US help.

[apple isle]

Hi. I am planning a 7-day road-trip from Seattle to San Francisco for 5 adults in early May. Appreciate any advice/suggestion for itinerary (route, attractions, accommodation, etc) for the 7 days drive from Seattle to San Francisco. Also, any precaution to take when driving on the right hand side for this trip? I am quite nervous that I may not get used to driving over there. Thanks for your help!

 

[Avizoa]

Hi. I am planning a 7-day road-trip from Seattle to San Francisco for 5 adults in early May. Appreciate any advice/suggestion for itinerary (route, attractions, accommodation, etc) for the 7 days drive from Seattle to San Francisco. Also, any precaution to take when driving on the right hand side for this trip? I am quite nervous that I may not get used to driving over there. Thanks for your help!

you might want to visit roadtrippers.com to plan what you want to visit for that 7 days.
We do not know what you are interested in nor what you do not like.

Please drive slowly for the first few days if you are not familar with left side driving. Also do know who to give way to first at a cross junction.

 

[ashketchum]

first time in nyc? what's your budget?

i'd recommend staying at manhattan as it's more happening there. i stayed in an airbnb in Brooklyn once, kinda takes a while to get to manhattan so do consider the travelling time!

Yes first time to NYC. Quite a budget traveller. I'll be in NYC for 6d5n. Budget around $500.. Not too fussy, most importantly it's accessible, clean and safe

 

[Shiny Things]

Hi, would want to ask some questions regarding Miami.

How safe is Miami (especially on mugging)? Ok for solo traveller to travel there? Any places that I should avoid?

Also, is it easy to travel around just by public transport?

Oh yeah, you'll be fine. I've travelled to Miami a few times (staying in Miami Beach rather than on the mainland, though) and it's great. You should stay on Ocean Drive if that's an option.

Public transport is OK on the mainland, but you'll probably be relying on taxis and Uber.

Don't miss the walking tours of Calle Ocho (the Cuban district) and the art-deco walking tour on Miami Beach.

Hi. I am planning a 7-day road-trip from Seattle to San Francisco for 5 adults in early May. Appreciate any advice/suggestion for itinerary (route, attractions, accommodation, etc) for the 7 days drive from Seattle to San Francisco. Also, any precaution to take when driving on the right hand side for this trip? I am quite nervous that I may not get used to driving over there. Thanks for your help!

Ooh. Haven't done that one myself, but a few notes:

1) Driving on the "wrong" side of the road is surprisingly easy to get used to, especially once you're on the interstate freeways. That said, on your first day or two (when I presume you'll be in Seattle city) you'll probably want to not have the car - give yourself a little time to get adjusted and get over the jet-lag.

2) As for the route - there are a couple of ways you could do this. I'd personally take the I-5 from Seattle south through Portland (worth a couple days' stop!) to about Redding (so you get to see Mount Shasta), and then cut across on CA-299 to the coast. When you get to the cute little town of Eureka/Arcata, turn south on the 101, then turn onto highway 1 at Leggett, right near the Drive-Through Tree. The 1 takes you all the way south as far as you want to go.

The other alternative - more scenic but MUCH slower - is to cut across to the coast earlier, at Portland or even at Olympia (just south of Seattle), but keep in mind you'll miss seeing Mount Shasta. Also, honestly... the Oregon coast is pretty wild and there's not a whole lot going on there.

 

[apple isle]

Consider hotels in south sf airport area, generally cheaper, and commute into city is quite convenient.

I booked grand hyatt SF at union square for my November’s trip

Duboce Triangle, the Castro, and Cole Valley are all good picks for AirBNB. They're right near the Muni subway, very nice suburbs, and plenty of cool places to eat and things to see.

I generally prefer hotels/motels to AirBNB, though, so maybe have a sniff down around South San Francisco or the airport? There's plenty of places down there, and they should be reasonably priced.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[apple isle]

you might want to visit roadtrippers.com to plan what you want to visit for that 7 days.
We do not know what you are interested in nor what you do not like.

Please drive slowly for the first few days if you are not familar with left side driving. Also do know who to give way to first at a cross junction.

Oh yeah, you'll be fine. I've travelled to Miami a few times (staying in Miami Beach rather than on the mainland, though) and it's great. You should stay on Ocean Drive if that's an option.

Public transport is OK on the mainland, but you'll probably be relying on taxis and Uber.

Don't miss the walking tours of Calle Ocho (the Cuban district) and the art-deco walking tour on Miami Beach.



Ooh. Haven't done that one myself, but a few notes:

1) Driving on the "wrong" side of the road is surprisingly easy to get used to, especially once you're on the interstate freeways. That said, on your first day or two (when I presume you'll be in Seattle city) you'll probably want to not have the car - give yourself a little time to get adjusted and get over the jet-lag.

2) As for the route - there are a couple of ways you could do this. I'd personally take the I-5 from Seattle south through Portland (worth a couple days' stop!) to about Redding (so you get to see Mount Shasta), and then cut across on CA-299 to the coast. When you get to the cute little town of Eureka/Arcata, turn south on the 101, then turn onto highway 1 at Leggett, right near the Drive-Through Tree. The 1 takes you all the way south as far as you want to go.

The other alternative - more scenic but MUCH slower - is to cut across to the coast earlier, at Portland or even at Olympia (just south of Seattle), but keep in mind you'll miss seeing Mount Shasta. Also, honestly... the Oregon coast is pretty wild and there's not a whole lot going on there.

Thanks for the suggestions and advice!

 

[Avizoa]

Yes first time to NYC. Quite a budget traveller. I'll be in NYC for 6d5n. Budget around $500.. Not too fussy, most importantly it's accessible, clean and safe

500USD budget for accomodating for the 6d5n?
Don't think it's possible in manhatten or some parts of brooklyn.
you might want to give queens a try though.
But as Prof Goh said, even if you can get cheap accomodating, the travelling time to get to Manhattan needs to be considered.
As they say time is money and money is time.

 

[ChaosPaladin]

500USD budget for accomodating for the 6d5n?
Don't think it's possible in manhatten or some parts of brooklyn.
you might want to give queens a try though.
But as Prof Goh said, even if you can get cheap accomodating, the travelling time to get to Manhattan needs to be considered.
As they say time is money and money is time.

I am also travelling solo to NYC during the Thanksgiving weekend (28th Nov to 1st Dec). Also looking for good place to stay. Prefer single room, bathroom can be shared. any good recommendation? Budget around 100 USD/ night.

I also have slight physical disability so it will be great if the place has a lift or not much stairs to climb.

 

[lousylah]

Yes first time to NYC. Quite a budget traveller. I'll be in NYC for 6d5n. Budget around $500.. Not too fussy, most importantly it's accessible, clean and safe

I am also travelling solo to NYC during the Thanksgiving weekend (28th Nov to 1st Dec). Also looking for good place to stay. Prefer single room, bathroom can be shared. any good recommendation? Budget around 100 USD/ night.

I also have slight physical disability so it will be great if the place has a lift or not much stairs to climb.

USD100/night in NYC is IMPOSSIBLE. The cheapest probably USD180-200/night. Small 12-15sqm room.

 

[patryn33]

Yes first time to NYC. Quite a budget traveller. I'll be in NYC for 6d5n. Budget around $500.. Not too fussy, most importantly it's accessible, clean and safe

That is sgd or usd?

Youth hostel an option? Some has private room option
https://www.hostelworld.com

https://www.hiusa.org/hostels/ppc/nyc?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrrXtBRCKARIsAMbU6bH0vnQjTyDmXgaGYK3iz-2L1ZnN_TprJf1bJ9JLRjTaDvvZxPBMHCwaAsppEALw_wcB

 

[ashketchum]

It's okay guys. Managed to find an airbnb that suits my needs. Thanks for the help!

 

[Avizoa]

It's okay guys. Managed to find an airbnb that suits my needs. Thanks for the help!

which area you staying then?

 

[claudiusje]

It's okay guys. Managed to find an airbnb that suits my needs. Thanks for the help!

The nyc Airbnb listings are largely illegal; For it to be legal they have a lot of requirements like min 30days stay, host must live there etc.

I risked it in April this year, 130usd/night in Manhattan hosted by a Chinese couple with a lot of good reviews. They got banned after my stay tho... Didn’t see cheaper options that weren’t dodgier.

 

[patryn33]

Suggestion to check on those NYC Airbnb

https://www.brickunderground.com/rent/airbnb-special-enforcement-violations-midtown-111218

 

[belgarathc]

Hi all, may I check if we need an idp to drive in Hawaii or our Singapore driving license will do? I googled and it seems that idp is not needed.

 

[lasnoblur]

Hi. I am planning a 7-day road-trip from Seattle to San Francisco for 5 adults in early May. Appreciate any advice/suggestion for itinerary (route, attractions, accommodation, etc) for the 7 days drive from Seattle to San Francisco. Also, any precaution to take when driving on the right hand side for this trip? I am quite nervous that I may not get used to driving over there. Thanks for your help!

Left hand drive is kind of different if you are used to right hand drive.

Usually mistakes happen if you are the first car turning, no cars to follow in front of you.

I turned wrongly few times during my first week, fortunately no cars incoming. after that went to read up rules in the states and got used to it (road signs etc and left hand drive rules) for rest of my trip.

 

[Shiny Things]

Hi all, may I check if we need an idp to drive in Hawaii or our Singapore driving license will do? I googled and it seems that idp is not needed.

Your Singapore license will be fine as long as it’s in English.

 

[only_lonely]

How to check if the baggage is checked through at United Air website?
Going to transit sfo then den.
Some booking website mentioned not check through.

 

[Shiny Things]

How to check if the baggage is checked through at United Air website?
Going to transit sfo then den.
Some booking website mentioned not check through.

You’ll have to pick your bags up at SFO, take them through customs yourself, then re-check them (yes, even if the airline tags your bags all the way to Denver). It’s not that much of an inconvenience though, just a few extra minutes waiting for the bags.

You’ll also have a short walk between terminals: United domestic flies out of terminal 2, which is a different terminal from the international terminal. Just follow the signs though, it’s well signposted; and don’t hesitate to ask someone if you’re not quite sure.

 

[tulipkiss]

Hello guys!

We're a family of 5 visiting west coast in the beginning of May 2020 (parents in their 60s, 3 adults in 20-30s).
Interested in abit of everything - chillax, shopping, sight-seeing (grand canyon esp), food, and 'route 66'. Probably not doing any hikes this trip.

We're on a low-mid budget in general.

Below is the itinerary.
Hadn't got much ideas on what to do for Day 5 except driving.

For day 6, are the viewing points achievable all together by driving through + some short walks? I plotted them purely based on google maps at the moment.

Day 8 - hope to be able to drive through (with stops and some walks at viewpoints) Zion NP.

Day 9 - have not decided what to do exactly at Vegas. probably just catch a show or just hang out to soak in the vibe? Otherwise there's always outlet shopping.


Day 0 Tue
Touch down at 10pm
Accom: Residence Inn by Mariott LAX

Day 1 Wed
Pick up car
Just walk around Santa Monica / Shopping around the area
Accom: Airbnb Hollywood

Day 2 Thu
Visiting a friend at Laguna Niguel
OUE Skyspace - slide
Grand Central Market
Hollywood Boulevard

Day 3 Fri
Rent a harley to ride around for the day
Parents and sibling will shop at the premium outlets (Citadel Outlet)
Griffith Observatory

Day 4 Sat
Venice Boulevard (Visit friend)
The Original Farmers Market
Drive to Barstow
Accom: Days Inn by Wyndham Barstow

Day 5 Sun
Route 66 (Kingman, Oatman, William)
Accom: Historic Route 66 Motel Seligman

Day 6
Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim
Mather point, Yavapai point, Mary Colter's lookout, Trail view point, Maricopa point, Powell point, Hopi point, Mohave point, The abyss, Monument creek vista, Hermit's rest viewpoint, Hermit's rest village
Accom: Kachina Lodge

Day 7 Tue
Hopi Point sunrise
Shoshone Point (short trail hike?)
Desert View drive
Colorado River View From Navajo Bridge
Lower Antelope (afternoon)
Accom: Desert Canyon Inn, Page

Day 8 Wed
Horsehoe Bend morning
Zion National Park drive-through
Accom: Super 8 by Wyndham, Hurricane

Day 9 Thu
Las Vegas
Accom: OYO Casino and resort

Day 10 Fri
Las Vegas North Premium Outlet
Drive to Palm Spring
Desert Hill Outlet shopping
Accom: Airbnb in Palm Spring (TBD)

Day 11 Sat
Drive to LAX
Saturday market?
Reach LAX by 9pm

Day 12 Sun
Flight at midnight