USA travel tips and discussion

[Wilbur Su]

Thanks for the tips. Since you guys have been there before, would love your advice. If I have 1 night (2 days) in DV, is racetrack worth going via the jeep rentals, or should I just skip it. Feels really tempting to visit it after seeing so many awesome photos from that area online.

It is going to be 26 miles from Ubehebe Crater to the Grandstand parking area. So maybe 1.5 to 2 hours each way. Thus, the only way I can see this working is if you decide to spend the night camping (or in the car) by the Racetrack. Then at least you will get good light and then the trip will be really worth it.

Otherwise, there are many other great places in the park that you can spend your two days.

 

[petetherock]

If one is planning to stay in the DV, it's best not to stay in the car overnight.

 

[Nikonzen]

In LA...drive aggressively...

https://youtu.be/MvZn6SWP2H8

 

[Wilbur Su]

Yes, south of sf starting from market street gets very unsafe especially for walking at night. If you drive it is still ok. But seriously there is not much there.

Twin peaks is ok at night. Usually you will see many people there. But to get there at night you probably need a ride.



San Jose is a different kind of city from SF. san jose is a lot more spread out and suburban. downtown is very small and uninteresting. San jose and santa clara county is mostly dotted with tech firms and surburban homes. What is interesting is santa cruz 30mins and monterey 1hr south of san jose.

If you have friends in sf or san jose, it will be best to hitch a ride wherever you are going. Cabs are.hard to come by, you pretty much have to call in advance and they are hella expensive. Sf you have more options with public transport. San jose public transport is a lot more inconvenient.

To people watch, check out union street (not union square), and chestnut ave. Outdoor cafes, and quaint shops.

There was a woman shot and killed on Pier 14 (near the Ferry Building) in the middle of the day.

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Woman-killed-on-San-Francisco-pier-identified-6363401.php

Later two television crews reporting about the murder were robbed and pistol whipped:

http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/News-crews-robbed-in-S-F-camera-operator-6362833.php

So be extra vigilant if you do decide to visit this part of SF.

 

[BBTM]

When I went with a tour group to usa, I also walk to that location where the woman was killed. I did it at 5+am as I could not get to sleep. Not much people that time but learn that there are gun shoots before I went out. Since usa gun law allows them to have a gun, just becareful, some crazy ones might be out there!

 

[petetherock]

Anymore tips on food and sights?

Will try to see
- Yosemite
- Death Valley - thanks Armoury
- Sequoia National Park
- SF

What's the weight limit on flights out of USA?
Is it two times 32kg?

Also, are most rental cars equipped with GPS or do I need to order / rent one?

 

[daredevil123]

Also, are most rental cars equipped with GPS or do I need to order / rent one?

GPS comes at an extra cost IIRC. You can just get a prepaid data SIM card from T-mobile or AT&T wireless (both GSM) and use your phone as a GPS. google maps is much more accurate than soem GPS units in the US.

 

[Nikonzen]

Since usa gun law allows them to have a gun, just be careful, some crazy ones might be out there!

You can probably go to gun show or check craigslist or local bargain post newspaper and buy gun yourself without background check...then can shoot back! No don't do that...seriously many places all over America even I will not go just because...you are right crazy son of a bucks everywhere you look in this country but really no need to worry to much really. If someone yells Fook you at you then just smile and say to yourself I must be looking great today and go on about your business. If someone keeps pestering you say look man I'm to busy for this please don't bother me and look down your nose at them with your make my day mofo face if they persist knock the sh!t out of them with something you grab and run! haha Lots and lots of these folks loud bark no bite but street survival rules do apply...stay away from places you have no business being and you'll be fine. Fear of anything will keep you from experiencing the good things you came to experience. Really you all Cali is over rated over populated and they are running out of water...the midwest is where it is at.

 

[petetherock]

Thanks, it's snowing now.... hmmm snow chains... is it tricky?

 

[Nikonzen]

Thanks, it's snowing now.... hmmm snow chains... is it tricky?

Drive slow...slip into neutral when braking...keep moving try not to stop. FWD AWD or 4X4 recommended. Me? I never use spikes or chains. Let it snow! Have fun...goose it ever now and then so you can drift and scare the wife and children to death! :bsmilie:

Story...once had a friend who was doing donuts on snow packed parking lot in daddy's car with chains. Chain broke and tore up side of said car. hahaha Can't fix stupid!

 

[petetherock]

Thanks I rented a 4WD - Ford Escape.


Wow, I found an interesting how to video...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeZYqwlgUUE

 

[BBTM]

Sorry for hijack.

Since Canada also in America, therefore I posted here. Anyway, I planned for a self drive in 2017 end April to mid May. I am avoiding the nasty road condition and also, the closure of the trails over the park. If can, will drive from West to East. Certain route would be 8 to 9 hours driving! I go for self drive as inside the train, it will be very boring! Once at Toronto, going to the Niagara Falls from city by public transport, I need to have 3 hours for it! So, I will be missing the Niagara Falls evening lights show. I going to NY for 3/4 days before heading back to Singapore.

 

[petetherock]

Hi bro
My Canada thread will help:
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1287898
Someone also tried to do a long road trip across the country..
Driving 8-9 hours a day sounds like the typical "Chan Bros Refugee" styled traveling.
"Walk Horse See Flowers"

You may want to take more time, less places, more quality time.

 

[ryanlio]

To get to those location.. use CA 1 highway.. that way you get to drive along California famous coastline big Sur. If you are keen in sky diving do that in parachute center ,lodi for usd 99.

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[ryanlio]

In some roads park rangers will require you to have snow chains. Even though it might not be put on, they will still require you to have it with you in your boot.. for the just in case situation.. lucky USA has got no question asked return policies. So make sure you get the snow chains in Walmart. You can return if you didn't use it. Just don't spoil market and return a used product.. hehe.

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[ryanlio]

Oh yes.. most Vista areas in USA are easily accessible from the parking lots.. Ansel Adams does his famous picture of snake river grand Teton at a parking lot.. of course a little hiking won't hurt.. enjoy.

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[petetherock]

Thanks a lot Ryan

 

[Wilbur Su]

Anymore tips on food and sights?

Will try to see
- Yosemite
- Death Valley - thanks Armoury
- Sequoia National Park
- SF

What's the weight limit on flights out of USA?
Is it two times 32kg?

Also, are most rental cars equipped with GPS or do I need to order / rent one?

El Nino may affect Yosemite (and other parts of California)

http://kron4.com/2015/10/22/video-yosemite-national-park-preparing-for-looming-el-nino/

http://www.weather.com/series/great-outdoors/video/yosemite-waterfall-comes-back-to-life

 

[petetherock]

Snowing in Sequoia and Yosemite!

I need to pack more clothes

 

[daredevil123]

Thanks, it's snowing now.... hmmm snow chains... is it tricky?

I have used chains. Some areas (like lake tahoe) rangers or traffic police will require you to have chains on if you are not in a 4x4 or if ypu do not have snow tires.

If you.do get chains, get the newer type where it is a network of steel wires, instead of the oldd school chains.