"Spring Break" Road Trip - Any beyond tips and tricks along the route?

[killramos]

Hey Guys, so I am thinking of doing a bit of a road trip with the wife over her spring break ( welcome to tryin to plan time off when your wife is a teacher *sigh* ). Bit of sun, bit of fun, lots of sight seeing.

The plan is 2 Nights Kelowna, 1 Night Seattle, 2 Nights San Francisco, 2 Nights LA/Anaheim, 1 Night Vegas, 1 Night Salt Lake City ( just a travel stopover really).

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a103/killramos/Trip%20Plan.jpg

I have read through a bunch of the specific threads for the cities and travel websites etc. to get some idea but with the timeframe listed what would you guys all do?

Kelowna I am gunna visit my MIL and just relax for a bit/not spend money. mostly using it as a way to break up travel between Calgary and Seattle.

Seattle I only have a day and was thinking of Seattle aquarium, pikes place market, general sightseeing.

San Francisco I was thinking Alcatraz as the main attraction and then just seeing the city and restaurants from there.

Gunna take the long way and drive along the coast from SF to LA along the PCH. Once in LA its a debate of stay in LA and do a big day at Universal Studios ( was thinking of maybe their all in VIP experience) or continue to Anaheim and do a day at Disneyland ( 1 park ). Leaning to Universal because its looking to be cheaper due to excessive Anaheim hotel prices.

From there its about 24 hours in LV before heading home and stopping in SLC just to catch some sleep before the long haul to Calgary.

Planning on during this in the middle of march as well so the debate is whether I run my winters for the trip ( the only part I am really concerned about is Calgary-Kelowna at that time) or if I switch over to summers which would be much preferable for the majority of the trip. Just not sure if I can swing it safely on MPSS's through the mountains in mid march. There is also a mandatory winter tire order during that time which I don't know how much it is enforced... My winters are performance winters anyhow so they are decent enough in the warm and dry.

What do you all think? Am I trying to cram to much shit into one trip?

I am going to have the car with me the whole time so that has me with transportation flexibility as well as needing to stay at hotels with parking which is a slight inconvenience in Seattle and SF.

Anyhow I am interested to hear if anyone else has done a similar trip. Trying to keep the costs in check for this trip so I am planning on going pretty bargain basement for hotels ( not planning on spending any time at them anyways with the exception of vegas).

[OU812]

Originally posted by killramos


Seattle I only have a day and was thinking of Seattle aquarium, pikes place market, general sightseeing.

Seattle I was thinking Alcatraz as the main attraction and then just seeing the city and restaurants from there.



Alcatraz relocated to Seattle?? OMG Global warming. On a serious note that is alot to pack into one trip. You will need a vacay after your vacay.

[killramos]

^ LOL Good catch. All these american cities blend together to me :poosie:

As for Vacation after Vacation thats what work is for :rofl:

One of the more ambitious things is going to be attempting PCH from SF to LA in 1 day from what I have been reading haha.

One thing i have considered is cutting the LA leg and going straight from SF to LV and spending more time in Seattle, SF and LV. I really want to do the PCH though and i feel like i will regret not doing it if i take the time to drive all the way to SF anyways.

[C_Dave45]

We're doing a spring break trip. March 17-26. 3 days in Vegas and the rest in San Diego.

I hate the way the hotels jack up their prices for spring break. I understand it. Still hate it. Pretty much $300/night no matter where you're staying.

[bjstare]

Originally posted by killramos
^ LOL Good catch. All these american cities blend together to me :poosie:

As for Vacation after Vacation thats what work is for :rofl:

One of the more ambitious things is going to be attempting PCH from SF to LA in 1 day from what I have been reading haha.

One thing i have considered is cutting the LA leg and going straight from SF to LV and spending more time in Seattle, SF and LV. I really want to do the PCH though and i feel like i will regret not doing it if i take the time to drive all the way to SF anyways.

If you want to get the PCH experience but still travel relatively quick, just make sure you hit big sur, and stay on the inland highways other than that. Nice views, good corners, but i wouldn't suggest following the coast for more than an hr or two.

[speedog]

Originally posted by killramos
^ LOL Good catch. All these american cities blend together to me :poosie:

As for Vacation after Vacation thats what work is for :rofl:

One of the more ambitious things is going to be attempting PCH from SF to LA in 1 day from what I have been reading haha.

One thing i have considered is cutting the LA leg and going straight from SF to LV and spending more time in Seattle, SF and LV. I really want to do the PCH though and i feel like i will regret not doing it if i take the time to drive all the way to SF anyways.
If you're going to cut LA, then consider the PCH through Oregon and Northern California.

[D'z Nutz]

Originally posted by cjblair


If you want to get the PCH experience but still travel relatively quick, just make sure you hit big sur, and stay on the inland highways other than that. Nice views, good corners, but i wouldn't suggest following the coast for more than an hr or two.

I agree. While I really enjoyed the drive on the PCH, Big Sur was the real fun part though I should say I drove from San Jose down to LA so I don't know how it is north from there.

[OTown]

Looks pretty ambitious. To me it seems like a LOT of travel time for very little stays, but if the wife wont mind it then why the hell not right?

#YOLO!

[benyl]

Good luck doing that in a week. That a 2-3 week trip to enjoy those places.

[killramos]

Haha I realize that it could be a month long trip. But I think it could still be a lot of fun and a unique experience. I personally don't mind long days of driving but I might heed the advice about the PCH. Saving a bit of time will give us more opportunity to catch our breath.

All my family lives on vancouver island so the ~12 hour road trip thing is second nature to me. To me a lot of the fun in is the drive and just getting away.

These are all places that I will definitely be coming back to, but more likely as a flight and stay trip. The concept of the road trip is just something I have been pondering as a way to see some stuff, keep busy, and have some fun. I don't have the luxury of ever going on a multi week road trip so that's just not an option in any case.

What do people think about the weather travelling in March? I have looked at seasonal averages but they aren't always the most telling.

[benyl]

There's some pretty high passes in idaho and utah.

[killramos]

Yea I don't think there is any getting around doing the trip on my winters. Whatever I hate them anyways and this is a great opportunity to wear them out lol.

The performance summers would be just to dangerous for Calgary to Kelowna or any encounters with snow.

[Rocket1k78]

Originally posted by benyl
Good luck doing that in a week. That a 2-3 week trip to enjoy those places.

:werd: I did that loop but took just under 3 weeks and instead of going back through portland/van i took the faster route home because i was burnt by SF. For me the drive was the fun part because you get to take your time and just explore. Thats a ton of driving for a week and you're going to feel so rushed everyday.
Like others have said, Big Sur is the best stretch by far but even driving along the ocean for the other parts is pretty amazing imo.

You'd be silly not to keep the winters on at that time. The weather is nicer no doubt but that route is still risky in march

[HiTempguy1]

Originally posted by Rocket1k78


:werd: I did that loop but took just under 3 weeks and instead of going back through portland/van i took the faster route home because i was burnt by SF. For me the drive was the fun part because you get to take your time and just explore. Thats a ton of driving for a week and you're going to feel so rushed everyday.


Not knowing him or his wife, the biggest concern with this trip is really what she thinks.

Every chick I've dealt with "Oh yea, roadtrips are awesome!" 3 days and a couple thousand kms in "omg this sucks!"

:banghead:

As others have stated, you are going to be doing a lot of driving and not much site seeing.

[Rocket1k78]

Originally posted by HiTempguy1


Every chick I've dealt with "Oh yea, roadtrips are awesome!" 3 days and a couple thousand kms in "omg this sucks!"

:banghead:


Very valid point! Its cool for the driver to cram in those miles because we get to experience the road but for a passenger i can totally see them hating it.

I know this doesnt sound as appealing but i would just do Kelowna, Van and Seattle if you only have 1 week. Save that epic road trip for the summer and make it 2 weeks and I can guarantee it'll be one of the best trips ever(or worst lol). We always fly for vacations but a few years back we did the road trip and to this day it's still one of my funnest experiences.

[lasimmon]

I essentially did your road trip a few years back, but over 3 weeks, and thought it was too much driving.

[killramos]

^ Definitely an option. Got permission for the time off today so now its just finalizing the plan etc.

[flipstah]

Honestly, I've done this before and I'd drive back up west-side rather than going through SLC.

That place is BORING. And Mormons look at me funny.

Idaho could be tricky, especially if it's still cold-ish.

EDIT:


The plan is 2 Nights Kelowna, 1 Night Seattle, 2 Nights San Francisco, 2 Nights LA/Anaheim, 1 Night Vegas, 1 Night Salt Lake City ( just a travel stopover really).

You're going to hate yourself and your wife will leave you.

We did a two-man crew from Calgary to San Diego and we did it in 24hrs and something. Midnight-little past midnight.

Our main goal was the California west coast and you're cramming too much sightseeing with Seattle and Kelowna. If you're going that far, just stick with California as your tour and rest are stop-overs.

Stick to your comfort level.

As in, don't be curious and go to Tijuana without insurance and in a Volvo XC90. :rofl:

[Xtrema]

That loop, you need 2 weeks minimum, should be 3 weeks as least. Because you are looking at a minimum of 5 days on the roads alone.

Not sure if you will enjoy PCH as much with winters on.

Also, PCH is no fun if your have passenger(s) that's prone to motion sickness.

[RealJimmyJames]

Could just do Calgary to Vegas and back. Some excellent scenery in Southern Utah if you want to get outdoorsy. Shaves two long days of driving plus the in-laws out of the equation. Makes it quite doable for a single week.

[mr2mike]

Originally posted by D'z Nutz


I agree. While I really enjoyed the drive on the PCH, Big Sur was the real fun part though I should say I drove from San Jose down to LA so I don't know how it is north from there.
Agreed, one of the most fun drives I've done.

North of there not as good.
Definitely when you're south of San Fran look for a path to hike into the cliffs and get down to the ocean.
I think the area was called Bonny Doon or something like that.

[BrknFngrs]

What about doing a flying/road trip combo? Cuts out annoying/boring sections and rental cars are pretty cheap in the states. Also, PCH was beautiful but I found it super slow and congested so we didn't care that we weren't in a performance car.

I did this in the summer with the girlfriend and really enjoyed it; flew into Vegas, spent few days, drove to San Diego and then worked our way up to the coast to San Fran hitting a few things on the way (surfed Huntington beach, night in wine country, night in Monterey during car week, night in LA, etc). Flew out of San Fran home.

[killramos]

being 24 makes rental cars always prohibitively expensive.

[D'z Nutz]

Originally posted by killramos
being 24 makes rental cars always prohibitively expensive.

You're 24?! Fuck. The way you bitch and complain about everything, I thought you were at least in your 40's!! :facepalm:

I used to think you were old and grumpy, now I think you're young and entitled.

[killramos]

Originally posted by D'z Nutz


You're 24?! Fuck. The way you bitch and complain about everything, I thought you were at least in your 40's!! :facepalm:

I used to think you were old and grumpy, now I think you're young and entitled.

:whipped:

:D

[mr2mike]

Reread your travel plan. Waaay too much driving between spots.
Kelowna to Seattle in 1 day is intense especially with a backed up border crossing over in Vancouver.

Seattle to San Fran is an intense all day drive too.
San Fran to LA is long if you're doing PCH.

I'll stop there because that's all you really should do. Unless you're hauling ass and it's a gum ball rally.

I like BrknFngrs' idea. I'm going to keep that for a future trip.

[sputnik]

Originally posted by mr2mike
Unless you're hauling ass and it's a gum ball rally.


That was my first thought when I saw the map for a one week trip.

My wife and I are planning a 3 week road trip for a similar path and we aren't even planning to go as far south as LA.

[C_Dave45]

Not a chance in hell the trip is done as planned in OP.

[killramos]

^ Looks likes you win that bet Dave.

Decided this is way to complicated and expensive right now( hotel costs alone due to $). Booked flights to Phoenix instead.

:closed:

[mr2mike]

killramos = Mar

Too soon? :poosie:

[killramos]

Perhaps lol. Basically i was delving deeper into what hotels would actually cost us along the route, and a lot of fun could be had in Phoenix for that kind of money.

I usually don't like going to phoenix because i just spend money. Aside from that its great.

Combine that with the recomendations of you guys on this being to much for a single trip and :dunno:

If it was a Mar thread i would have told you that you are all wrong and I am smarter than you, done it anyways and then came back and complained about how shitty it was :poosie:

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by killramos
^ Looks likes you win that bet Dave.

Decided this is way to complicated and expensive right now( hotel costs alone due to $). Booked flights to Phoenix instead.

:closed:
I think that's a smart choice. It'll be a fun trip, plus relaxing.
Nothing worse than coming home exhausted and having to jump right back into work.

[sputnik]

Originally posted by killramos
^ Looks likes you win that bet Dave.

Decided this is way to complicated and expensive right now( hotel costs alone due to $). Booked flights to Phoenix instead.


Complicated and expensive? Time was what was really working against you.

Your plan to make the 12+ hour drive from Seattle to SF and somehow find enough time to go to Alcatraz in SF and still go "the long way" to LA the next day was ridiculous enough.

Good for a Gumball Rally... pointless for a vacation.

[killramos]

Originally posted by sputnik


Complicated and expensive? Time was what was really working against you.

Your plan to make the 12+ hour drive from Seattle to SF and somehow find enough time to go to Alcatraz in SF and still go "the long way" to LA the next day was ridiculous enough.

Good for a Gumball Rally... pointless for a vacation.

lol i was going to stay 2 nights in SF, 1 full day.

Im not completely retarded.

[Rocket1k78]

Originally posted by mr2mike
killramos = Mar

Too soon? :poosie:

:D

had me wondering too but as he said, if he was mar he would've went anyways after everyone said dont.

[mr2mike]

Kidding about the Mar thing. Don't get too mad.
Enjoy Phx. It'll be warmer there and liquor is cheaper there than in Cali.

[mzdspd]

If you do plan on just going to Seattle, I did a trip from Edmonton to Seattle last year during Feb.

I went from Edmonton to Calgary to cranbrook and then entered in by Sandpoint Montana (took 9 hours). Stayed there the night (lots of cheap hotels) and then took our time thru Spokane and into Seattle that way (5 hours).

Its an amazing drive, the terrain changes and you cross thru a mountain pass before Seattle. I would definitely take this way compared to passing thru Kelowna because that drive is boring (IMO) after you have done it once or twice.

Then on our way home, we came back into Canada thru Vancouver and drove the Coq back into AB.

[bjstare]

Sandpoint is in Idaho :rofl:

[shakalaka]

Haha I recently did 8 hours back and forth from Miami to Key West in one day with my wife and thought that was a bit too much to truly enjoy the destination. If you can swing it then why not I guess.

[mzdspd]

Originally posted by cjblair
Sandpoint is in Idaho :rofl:

Oops. Either way, Its a cheap spot to stay and it'll split up the driving days.

[FixedGear]

WAY too much driving. You're going to spend all your time driving, and will be so tired when you arrive to each city that you'll just want to sleep. What is the point?

[killramos]

I think i give way to much credit to people by assuming they read threads and not just scan the title.

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by FixedGear
WAY too much driving. You're going to spend all your time driving, and will be so tired when you arrive to each city that you'll just want to sleep. What is the point?
Wow. Glad you joined the discussion. Way to be caught up. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by killramos
I think i give way to much credit to people by assuming they read threads and not just scan the title.
People just can't wait to hit that "post reply" button.

:rofl:

[flipstah]

Have fun in Phoenix!

[killramos]

^ Thanks flip!

[CompletelyNumb]

If you still wanna do some driving, take the wife down to Tombstone for a day :thumbsup: Otherwise phx is fun, have a good time :burnout:

[killramos]

^ Yea I think we will do some day trips down there. Gas is cheap :D

Pretty much anything is an option if we can be back in town for bed.

[FixedGear]

Originally posted by killramos
I think i give way to much credit to people by assuming they read threads and not just scan the title.

Whatever, enjoy driving for a week. :rofl:

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by FixedGear


Whatever, enjoy driving for a week. :rofl:
Hush. The adults are talking.

[Clever]

Good choice going to Phoenix instead. I've done the drive from Calgary to Seattle and Calgary to Vegas, I definitely enjoyed both trips and would be worth it if You take your time. On my trip from Calgary to Vegas, we drove for 20 hours straight and only stopped for gas and food, I barely remember the drive there. The drive back home was so much better as we broke up the trip, (stayed in Salt Lake) mostly because we were hungover and partially because we wanted to check out the sights.