Advice: Philly, DC, Chicago, Portland, Seattle etc

Hi All

I am just about to wind up 2 months at a summer camp in Pennsylvania and am trying to organise some US travel before heading to Canada to live and work for 12 months in September!

I have about a month to fill in before getting to Canada and so far all I have booked is 4 nights in New York!

After NYC, I am hoping to head to Philly and DC for 2 nights each. So! Questions:

• Hostel Accom in Philly and DC? Does any one have any good suggestions? Clean, cheap and safe is what I am after

• I thinking of going to Chicago for about 10 days after DC, but was wondering if that was too long? Will i get bored?

• Are there any tour companies in Chicago that run day/overnight trips?

• Will be heading to west coast after Chicago - anyone know of any good trips/tours around Washington state?

• Particularly interested in Portland and Seattle as well, so would love to know of good hostels there, things to do and see.... - also if any of you know music, and know of any good indie venues there, I would love to check the scene out while I am there as well!

Phew! So many questions!
Thanks in advance!

Jacquie.

Jacquie,

I visited Chicago twice last year, and both times I stayed about 3-4 days. This was plenty of time for me to see and do a lot. 10 days would be too much for me, but it depends on what you like to do. There is a lot to see, and a lot of free stuff if you do some research.

Here are some suggestions for Chicago....

1. They have free tours given by people who live in Chicago. My mom and a friend did this and loved it! They take you around the city and show you some favorite spots, teach you the bus system, and give you all kinds of info. Here is their website: http://www.chicagogreeter.com/index.html

2. See a show! It may not be in your budget, but if you can splurge a little- do it!! You won't regret it!! Wicked was amazing, if it is still showing.

3. You have to see every floor of Macy's, it is HUGE!

4. Millenium Park is a nice place to see and walk around.

5. Mr. Beef's is the BEST beef sandwich I've ever had! Address: 666 N Orleans St, Chicago - (312) 266-8251

6. We stayed outside of Chicago in Schaumburg, IL. The hotels are nice and you can find good deals. Then you can take the train into down town. We stayed at the Double Tree in Schaumburg and I got a pretty good deal, around $60 a night, which if you pick the right plan includes breakfast. They also always have free warm, chcocolate chip cookies! Hotel to train was less than 5 minutes and the train ride was about 45 minutes into downtown. But it sure beats the cost of staying in down town!!

7. Visit Greek town, they have some great restaurants!!

8. Lincoln Park is free.

9. Walking the lake is very pretty and is great for biking.

10. If you want to go up in a skyscraper, skip Sears Tower and go to John Hancock. It is cheaper and a better view.

I hope this helps!

~Cari~