Summer Roadtrip - Ages Style

[boorules60]

Summer Roadtrip - Ages Style

PLANNING PHASE:

OK Guys here's the deal. I'm in the midst of planning a summer roadtrip to Traverse City MI, D's new pad, and it would be awesome to bring an Age's gathering along too.

After looking at 4-5 different airlines to fly from Manchester to Detroit, I've basically ruled out flying. Prices vary from $250-350 PER PERSON round trip or $1200 for 4 of us, even if we booked them today, two months in advance.

That leaves us with driving. Including stops, Milford to Traverse City is a 1,100 mile journey that will take about 20 hours. This means we will have to stay overnight in a hotel in Buffalo NY which is almost exactly half way. Hotels in Buffalo are $60-$100 per night for a decent looking, 2-bed room that we could easily fit a car of people into. If we use a car that gets 30 MPG, we will use about 40 gallons of gas at $3+ per gallon + tolls will be about $150 each way for car expenses. Each way would cost about $250 total. Therefore, I estimate that the round trip would cost $500. That's $125 for 4 of us round trip, about the same cost as white-water rafting, only this is for an entire week!!! I won't speak too soon, but D might be able to help out a little bit too if cost is a problem. Keep in mind, the exact cost will vary depending on how many cars we take, how many rooms we need, and how much we spend on food (if any).

The next question is when. Most of us are done from school during the second week of May. If we drive, it really isn't important when we leave, but I was going to suggest Wednesday May 14th to leave NH and Wednesday May 21st to return to NH. This means we arrive in MI Thursday night and leave again Tuesday morning, giving us a decent 4-5 days for Ages 2, 3, COD, UT, Worms, Wii, 64, and all the other pleasures that could make this the most relaxed and care-free trip that you'll ever go on in your life.

Most summer jobs will not start before then, so there's no need to take time off from work. We might be able to leave earlier, but I think I have a final on the 13th, but if it gets canceled or moved up, then we can leave as soon as all of us are home. As sad as it is, this could be the last real opportunity to make this happen.

So, I know this is by far the biggest event that we've ever planned, but the sooner we can get a precise number, the sooner we can make the final arrangements for this amazing LAN party! EVERYONE from Delta Team III is welcome; we won't limit this to one car if we don't have too! Let me know what you think.

[tandler]

Driving is a great idea Ben, but as the resident Expert on travel to that region of the Country (Given the fact that I go to college out there) I suggest we take the train, It's probably about $80-110 for the train ride, and rules out the necessity of a Hotel. Either way I'm In.

The Train would also be pretty cool cause if there is like 4 or more of us it would be easier then taking multiple cars and getting Hotel rooms, Train > Car every time.


I did a quick look to see if we could get to Traverse City, and there is a Bus Station we could take a bus too if we took the train to somewhere near it.

[boorules60]

Seriously, awesome idea Tandler. Here's what I could come up with:

Amtrack has a bunch of very reasonably priced trains from Boston (South Station) to Detroit and back almost every 24 hour peroid. Here's what it looks like: tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak

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The way there:

DEPARTURE: 14-MAY-08, 12:00 pm

Boston TO Albany-Rensselaer
12:00 pm - 5:35 pm = 5h 35m

Albany-Rensselaer TO Toledo
7:05 pm - 5:45 am = 10h 40m

Toledo, OH TO Detroit
6:30 am - 7:35 am = 1h 5m

ARRIVAL: 15-MAY-08, 7:35 am

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The way back:

DEPARTURE: 20-MAY-08, 9:55 pm

Detroit TO Toledo
9:55 pm - 11:00 pm = 1h 5m

Toledo TO
4:05 am - 3:40 pm = 11h 35m

Albany-Rensselaer TO Boston
4:10 pm - 9:45 pm = 5h 35m

ARRIVAL: 21-MAY-08, 9:45 pm

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The cost using the route that I suggested is $78 one way or $176; however, if the person who orders is a AAA member (aka: Tim), then we receive a 10% discount of $18 bringing the cost down to $158 per person round trip.

Advantages using the train:
- Fast, reliable, and easy. Driving is a fucking pain in the ass.
- No Hotels. Hotels can also be a pain in the ass.
- TWO LESS days traveling. We won't need to spend the entire day on the 15th and 20th traveling.
- For those who are weak at math, this means TWO MORE days playing Ages at no added time for the trip.
- We don't need to limit the number of people to a certain number of cars. All that needs to happen is another click to buy tickets. This means more people can come with less hassle.
- Tim and I can drive back if need be. Our car will be in MI.
- They might have food and wireless on the train...

Disadvantages:
- $30-$40 more per person. We'll have to park somewhere in Boston (or Alewife) if we can't get dropped off.
- Getting from Detroit to Traverse City could be interesting. It's about 4 hours. I could not find any direct trains from Boston to Traverse City. D could help???
- There is a 5 hour layover/wait in Toledo (on the way home ONLY).

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I won't pass any value judgments, but I personally think it's worth it. It saves time and a hell of a lot of hassle for a few extra bucks.

[rabidrepublican1]

This sounds like a great idea.
However I do not know if I can go yet.
I have to check with my folks who as you all know are nazis
I have to see whether I have a job then
I may have my last final on the 14th
We shall see though

[d]

You're crazy and welcome to come.

I'm flying from Chicago to Boston which is much cheaper than Detroit to Manchester. Also flying to Flint cost little more than Detroit and saves 3 hours driving. Also my sister lives near there.

Tandler is already half way here.

Is there a way to do ages on a train?

The only way to TC is bus or plane. No trains.

You may also want to take old blue back with you for the summer. With four of you, just drive straight thru.

[cyrus]

I would definitely be in, I have one major complication. My graduation is May 17th. If the trip can start after that, I would be in. We can also drive straight there with no hotels (I've done it before), you just need to alternate drivers and have the primary passenger have the job of only speaking to the driver. Alternatively an option I find interesting, if you think we could make it work, I could fly out after graduation, and make the drive back with you guys.

edit: This is pbraasch.

[punkybruster]

I feel like the train seems like the best way to come out. It's cost is only proportional to the amount of people going, as opposed to a car with 1 person is almost as pricey as a car with 5. With the Albany-Rensselaer Connection, perhaps we could pick up PBraasch en route.

Ben and I will want to take the blue protege back for the rest of the summer, and we would be willing to take up to three people with us. That may cause strife if more than 3 people want rides back, but I bet we can work something out, especially if some people need to return early.

[pcups]

I don't know, I'll talk to my parents about it. My dad isn't 100% and I don't know if my Mom will be able to lend me the money especially after the hospital bills. I like the fact that we can take a train, because I wasn't gonna go in a car PERIOD. So we will see how things work out.

My personal opinion is driving is the worst way to go. Not only is it 10 times more dangerous, but I get car sick just from being in a car

All together I don't think my family would be happy with the trip, considering my dad wants to go see his mom in Baltimore this summer because SHE just got out of the hospital so I can't argue that the money needs to be used for that. For right now its up in the air for me.

[tandler]

I believe the Train we'd be taking would be the Lakeshore limited (the one I take to the midwest) at least most of the way. And I'm not 100% sure but I think the majority of it has electricity. SO we could play ages, on the train if we commandeered the train lounge, which isn't really that hard. So it is feasible for us to play ages one the train... let me say that again

THE TRAIN IS AGES COMPATIBLE!!!

Yeah, I talked to my mom and she seems fine with it. I'll have to check up with my Dad However...


Also, theres a Bus station in TC so if need be we can take the bus from detriot to TC

[mrniceguy]

this sounds like a really cool adventure. i am, as usual, tentatively in. i have my last final on the 12th unless it is changed (which it should be)

i will, however, probably have to lie to ryan and say that i am coming home a week later than i originally said and that i will NOT be actually playing video games the whole time.

now if we could please take a moment to imagine what this would look like. the idea of six to ten guys huddled over their computers which all would have to be connected to the hub, (lots of wires) who are yelling and swearing for the entire train ride. with gallons of code red. i would recommend against desktops though.

keep me updated!

[pcups]

lol, laptops only on this one

[Jake P.]

Ok heres my deal.

1. Driving (Straight Through): Dangerous, no matter how you slice it. I also cannot drive stick. Like ben said driving is a pain the ass and, in my opinion, should be avoided if possible. I also am not sure if my parents would be cool with the driving.

2. Train: Great Idea. Im in....all that has to be said.

3. Laptops only for sure.

[tandler]

Oh and boorules, There isn't wireless on the train. But every train has a dining car/snack bar, pricey, so I'd recommend we bring food on. And depending on how many people go... We can prob have my brother drop us off in my mini-van at the Train station in Boston, Wouldn't be that big of a problem.

[d]

Rather than driving to Boston, you might want to catch the train at Framingham or Worcester. Could save time and money.

[boorules60]

I'm glad everyone is liking the train idea as much as I do. Yeah, it's a bit more expensive, but we save a shitload of hassle and risk so I really think it's a good idea.

I have run into a bit of a problem with getting from Detroit to TC. Since it looks like we could have more than 4 people going, there's really no way that we could all fit in D's car and he could drive us back. Someone suggested a bus, and I like that idea since a bus couldn't be that expensive. However, I looked online for buses from Detroit to TC, and I seriously couldn't find anything. I'm sure one has to exist somewhere but I really didn't find one. Anyone have a link or company?

If people aren't thrilled about the train idea, there are a bunch of non-stop flights from Boston to Chicago for $218 round trip per person. The problem still remains of how to get from Chicago to TC.

Finally, Tim and I will be driving home regardless of how we get there. Realistically, we can take 2 (MAYBE 3) others with us so you can go back cheaper if you want. This would mean that D could probably bring the remaining 3-4 to Detroit or Chicago with him so the way back wouldn't be too complicated. Even if no one drives back with us, that would still leave 4 spots in D's car for people, worst case scenario. So basically, we only need to worry about a bus for one of the ways.

Finally, there is definitely some flexibility with the dates. Prices for the train or flight or car are basically invariant to the day of the week or the time of the month that we book them. I have no problem leaving on Sunday May 18th (a day after Pat's graduation) and being home for Sunday the 25th. I kinda wanted to attend the graduation anyway, but didn't think of it ahead of time. I actually received a phone call for an interview for an internship so within the next week, I could have some idea of when my summer work begins. I know Tim will not start before June, but what about the rest of you guys; does being back on the Sunday 25th rather than the Wednesday the 21st cut into anyone's summer job?