US help.

[patryn33]

Yeah going on a tour cause lazy to plan and drive

Any good buys at Seattle Premium Outlet?

I think tour guide at most give 3-4 hours standard..

what is good buy? pretty all American brands are good buy as they are much cheaper in states vs SG. brands like L'Occitane, Crabtree & Evelyn, Burberry maybe cheaper than SG but its alot cheaper back in EU.

Here is a list of stores.
Seattle Premium Outlets - Designer Outlet Stores & Map

 

[dontbyteme]

Data coverage

Will be in US for 3 weeks covering mainly NY, DC, SF, LV & LA. Out of city is limited to about 3-4 days.

Was researching abit about prepaid mobile plans for visitors and seems like the plan that best fits my needs (mostly data, limited text and call) is the T-mobile $30(mthly) that includes 100mins talk, unlimited text & 5gb @ 4g speeds (Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, No Credit Check | Monthly 4G | T-Mobile).

However, I am not very sure if we'll get the 4G/3G speeds or will just get downgraded to 2G/EDGE due to the network specs compatibility with phones purchased in sg. (About T-Mobile coverage | T-Mobile Support)

Anyone has any experience or clue on this?

 

[ceecookie]

I will be going on a tour package so hence the itinerary tightness!

Just a question!

I am reaching Victoria only at 6pm and going for Butchart Gardens tour at 6:30pm...

Will it be dark by then?

Did u purchase this from Chan Brothers? My friend's going to US on a similar itinerary to yours and she bought from Chan

Which cabin did you get for the cruise ship? Balcony?
From what I know, the Victoria stop is required by law because only US-flagged vessels can make a round trip from USA to USA. Celebrity ships is typically Bahamas flagged so the Victoria stop was added in to comply with the law.

If you're a drinker, there are good Scottish pubs in Victoria to drink the evening away.
Victoria stop on Alaska RT cruises: Do people actually bother? - Cruise Critic Message Board Forums

Anyway, Im taking a similar trip to yours - even the Canadian rockies
As mentioned by Hisashiburi, the canadian portion is indeed rushed - the rockies is in the neighbouring state Alberta so from vancouver its a long drive. We opted to fly to Calgery instead which is a shorter 2 hour drive to the rockies

As for Seattle Premium Outlet, be sure to sign up for an account at https://www.premiumoutlets.com/vip/index.asp
There's promo vouchers as well as a VIP booklet which is valid for 1 mth.

 

[fone]

Was researching abit about prepaid mobile plans for visitors and seems like the plan that best fits my needs (mostly data, limited text and call) is the T-mobile $30(mthly) that includes 100mins talk, unlimited text & 5gb @ 4g speeds (Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, No Credit Check | Monthly 4G | T-Mobile).

Says "his plan is only available for devices purchased from Wal-Mart or devices activated on T-Mobile.com". So definitely, you would have to buy a new device or if you can, activate your device, if possible, on the website. T-mobile does uses IMEI lock for certain plans, not all plans are available to you depend the type of device you put your SIM into.

For example, my tmobile mifi device can only purchase the on demand data pass or the monthly data pass. Not sure if the selections will change if I put the SIM card elsewhere, but the tmobile SIM card is unable to fit my phone.

However, I am not very sure if we'll get the 4G/3G speeds or will just get downgraded to 2G/EDGE due to the network specs compatibility with phones purchased in sg. (About T-Mobile coverage | T-Mobile Support)

Firstly, prepaid, you will get limited 4G speeds. Only up to 21Mbps, compared with like the rated 75Mbps (though you won't get such speeds anyway). Then check your LTE bands to see if they match, usually they won't as US uses different bands. Same for 3G speeds. Please use those for T-mobile.

 

[gizmo_toh]

Dear all, me and my family (wife and 2 kids age 6 & 4) is planning to tour west coast US in late Sep to early Oct this year. As both me and my wife do not drive so this trip will be mostly taking inland tour and internal flight. Below is the plan. Please kindly comment whether is feasible. Thanks.

Day 1 - 27th Sep, Sat.
- Reach San Francisco Airport (arrive time : 12:40pm)
- Buy a 3-Day Visitor Passport at SFO Information Booth.
- Take Bart from airport to either Hotel Beresford or King George Hotel (Which one is good?)
- To Union Square for meal.
- To Fisherman Wharf and Pier 39.
- To Chinatown for dinner

Day 2 - 28th Sep, Sun.
- To Palace of Fine Arts Theatre.
- Take the inland tour to visit :1. Marin Headlands
2. Muir Woods National Park
3. Muir Beach Overlook
4. Sausalito
5. Ferry/Bay Cruise
- To Grace Cathedral
- Dinner at union square or chinatown.

Day 3 - 29th Sep, Mon.
- Take a inland tour to Yosemite.

Day 4 - 30th Sep, Tue.
- Reach Los Angeles International Airport. (arrive time : 2:40pm)
- Take a shared van to Best Western Anaheim Inn or Holiday Inn Anaheim-Resort Area (Which one is good?)
- Tour around Anaheim Resort and to cheesecake factory for dinner.

Day 5 - 1st Oct, Wed.
- Whole day at disneyland.

Day 6 - 2nd Oct, Thur.
- Whole day at disneyland.

Day 7 - 3rd Oct, Fri.
- Book a van to bring us to San Diego Seaworld.
- Whole day at San Diego Seaworld.

Day 8 - 4th Oct, Sat.
- Book a van to bring us to San Diego Zoo.
- Whole day at San Diego Zoo.

Day 9 - 5th Oct, Sun.
- Book a van to bring us to Desert Hill Premium Outlets. (Should we skip this if we also intend to visit Las Vegas Premium Outlets?)

Day 10 - 6th Oct, Mon.
- Book a inland tour to LA/Hollywood Grand Tour.

Day 11 - 7th Oct, Tue.
- Arrive at Las Vegas Airport (arrive time : 3:40pm)
- Proceed to hotel via cab. (any hotel to recommend?)
- Walk along the strip.

Day 12 - 8th Oct, Wed.
- Book a tour to Grand Canyon.

Day 13 - 9th Oct, Thu.
- Whole day shopping at Las Vegas Premium Outlet North.

Day 14 - 10th Oct, Fri.
- Arrive at San Francisco Airport (arrive time : 2:10pm)
- Proceed to hotel.
- To Lombard Street to see the famous crooked road.
- Proceed to Union Square, chinatown or fisherman whaff for dinner.

Day 15 - 11th Oct, Sat.
- SQ from San Francisco back to SIN.

Please kindly comment on my plan. Also to check at San Francisco, if by 8pm still walking outside is it safe?

Thanks.

 

[Hisashiburi]

I think 28th and 29th are a bit too ambitious.
Too many stops on the 28th.
Maybe remove sausalito.

Yosemite is also quite far from sf.
Dont know if u can do it in a day.

Also consider instead, Monterey, Carmel and the 17mile drive or whatever it is called.


Sf at 8pm is ok if u keep to the main tourist areas.

Personally, I think one day for outlet shopping is enough but I dont know if u have lots of stuff to buy. Check online for the shops and see which outlets suit u better.
The extra day can be used for more sightseeing.

From LA, takes 2.5 hrs to get to SD.
So, I would recommend switching the hollywood tour day with one of the SD days.
Switch days 7 n 10.
So, from LA, move to SD and stay a few days in SD and then fly from SD to LV.
Spend less time traveling to the SD attractions.

 

[califonia]

Dear all, me and my family (wife and 2 kids age 6 & 4) is planning to tour west coast US in late Sep to early Oct this year. As both me and my wife do not drive so this trip will be mostly taking inland tour and internal flight. Below is the plan. Please kindly comment whether is feasible. Thanks.
.

Hi,

Your itinerary quite similar to ours. Also going with 2 young kids. But we choose to self drive drive.

On the arrival day, you may want to consider some jetlag that need recovery. Also, why not book your flight arriving in SFP and depart from LAX? Air ticket price is the same. This will save you time and money flying back to SFO.

Oh, day is shorter during winter, so do plan your programs in the early hours before it turn dark.

 

[swordspirit]

Anybody been to yosemite, death valley and grand canyon? Like to check, any obvious different between the network coverage by AT&T and T-mobile in these regions.

 

[invisible999]

Anybody been to yosemite, death valley and grand canyon? Like to check, any obvious different between the network coverage by AT&T and T-mobile in these regions.

Expect that there is no coverage whatsoever in those areas.

 

[patryn33]

Dear all, me and my family (wife and 2 kids age 6 & 4) is planning to tour west coast US in late Sep to early Oct this year. As both me and my wife do not drive so this trip will be mostly taking inland tour and internal flight. Below is the plan. Please kindly comment whether is feasible. Thanks.

Please kindly comment on my plan. Also to check at San Francisco, if by 8pm still walking outside is it safe?

u have to make sure those tour dates are available, not all tours operate on a daily basis. check those reviews some tour better than others too.

I would go cheesecake for dessert not dinner, nothing special with their food. they make good food but not exceptional.

if U enjoy shopping don't skip Desert Hill Premium Outlet.

3rd and 4th Oct - why don't u stay in San Diego? its wasted time on the roads to return to LA and go again.

vegas - U not spending alot of time there. arriving at 3.40pm means U get out like 4pm checked into hotel like 5pm. next day U leaving darn early for Grand Canyon? the following day full day shopping at Vegas outlet! wow! I would spend half a day at the outlet and more time checking out vegas. Whats your budget? if ~usd$200 can stay at Encore At Wynn Las Vegas! otherwise can try Treasure Island, or Luxury Suites International at The Signature (nice place but its 1 king and 1 sofa bed)

Why don't u fly into SF and fly out from LA?

 

[califonia]

In LV, any recommended hotel? We will stay there for 5 days.

I was told Yosemite might be closed in Dec. Does it mean no entry or its programs maybe off? Planning to stay a night there.
They seems to have a few different parks inside. Which one we should not missed?

 

[B772ER]

In LV, any recommended hotel? We will stay there for 5 days.

I was told Yosemite might be closed in Dec. Does it mean no entry or its programs maybe off? Planning to stay a night there.
They seems to have a few different parks inside. Which one we should not missed?

Yosemite is open 24/7, but some access roads will be closed in winter (Nov - Feb). For a first timer visit I would go to Yosemite Valley and take the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls, hiking distance about 5km return and about 3-4 hours depending on your pace and fitness level. Do take note that the climb can be quite steep but should be manageable for most people.

Yosemite Hikes: The Mist Trail

I would recommend staying at least a night in Yosemite, arrive at Yosemite Valley early to begin your hike as the carparks tend to get full. Also, if you leave too late in the evening you might get stuck in heavy traffic getting out as there is only one access route.

 

[gizmo_toh]

I think 28th and 29th are a bit too ambitious.
Too many stops on the 28th.
Maybe remove sausalito.

Yosemite is also quite far from sf.
Dont know if u can do it in a day.

Also consider instead, Monterey, Carmel and the 17mile drive or whatever it is called.


Sf at 8pm is ok if u keep to the main tourist areas.

Personally, I think one day for outlet shopping is enough but I dont know if u have lots of stuff to buy. Check online for the shops and see which outlets suit u better.
The extra day can be used for more sightseeing.

From LA, takes 2.5 hrs to get to SD.
So, I would recommend switching the hollywood tour day with one of the SD days.
Switch days 7 n 10.
So, from LA, move to SD and stay a few days in SD and then fly from SD to LV.
Spend less time traveling to the SD attractions.

Hi Hisashiburi,

Thanks for your reply. For 28th Sep, the trip is planned out by the inland tour so will be follow their tour. I looked at the tour review, so far none of them complain it is rush.

For 29th Sep Yosemite also follow the inland tour and we had to set off by 6:30am. Staying at Yosemite will only be 4.5 hour. Basically just to enjoy the scenery.

For Monterey, Carmel and the 17mile drive or whatever, as i do not drive so we do not sure how to go to these places. I also search thru the web, no tour offer these places. So confirm these places worth to go rather than yosemite?

As for SF, great to hear it is still ok to stay out at 8pm cos we heard alot of stories of the homeless ppl roaming during the night time and we are afraid of meeting them when walking back to hotel esp with kids around.

Can i confirm is Anaheim Resort to SD will takes 2.5 hour? Cos the van operator told us it only takes around 1.5 hour to reach SD. Any hotel recommend in SD?

Thanks.

 

[B772ER]

Dear all, me and my family (wife and 2 kids age 6 & 4) is planning to tour west coast US in late Sep to early Oct this year. As both me and my wife do not drive so this trip will be mostly taking inland tour and internal flight. Below is the plan. Please kindly comment whether is feasible. Thanks.

Day 1 - 27th Sep, Sat.
- Reach San Francisco Airport (arrive time : 12:40pm)
- Buy a 3-Day Visitor Passport at SFO Information Booth.
- Take Bart from airport to either Hotel Beresford or King George Hotel (Which one is good?)
- To Union Square for meal.
- To Fisherman Wharf and Pier 39.
- To Chinatown for dinner

Day 2 - 28th Sep, Sun.
- To Palace of Fine Arts Theatre.
- Take the inland tour to visit :1. Marin Headlands
2. Muir Woods National Park
3. Muir Beach Overlook
4. Sausalito
5. Ferry/Bay Cruise
- To Grace Cathedral
- Dinner at union square or chinatown.

Day 3 - 29th Sep, Mon.
- Take a inland tour to Yosemite.

Day 4 - 30th Sep, Tue.
- Reach Los Angeles International Airport. (arrive time : 2:40pm)
- Take a shared van to Best Western Anaheim Inn or Holiday Inn Anaheim-Resort Area (Which one is good?)
- Tour around Anaheim Resort and to cheesecake factory for dinner.

Day 5 - 1st Oct, Wed.
- Whole day at disneyland.

Day 6 - 2nd Oct, Thur.
- Whole day at disneyland.

Day 7 - 3rd Oct, Fri.
- Book a van to bring us to San Diego Seaworld.
- Whole day at San Diego Seaworld.

Day 8 - 4th Oct, Sat.
- Book a van to bring us to San Diego Zoo.
- Whole day at San Diego Zoo.

Day 9 - 5th Oct, Sun.
- Book a van to bring us to Desert Hill Premium Outlets. (Should we skip this if we also intend to visit Las Vegas Premium Outlets?)

Day 10 - 6th Oct, Mon.
- Book a inland tour to LA/Hollywood Grand Tour.

Day 11 - 7th Oct, Tue.
- Arrive at Las Vegas Airport (arrive time : 3:40pm)
- Proceed to hotel via cab. (any hotel to recommend?)
- Walk along the strip.

Day 12 - 8th Oct, Wed.
- Book a tour to Grand Canyon.

Day 13 - 9th Oct, Thu.
- Whole day shopping at Las Vegas Premium Outlet North.

Day 14 - 10th Oct, Fri.
- Arrive at San Francisco Airport (arrive time : 2:10pm)
- Proceed to hotel.
- To Lombard Street to see the famous crooked road.
- Proceed to Union Square, chinatown or fisherman whaff for dinner.

Day 15 - 11th Oct, Sat.
- SQ from San Francisco back to SIN.

Please kindly comment on my plan. Also to check at San Francisco, if by 8pm still walking outside is it safe?

Thanks.

I would suggest an overnight in Yosemite NP area, it is too far from SF to do a daytrip and the whole idea of going to Yosemite is to hike and see the waterfalls, which already takes about 3-4 hours.

SF after 8pm is generally alright if you stick to the tourist areas, please avoid the Tenderloin area like the plague as it is the seediest area of town.

 

[gizmo_toh]

Hi,

Your itinerary quite similar to ours. Also going with 2 young kids. But we choose to self drive drive.

On the arrival day, you may want to consider some jetlag that need recovery. Also, why not book your flight arriving in SFP and depart from LAX? Air ticket price is the same. This will save you time and money flying back to SFO.

Oh, day is shorter during winter, so do plan your programs in the early hours before it turn dark.

Hi Califonia,

Thanks for your reply. Great to hear that we having the same itinerary. How i wish we can also self drive in USA.

Ya we do take note of the jetlag that why on the first day we only focus on chinatown and pier 39 etc. Dun dare to be too adventure.

Can check which website you book so that you can arrive in SF and leave via LAX? Cos i tried some SQ website it actually cost more if i arrive and depart 2 different cities.

I thought during the month of sep and oct is still autumn? And i check the sunset time is ard 6:45pm so hopefully still ok. By the way when you going for the trip?

Thanks.

 

[gizmo_toh]

u have to make sure those tour dates are available, not all tours operate on a daily basis. check those reviews some tour better than others too.

I would go cheesecake for dessert not dinner, nothing special with their food. they make good food but not exceptional.

if U enjoy shopping don't skip Desert Hill Premium Outlet.

3rd and 4th Oct - why don't u stay in San Diego? its wasted time on the roads to return to LA and go again.

vegas - U not spending alot of time there. arriving at 3.40pm means U get out like 4pm checked into hotel like 5pm. next day U leaving darn early for Grand Canyon? the following day full day shopping at Vegas outlet! wow! I would spend half a day at the outlet and more time checking out vegas. Whats your budget? if ~usd$200 can stay at Encore At Wynn Las Vegas! otherwise can try Treasure Island, or Luxury Suites International at The Signature (nice place but its 1 king and 1 sofa bed)

Why don't u fly into SF and fly out from LA?

Hi patryn33,

Thanks for the reply. The inland tour which we taking is sanfranshuttletours so far quite a good review on them. Do you have any experience with them?

Seriously only my wife interested in shopping and high chance we will just buys clothes for our own and the kids. We also abit worried of our luggage getting overweight if we shop too much cos i heard USA had heavy charges for overweight luggages. But if i can only choose one is it Dessert Hill is better than LV premium outlet?

With regards to staying at SD do you have any recommendation on hotels? Cos the van operator told us from Anaheim Resort to SD only take 1.5 hour so no point moving to SD.

For vegas, tentatively plan is to have full day shopping since it will be our last day at vegas and also do not know how big is the outlet for us to shop. So if half day we can complete then we will back to the strip to explore. Wana to watch the show but with kids quite difficult. For hotel in vegas, yes our budget is ard USD$200 per night so Encore At Wynn Las Vegas is worth to stay? How is the buffet the hotel offer? Also good?

We did try SQ website to arrive at SF and fly from LAX back to SIN but SQ charge us more if we choose that option. Can check which website you usually choose for booking flight? Cos we will prefer SQ rather than other airlines.

Very excited abt the trip but also quite worry.....

Thanks.

 

[califonia]

Thanks.

We will stay a night there but unlikely will do any hiking. Maybe light stroll in a few parks.

Yosemite is open 24/7, but some access roads will be closed in winter (Nov - Feb). For a first timer visit I would go to Yosemite Valley and take the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls, hiking distance about 5km return and about 3-4 hours depending on your pace and fitness level. Do take note that the climb can be quite steep but should be manageable for most people.

Yosemite Hikes: The Mist Trail

I would recommend staying at least a night in Yosemite, arrive at Yosemite Valley early to begin your hike as the carparks tend to get full. Also, if you leave too late in the evening you might get stuck in heavy traffic getting out as there is only one access route.

 

[jackieatbtu]

Hi Califonia,

Thanks for your reply. Great to hear that we having the same itinerary. How i wish we can also self drive in USA.

Ya we do take note of the jetlag that why on the first day we only focus on chinatown and pier 39 etc. Dun dare to be too adventure.

Can check which website you book so that you can arrive in SF and leave via LAX? Cos i tried some SQ website it actually cost more if i arrive and depart 2 different cities.

I thought during the month of sep and oct is still autumn? And i check the sunset time is ard 6:45pm so hopefully still ok. By the way when you going for the trip?

Thanks.

Usually you can book these at SQ website. Just click multi-city itinerary. I just did a quick check on your dates.

Flight 1 Singapore(SIN) San Francisco(SFO) Sat 27 Sep 2014
Flight 2 Los Angeles(LAX) Singapore(SIN) Sat 11 Oct 2014
Cabin class Economy Passengers 1 Adult
Sweet Deal SGD 2,544.80

Not sure how that compared to your search.

 

[gizmo_toh]

I would suggest an overnight in Yosemite NP area, it is too far from SF to do a daytrip and the whole idea of going to Yosemite is to hike and see the waterfalls, which already takes about 3-4 hours.

SF after 8pm is generally alright if you stick to the tourist areas, please avoid the Tenderloin area like the plague as it is the seediest area of town.

Hi B7772ER,

Thanks for the reply. As high chance i will be staying at Hotel Beresford at 635 Sutter Street. Is it near the Tenderloin area? I saw tripadvisor quite a good feedback on hotel beresford. Do you got any comment on the hotel? or any hotel you can recommend for staying at SF for a family like us?

Thanks.

 

[califonia]

Hi Gizmo_toh

We booked EVA air (believe it or not, 7 mths in advanced )
My wife did the booking and I remember seeing the comparison between EVA, SQ and KoreanAir. They all have SG-SFO/LAX-SG flights. I think if you check with Zuji website, you should be able to select multiple airport. Alternatively, give SQ a call.

Seriously, don't waste time and $ flying in/out SFO since you head south all the way to SD. Domestic flights can be stressful too, especially for young kids.