California Trip ideas please

*j*

Try www.kayak.co.uk

*j*

Nobjocki

Iwork2shop wrote: »

Hi

I wonder if someone could help with ideas please?

My OH is 50 next June and we are planning a family trip to celebrate (!!). There will be 4 of us aged from 19 to 50. We have been to Florida many times and although we really enjoy it there I'd like to try something different.

We're thinking of flying to San Francisco, making our way to Las Vegas and flying home from there. We will be there for just over 2 weeks.

Having done a little research I know there are lots of 'must see's' but rather than travel continuously we'd like to stay for a week somewhere before going to Vegas but have no idea where. Can anyone help please?

Thanks a lot

As a general rule I would budget on having a car with you the entire trip even when staying in a city unless it is somewhere like New York.

Because of its size everywhere in the States is geared up towards the auto-mobile and always has been - travelling by public transport can be okay but it's not often any cheaper, is definitely more aggravation AND you're more likely to meet the unsavoury types who can't afford a car.

If you're thinking of going for two weeks you will have no problem doing a leisurely drive up or down the West Coast and then over to Las Vegas.

My must-sees would include a drive around Beverley Hills, the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, the Napa Valley wine experience and a Cirque Du Soleil show in Las Vegas.

Dan_S_3

misa.blue wrote: »

Wow this sounds like great plan! In how many days is reasonable to manage this trip?

I'm so impressed with this trip plan!!!!
Thank you Dan for great suggestion!

I spent 3 weeks doing this trip that included 7 nights at the end in Vegas. We also drove down and started with 2 nights in San Diego, but it was my leats favourite place. We covered 3000 miles and loved every minute of it.

misa.blue

Hi guys, where would you recommend for us to stay overnight on the way from LA to San Francisco?
Hoping to find some nice cheap place..

jackieblack

misa.blue wrote: »

Hi guys, where would you recommend for us to stay overnight on the way from LA to San Francisco?
Hoping to find some nice cheap place..

Not sure what you call cheap - I can recommend a nice place http://www.kontikiinn.com/ , we thought it was fantastic and good value.

misa.blue

jackieblack wrote: »

Not sure what you call cheap - I can recommend a nice place http://www.kontikiinn.com/ , we thought it was fantastic and good value.

Hi Jackie,
I was hoping to find somethin for about £60. Is it possible or am I too naive?

jackieblack

I'm sure it's possible to find accommodation for that price (I'm assuming it's for 2 of you?)

There are 3 of us, so I'm always looking for 'family' accommodation, rooms with 2 beds - and have often found that paying a little extra for somewhere which includes breakfast works out better value for us.

Having said that - the only place we've ever stayed for £60 was a Comfort Inn near LAX, where we had a 'drive-by' shooting outside during the night!

Don't forget you need to add the tax onto the quoted room price, and some hotels will also charge extra for car parking.

Enterprise_1701C

Just one thing, always ask to see the room first - we did the tour and found hotels along the way, sometimes motels, and one room we looked at had a broken sink and wires hanging out the wall, needless to say we passed on that one!! Sorry, can't even remember where it was let alone motel name!!

mumibear

*j* wrote: »

In San Francisco, I stay near the airport. Motels/hotels are cheaper, parking is free, and you can keep the car for convenience and for a greater choice of dining opportunities.

If you want to go into the city and avoid parking charges, the public transport from near the airport is good.

*j*

We stayed at a travelodge in san fran - very basic but very central, payed to park - it is quite a drive to the airport - think you need to look into that -I personally would not have wanted that drive or to use public transport to get me to an airport hotel - san fran is a lovely city and would be a shame not to enjoy some of the great places to eat and drink at night after a long day exploring the sights. If you book early you may get some good deals - or there are lots of people renting out apartments that are central - some of them could be free to park?

misa.blue

HI guys, do you know how is it with Easter in USA?I just google it and it doesn't seem to be their bank holidays? Was think of going then to save holidays from work..