Mundane travel thread

Thanks both. Will definitely take a train ride up to Salem at that time of year, which sounds like it will be a bit mad and crazy-busy.

Looks like the Celtics are playing the Knicks while we're there, but, like when we were in New York last year, it's on our first night which would be brutal with the jet lag. Next game (against the Bulls) is the day after we fly home.

One day I might get to see an NBA game live.

Celtics / Knicks will be eyewateringly expensive anyway. Longstanding rivalry and the Knicks are the defending Champions. I don't know Boston prices but you'd probably not see much change from 2 grand for a family of 4 to see that at MSG, I assume Boston won't be too dissimilar.

Yikes...

True. I have always wanted to see an NBA game live, but can see I many need to sacrifice a kidney to realise that ambition.

No, just don't go to the most expensive places in the country to watch one. You can get into the 100 section (the lower bowl, the best place to watch an NBA game) for less than $200 in probably 25 of the 30 arenas in the league.

Not in Chicago you can't. And the Bulls are Gash! You are looking at World Cup Money.

Glad I saved 8K by not going to Atlanta to see Tuchel fuck it up. We can spend that money on our anniversary in Chile and the Falklands (wifey is being a bit Argy about that bit).... or a court side seat in Chicago. As an aside, if you don't get really close seats to a basketball game it looks like pinball from the rafters and you might as well watch it on television.

Most American sports are way more fun watching on the telly. The obvious exception being the Cubs at Wrigley field (although beers now are a mind blowing $30 a piece) and a Hockey game. All Ice Hockey is ace live. Better than the box.

Anyway as you were...

Chicago: Skinflint.

Courtside =/= 100 section but yeah, I can well believe that Chicago would not be in the group of reasonably(ish) priced NBA arenas, the Bulls are too storied a franchise to need to attract fans when they're ass. See also, well, the Knicks and Celtics. Lakers probably also fall into that category although they don't ever seem to really suck properly.

Those with US knowledge, is it possible (or realistic) to hire a car for the day in downtown Boston and drive it north west into New Hampshire and back?

I really like the idea of seeing the fall colours, but not sure if that's too much driving in a day, albeit with pitstops.

The Kancamagus Highway looks particularly stunning but probably a bit too far north to get back to Boston. Presuming everyone's doing that in autumn so roads likely busier?

I used to Live in New Hampshire in Franconia Notch when they had the man on the mountain (it fell down). It's a lovely state. To be fair I haven't lived there for almost 30 years now (fuccccccckkkkk I am old), but I cannot imagine it has changed too much. Friendly people. Really nice foliage. Just altogether picturesque. I have driven from Boston to the state numerous times. They don't mind speeding in New Hampshire so you can get there in decent time.

Nice for a weekend if you want to find a guest house. There used to be plenty of them.

Chicago: Missing that cosy little world.

Sounds ace, but we're going to be based in Boston for five days, so it would be a day trip for us.

2 1/2 to 3 hours each way, pretty straight shot up I-93, just look out for police cars sat by the side of the road and its a toll road, as your renting make sure you get a an EZ-Pass as part of the package.

Or alternatively grow a moustache, buy a cowboy hat, rent a 1977 Trans-Am with gold firebird decals and pretend to be the Bandit.

Very possible. Make sure your car hire includes 0 excess and unlimited claim. I use discountfloridacarhire.co.uk (they do other states)

You can choose pick up/drop off to different locations and choose between different providers.

DFCH always competitive and have 0 excess etc as stabdard. Used them loads.

Hire an SUV minimum. USA cars and roads are massive.

It’s too early to know when the season will hit this year but this gives you a good idea - newengland.com/foliage/foliage/peak-fall-foliage-map/

Given your not arriving until the end of October I’d keep an eye on this and other resources, last year it ran a bit later.

It's pronounced foliage.

The last couple of times I've rented a car I've used Qeeq, which has been massively less expensive than anyone else.

Does it take control when you pass out after 500 yards and drive you about unconcious for 2 and a half miles because regulations?