Southwest USA & The West Coast (California, Arizona etc) - General Thread

Vikki_74

Hi missymoo and welcome to MSE!

We did a similar trip last year for our honeymoon (and wedding actually ) and just loved it - you will have an amazing time! Going back again next month for our first anniversary and can't wait.

I'm sure at some point most things have been covered in the list of previous threads I've linked to on the first page, but if you need any help with planning do feel free to post any questions and I'm sure someone on here will be happy to help you out.

Vikki_74

Just spotted a few deals on this week's email from Goldstar which look pretty good so thought I would share:

$12.50 for a ticket to any LA Dodgers home game for the rest of the season - valid 26/08/11 to 22/09/211

Segway Tour of Fisherman's Wharf and the waterfront in San Francisco for $35 (normally $70) - valid selected dates up to the end of October

Segway Tour of Golden Gate Park, San Francisco - again $35 instead of $70 and valid until the end of October

The usual selection of boat / bike / bus / walking tours, gigs, comedy nights etc is on there as normal, along with a new selection of reduced price game tickets for the first few SF 49ers games of the new NFL season. Well worth a look through what they have on offer for anyone who hasn't already...

northwest1965

Have read a few reports elsewhere about driving this road. Its apparently scary but stunning. How bad is it really?:)

DeeLasVegas

northwest1965 wrote: »

Have read a few reports elsewhere about driving this road. Its apparently scary but stunning. How bad is it really?:)

Well obviously depends on when you are going. It normally reopens around May/June and closes around November/December.

I don't find it too scary but it's absolutely stunning

The worst part is the traffic....it can be horrendous at times and it's better to get there early to get parked.

Try https://www.nps.gov and then go to Yosemite National Park/Tioga Road to get more info.

travellerboy

Vikki_74 wrote: »

Segway Tour of Fisherman's Wharf and the waterfront in San Francisco for $35 (normally $70) - valid selected dates up to the end of October
...

Thanks Vikki, just booked it...........hope we don't live to regret

Vikki_74

Ooh fun...hope it works out for you. Have you ever been on a Segway before? I've just booked us onto a Segway tour in Lake Havasu City through Groupon (they seem to be the latest trend at the moment!) and wondering what to expect...all the reviews make it sound fairly straightforward, just hoping I don't fall off!

travellerboy

No I have never tried them before but seen them in use at Miami Airport by the US Police. Looked cool, shame they cann't fly...

Vikki_74

Anyone looking for discounted Universal Studios Hollywood tickets, Travelzoo are currently showing an offer for $60 for 6 months entry - normal 1 day admission price is $77 so even if you only want to go once, that's a decent saving:

http://www.travelzoo.com/entertainment/los-angeles-southern-california/-60-Universal-Studios-Hollywood-6-Month-Unlimited-Entry-1082907/?utm_source=top20_us&utm_medium=email_top20

travellerboy

Vikki, I read that you are travelling thro CDG with Air France. Some advice "pack as much patients as possible", the place is a nightmare. Don't waste anytime and get to your US flight check-in as quickly as possible as the place is so disorganised it is unbelieveable. Best of luck and hope you connect without too much trouble.

Vikki_74

Ha, yes I noticed your response on the other thread - sounds like we have a lot to look forward to :rotfl:

The best part is we have a pretty tight connection time at CDG - like 1 hour 20 minutes tight :eek: - so I am a little nervous to say the least, but we are at least flying in and out of the same terminal (2E) so hoping it won't be a completely impossible nightmare (she says, seeking reassurance!). There is another CDG to LAX flight a couple of hours later which I hope they'd put us on if we missed our connection, but fingers crossed it won't come to that...