First solo US trip (21 days, Charlotte start) – itinerary + budget approach, need feedback on pacing and logistics
Posted by SMS402@reddit | Shoestring | View on Reddit | 11 comments
Hi all, 30M from India planning my first solo US trip (May–June). Starting/ending in Charlotte, \~21 days solo. Budget-conscious, experienced solo traveler.
Plan: NYC (4), Boston (2), Niagara (1), Chicago (3), Philly (1), DC (2), Orlando (2), Miami (3). Trains (NE) + flights/bus.
Research: NE well-connected, flights better long-distance, US stays expensive, hostels less social.
Questions:
- Too rushed? Which 1–2 stops to drop?
- Budget: are hostels + buses enough? Other cheap stays?
- Meeting people: what actually works (hostels, Meetup, Couchsurfing/Couchers)?
- Any inefficient routes or low ROI stops?
Not looking for full itinerary—just refining. Thanks!
Lizflower7@reddit
I'd fly Charlotte to BOS, then BOS--> NYC --> Philly --> DC. If you want to go to FL then prioritize Miami unless you dead set on a theme park visit.
If missing Niagara Falls makes you sad, you can get to some decent nature via public transit from Boston (Atlantic coast, white mountains of NH), NY (Hudson Valley is OK but very accessible, Adirondacks are gorgeous but "last mile"transit could prove tricky), and DC (access the Appalachian Trail via Harper's Ferry, WV.... Where you can almost certainly find a very social hostel, but it will be geared towards long distance hikers).
SMS402@reddit (OP)
Thank YOu!
Flat-Tea-8505@reddit
Very solid itinerary! It is going to be a bit rushed in my opinion, especially to destinations that require you to fly in/out as those travel days will feel quite long. I would personally recommend dropping Orlando and adding another day each to Philly and DC. There is so much to see and do in both of these cities, and there is so much more unique American culture and history to enjoy. Orlando is designed exclusively for tourists, and the only main draw there these days, the theme parks, have gotten quite expensive. Also they have the one of the worst airports I have ever been in — when I was there last about 2 months ago the security line was over an hour long.
If you're able to book very far in advance (45+ days) or travel during off hours Amtrak will be a great budget option for DC-Philly-NYC-Boston, if you would like more flexibility there are buses (Flixbus, Peter Pan, etc) that are cheaper for last-minute but are less reliable and might lose you some time if you end up stuck in traffic.
SMS402@reddit (OP)
Thank You!
ionlyplaytechiesmid@reddit
It's doable but a bit packed. Make sure you build some "buffer" activities to avoid city or museum fatigue. E.g. in NYC, something like the museum of Ice Cream. In Philly, chill in Rittenhouse Square or do a casual food crawl. In Miami, maybe Wynwood wandering or a beach sunset..
SMS402@reddit (OP)
Thank You!
mermaidinthesea123@reddit
All of the above plus drop Miami as well and use (at least) some of those days in DC. (The "DC Circulator" bus route has 15 stops at monuments and museums for about $1 usd).
Make Florida a separate trip as there's lots to see and do there. It's just too far and you'll use up too much of your time on transportation. I've had great luck with Amtrak as prices are low and it will save you from travel on Interstate 95 in summer traffic.
QuirkyWateroxp@reddit
Unfortunately, the DC Circular no longer in operation as of 2024. Same for the free DC Streetcar from Union Station along H Street/Benning Rd NE as of last month.
However, metro and metro buses are still an option.
mermaidinthesea123@reddit
Oh, what a shame! That was a great, easy and cheap hop on/hop off bus.
Sweet_Celebration132@reddit
I’d fly into Chicago or NYC. Hostels are not really a thing in the US. Bus/train routes can be expensive and take days to travel to farther areas. Local public transportation can be a good option in the much bigger cities. Without a car it can get expensive to travel between all these cities. You’re also traveling to some of the more expensive places. Budget min $150-500 a night for hotels. Especially in NYC
yesitismenobody@reddit
Hostels are great in NYC and Chicago though and these are the most expensive destinations. HI NYC and HI Chicago are both great and perfectly located.