Topic: California members

[Stev-o]

Tell them to use http://www.airbnb.com

Have you used it?  I signed up and planned to use it on a trip to FL 2 years ago but then found other cool accommodations within walking distance to the beach.

[Retro Rocket]

Tell them to use http://www.airbnb.com

Its the latest and greatest way to find lodging while travelling complete with reviews of places. And mostly it's way cheaper than hotels and resorts.

Came here to suggest this as well.  Also, expect to pay extra for parking in San Francisco, whether it's at a hotel, in a garage, or on the street (parking meters in many neighborhoods).  If parking on the streets in the San Francisco area, tell them to read the street/meter signs to avoid parking tickets, or worse - getting towed (costs nearly $1K in San Francisco after all is said and done).  Here's the rub...they won't need a car in San Francisco.  A car will just help them see a few more things in the same amount of time if they're willing to deal with the hassle/cost of parking it.

Thanks Greggo, they aren't driving in San Fran at all, they are hiring a car to drive back to LA though, any recommendations for car hire ?, oh, and thanks for offering to be a tour guide...   They have accommodation sorted for California at Santa Monica and Ontario, and in San Fran , not to sure where yet, they have friends in Las Vegas so they'll probably just couch surf there as well.. Thanks for your help guys..

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Mick,

I just got back into town.  I would echo the suggestion to use airbnb.com and vrbo.com  These tend to be MUCH cheaper than hotels and have full amenities of apartment/condominiums.  The upside is that the girls can buy groceries and cook a few meals to save a bunch of money, instead of going out for every meal.  Between Los Angeles and Orange County, they should look at Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Newport Beach and Huntington Beach -- all great beach communities and generally safe neighborhoods.  I am not sure how California beaches will stack up to Australia but those cities all have great beaches and commercial centers (shopping, clubs/bars, restaurants, etc.).  Most tourists like to visit Hollywood, but truth be told most of it is seedy.  There is good people watching in Beverly Hills and Venice Beach in LA.

Amusement parks are also plentiful: Disneyland (in Anaheim/Orange County); Magic Mountain (good thrill rides); Universal Studios (has a fun tour theme park on the entertainment industry).  Knott's Berry Farm is a yawn as is Lego Land (better for young children).  San Diego has Sea World, as well.

For transportation, their age might be a factor.  Most car rental agencies will not rent to people under 25 years of age.  They will need some form of credentials to drive, too.  If they are not renting cars, they might still be able to rent scooters but that will not get them onto the freeways.  Another VERY popular transportation option is UBER.  You can get an app on your iPhone or other smartphone.  The cars are all safe and the fares include tip.  This is the best way to get around San Francisco in the city.  If they are flying into San Francisco, they should take the BART (subway) direct from the airport to the city; it will save them a good chunk of change versus a taxi. 

In Vegas, there are tons of hotels.  I would avoid staying in Downtown Vegas (it's a little seedy), and stay on the Las Vegas Strip.  There is a free monorail that travels the majority of the length of the Strip.  If they are under 21, Vegas will not be as fun, since the drinking age is 21 here; gambling is allowed for 18 years up.

[Stev-o]

Tell them to use http://www.airbnb.com

Its the latest and greatest way to find lodging while travelling complete with reviews of places. And mostly it's way cheaper than hotels and resorts.

Came here to suggest this as well.  Also, expect to pay extra for parking in San Francisco, whether it's at a hotel, in a garage, or on the street (parking meters in many neighborhoods).  If parking on the streets in the San Francisco area, tell them to read the street/meter signs to avoid parking tickets, or worse - getting towed (costs nearly $1K in San Francisco after all is said and done).  Here's the rub...they won't need a car in San Francisco.  A car will just help them see a few more things in the same amount of time if they're willing to deal with the hassle/cost of parking it.

Thanks Greggo, they aren't driving in San Fran at all, they are hiring a car to drive back to LA though, any recommendations for car hire ?, oh, and thanks for offering to be a tour guide...   They have accommodation sorted for California at Santa Monica and Ontario, and in San Fran , not to sure where yet, they have friends in Las Vegas so they'll probably just couch surf there as well.. Thanks for your help guys..

Hey Mick....by "car hire", I believe you mean car rental in U.S.
Here are 3 that I use:

https://www.hotwire.com/car/index.jsp

http://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/home/home.ex

http://www.orbitz.com/car-rental/

They may have a prob if they are under 25?

[Retro Rocket]

Tell them to use http://www.airbnb.com

Its the latest and greatest way to find lodging while travelling complete with reviews of places. And mostly it's way cheaper than hotels and resorts.

Came here to suggest this as well.  Also, expect to pay extra for parking in San Francisco, whether it's at a hotel, in a garage, or on the street (parking meters in many neighborhoods).  If parking on the streets in the San Francisco area, tell them to read the street/meter signs to avoid parking tickets, or worse - getting towed (costs nearly $1K in San Francisco after all is said and done).  Here's the rub...they won't need a car in San Francisco.  A car will just help them see a few more things in the same amount of time if they're willing to deal with the hassle/cost of parking it.

Thanks Greggo, they aren't driving in San Fran at all, they are hiring a car to drive back to LA though, any recommendations for car hire ?, oh, and thanks for offering to be a tour guide...   They have accommodation sorted for California at Santa Monica and Ontario, and in San Fran , not to sure where yet, they have friends in Las Vegas so they'll probably just couch surf there as well.. Thanks for your help guys..

Hey Mick....by "car hire", I believe you mean car rental in U.S.
Here are 3 that I use:

https://www.hotwire.com/car/index.jsp

http://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/home/home.ex

http://www.orbitz.com/car-rental/

They may have a prob if they are under 25?

Yes Steve, they'll Hire a car from the car rental place...   My Daughter Dania is 25, so that should be fine, thanks for the links...  I asked Greg about rental joints because I thought he may have some local knowledge or a spare 67 Camaro he wouldn't mind lending...

[faux fiddy]

This claims  $5.95 a day which is super cheap.  I think we got a  new Corolla for $100 a week, unlimited mileage a few years ago, 2011.  Of course they charge a bit if you rent in one place and return in another.

http://www.priceline.com/l/rental/Economy/cars.htm?rtheme=rc_supplier&refid=PLGOOGLECPC&refclickid=D%3AcRental-Car10603697880g34887831362&gclid=CJzazJWcz8YCFUiPfgod3NYPXg&kw=economy%20car%20rental&match=e&adp=1t2

[Retro Rocket]

This claims  $5.95 a day which is super cheap.  I think we got a  new Corolla for $100 a week, unlimited mileage a few years ago, 2011.  Of course they charge a bit if you rent in one place and return in another.

http://www.priceline.com/l/rental/Economy/cars.htm?rtheme=rc_supplier&refid=PLGOOGLECPC&refclickid=D%3AcRental-Car10603697880g34887831362&gclid=CJzazJWcz8YCFUiPfgod3NYPXg&kw=economy%20car%20rental&match=e&adp=1t2

Thanks Fiddy...

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

25 -- her world is her oyster.  Lots of trouble to get into.  From San Francisco to Los Angeles to Las Vegas, there is PLENTY to do for young adults.  Nightclubs, beaches, etc.

I could provide suggestions of fun things to do, but many are not so great from the parents' perspective.  Clubs in all of those cities are lots of fun, but not so much the thing you want your kids going to.  A word of advice, assuming they do go out, do not accept drinks from strangers -- especially if you lose sight between the drinks being made and received.  There is still a fair share of date rape-rufinol drink spiking going on. 

Assuming they are renting cars, do not drive faster than 80.  Even where the speed limit is 70 mph, cops will not give you any mercy once you go 80 or above.  Assuming they have iPhones or other smart phones with GPS, they will be fine getting around.  Traffic during rush hour in Los Angeles to San Diego is legendary.  Avoid driving freeways from 7:30 - 9:30 am and 4-7 pm IF possible or leave with plenty of time to travel.

Again, I would go with airbnb.com or vrbo.com over hotels in LA, Orange County and San Francisco, and even in Vegas (lots of high-rise condos to stay at near the strip).  Priceline.com is a good travel bid site where you can bid for cheaper rental cars and hotels.

[Retro Rocket]

25 -- her world is her oyster.  Lots of trouble to get into.  From San Francisco to Los Angeles to Las Vegas, there is PLENTY to do for young adults.  Nightclubs, beaches, etc.

I could provide suggestions of fun things to do, but many are not so great from the parents' perspective.  Clubs in all of those cities are lots of fun, but not so much the thing you want your kids going to.  A word of advice, assuming they do go out, do not accept drinks from strangers -- especially if you lose sight between the drinks being made and received.  There is still a fair share of date rape-rufinol drink spiking going on. 

Assuming they are renting cars, do not drive faster than 80.  Even where the speed limit is 70 mph, cops will not give you any mercy once you go 80 or above.  Assuming they have iPhones or other smart phones with GPS, they will be fine getting around.  Traffic during rush hour in Los Angeles to San Diego is legendary.  Avoid driving freeways from 7:30 - 9:30 am and 4-7 pm IF possible or leave with plenty of time to travel.

Again, I would go with airbnb.com or vrbo.com over hotels in LA, Orange County and San Francisco, and even in Vegas (lots of high-rise condos to stay at near the strip).  Priceline.com is a good travel bid site where you can bid for cheaper rental cars and hotels.

Thanks Don, they are both very fit athletic girls and don't drink much or go clubbing much at all, drink spiking is a problem here as well and they are well aware of that, thanks for the heads up mate, especially on the traffic..

[bear]

The joys of parenthood. 

[Stev-o]

Don is not exaggerating about LA traffic.  On one motorhome trip through CA, we made sure we stayed clear of LA on our way north out of San Diego.   

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I'd think about letting them use the guest room, but the thought of two 25 year-old girls would have my woman kill me in my tracks for suggesting it!

[calj737]

I'd think about letting them use the guest room, but the thought of two 25 year-old girls would have my woman kill me in my tracks for suggesting it!

You're positioning that all wrong, Don. They're not 2 25 yo girls, they're "daughters of a friend of mine who is out of the country". Empathy, not jealousy will ensue. Her maternal, protective instincts will overcome the Giant Green Monster and dollars to donuts, she will even take time off work to host them around and show them the sights  Think of all the Karma points, my Brother!

[Greggo]

Thanks Greggo, they aren't driving in San Fran at all, they are hiring a car to drive back to LA though, any recommendations for car hire ?, oh, and thanks for offering to be a tour guide...  

LoL! I just work a lot but I'd be happy to offer them a tour of the TV/radio stations where I work in San Francisco if they're interested in that type of thing.  If the timing works out that I have a day off, I would show them around the city...also happy to offer my humble opinions on itinerary items in San Francisco - what's worth seeing, and what doesn't live up to the hype.  As for travel, it might be cheaper to book a Southwest Airlines flight from SF (or Oakland airport) to LA...

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I'd think about letting them use the guest room, but the thought of two 25 year-old girls would have my woman kill me in my tracks for suggesting it!

You're positioning that all wrong, Don. They're not 2 25 yo girls, they're "daughters of a friend of mine who is out of the country". Empathy, not jealousy will ensue. Her maternal, protective instincts will overcome the Giant Green Monster and dollars to donuts, she will even take time off work to host them around and show them the sights  Think of all the Karma points, my Brother!

I truly would love to do a solid for Mick. I mentioned it to my better half yesterday evening. She rolled her eyes and was not amused -- and yes, I did frame it as a favor for Mick. Never underestimate the jealousy of a Latina. 

[Duanob]

Tell them to use http://www.airbnb.com

Have you used it?  I signed up and planned to use it on a trip to FL 2 years ago but then found other cool accommodations within walking distance to the beach.

Only once for the winter olyimpics in Vancouver BC, but I also have a lot of friends that swear by it. It worked out awesome for us. Its all about the user reviews. I also have two friends that post their places on AIRBNB and are always full up in the summer time. There was a great article in our local paper about 2 months ago about a couple retiring, selling their house in Seattle at a healthy price and they have been doing the AIRBNB thing for the past two years all over the world but mostly in Europe. They even came back to Seattle for a wedding and stayed in an AIRBNB instead of staying cramped in relatives homes.

My wife and I are thinking of building a garage with a studio on top and using AIRBNB. Currently its an awesome way to find and rent out lodging, at least until the Gov'mnt finds a way to F it all up. Seattle is currently trying to include it under the hotel tax but haven't yet.

[Retro Rocket]

Thanks Greggo, they aren't driving in San Fran at all, they are hiring a car to drive back to LA though, any recommendations for car hire ?, oh, and thanks for offering to be a tour guide...  

LoL! I just work a lot but I'd be happy to offer them a tour of the TV/radio stations where I work in San Francisco if they're interested in that type of thing.  If the timing works out that I have a day off, I would show them around the city...also happy to offer my humble opinions on itinerary items in San Francisco - what's worth seeing, and what doesn't live up to the hype.  As for travel, it might be cheaper to book a Southwest Airlines flight from SF (or Oakland airport) to LA...

Thanks Greg, They'll have a phone so i'll get your number through PM's, no problems if timing doesn't work out.  They want to see the coast line between San Fran and LA so the drive was always part of the plan, they are taking a few days to do it....

[Retro Rocket]

I'd think about letting them use the guest room, but the thought of two 25 year-old girls would have my woman kill me in my tracks for suggesting it!

You're positioning that all wrong, Don. They're not 2 25 yo girls, they're "daughters of a friend of mine who is out of the country". Empathy, not jealousy will ensue. Her maternal, protective instincts will overcome the Giant Green Monster and dollars to donuts, she will even take time off work to host them around and show them the sights  Think of all the Karma points, my Brother!

I truly would love to do a solid for Mick. I mentioned it to my better half yesterday evening. She rolled her eyes and was not amused -- and yes, I did frame it as a favor for Mick. Never underestimate the jealousy of a Latina. 

No problem what so ever Don, they have all their accommodation sorted now....   

[Stev-o]

Thanks Greggo, they aren't driving in San Fran at all, they are hiring a car to drive back to LA though, any recommendations for car hire ?, oh, and thanks for offering to be a tour guide...  

LoL! I just work a lot but I'd be happy to offer them a tour of the TV/radio stations where I work in San Francisco if they're interested in that type of thing.  If the timing works out that I have a day off, I would show them around the city...also happy to offer my humble opinions on itinerary items in San Francisco - what's worth seeing, and what doesn't live up to the hype.  As for travel, it might be cheaper to book a Southwest Airlines flight from SF (or Oakland airport) to LA...

Thanks Greg, They'll have a phone so i'll get your number through PM's, no problems if timing doesn't work out.  They want to see the coast line between San Fran and LA so the drive was always part of the plan, they are taking a few days to do it....

PH1 is an incredible drive. 

[Retro Rocket]

Thanks Greggo, they aren't driving in San Fran at all, they are hiring a car to drive back to LA though, any recommendations for car hire ?, oh, and thanks for offering to be a tour guide...  

LoL! I just work a lot but I'd be happy to offer them a tour of the TV/radio stations where I work in San Francisco if they're interested in that type of thing.  If the timing works out that I have a day off, I would show them around the city...also happy to offer my humble opinions on itinerary items in San Francisco - what's worth seeing, and what doesn't live up to the hype.  As for travel, it might be cheaper to book a Southwest Airlines flight from SF (or Oakland airport) to LA...

Thanks Greg, They'll have a phone so i'll get your number through PM's, no problems if timing doesn't work out.  They want to see the coast line between San Fran and LA so the drive was always part of the plan, they are taking a few days to do it....

PH1 is an incredible drive.

Looked at it on google earth. looks awesome...

[Stev-o]

Thanks Greggo, they aren't driving in San Fran at all, they are hiring a car to drive back to LA though, any recommendations for car hire ?, oh, and thanks for offering to be a tour guide...  

LoL! I just work a lot but I'd be happy to offer them a tour of the TV/radio stations where I work in San Francisco if they're interested in that type of thing.  If the timing works out that I have a day off, I would show them around the city...also happy to offer my humble opinions on itinerary items in San Francisco - what's worth seeing, and what doesn't live up to the hype.  As for travel, it might be cheaper to book a Southwest Airlines flight from SF (or Oakland airport) to LA...

Thanks Greg, They'll have a phone so i'll get your number through PM's, no problems if timing doesn't work out.  They want to see the coast line between San Fran and LA so the drive was always part of the plan, they are taking a few days to do it....

PH1 is an incredible drive.

Looked at it on google earth. looks awesome...

Should be on your bucket list!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Thanks Greggo, they aren't driving in San Fran at all, they are hiring a car to drive back to LA though, any recommendations for car hire ?, oh, and thanks for offering to be a tour guide...  

LoL! I just work a lot but I'd be happy to offer them a tour of the TV/radio stations where I work in San Francisco if they're interested in that type of thing.  If the timing works out that I have a day off, I would show them around the city...also happy to offer my humble opinions on itinerary items in San Francisco - what's worth seeing, and what doesn't live up to the hype.  As for travel, it might be cheaper to book a Southwest Airlines flight from SF (or Oakland airport) to LA...

Thanks Greg, They'll have a phone so i'll get your number through PM's, no problems if timing doesn't work out.  They want to see the coast line between San Fran and LA so the drive was always part of the plan, they are taking a few days to do it....

PH1 is an incredible drive.

Looked at it on google earth. looks awesome...

The coast near Monterey looks amazing.  They may want to do a stop in Santa Barbara -- one of California's most beautiful coastal cities.

[Retro Rocket]

Thanks Greggo, they aren't driving in San Fran at all, they are hiring a car to drive back to LA though, any recommendations for car hire ?, oh, and thanks for offering to be a tour guide...  

LoL! I just work a lot but I'd be happy to offer them a tour of the TV/radio stations where I work in San Francisco if they're interested in that type of thing.  If the timing works out that I have a day off, I would show them around the city...also happy to offer my humble opinions on itinerary items in San Francisco - what's worth seeing, and what doesn't live up to the hype.  As for travel, it might be cheaper to book a Southwest Airlines flight from SF (or Oakland airport) to LA...

Thanks Greg, They'll have a phone so i'll get your number through PM's, no problems if timing doesn't work out.  They want to see the coast line between San Fran and LA so the drive was always part of the plan, they are taking a few days to do it....

PH1 is an incredible drive.

Looked at it on google earth. looks awesome...

The coast near Monterey looks amazing.  They may want to do a stop in Santa Barbara -- one of California's most beautiful coastal cities.

Thats on the list mate, as well as Carmel...

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

EXCELLENT.  All great places to see, even for us Californians. 

[Duanob]

Thanks Greggo, they aren't driving in San Fran at all, they are hiring a car to drive back to LA though, any recommendations for car hire ?, oh, and thanks for offering to be a tour guide...  

LoL! I just work a lot but I'd be happy to offer them a tour of the TV/radio stations where I work in San Francisco if they're interested in that type of thing.  If the timing works out that I have a day off, I would show them around the city...also happy to offer my humble opinions on itinerary items in San Francisco - what's worth seeing, and what doesn't live up to the hype.  As for travel, it might be cheaper to book a Southwest Airlines flight from SF (or Oakland airport) to LA...

Thanks Greg, They'll have a phone so i'll get your number through PM's, no problems if timing doesn't work out.  They want to see the coast line between San Fran and LA so the drive was always part of the plan, they are taking a few days to do it....

PH1 is an incredible drive.

Looked at it on google earth. looks awesome...

The coast near Monterey looks amazing.  They may want to do a stop in Santa Barbara -- one of California's most beautiful coastal cities.

Thats on the list mate, as well as Carmel...

Carmel is definitely a must see!