US help.

[lugia88]

Hello Forumers,

I been wanting to plan for a trip 26 April to 20 May [ Effectively i think 21 days of travel, i use 3 days for flights]

My main focus is to cover this few states
1) NYC [1 week], - mostly touristy attractions
2) then fly to San Francisco and do a west coast loop, 2 weeks - rent a car, [San Frans -> Las Vegas -> Yosemite park -> grand canyon etc -> LA -> San Frans].

This my draft itinerary below. Is it doable? Or should i cut some states since it is my first time there.

DATE DAY City
Day 00 26/04/17 Wednesday Flight
Day 01 27/04/17 Thursday Flight
Day 02 28/04/17 Friday NYC
Day 03 29/04/17 Saturday NYC
Day 04 30/04/17 Sunday NYC
Day 05 01/05/17 Monday NYC
Day 06 02/05/17 Tuesday NYC
Day 07 03/05/17 Wednesday NYC
Day 08 04/05/17 Thursday NYC
Day 09 05/05/17 Friday NYC
Day 10 06/05/17 Saturday SAN FRANCISCO
Day 11 07/05/17 Sunday SAN FRANCISCO
Day 12 08/05/17 Monday SAN FRANCISCO
Day 13 09/05/17 Tuesday Yosemite NP
Day 14 10/05/17 Wednesday Death Valley
Day 15 11/05/17 Thursday Las Vegas
Day 16 12/05/17 Friday Las Vegas
Day 17 13/05/17 Saturday Las Vegas
Day 18 14/05/17 Sunday GRAND CANYON
Day 19 15/05/17 Monday GRAND CANYON
Day 20 16/05/17 Tuesday CALIFORNIA
Day 21 17/05/17 Wednesday CALIFORNIA
Day 22 18/05/17 Thursday CALIFORNIA
Day 23 19/05/17 Friday CALIFORNIA
Day 24 20/05/17 Saturday Flight

I have some major questions for road trips in San Francisco,
1) is we have to book accommodations for every hotel prior the trips? or will there be stop over? can we sleep in the car?

2) Parking, there parking expensive? i only read abt USS or Disneyland have to pay like 15-20USD for whole day parking. what about the rest?

Anybody care to share their experiences for road trips?

 

[funnyclown]

SF to Muir Woods is an hour drive, tops - even if you pick your car up from SFO airport instead of SF city it'll only be an hour-and-a-half. You can rent a frickin' Porsche Panamera for the day, for less than half of what you're looking at for that tour.

No, your Singapore license is fine.

Thank you. Not too keen on driving and I figure it'll be too tiring to drive to Yosemite for a day either.

Any input on possibility to see Giant Sequoias in Yosemite in winter? Have read that there are two different types of "big trees", both equally impressive in different ways. Yosemite has giant Sequoias (largest living things on earth) and Muir has giant Coastal redwoods (tallest).

 

[andrewkb]

Wow, you should probably have a look at the map. If you draw everywhere you're planning to go on the map, it's going to look like a squashed spider.

Thanks Shiny Things. Indeed I am having a headache over my plan.

- I will be in LA over the Thanksgiving weekend - Should I go Disney ? Too crowded ?
- My biggest headache is after LV.
DeathValley is in the middle of nowhere. My kids really want to see the badwater/salt plain, etc. Unless I stay overnight in DV, everywhere else is 2hr drive away, before heading north to Tahoe
- Alternatively:
1) Skip DeathValley, head back to LA and enjoy peaceful quiet post-Thanksgiving weekday in theme parks. Then drive up Pacific Coastal HW1 up to SF
2) I take the Bakersfield route instead of 395 (snowy) and miss out the snow fun for the kids - Any recommendation on this route ?

 

[Shiny Things]

H

My main focus is to cover this few states
1) NYC [1 week], - mostly touristy attractions
2) then fly to San Francisco and do a west coast loop, 2 weeks - rent a car, [San Frans -> Las Vegas -> Yosemite park -> grand canyon etc -> LA -> San Frans].

This my draft itinerary below. Is it doable? Or should i cut some states since it is my first time there.

Your itinerary is pretty doable, but I'd say you might want to trim a day or two out of NYC and add them on to the west coast loop; that'll make it a lot less crowded and more relaxing.

Day 10 06/05/17 Saturday SAN FRANCISCO
Day 11 07/05/17 Sunday SAN FRANCISCO
Day 12 08/05/17 Monday SAN FRANCISCO
Day 13 09/05/17 Tuesday Yosemite NP
Day 14 10/05/17 Wednesday Death Valley
Day 15 11/05/17 Thursday Las Vegas
Day 16 12/05/17 Friday Las Vegas
Day 17 13/05/17 Saturday Las Vegas
Day 18 14/05/17 Sunday GRAND CANYON
Day 19 15/05/17 Monday GRAND CANYON

Suggestion here - add another day around the Grand Canyon. There's a ton of fun stuff to see around here: Antelope Canyon, Meteor Crater, the Hoover Dam, the Valley of Fire; if you're into nature and epic scenery then you won't regret taking the extra time.

I have some major questions for road trips in San Francisco,
1) is we have to book accommodations for every hotel prior the trips?

In the big cities and national parks, yes; for roadside stopovers, no. Every little highwayside town in the USA has a few motels, even if it's just a slightly-scuzzy Super 8 or Motel 6; often you'll find a Hampton Inn (part of the Hilton chain), a Holiday Inn, or a Choice Hotels brand. If you want to scope out what's available along your route, TripAdvisor is the way to go.

can we sleep in the car?

No, don't do this.

2) Parking, there parking expensive? i only read abt USS or Disneyland have to pay like 15-20USD for whole day parking. what about the rest?

Anybody care to share their experiences for road trips?

Nah, only in the big cities (the going rate for parking in downtown SF is $30-$50 a day, so don't rent the car until you're ready to leave SF). The rest of the time you won't pay anything; even in Vegas you should never have to pay for parking, because the casinos have huge carparks attached to them.

Thanks Shiny Things. Indeed I am having a headache over my plan.

- I will be in LA over the Thanksgiving weekend - Should I go Disney ? Too crowded ?

Yeah, honestly, it's going to be crowded, but cutting short your road trip to double back to Disneyland is going to be even more of a pain in the ass. I'd suck it up. (Pro tip: hit Disneyland as soon as the park opens. If you're quick, you can usually squeeze in two or three of the big name rides in the first hour, before the park fills up, and then you can FastPass for another ride later in the day. Also, get a ParkHopper ticket; there's a bunch of fun things in California Adventure.)

- My biggest headache is after LV.
DeathValley is in the middle of nowhere. My kids really want to see the badwater/salt plain, etc. Unless I stay overnight in DV, everywhere else is 2hr drive away, before heading north to Tahoe

Do it! Stay overnight in Death Valley - it's magical. The Furnace Creek Ranch is the place to stay. If you really want a view to remember, wait until after dark, then head up to Zabriskie Point (about a five-minute drive from the Ranch) and look up at the stars. The sky over Death Valley is extremely dark, and the new moon is on the 29th so there'll be no moonlight to wash out the stars, so you're going to have an unbelievable view of the night sky. Dress up warm, though: the desert gets cold in winter!

- Alternatively:
1) Skip DeathValley, head back to LA and enjoy peaceful quiet post-Thanksgiving weekday in theme parks. Then drive up Pacific Coastal HW1 up to SF

Nah. Death Valley's basically on the way back to LA anyway.

2) I take the Bakersfield route instead of 395 (snowy) and miss out the snow fun for the kids - Any recommendation on this route ?

Nah. I wouldn't take 395 anyway; it's icy and not well maintained in winter, it's windy, the traffic's going to be a disaster around Mammoth. Here's what I'd do to get to Tahoe:

• If it's not particularly snowy that day, take US-95 to US-50 to Carson City, then follow US-50 up to Lake Tahoe. Stay at the Harveys Casino in South Lake Tahoe (super cheap, and you get SPG nights!); from there, it's walking distance to the Heavenly gondola, which takes you up the hill to the Heavenly ski resort (which has a GREAT snow-tubing hill!). You don't want to do this if it's chucking down snow though, because the climb up from Carson City to Lake Tahoe will be a nightmare. So...
• If it's looking snowy, or if there's even the slightest risk of snow on the day you're driving, keep going on US-95 past Carson City, all the way up to Reno. From Reno, check the weather report - if it's looking crappy over the Sierras and you don't want to drive, you can spend the night in Reno (the Atlantis Casino and the Peppermill Casino are both nice enough and dirt-cheap), then once the snow clears and I-80 is being plowed, head over I-80 and stop off at Truckee for brunch. Ask around there and you can find out where the best snow-play areas are: there's a ton of places right on I-80 where you can stop off for a bit, the kids can goof around in the snow, then you can get back on I-80 and be down in Sacramento in three hours.

Driving in snow is no joke, by the way: I was up at Tahoe with some friends in January, and the roads were ridiculously icy. On the way up, we were crossing the Sierra summit at 2am just as a snowstorm hit; we were driving at 20mph on I-80, couldn't see any lane lines, and we were fishtailing all over a four-lane highway; the next morning, we were driving up to Northstar, and managed to lose control and spin out while we were doing a whole five miles an hour. That was hilarious instead of dangerous, but it still goes to show, driving in snowy conditions is not for the faint-hearted.

Thank you. Not too keen on driving and I figure it'll be too tiring to drive to Yosemite for a day either.

Any input on possibility to see Giant Sequoias in Yosemite in winter? Have read that there are two different types of "big trees", both equally impressive in different ways. Yosemite has giant Sequoias (largest living things on earth) and Muir has giant Coastal redwoods (tallest).

That's a negative, Ghost Rider; the Mariposa Grove is closed all winter for a restoration project. Muir Woods is your best option.

 

[andrewkb]

Do it! Stay overnight in Death Valley - it's magical. The Furnace Creek Ranch is the place to stay. If you really want a view to remember, wait until after dark, then head up to Zabriskie Point (about a five-minute drive from the Ranch) and look up at the stars. The sky over Death Valley is extremely dark, and the new moon is on the 29th so there'll be no moonlight to wash out the stars, so you're going to have an unbelievable view of the night sky. Dress up warm, though: the desert gets cold in winter!

YES one of my intention is to view the night sky (possibly the milky way??) while in Vegas. Your recommendation just saved me some night driving out of Vegas into the desert !

 

[Alwaysb]

Hi, i am visiting usa in 2 days time too. Is it true to avoid rental car company from dollar? I tried searching hertz. Its much more expensive.

Any other recommendation?

 

[andrewkb]

Nah. I wouldn't take 395 anyway; it's icy and not well maintained in winter, it's windy, the traffic's going to be a disaster around Mammoth. Here's what I'd do to get to Tahoe:

• If it's not particularly snowy that day, take US-95 to US-50 to Carson City, then follow US-50 up to Lake Tahoe. Stay at the Harveys Casino in South Lake Tahoe (super cheap, and you get SPG nights!); from there, it's walking distance to the Heavenly gondola, which takes you up the hill to the Heavenly ski resort (which has a GREAT snow-tubing hill!). You don't want to do this if it's chucking down snow though, because the climb up from Carson City to Lake Tahoe will be a nightmare. So...
• If it's looking snowy, or if there's even the slightest risk of snow on the day you're driving, keep going on US-95 past Carson City, all the way up to Reno. From Reno, check the weather report - if it's looking crappy over the Sierras and you don't want to drive, you can spend the night in Reno (the Atlantis Casino and the Peppermill Casino are both nice enough and dirt-cheap), then once the snow clears and I-80 is being plowed, head over I-80 and stop off at Truckee for brunch. Ask around there and you can find out where the best snow-play areas are: there's a ton of places right on I-80 where you can stop off for a bit, the kids can goof around in the snow, then you can get back on I-80 and be down in Sacramento in three hours.

This is a looooong 7hr drive which will literally be a day's worth of driving from Furnace Creek ....
(Actually getting out of Furnace Creek in any direction will be a 4-5hr drive minimum!)

I'll be there on the 1st of Dec (very early winter). I hope the snow condition is not that serious yet.

Oh, further reading up on Furnace Creek Ranch .... the feedback is pretty negative... I assume I'll have to lower my expectation ...

 

[Arcanell]

Hi, i am visiting usa in 2 days time too. Is it true to avoid rental car company from dollar? I tried searching hertz. Its much more expensive.

Any other recommendation?

Where are you going? I used sixt in Orlando. Reasonable rates. Remember to download their mobile app; you'll able to choose your vehicle 30mins before actual time. Obviously i pick the car with the lowest mileage

 

[Alwaysb]

I am going to sf, Lv and La. I check sixt. The orices are at the high side

Where are you going? I used sixt in Orlando. Reasonable rates. Remember to download their mobile app; you'll able to choose your vehicle 30mins before actual time. Obviously i pick the car with the lowest mileage

 

[cdrom85]

Guys just to second a bro's post on applying for ESTA: please use only the official DHS site. I didn't see clearly and became a carrothead.

Sent from Sony E6653 using GAGT

 

[lcpteck]

W San Francisco or Palace Hotel? Leaning towards Palace, reviews seems to say it's nicer (price wise is a few dollars cheaper than the W).

 

[andrewkb]

Here's my final 14 days LA-LV-SF trip:
Day 1: LA: Hollywood (Thanksgiving Day)
Day 2: LA - Desert Hill for some Black Friday shopping and start on Grand Canyon road trip after lunch. Overnight at Kingman (??)
Day 3: Continue towards Grand Canyon: Arrive afternoon + trial + sunset view
Day 4: Grand Canyon - Las Vegas: Sunrise view, some travellign in GC, after lunch, travel to Vegas
Day 5: LV: Day - Valley of Fire; Evening: Vegas performance
Day 6: LV: Day - Mt Charleston & Death Valley; Evening: Vegas Performance
Day 7: LV - LA
Day 8: LA (Disney) - Less crowded compared to going Disney on Thanskgiving weekend
Day 9: LA (Disney/Universal Studio)
Day 10: LA - Pismo Beach
Day 11: Pismo Beach - Monterey
Day 12: Monterey
Day 13: Monterey to SF via 101, visit Stanford, Apple, Google etc, Golden Gate bridge and Muir Wood. End the day with accomodation around Fisherman Wharf
Day 14: SF - Entire day in SF

Appreciate any MUST DO

 

[socrates]

I am planning to rent a car at San francisco airport as well as later on in my trip at Las Vegas. IS there any recommended car rental to use for good value for money.

Stumbled upon hotwire website . Good to use them to book?

BTW no need for international driving license correct?

Thanks

 

[andrewkb]

I am planning to rent a car at San francisco airport as well as later on in my trip at Las Vegas. IS there any recommended car rental to use for good value for money.

Stumbled upon hotwire website . Good to use them to book?

BTW no need for international driving license correct?

Thanks

I'm booked on Enterprise, price seems reasonable.

No need for international driving license.

 

[socrates]

I'm booked on Enterprise, price seems reasonable.

No need for international driving license.

Thanks for your suggestion.

Price looks good but does the enterprise include the CDW and various insurance? Don't see that in their prices.

 

[twinklingstars]

hi guys, im planning to take emirates to usa next year.

SIN-MCO, transit at dubai but i only have 1hr 55 mins to connect to the next flight, is it sufficient time?

 

[invisible999]

hi guys, im planning to take emirates to usa next year.

SIN-MCO, transit at dubai but i only have 1hr 55 mins to connect to the next flight, is it sufficient time?

I would not risk it...

 

[Shiny Things]

This is a looooong 7hr drive which will literally be a day's worth of driving from Furnace Creek ....
(Actually getting out of Furnace Creek in any direction will be a 4-5hr drive minimum!)

Yeah, welcome to America.

Think about how big Singapore is, then have a look at this map. The entire island fits within just the middle bit of Death Valley, and you'd fit another four or five Singapores within the rest of Death Valley National Park. Driving from Las Vegas to Reno is pretty much like driving from Singapore to the Thai border.

The problem is, if you go up 395, it's going to be six hours even on a good day, and you'll be running the risk of having to stop halfway because of snow. If you go via Reno and the worst happens, at least you'll be able to stay in Reno (which is cheap and not that terrible) instead of a nowheresville where the hotels are all sold out, and then the morning after you'll be able to drive over I-80 with no worries instead of having to wait for the plows to clear 395.

Oh, further reading up on Furnace Creek Ranch .... the feedback is pretty negative... I assume I'll have to lower my expectation ...

I've stayed there twice; the rooms are nothing special, but it's perfectly good, and it's completely unique. There's literally nowhere else like it in the world, and the scenery is spectacularly beautiful. Don't worry about the reviews. (Plus, the dinner at the bar is pretty good too.)

Hi, i am visiting usa in 2 days time too. Is it true to avoid rental car company from dollar? I tried searching hertz. Its much more expensive.

Any other recommendation?

Give Avis a shot; they've been pretty good to me in the past.

hi guys, im planning to take emirates to usa next year.

SIN-MCO, transit at dubai but i only have 1hr 55 mins to connect to the next flight, is it sufficient time?

That's gonna be really squeezy. I wouldn't risk it. Spend a day in Dubai instead.

W San Francisco or Palace Hotel? Leaning towards Palace, reviews seems to say it's nicer (price wise is a few dollars cheaper than the W).

Depends. Are you a fan of cutting-edge modern design (the W), or old-school luxury (the Palace)? I've stayed at the Palace; the rooms are very nice but a bit on the small side, but the pool is fantastic.

 

[socrates]

I am planning to drive from las Vegas to Zion national park and the western rim of the grand canyon on then 29th and 30th Nov and then fly to Sf and drive to Maripossa and then take the bus to Yosemite on the 1st Dec. I Anybody can advise on how the the road conditions will be like at this time? hope I will not be driving on snowy roads at this early time in Winter!

 

[takuyazzz]

Planning ahead for a 2-week trip next year to the west coast and totally clueless at this point. Aim is to cover SF-LV-LA plus whatever we can squeeze in between. First things first, we have to decide on the air tickets, - which is more recommended: flying into SF and out of LA or the other way round?