US help.

[wondrdoggie]

Looks like lots of people doing the Bay Area, yose, SoCal and lv route. I used to live in the sf Bay Area for 6 years and go to Yosemite pretty much every year. Some pointers if you are visiting in early spring.

A lot of the park roads will still be closed so you probably can only visit the Yosemite village area which is nice enough. If the southern road is open, do drive down to see the giant sequoias trees. Magnificent trees. The drive from sf to to Yosemite is boring interstate until you turn into the smaller highway roads. Then it's farmland and orchards. If you are there in spring, do stop by to buy/pick strawberries or whatever is available. Lots of really nice and fresh fruits. After the orchards, you will start to climb steeply towards a summit before finally hitting the valley. Note that within the park itself, there is only 1 gas station near the entrance - do fill up your tank! I usually spend at least 3 nights in the park itself to relax and go on some light trails. You can picnic along the river, really nice. Last, it is pitched dark at night there.. A great opportunity to go see stars. Go to the open areas for best views.

As for choice between Sonoma/Napa or Carmel/Monterey/big sur, I would say it depends in whether you like wine. If you do, wine country is awesome. Book a tour at the vineyards for the best experience. And do eat at the CIA (culinary institute of America), it's very very good at decent prices. Must book. If you go to Carmel, you might as well go to Monterey too. The aquarium is very nice. Carmel is a lovely town and a lot of former stars live there.

For Vegas, it's a load of fun. I wouldnt do too much of the canyon stuff. And frankly, I liked Death Valley more than the grand canyon. Much more dramatic scenery. The helicopter ride to Grand Canyon is fast but also very chop chop. You don't see much. Vegas is about the shows (O is amazing!), casinos and hotels which are attractions by themselves. Go catch a hypnosis show, it's hilarious.

LA is to me about Hollywood glitz and theme parks. To spot stars, go eat lunch at the Ivy and dinner at Spago. Theme park wise, universal studios is awesome and I like Disney California adventure at Anaheim.

Let me know if anyone needs recommendations for restaurants or hotels or sights. I love California and maybe I willmove back there.

 

[invisible999]

Travelling Party: 4Adults, 2Kids (6yr & 2yr), estimate 4 BIG luggage

You either need 2 cars or 15-pax van with that requirements. Don't expect that standard 7-pax van could accommodate 4 suitcases.

 

[wondrdoggie]

You either need 2 cars or 15-pax van with that requirements. Don't expect that standard 7-pax van could accommodate 4 suitcases.

Agree, you can't fit 4 adults, 2 kids and 4 suitcases in a full size car. Get a large suv is my suggestion - both for the space AND the fact that you might still hit some icy roads or patchy snow at high altitudes if you are headed to Yosemite. An SUV usually has all weather types and give you a better grip.

 

[patryn33]

You either need 2 cars or 15-pax van with that requirements. Don't expect that standard 7-pax van could accommodate 4 suitcases.

Well I own a Nissan Quest or Elgrand. it can fit 4 adults and 2 kids with 4 large suitcases. A Sienna should have no issue packing them in.
fold down 1 3rd road seat and U have of room.

Agree, you can't fit 4 adults, 2 kids and 4 suitcases in a full size car. Get a large suv is my suggestion - both for the space AND the fact that you might still hit some icy roads or patchy snow at high altitudes if you are headed to Yosemite. An SUV usually has all weather types and give you a better grip.

Ford expedition or Chevy Suburban will fit nicely.
Thanatos going mid May... dont really need a SUV to handle Mid May weather conditions even up there. if need the size, the again 3rd road don't fold down well.
2014 Suburban Large SUV: Interior Photos | Chevrolet

town and country can fold down the 3rd row right seat.

 

[wondrdoggie]

Well I own a Nissan Quest or Elgrand. it can fit 4 adults and 2 kids with 4 large suitcases. A Sienna should have no issue packing them in.
fold down 1 3rd road seat and U have of room.



Ford expedition or Chevy Suburban will fit nicely.
Thanatos going mid May... dont really need a SUV to handle Mid May weather conditions even up there. if need the size, the again 3rd road don't fold down well.
2014 Suburban Large SUV: Interior Photos | Chevrolet

town and country can fold down the 3rd row right seat.

Ford expedition is a nice drive and comfortable too. But ya, in May the roads should be clear. If going in March, then got to watch for summit snow.

 

[Els_Ang]

Hi fone,

We were there last May from SF-> LA-> LV. We drove from 2nd day of SF all the way till we return the car at LV airport.

My advise to you is your children MUST be in car seat at ALL times in the car. We picked up the car about 10mins walk from our hotel, and thinking that it's hassle to bring along the car seat for a 10-15mins walk along with my 2 yr old toddler, hence we my Hub will drive and my child will be on my lap on our return drive back to hotel (less than 5mins drive). But, as we were nearing the hotel, we were stopped by a police, and were given verbal warning since we were practically just outside of our hotel already.

So, be warned. Super on police in the States.

I'm going with my 1 year old and 3 year old, plus total of 3 adults. Going in and out from LAX, so 1 car throughout the entire duration. I'm still thinking of options for car seat. Probably get a full booster seat (those kind with back rest etc) for the 3 year old on Amazon, ship to first hotel, then bring back for use in SG. Still thinking on what I should do with the car seat, should I rent car seat from rental company (almost cost of 1 car seat). Go buy one from Amazon, then either bring back or donate it before I leave. Or just save money (more hassle) and bring my own car seat.

Also, now we looking to rent only full sized car with at most 2 big luggages, 2 prams (1 umbrella fold, 1 folds small enough to carry onto plane). Leg space in front of kids can put smaller bags, or even my small pram.

 

[patryn33]

Hi fone,

We were there last May from SF-> LA-> LV. We drove from 2nd day of SF all the way till we return the car at LV airport.

My advise to you is your children MUST be in car seat at ALL times in the car. We picked up the car about 10mins walk from our hotel, and thinking that it's hassle to bring along the car seat for a 10-15mins walk along with my 2 yr old toddler, hence we my Hub will drive and my child will be on my lap on our return drive back to hotel (less than 5mins drive). But, as we were nearing the hotel, we were stopped by a police, and were given verbal warning since we were practically just outside of our hotel already.

So, be warned. Super on police in the States.

Anything to do with children very on
Stop school bus and children not in car seat etc

 

[Thanatos]

Hi patryn33
Thanks the tips. My sister decide to bring her baby along for the trip (1year old) as she couldn't find a caretaker so now my travelling group became
4 adults, 2 kids, 1 infant.

so far my long drives will be
Bryce > Page
GCV > Vegas
Vegas > Anahiem

For my Vegas > Springdale > Bryce > Page > GCV > Vegas
I am looking at a Dodge Grand Caravan or Chevrolet Suburban. The big luggage would be left at Vegas

For the Vegas to Anahiem sector, am looking at Passenger Van Ford E350
which have a larger capacity for luggage.

 

[patryn33]

For the Vegas to Anahiem sector, am looking at Passenger Van Ford E350
which have a larger capacity for luggage.

it will be hard finding Ford E350, it will be costly to rent and drop off 1 way.
maybe better to fly. flight is like US$50 per pax.

this is my only place I find renting E350, 3 days rental is US$700+ with insurance.
http://reservations.unitedvanrentals.com/rates?action=vehicle_details

1 yr old infant, long drive can be very rough. it maybe better trying to get a Chevy Suburban

 

[twinklingstars]

hi everyone! need some help regarding my US trip in july.. this is my first trip to the states, hence kinda lost..

-just wondering is it time for me to change USD? is it better to pay by credit cards or cash, there will be additional charges imposed by the bank for credit card but for cash, i will probably have to carry a few Ks and im staying in budget hotels, most of them do not come with a safe in the room.
-i will be staying at hotel mayflower (975 Bush Street) in san francisco. it is slightly over my budget but reviews seems pretty good. is the surrounding areas safe, i understand that tenderloin is an area which i should avoid. is it advisable to stay out past 8pm?
-i will be doing a day of outlet shopping, am thinking of either in LV or LA, which outlet can i go, im not looking at high end stuff, probably mid range like coach, kate spade, levis, GAP, ralph lauren etc.
-is it necessary to get a fast pass for USS on weekday?
-what are the affordable ways to get around if im not driving, other than buses/trains eg from airport to hotel. i have heard of shuttle, uber, lynx, price wise, which is more affordable?
-for grand canyon, how's south rim/west rim? im still considering which part to go, any advices?

many thanks in advance!!

 

[invisible999]

For the Vegas to Anahiem sector, am looking at Passenger Van Ford E350
which have a larger capacity for luggage.

It will be more expensive than renting two cars.

i will probably have to carry a few Ks and im staying in budget hotels, most of them do not come with a safe in the room.

As an American: first, I would not carry 'few ks' around, and I especially would not carry them if I'd stay at budget hotels.

People get robbed and killed in States for much less than 'few Ks'.

 

[twinklingstars]

It will be more expensive than renting two cars.



As an American: first, I would not carry 'few ks' around, and I especially would not carry them if I'd stay at budget hotels.

People get robbed and killed in States for much less than 'few Ks'.

hmm in that case, how do i carry my cash around, make payment using credit card? we will probably be bringing 2K each...

 

[purplewave]

just card for everything. everything can be paid via cc
including taxi

 

[invisible999]

hmm in that case, how do i carry my cash around

You don't.

make payment using credit card?

Everywhere. Last month I paid 25c at supermarket with credit card. The only place not accepting cards are tolls on roads and bridges and 25c parking meters. In all other places credit card is a norm.

we will probably be bringing 2K each...

Seems you don't get this. I was in San Francisco with $300 in my pocket and I felt really uncomfortable. Once again - it is not advisable to carry large amount of cash with you in US.

 

[patryn33]

It's not advisable to carry large amount of cash anywhere.
How many ppl here carry 2k of cash in Sg?20k Malaysia? China? Even Japan? Europe? No matter there is risk when u walk around with load of cash. If u can handle the risk vs poor exchange rate from cc go ahead. Learn how to limit flashing of money

I met older indo coming over with 5-10k of cash, he return home without getting rob. My pal is just in Houston and brought like 2k and has been ok so far.

America ppl get killed over $500 to $100M. Recently insane gal killed a strangers baby trying to fake a pregnancy. In general American not as street smart as avg PRC

 

[patryn33]

It will be more expensive than renting two cars.

Issue here is only one driving license, being American getting a license in USA only takes 3 months and like $200-300.
Here in sg can take over 6 mthod and spend $1-3k
Yes Google and Apple want to build automous veh but they only go auto mode on free way today.

 

[cscs3]

Issue here is only one driving license, being American getting a license in USA only takes 3 months and like $200-300.
Here in sg can take over 6 mthod and spend $1-3k
Yes Google and Apple want to build automous veh but they only go auto mode on free way today.

If you have only 1 driver and need to travel long distance. Is going to be very tired and I suggest you join a tour and do not drive.

 

[twinklingstars]

You don't.


Everywhere. Last month I paid 25c at supermarket with credit card. The only place not accepting cards are tolls on roads and bridges and 25c parking meters. In all other places credit card is a norm.


Seems you don't get this. I was in San Francisco with $300 in my pocket and I felt really uncomfortable. Once again - it is not advisable to carry large amount of cash with you in US.

just card for everything. everything can be paid via cc
including taxi

It's not advisable to carry large amount of cash anywhere.
How many ppl here carry 2k of cash in Sg?20k Malaysia? China? Even Japan? Europe? No matter there is risk when u walk around with load of cash. If u can handle the risk vs poor exchange rate from cc go ahead. Learn how to limit flashing of money

I met older indo coming over with 5-10k of cash, he return home without getting rob. My pal is just in Houston and brought like 2k and has been ok so far.

America ppl get killed over $500 to $100M. Recently insane gal killed a strangers baby trying to fake a pregnancy. In general American not as street smart as avg PRC

thanks everyone for the advice. my expenditure is around $2K per person, guess i will have to source for a credit card with good rebates for overseas spending.

however, i believe i still need to carry a bit of cash right? for tipping etc?

also i plan to visit ferry plaza market at san francisco, the marketplace seems like a bazaar, do the sellers accept credit card?

also, what about personal belongings eg passport, tablet (wanted to bring mine along to transfer photos cos i foresee myself taking lots of photos over 3 weeks, but seems like it's better to keep it at home especially since the hotel im staying at doesn't have a safe.)

lastly, how about hanging out late at night in SF (mainly touristy areas like union square), LV (las vegas strip) and LA (west hollywood and disneyland, particular after midnight for disneyland)? is it advisable?

thanks!

 

[Shiny Things]

-just wondering is it time for me to change USD? is it better to pay by credit cards or cash, there will be additional charges imposed by the bank for credit card but for cash, i will probably have to carry a few Ks and im staying in budget hotels, most of them do not come with a safe in the room.

THIS IS A TERRIBLE IDEA. I CANNOT EMPHASISE THIS ENOUGH.

DO NOT BRING THOUSANDS IN CASH; YOU WILL BE AT SERIOUS RISK OF GETTING MUGGED AND HAVING THE LOT STOLEN.

Use a credit card. The 2% (or whatever) foreign transaction fee is a small price to pay for your safety. And if your card gets jacked, it's one call to your credit card company to get it cancelled and replaced.

-i will be staying at hotel mayflower (975 Bush Street) in san francisco. it is slightly over my budget but reviews seems pretty good. is the surrounding areas safe, i understand that tenderloin is an area which i should avoid. is it advisable to stay out past 8pm?

So now that I've got the hyperventilating out of the way: San Francisco is a bit weird like this! The super-fancy areas are right next door to the super-sketchy areas - Union Square and Nob Hill are gorgeous, but they're right next to the distinctly edgy Tenderloin; Valencia Street is the coolest shopping strip in the city but it's right next to Mission Street which is Latino gangland territory.

You're staying in the amusingly named Tendernob district, so called because it's sandwiched between the Tenderloin (to the south) and Nob Hill (to the north). Nob Hill is suuuper fancy - and so is Union Square to the east. The Tenderloin is pretty sketchy - it's famously run-down and not particularly nice, though it's slowly gentrifying.

Now the Tenderloin's bad rep is actually kind of overstated. I live just on the south side of it, and I walk through it at night all the time to get to the awesome little Korean restaurants that are scattered all over the Tenderloin. It does feel a bit sketchy, but nobody's going to hassle you - just walk straight through and you'll be fine. (And also don't carry a fancy-ass Louis or Gucci bag - partly because you're marking yourself as a target for muggers, but also because that's so tacky.)

But there are plenty of awesome places to hang out after dark. Valencia Street is full of fantastic restaurants - there's a lot of good Peruvian and Mexican places there, and a whole lot of fancy American. The Hayes Valley district has terrific French and Italian. There's great ramen in Japantown, and if you want to try cool modern-Mexican you can't do better than Nopalito out in the Panhandle. And if you're feeling really adventurous, my favourite sushi place in the city is just around the corner from your hotel: Ryoko's, on Taylor Street between Bush and Pine. It's this incredibly cool little underground sushi bar that always has a queue up the stairs and out the door, so get there early. And afterward, duck down Cosmo Place to the Barrel Room for a glass of some primo local wine.

If you're out late, just get an UberX back home. It's cheap and easy.

-i will be doing a day of outlet shopping, am thinking of either in LV or LA, which outlet can i go, im not looking at high end stuff, probably mid range like coach, kate spade, levis, GAP, ralph lauren etc.

The Premium Outlets North in Las Vegas are pretty good, and easy to get to from the Strip. The ones in LA are all out in the middle of nowhere.

I'll spare you my usual rant about how you shouldn't waste your time outlet shopping. The brands are on to you. They make lower-quality versions of their products specifically for the outlet market.

You're better off shopping at the cool little independent boutiques in San Francisco on Hayes Street and Valencia Street; you'll end up with something that nobody else has.

-what are the affordable ways to get around if im not driving, other than buses/trains eg from airport to hotel. i have heard of shuttle, uber, lynx, price wise, which is more affordable?

Lynx? Do you mean Lyft?

Anyway: taxis in America are fine though a bit shitty, which is why Uber's doing so well. Uber is even better if it's in the town where you are; I use UberX for absolutely everything.

Pro tip, as well: if you're getting a taxi to or from Las Vegas airport, tell the driver "take Flamingo, not the freeways". LV drivers have a bad habit of ripping off visitors by taking the freeway to get from the airport to the Las Vegas strip, which adds about ten bucks to the fare.

-for grand canyon, how's south rim/west rim? im still considering which part to go, any advices?

South rim. The West Rim is closer to Vegas, but it's nowhere near as spectacular.

thanks everyone for the advice. my expenditure is around $2K per person, guess i will have to source for a credit card with good rebates for overseas spending.

however, i believe i still need to carry a bit of cash right? for tipping etc?

Yep, but a couple hundred dollars in $1s and $5s and $20s is all you need.

also i plan to visit ferry plaza market at san francisco, the marketplace seems like a bazaar, do the sellers accept credit card?

Yep. Everyone has a Square terminal - it's a little credit-card-swipey-thingy that plugs into an iPhone and turns it into a credit card reader.

also, what about personal belongings eg passport, tablet (wanted to bring mine along to transfer photos cos i foresee myself taking lots of photos over 3 weeks, but seems like it's better to keep it at home especially since the hotel im staying at doesn't have a safe.)

You're joking, right? Find a better hotel.

Seriously though. Keep your passport on you (especially in Arizona, which is weirdly xenophobic). Bring a backpack to carry your tablet around, and it'll be fine. Just don't go flashing it (or flashing cash) in any dodgy parts of town.

lastly, how about hanging out late at night in SF (mainly touristy areas like union square), LV (las vegas strip) and LA (west hollywood and disneyland, particular after midnight for disneyland)? is it advisable?

Yep, all of the areas you talked about are completely safe.

 

[invisible999]

If you have only 1 driver and need to travel long distance. Is going to be very tired and I suggest you join a tour and do not drive.

Affirmative. 7 people with the only driver is not a good idea from risk management. What happens for whatever reason that person becomes sicks? Just ordinary stomach can take one off commission for the whole day of driving.

It is ok to rent one large vehicle as long as drivers will be taking turns, but if driving will be done just by one person, it could be quite taxing on him and enjoyment of the trip is gonna go down. Heck I did drive from Arizona to San Francisco in one day, but a) I was 30 that time and b) I would not want to repeat it.

thanks everyone for the advice. my expenditure is around $2K per person, guess i will have to source for a credit card with good rebates for overseas spending.

Exactly. Plus CC with statements is easier to determine expenses and who bought what.

however, i believe i still need to carry a bit of cash right? for tipping etc?

$100 max. Tipping in restaurants is done thru CC as well, contrary to Asia, in US the owner/establishment does not confiscate tips paid via CC. Cash tips are required only at hotels and that should be no more $2 per tip.

also, what about personal belongings eg passport,

Use something like this travel pouch

tablet (wanted to bring mine along to transfer photos cos i foresee myself taking lots of photos over 3 weeks, but seems like it's better to keep it at home especially since the hotel im staying at doesn't have a safe.)

Tablet goes into backpack, obviously not sticking out.

lastly, how about hanging out late at night in SF (mainly touristy areas like union square), LV (las vegas strip) and LA (west hollywood and disneyland, particular after midnight for disneyland)? is it advisable?

All good there. If you are in Vegas, leave kids with one adult and go to TheMix at TheHotel (same building as Mandalay Bay) - around 9:30PM and sit outside.