Is is possible to go self catering in the States but not Florida?

[temmy99]

I would like to take the children (16,10, 5 & 1) shopping in the States maybe next February for a few days but not so keen on hotels. I don't mind which State so long as it has a large outlet or mall not too far as I may be able to hire a car but don't want to get lost. Is this wishful thinking. I have been to New York and Atlanta before so I wouldn't mind returning to those places, Is this wishful thinking?

Not wishful thinking - probably most vacation rentals in the US are self catering.

Thanks science teacher but how can I get details of vacation rentals, sounds interesting, (didn't think anyone else was still up, last night)!

Just Google it, temmy

Probably best to start with an area where you can get a direct flight from the UK. In February, you want to be in the South, tbh.

Off the top of my head, North or South Carolina would be a good choice - losts of places on the coast, and you can fly to Charlotte.

I get most of my s/c from Cyberentals, good site.

We've used holiday-rentals.com in the past - good luck with your search

Try www.vacationrentals.com/
and the further south the warmer it will be.....

Vacation Rental By Owners

Great site copycat, Thanks. Now I have to decide which one to consider . Still watching the longhaul thread for interesting things to do in New York with the children ......

Hi temmy, oooh February will be COLD in New York and quite probably snowy. Shopping there is great but in Manhatten you'll be trudging the streets from one shop to another, not keeping warm in huge shopping malls. I'd keep south but, then again, I hate the cold. I know the flight is longer but what about LA or San Diego or even Las Vegas - there are some pretty good shopping malls around Vegas and quite a lot to see and do there which is 'child' friendly - it's not just casinos and shows. These places wouldn't be hot in February but I would expect warmer temperatures than New York.

Thanks copycat and Sue, I have now decided to go in April as the children have a longer holiday then so more time to recover from jet lag before returning to school. The shopping malls are fascinating but now I am confused. Outlets or malls for variety and price wise? Sorry for being a pain, just exploring my options......

Hi temmy, now I may be wrong or over-generalising but my understanding is that Outlet Centres are more often individual 'Designer' stores which are side by side with car park all around but Malls are more like our shopping centres set out on two or three levels with department stores and individual shops/restaurants. But, hey, I'm no expert!
April seems a much better time to travel. I have been to New York in April and the weather was cold but bright apart from one very wet and foggy day. Have a great trip.

Yup, Copycat has that spot on! Designer clothing at slashed prices are found in Outlet centres, so like a Gucci shop or Osh Kosh shop. These are often out of main areas on interstates heading somewhere else, so not that accessible unless you have a car. Malls are more like your standard dept store and recognisable stores like Body shop etc under one roof, like Bluewater in the UK. If you get one with a great Macy's or Nordstrom or something you will find the designer labels in there too and often Macys slash the prices as low as the outlet centres in my opinion anyway!

I love VRBO btw, we have had great hols through this site!

I hear Chicago is nice

There are lots of hotel chains that do suites so you can be in a hotel and still self cater. Even in Times Square. Google suite hotels. Can't think of any names off the top of my head but the big hotel chains do them - Hilton, Marriott etc.

Colorado is equally cool lol. We've got great malls here, very reasonably priced - Flatirons in Broomfield, Nordstrom Rack, Macys, Gap what more do you want. Great houses to rent up in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

OverRated, I quite liked the idea of suite hotels until I saw the prices, per night? I won't have any money left for shopping! I don't think they had children in mind with their designs but they look nice though. Still searching. Great offers around for flights to New York at present so I think I will stick to that for now but may still change my mind..... Not fussed about designer stuff so long as the children can get their Nike trainers and games, I'm content!