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My elderly mother (turning 85 in January) is planning to visit my brother in the US next April, for approximately one month. However, a travel insurance estimate from her country of residence, New Zealand, is approximately NZD$2500. I am in Canada and can find a Canadian based insurance options for her for around CAD$800, although this is only for travel to Alberta. Are there any good options for travel to the US that are less than $1000, perhaps from US or international based companies?
posted by piyushnz around United States at 8:24 PM - 8 answers

After posting this question about how to celebrate milestone birthdays, we've locked down just a few events and are looking for further ideas about where to go and what to do on this Midwest US roadtrip we'll be taking. No idea too wacky! Weird art museum? Okay. World's Largest Ball of Twine? Sure. Anything goes. We want the trip to be memorable and include things we wouldn't otherwise think to do. Details within. [more inside]
posted by DrGail around Midwest, WY at 12:38 PM - 15 answers

My dad (84) and my son (20) and I (54) are returning from NZ in a few days. Just realized we have an 11 hr layover in San Francisco. Can we pay for a few hours in an airline lounge that has beds, showers, etc? Is this still a thing?
posted by chr1sb0y around San Francisco, CA at 2:22 PM - 9 answers

I just quit my job. I need a break before I start looking. I want to travel somewhere in the continental US. I'd be leaving middle of next week. Planning on going about 5-7 days. [more inside]
posted by kathrynm around United States at 9:23 PM - 11 answers

So because of the construction at JFK, the advice these days is to take the AirTrain. Have you done this? How long did the AirTrain portion take? Which station did you take the AirTrain from? Any general tips? Thanks!
posted by DavidNYC around New York, NY at 12:07 PM - 8 answers

Planning on meeting folks (10-20 folks, half with little kids under 5) in a trip back to the city in Central Park on a summer Saturday. Pre kids we would just go to Sheep’s Meadow, but don’t remember any playgrounds/kids stuff nearby plus even pre covid it was super packed. Where would you go in CP? Any other non Central Park picnic/play spots in Manhattan you’d recommend? [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv around New York, NY at 12:31 PM - 5 answers

I'll have a few hours in Chicago between planned events to wander around. Staying in the Loop, but have seen most of what's near there, and I'm not interested in the Magnificent Mile. I'm happy taking transport to areas that are walkable, interesting and safe. I'm looking for neighborhoods, rather than specific stores/restaurants/bars/museums. From very casual reading, I've seen: Andersonville, Logan Square, Chinatown, Humboldt Park, Lincoln Square and Fulton Market. I'll probably only have time for one or two. Any recommendations or other suggestions?
posted by still_wears_a_hat around Chicago, IL at 11:30 AM - 11 answers

In a few days I’m leaving for a 7-day Amtrak Vacations trip around the US from Washington DC to Chicago, LA, New Orleans, and back to Washington DC. I'd love any advice, recommendations, and suggestions on how to ensure I get the most out of my dream vacation. [more inside]
posted by kinsey around United States at 8:27 AM - 38 answers

Looking for an app to help me keep track of and find new swim spots in my area and when I am further from home [more inside]
posted by Summers around United States at 5:04 AM - 2 answers

I asked this question about where to take my five year old daughter on a trip last month and the ultimate decision was Mystic, CT. We're going this weekend. Help us plan our itinerary! [more inside]
posted by millipede around Stonington, CT at 12:34 PM - 10 answers

I need to park at or around JFK for about 2 and a half weeks this summer. Previously we've parked at the JFK long term lot, but this year they're quoting me over $600, yikes. But many of the offsite long term parking lots look kinda sketchy. Is there an offsite lot that you can recommend, which is minimally sketchy, has a convenient shuttle, and won't be too exhausting to get to with 2 kids and luggage? The last time this was asked was in 2010, and the top answer doesn't seem to exist anymore.
posted by Liesl around New York, NY at 8:03 AM - 9 answers

I'm handy with a search engine, so I'm not looking for recommendations on search hits, but if you have been to an indoor pool in Philadelphia where there is day-pass access, is there one you would recommend?
posted by They sucked his brains out! around Philadelphia, PA at 2:35 PM - 0 answers

I'm planning to visit Baltimore in August...maybe. How safe is the area around the Art Gallery, the American Visionary Art Museum, the George Peabody Library? Also planning to visit the Baltimore improv theatre. And while talking about it, what are the cool sights in the city?
posted by storybored around Baltimore, MD at 8:11 PM - 6 answers

I have to drive from Boston to Port Jervis, PA on a Tuesday. I'd like to break up the trip with something fun--a museum? A cute town? anything? My research is showing that nothing interesting is open on Tuesdays. This thing is ideally not TOO far from 84. Help?
posted by papergirl around United States at 1:41 PM - 10 answers

My 8yo and I are going to Washington DC for a week this July. We have plans for what we want to see while we're there, but what are the big-picture travel & lodging logistics I should know? [more inside]
posted by jeffjon around Washington, DC at 2:18 PM - 19 answers

My two sisters and I are looking forward to taking our first trip together in October but are feeling overwhelmed by all the options. Please help us narrow it down! [more inside]
posted by onesocktwosockredsockbluesock around United States at 10:03 PM - 6 answers

If I were to travel to Las Vegas, what would be its most gruesome aspects today? What is the most disgusting casino? What is the ickiest dinner buffet? What is the most depressing public space? What is the worst hotel? What is your secret awful spot in Las Vegas? This masochist mind wants to know. Tell me your nastiest Las Vegas stories!
posted by Scarf Joint around Las Vegas, NV at 12:14 PM - 22 answers

A friend and I are flying to Portland, Maine, for a few days in August. Tickets are cheap and this is just a chance to get out of town in August. What are some things we might do? I like the ocean but am not a beach bather. Happy to hear about your favorite things to see and do in Portland or nearby.
posted by swheatie around Portland, ME at 11:24 AM - 14 answers

This leg is part of our summer adventure and I'm looking for info/recommendations. We don't want to meander too much, and Google Maps routes us through Las Vegas, the Mojave Desert, and Bakersfield, Routes 1I5-58-I5. Anything special worth stopping for? General advice? Alternate routes to suggest that don't lose several hours?
posted by Miko around California at 5:45 AM - 11 answers

My five-year-old daughter and I have ten weeks of summer break stretching out ahead of us. I stay home with her, and much of the break will be spent at swim lessons or running in sprinklers while eating popsicles. However, I'd like to organize a couple of Mother-Daughter overnight trips to break up the routine. Berkeley Springs was a big hit when we went before. We like outdoorsy, but not super challenging, waffles, donuts, lots of downtime, and cool playgrounds. Museums and cultural type destinations would be too much stress - my kid wants to touch EVERYTHING. Any suggestions?
posted by champers around Baltimore, MD at 6:48 AM - 6 answers