Visit two countries across six cities for $108? Sign us up! Journey from the Big Apple to the Paris of North America while visiting four trendy “it” towns along the way to see what all the fuss is about. Foodies will delight in devouring New York’s fluffy bagels, Kingston’s hipster restaurants, Albany’s craft beer scene, sipping the mineral waters of Saratoga Springs, feasting on upstate’s best hot dog, and saying bonjour to Montreal’s famous poutine.
Why fly when you can journey through the best of upstate New York? Not only is it cheaper than flying, but you’ll get to check more towns off your travel bucket list. The typical airfare from NYC’s LGA airport to Montreal’s YUL costs $184- 41% more expensive than taking the bus and you can’t stop off along the way! Who wants to wait in line at security when you could already be on the road exploring!?
So grab your passport, pack your bag (no need to worry about carry-on space), and get on the bus!
New York City
With more than 20,000 restaurants and 145 museums, New York City has no shortage of things to choose from. Looking to experience the best views in Manhattan? Thrillist recommends The Edge Observation Deck. Foodies can delight in a Chinatown & Little Italy food tour.
Make the most of your budget with an attraction pass. Select a pass that meets your travel preferences and receive heavily discounted pricing on the city’s most sought-after attractions. Spend less time planning and more time exploring options such as the American Museum of Natural History and the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island.
Fancy a Broadway show? Head to a TKTS discount booth for up to 50% off same-day performances.
Next leg of the trip: NYC to Kingston
Price: $30+
Time spent traveling: 1hr 55 mins
Number of departures each day: 18
Operator: Trailways
Kingston, NY
Food & Wine magazine says “Kingston (New York’s first capital) hasn’t been this hot since the British burnt it down in 1777 during the Revolutionary War.” With revolution-era architecture and a thriving arts scene, there’s no shortage of bookstores, coffee shops, and boutiques to explore. I Love NY has your whole itinerary planned including a stroll through the Kingston Midtown Arts District, Time Out recommended a trolley tour, and travel back in time with a tour of the Fred J. Johnston house to learn about the first Dutch settlement in New York.
Next leg of the trip: Kingston to Albany
Price: $19+
Time spent traveling: 55 mins
Number of departures each day: 12
Operator: Trailways
Albany, NY
While NYC might feel like the capital of the world, Albany is indeed the capital of New York State. Start your stay with a Time Out recommended tour of the late 19th-century architectural grandeur of the New York State Capitol building. History buffs will also enjoy a visit to the USS Slater DE-766, which battled Nazi U-Boats during WWII and is the only remaining boat of its kind still available to visit. Or, visit the Schuyler Mansion, home of Revolutionary War Major-General Philip Schuyler and his family, including Elizabeth who later married Alexander Hamilton. Later, quench your thirst and experience Albany’s brewery scene.
Next leg of the trip: Albany to Saratoga Springs
Price: $11+
Time spent traveling: 32 mins
Number of departures each day: 8
Operator: Trailways and Greyhound
Saratoga Springs, NY
While continuing to explore the Capital Region, make your next stop the healing waters of Saratoga Springs. With the official slogan “health, history, and horses”, there is plenty to explore in Saratoga Springs. As Time Out puts it, “if the Victorians had a Vegas, Saratoga Springs would’ve been it.”
First on your list should be a relaxing mineral bath at the Roosevelt Spa & Baths (commissioned by then NY State Governor Franklin D Roosevelt) followed by a Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center free self-guided tour of the mineral springs throughout the Saratoga State Park. If your visit coincides with the summertime, a visit to the historic Saratoga race track is a must. Sports Illustrated named it one of the “Top 10 Sporting Venues of the 20th Century.” History buffs can also check out the Saratoga National Historical Park, the “turning point of the American Revolution.”
Don’t forget to snack on some Saratoga Chips during your stay, the area is home to the original potato chip!
Next leg of the trip: Saratoga Springs to Glens Falls
Price: $9+
Time spent traveling: 30 mins
Number of departures each day: 4
Operators: Trailways and Greyhound
Glens Falls, NY
Make a quick stop at Glens Falls as you journey towards the border. Breathe in the fresh Adirondack Mountains air and explore this charming walkable small town. Take in the beautiful mid-1880’s architecture as you stroll to New York City museum-worthy The Hyde Collection, home to works by masters such as Rembrandt and Picasso. Head to The Shirt Factory to wander through 70+ studios, galleries, and shops for a further art fix.
After you’ve built up an appetite, stop at New Way Lunch serving “upstate’s best hot dog since 1919.”
Next leg of the trip: Glens Falls to Montreal
Price: $39+
Time spent traveling: 4hrs 5mins
Number of departures each day: 4
Operators: Trailways and Greyhound
Montreal, Canada
Finish your journey feeling like you’ve arrived in Paris minus the red-eye flight! Centuries of history await you as you explore the many neighborhoods of the city.
Montreal has plenty of free things to do. Time Out recommends strolling through the bohemian Mile End neighborhood known for its swanky hangouts and live entertainment. Enjoy some fresh air with a walk through Mount Royal Park, designed by the same person as New York’s Central Park and perfect for any season.
History and architecture buffs will enjoy a walking tour of Old Montreal or a guided bus tour. Looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience?- try Montreal: Underground City and Downtown Walking Tour.
Don’t forget to indulge in some famous Montreal-style bagels before your trip is over.
Book your bus tickets on Busbud for a quick, safe, and practical travel experience.
Sources:
- Resy
- Museum Hack