, peaceful atmosphere, so emotional and powerful. The memorial itself is free to visit but the New York Pass can get you into the 9/11 museum. It's full of artefacts recovered from the scene of the devastating attack. Its a really interesting, fascinating and emotional place, well worth a visit. Side note: being here twice I've still not read and looked at everything there is to see in this memorial.
After that, we grabbed another cab to the Rockefeller Centre to go up to "The Top of the Rock" - a viewing tower of the whole City. It's kind of a better view than the Empire State because you get the Empire State in your shots from the Rock. There's also more viewing levels than the Empire and less interference of barriers. It would be really spectacular to visit this at night. Again, I visited this at night this year!
Finally, we hit Times Square for some hard core retail therapy! I can't begin to explain what is in Times Square. Just madness everywhere for a start - performers in the street, people trying to sell you things, billboards, camera things, beauty, fashion and NYC merchandise shops - everything. Crazy. Crazy. Crazy.
Luckily, several of us wanted to do the same thing. I'd bought a New York City pass from our tour manager for $101 which is a little bit cheaper than the actual price of the pass. This pass gains to access to the majority of all the main attractions in New York and if you do about 3 or 4 of them you will certainly save yourself a few dollars.
So we jumped in a yellow cab and headed to the doc to the Statue of Liberty! A big ferry takes you out to Liberty Island where you get off and have as much time as you like taking up close snaps of Lady Liberty and the beautiful New York skyline. You can book to go onto the balcony of the statue or even up into her crown but the waiting list is apparently around 6 months!! Another side note: I went up to the crown this year!
Next we went to visit the 9/11 memorial site. Just a 10 minute walk from where we got back off the ferry - it's surprising how close everything is in New York! Woh, what an experience this was, such a calm, peaceful atmosphere, so emotional and powerful. The memorial itself is free to visit but the New York Pass can get you into the 9/11 museum. It's full of artefacts recovered from the scene of the devastating attack. Its a really interesting, fascinating and emotional place, well worth a visit. Side note: being here twice I've still not read and looked at everything there is to see in this memorial.
After that, we grabbed another cab to the Rockefeller Centre to go up to "The Top of the Rock" - a viewing tower of the whole City. It's kind of a better view than the Empire State because you get the Empire State in your shots from the Rock. There's also more viewing levels than the Empire and less interference of barriers. It would be really spectacular to visit this at night. Again, I visited this at night this year!
Finally, we hit Times Square for some hard core retail therapy! I can't begin to explain what is in Times Square. Just madness everywhere for a start - performers in the street, people trying to sell you things, billboards, camera things, beauty, fashion and NYC merchandise shops - everything. Crazy. Crazy. Crazy.
Day Fifteen: 28/08/15
New York > London
So my 3 months in America is almost over! Today I spent my last day entirely by myself. I got up early, packed and went to visit the Empire State Building. It was kinda funny, as I couldn't find it at first because I was standing right underneath it! How embarrassing. What a cool experience! It was just like da movies. I think spent the rest of the day browsing and buying stuff along Times Square, getting those last minute selfies until it was time to be picked by my shuttle to be taken to the airport.
I flew home to London from New Wark airport which is much smaller than JFK and the duty free department was kind of disappointing.. It took off at 10:30pm and arrived 10am UK time.
Seeing my parents waiting for me at the terminal after being away for 3 months was emosh to say the least! What a crazy time away.
Contiki tour roundup
- I booked via STA Travel
- The tour was about £1599
- Plus approx £250 for the extra two nights in New York
- I had also paid about £500 for my flight to Florida in June which would return on 28th August
- Contiki is for people aged 18-35 so you'll all get on and have things in common
- It's a really fun tour, whilst it's not out on the town every night, there are opportunities for some fun nights out if you want
- There are lots of included bits in these tours such as hotels, breakfasts and dinners and included attractions, tours and more
- Plenty of extra optionals that are sorted out by the tour manager. Our tour manager handed round a sign up sheet and collected the money from us for all sign ups at the end of the tour in one lump sum. This meant we didn't have to faff around with money and change on the coach every other day.
- Both our tour manager, James and driver, Frank were really down to earth and made us all feel like one big family. You'll be so lucky if you get either of these guys.
- Easily the best holiday ever
Book it!
If you like the sound of this particular tour check it out in detail on the Contiki website or search "Eastern Escapade Contiki" in Google. It is currently priced from £1572 for the 14 day trip. You can also go through STA Travel. I'm sure if you ring up, you can try to haggle a bit of discount!
Hope this diary review was helpful!
So my 3 months in America is almost over! Today I spent my last day entirely by myself. I got up early, packed and went to visit the Empire State Building. It was kinda funny, as I couldn't find it at first because I was standing right underneath it! How embarrassing. What a cool experience! It was just like da movies. I think spent the rest of the day browsing and buying stuff along Times Square, getting those last minute selfies until it was time to be picked by my shuttle to be taken to the airport.
I flew home to London from New Wark airport which is much smaller than JFK and the duty free department was kind of disappointing.. It took off at 10:30pm and arrived 10am UK time.
Seeing my parents waiting for me at the terminal after being away for 3 months was emosh to say the least! What a crazy time away.
Contiki tour roundup
- I booked via STA Travel
- The tour was about £1599
- Plus approx £250 for the extra two nights in New York
- I had also paid about £500 for my flight to Florida in June which would return on 28th August
- Contiki is for people aged 18-35 so you'll all get on and have things in common
- It's a really fun tour, whilst it's not out on the town every night, there are opportunities for some fun nights out if you want
- There are lots of included bits in these tours such as hotels, breakfasts and dinners and included attractions, tours and more
- Plenty of extra optionals that are sorted out by the tour manager. Our tour manager handed round a sign up sheet and collected the money from us for all sign ups at the end of the tour in one lump sum. This meant we didn't have to faff around with money and change on the coach every other day.
- Both our tour manager, James and driver, Frank were really down to earth and made us all feel like one big family. You'll be so lucky if you get either of these guys.
- Easily the best holiday ever
Book it!
If you like the sound of this particular tour check it out in detail on the Contiki website or search "Eastern Escapade Contiki" in Google. It is currently priced from £1572 for the 14 day trip. You can also go through STA Travel. I'm sure if you ring up, you can try to haggle a bit of discount!
Hope this diary review was helpful!
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