BF2S Forums Planning a trip to the States...

Just booked in 3 nights at Yosemite NP

I've had it recommended to me to fly from PHX to RNO, hire a car and drive to Yosemite from there., stopping by Lake Tahoe for a couple hours, and Bodie State Historic Park to look at a ghost town or two, making a few stops along the Tioga Pass to arrive at Yosemite Valley for late afternoon check in. From there We've been recommended to spend a day in Yosemite Valley and the final day check out Glacier Point on the way to San Francisco.

Nothing is set in stone, other than the three nights accom I've just booked. What do you guys reckon of that rough itinerary?

I only bought the accom. No flights or car rental yet.

I can even cancel the accom and only lose my deposit, which is like $40 or something.

Another idea was to fly to Sacramento and drive from there.

Last edited by Jaekus (2011-05-21 21:08:10)

Yeah thanks. I have looked and it is my understanding a direct drive from Reno to YNP is around 4.5 - 5 hours, whilst Sacramento to YNP is around 2.5 hours?

I didn't even think of forest fires. We get them here in Australia every summer but due to me living in a sub-tropical climate the past 4 years it never happens (wet season) so it didn't even occur to me. Are they often?

Also, what would you suggest we do? I'm just gathering as much info/suggestions/ideas/recs so I can make my own decision on the matter.

Jaekus wrote:

Yeah thanks. I have looked and it is my understanding a direct drive from Reno to YNP is around 4.5 - 5 hours, whilst Sacramento to YNP is around 2.5 hours?

I didn't even think of forest fires. We get them here in Australia every summer but due to me living in a sub-tropical climate the past 4 years it never happens (wet season) so it didn't even occur to me. Are they often?

Also, what would you suggest we do? I'm just gathering as much info/suggestions/ideas/recs so I can make my own decision on the matter.

socal (OC/LA) to Yosemite is about 8 hours.  PHX to LA is about 6 hours.  As often is the case when planning vacations, you need to weigh the importance of time as opposed to money.  If you have the extra money, fly to Sac/SF/San Jose/Oakland and drive.  If you don't have the money and have extra time, drive it.

you're trying to put a t-mobile sim card in your iphone? won't work as far as i know

I've already got my phone legitimately unlocked by my telco, Optus (they forwarded it to Apple and then confirmed it was now unlocked so I could use it with a different sim card overseas).

I've got an iPhone 4 but I've already read up how to cut the mini sim into a micro sim, and all reports say it works like a charm.

Thanks for that, I might see how I can get it online and then activate it once my plane touches down in LA.

What kind of hostel has its own limo?

Hm...yeah, in the US, hostels are not viewed in the same light as in Europe.

So... all accommodation is now booked

Here's the breakdown:

5 nights in Las Vegas
1 night in Sedona
1 night in Phoenix
1 night in Lee Vining
2 nights in Yosemite Valley
5 nights in San Francisco
1 night in Monterey
1 night in Pismo Beach
3 nights in Hollywood
2 nights in Santa Monica
Fly home.

I managed to book a Dodge Charger, one way from Vegas to Phoenix for a 48 period and it only cost $120 with GPS and no one way drop fee.

Four day car hire (Pontiac G5) from Reno to San Francisco, no one way drop fee, $180.

Now just organising a Mustang convertible (or similar) from SF to LA...

weather's great in cali right now.  should be nice

Awesome

I've noticed Vegas has been pretty warm, but I guess it's always hot this time of year. Have you guys still got that heat wave going on?

Sweet, sounds awesome

I've really planned the travel and accom well but actual activities are completely up in the air, deliberately so. Anything in particular I should really do whilst in Vegas/SF/LA?

in LA you should go to Venice Beach and maybe the Grove (huge outdoor farmers market) and while you're in Santa Monica go to the 3rd street promenade. SF has cool places down by pier 39