Planning a trip - would appreciate your advice - Page 2

Vegasrandall · 10-02-2012, 05:16 PM

Barstow isn't all bad, I lived there for a few years and got real tired of the " you're from barstow???!!!"

charlie56 · 10-02-2012, 05:39 PM

My tips

First, begin with screening the film, National Lampoons Vacation. It will give you an idea of what traveling in the West is really like.

If you do keep Palm Springs on the list, make sure to take the tram ride to San Jacinto Park. The views from the ride is impressive and the top is outstanding. Lots of trails to hike at the top. Its a completely different environment from the valley floor.

Barstow is a wide spot in the road where trains come together and make bigger trains, (sorry Vegas Randell) now Hinkley Ca. (just outside of Barstow) on the other hand... is one of California's environmental nightmares is a real must see. Not!

Monument Valley. As Jack mentioned, you can see a lot from the main road in a day, but rent a Jeep, hire a guide, get off the main road and see some truly amazing sites.

I would cut time out of the big ditch (Grand Canyon) and give more to Zion. Yes you can see the main canyon in a day from the bus, but hiking the trails or getting into the backcountry is worth some time (add at least another day).

I absolutely agree with others about distances. On the East Coast 100 miles will get you into 3-4 states. Out here everything is really spread out. Don't ruin your vacation by trying to see too much or spending all day driving. Cut your itinerary in half.

**BroncoHauler** · 10-02-2012, 07:33 PM

What are your groups interests? Geographical, cultural, physical activity, wine tasting,...?

Let's get some idea what you group likes, and then we can help with some ideas.

Herb

**macmcintire** · 10-02-2012, 07:56 PM

I'm surprised you only plan on spending one day in Las Vegas, particularly if you have never been here before. I agree you should skip Palm Springs and Barstow and spend more time somewhere else, like in Zion National Park. Since you have to drive through part of Zion going from Bryce to Las Vegas, you will see how beautiful Zion is and probably want to spend more time there. If you're going to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and not hiking, you won't need to spend more than a day there. My suggestion: Don't let your schedule govern where you go or when. Be flexible. Enjoy where you are and don't worry about where you are going. It is better to see a few things well that many things poorly.

saabman · 10-03-2012, 01:41 AM

Wow thanks for all the input!

I must now read all your suggestions carefully (of course more are always welcome

)

Yes Andrew I will bring the map tomorrow

and we can have a look...

As for off road motor-home driving I will for sure get some tips from Andrew

We shall be Mrs Saabman, 3 kids and myself... so some shopping will have to be on the cards

And yes I am sure our European view of distances are different I will be careful to keep that in mind...

Thanks all again! You're all great

Ocsmb · 10-03-2012, 02:09 PM

Looks like a fun trip.

Skip Barstow for sure.

You can spend a day or half a day near mammoth lakes. There's mono (looks like another planet) and June (pretty quaint town) lake worth checking out.

ANZAC · 10-03-2012, 02:54 PM

Barstow=XB-70 crash site nearby

Also: Coolgardie Camp

**macmcintire** · 10-03-2012, 04:45 PM

Buy a GPS with US maps when you get here. You can pick one up for around $100 at any Walmart store. If you PM or email me your mailing address I will pick up some free maps from AAA for California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah and mail them to you in France. Use both the maps and GPS, but trust the map over the GPS. Sometimes the GPS lady can get you lost. But the GPS will be good for telling you the mileage and estimated time of arrival at each place. That way you will know whether you have time to explore.

**daveb** · 10-04-2012, 12:00 AM

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/listing/2 ... a2=pla&r=1

Kinda nice to have.

saabman · 10-04-2012, 02:04 AM

Yes GPS and Maps are planned for and you are quite right maps are a must to help the GPS Lady

What sort of maps are the AAA maps? Only road info or Hiking trails on there too?

We are also trying to figure out the issues of snow and getting to Yosemite... Until when in spring would it be tricky snow-wise?