V-Flyer

I am about to book my holiday tomorrow morning, flying to boston driving down to washinghton via new york 2nd week of January. Getting a good fare of £258 and plan to priceline and hotwire the accomdation

BUT

just speaking to mates and family they think we are mad considering the freezing temps and snow fall. does anyone have any expreience of this if so how bad does it get, does everything grind to a halt and most importantly shall i cancel my plans!!![:I]

I was in Washington a couple of years back (18th-20th January if I remember correctly). It was very cold the first day, it warmed up slightly the second day but 2 feet of snow fell and on the third day it all froze again so you can imagine what the roads were like.
Having said that, the authorities do deal with it better than we Brits as they are use to it.
My advice, make sure you have a good hire car. If there is a 4WD available, take it

-Steve

I agree with Steve.

I have been to the northeast several times in February.
It has always been VERY, VERY cold, but is often very sunny and bright in the biting cold wind. [8D]

The Americans authorities cope far better than ours with snow and ice on the roads, but they can only do so much whilst the snow is coming down. [}:)]

I would say that your planned trip will be a bit of a gamble and, if you aren't confident about driving in icy conditions, you may be better doing later in the year.

It will be interesting to see what those who live there think.

Nick

well i have a 4wd booked and my brother will be doing most of the driving and he is actually looking forward to driving in the snow!!
this should be an interesting trip!! from what i have been researching boston seems to be the worst affected by the snow

Originally posted by Nottingham Nick
The Americans authorities cope far better than ours with snow and ice on the roads, but they can only do so much whilst the snow is coming down. [}:)]

Not around Washington and Northern Virginia (where Dulles Airport is). If there is four or five plus inches the roads turn into a mad house due to poorly trained drivers and crap cars they drive.

From experience, you could have a great time, or it could be terrible. You're dicing with the weather at the worst time of year ... if a storm comes you could get stuck anywhere, and yes even downtown can grind to a halt. On the other hand it could be an adventure. Definitely take a 4WD and even think about snow chains.

My advice, make sure you keep an eye on the weather forecast at all times, and ensure you are close to Logan airport on your last day just in case.

I've been to the NE in the winter and it has never snowed, but then obviously I've been lucky. If you're worried about the weather ruining your trip, it's probably safest to book it at another time.

VS.

I was there at the end of January last year

It was sub zero [:0] but as others have said it was very sunny as well.

Check out purelyamerica.co.uk for hotels ... [y]

They were by far the cheapest last year.

well i have had to alter my plans, have to fly in and out of new york because the car rental company wont give any sat nav equipment on one way rentals[V]

so now plan to fly to new york then drive to boston and back to new york. i have read the other threads about what to do in boston, if any one has any other ideas including day trips and outlet shopping they will be well appreciated

Rups

FYI: Winter Driving in the US

Please don't be on the local news. If you are going to travel in the US during the winter, please stop at the nearest grocery store and buy a few things:

Ice scraper! The rental company might have one for you, ASK! If not, they're very reasonable. If they offer other snow equipment, take them up on it. Kitty litter/salt/chains, that sort of thing.

Water (plastic bottles only, keep in the passenger compartment, not the trunk)

Food, such as raisins, jerky, trail mix/breakfast/meal bars, dry cereal, and other items which won't freeze and can be eaten without utensils or much mess and bother

Paper towels; or make it a habit to get some extra every time you eat out if they are offered; defogging the windows and other car maintenance will eat them up

Plastic bags (useful for trash, wet clothes from chaining up, all sorts of things, including using as a portaloo if you're stuck and have to go!)

If you arrive in the midst of heavy snow, get yourselves (or bring) a blanket apiece. Fleece laprobe styles can cost as little as $5 and are better than shivering if you have to stop on the road due to weather or an accident ahead of you. They roll small and are useful on the plane as well. Some even fold up into a pillow.

Drive on the top half of your fuel tank. Never let it get below half. If you ever have to idle behind a major pileup or slog along behind one of those s l o w snowplows, you'll be glad you filled up.

And, last, know when to say 'forget it!' and get off the road. If you even start thinking it might be better to travel on the roads later, get a room! You'll have a better holiday if you aren't spending it in a ditch or a local hospital.

Please don't think I'm trying to scare you - I'm not. Every year, though, someone gets on the road and doesn't know what to carry or what to do. I don't want it to be you and yours.

Have a wonderful trip!

This link also provides some useful snow/ice driving info. (The Weather Channel website)

I'm in a similar boat as we are (going to attempt) driving from New York to Killington at the end of the month. Relatively confident though as I gather it is a well used route!

Originally posted by mcmbenjamin

Originally posted by Nottingham Nick
The Americans authorities cope far better than ours with snow and ice on the roads, but they can only do so much whilst the snow is coming down. [}:)]

Not around Washington and Northern Virginia (where Dulles Airport is). If there is four or five plus inches the roads turn into a mad house due to poorly trained drivers and crap cars they drive.

And there was me, thinking it was only the UK authorities who could muck up in such a major way