2008 trip out west

[Deb62862]

We are planning a trip out west next summer, 2008, and would love some ideas about good, reasonably priced places to stay (can't afford $200 a night, maybe $100 nightly max) and activities. We would even consider a condo or hotel like the Residence Inns with kitchens so we could cook some meals and save a bit of money. We plan to fly to Las Vegas and, in addition to that, see the Grand Canyon, San Diego and maybe some of Los Angeles. We have two weeks to spend total.
I have already read the thread about San Diego and got some good ideas from that and have requested travel information from these areas. We probably won't go to Sea World or Disney because we have been to the ones in Orlando. We are thinking about Knott's Berry Farm since that would be something different. We also would like to see the Zoo and Wild Animal Park in San Diego and Hoover Dam and Boulder City near Las Vegas. Any other ideas would be appreciated.
Also, I read on the San Diego thread that someone recommended not traveling to Tijuana and that is something we wanted to do. I have read in a San Diego travel book that there is some sort of bus or trolley that can take you over the border and bring you back and that's what we would like to do. Would it be safe for three adults to do this? This would be my husband and I and our 21 year old son.

[mom2fussbudgets]

Big trip!

Let's see. I would add the Petrified Forest onto your Grand Canyon trip. It's nearby and definitely worth it. It's an amazing thing to see.

Don't go to Hoover Dam on a holiday weekend! You will be stuck in traffic for hours!

Knott's Berry Farm is worthy, you will enjoy that. As is the San Diego zoo. Take walking shoes cause it's big and hilly! Favorite restaurants in the San Diego area: Soup Plantation, El Torito's, and Baker's Square. Not sure if you'll be that way, but there's an awesome restaurant in Alpine you MUST check out:

http://www.alpinebreadbasket.com/

We adore this place and eat there several times when we are in the area (Diet? What diet?).

I don't know what to say about Tijuana. When you travel out of the country, you're doing it at your own risk. You don't want to take your car, that's for sure. I don't even think your insurance would cover it there. So, the trolley is the best alternative--it drops you off right at the border. I've been before and that's how we went (we went more than 20 years ago though, so times have changed--I wouldn't go there today). Keep your eye on those vendors! A couple of times, we bargained for items and did not pay attention when they wrapped and bagged them. After we got home, we discovered they'd given us several broken items (missing pieces, so they were obviously already broken), or items different from what we'd bought.

If I can remember anything else, I'll add it!

[Cpogie]

We are planning a trip out west next summer, 2008, and would love some ideas about good, reasonably priced places to stay (can't afford $200 a night, maybe $100 nightly max) and activities. We would even consider a condo or hotel like the Residence Inns with kitchens so we could cook some meals and save a bit of money. We plan to fly to Las Vegas and, in addition to that, see the Grand Canyon, San Diego and maybe some of Los Angeles. We have two weeks to spend total.
I have already read the thread about San Diego and got some good ideas from that and have requested travel information from these areas. We probably won't go to Sea World or Disney because we have been to the ones in Orlando. We are thinking about Knott's Berry Farm since that would be something different. We also would like to see the Zoo and Wild Animal Park in San Diego and Hoover Dam and Boulder City near Las Vegas. Any other ideas would be appreciated.
Also, I read on the San Diego thread that someone recommended not traveling to Tijuana and that is something we wanted to do. I have read in a San Diego travel book that there is some sort of bus or trolley that can take you over the border and bring you back and that's what we would like to do. Would it be safe for three adults to do this? This would be my husband and I and our 21 year old son.

Humm, Please don't even consider Tijuana, it is bad news, driving or bus.. especially with kids, you are not missing anything by not going there, if you wish to see begging on every street, even as you enter/exit there is begging. It is dirty, and if they want to arrest you they can without questions asked. You can find pictures of it on the internet, just google it....

You can have alot of fun going to all the places you mentioned, there is alot to see and do, in LA go to Hollywood and see Grouman's Chinese Threatre, and I say that because it is a landmark plus Hollywood Blvd is something to see itself...you will see all kinds on that street! then from there go to Universal City, they have a great tour and City Walk where you might even see a movie star...no guarantee's on that one, lol Knott's Berry Farm is wonderful and they have the best Chicken Dinner bar none!! The wait is long but so worth it! and If anyone has a disability you will get in first before anyone at any place...just a thought. There is also Disneyland near there... Los Angeles itself? well there is the Museum, and I believe there is a great kids museum too, Olvera Street which is a wonderful place to see and not a huge walk, it is across the street from the Los Angeles Train Station, very old Historic building! look on google to see what is available in Los Angeles...and have fun!

[LORITHECHICK]

I would suggest you go to tripadvisor.com, become a member too. This is THE site for all of your needs and questions. You'll get first hand information and reviews. I use it ALL the time, no matter where we go from big towns to small towns and everywhere in between.
In the search bar, begin with say...San Diego hotels, you can even click on the bar that narrows them down by price (example) <100 or 100-200, you can read about the attractions and what hotels people have used.
Also great, key in Yosemite, or Yosemite hotels, again, you'll get first hand reviews of people who have stayed there. Everything is dated so you'll know if it's old or new material.
I also read the forums of what ever city/place we want to visit, often times there are "local experts" from the area(s) and they give fabulous insight.
This is THE travel site, no matter where you go...
Best of luck and happy trails and take it from me, you'll be so glad you used it.

[Cpogie]

Lori has the best idea of all, that is a good tip for anyone going on vacation! thanks for posting that.

[LORITHECHICK]

You're so welcome, I've been using it these last few days, we're going up to Red Bluff. Within the last 6 months I've used it for Lakeport, Tahoe, Cloverdale, Pittsburgh, PA, Orland CA and now Red Bluff. I wouldn't go ANYWHERE without checking there first. :)

[mom2fussbudgets]

Universal City Walk is awesome! How could I have left that place out? Hollywood is definitely fun to see as well.

I agree with what Carol says about Tijuana--it is not a great place. First thing you encounter when you cross the border is a dozen taxi drivers stepping all over each other and fighting for the chance to drive you into town. It's actually quite frightening! You will encounter beggars (even small children begging). Yes, you can buy all kinds of cheap goods, but nothing there is spectacular. Overall, it's an uncomfortable experience, at best. Give me Universal City Walk anytime!

Lori, I have not heard about tripadvisor.com, but I will have to check it out. Thanks for telling us about it.

[Deb62862]

Wow, that was a lot of information very quickly! Thanks to everyone. I am a member of Trip Advisor and have been browsing there for some info already. We really don't have any desire to go to Disney or Universal as we have done both in Orlando, including the City Walk. We'd rather spend our time doing things we haven't done. Keep the info coming and thanks!

[Deb62862]

I meant to say that no, most insurances don't cover going into Mexico unless you purchase a special rider for that. That's why the trolley system appealed to us. There is no way I would take a rental car over the border.

Big trip!

Let's see. I would add the Petrified Forest onto your Grand Canyon trip. It's nearby and definitely worth it. It's an amazing thing to see.

Don't go to Hoover Dam on a holiday weekend! You will be stuck in traffic for hours!

Knott's Berry Farm is worthy, you will enjoy that. As is the San Diego zoo. Take walking shoes cause it's big and hilly! Favorite restaurants in the San Diego area: Soup Plantation, El Torito's, and Baker's Square. Not sure if you'll be that way, but there's an awesome restaurant in Alpine you MUST check out:

http://www.alpinebreadbasket.com/

We adore this place and eat there several times when we are in the area (Diet? What diet?).

I don't know what to say about Tijuana. When you travel out of the country, you're doing it at your own risk. You don't want to take your car, that's for sure. I don't even think your insurance would cover it there. So, the trolley is the best alternative--it drops you off right at the border. I've been before and that's how we went (we went more than 20 years ago though, so times have changed--I wouldn't go there today). Keep your eye on those vendors! A couple of times, we bargained for items and did not pay attention when they wrapped and bagged them. After we got home, we discovered they'd given us several broken items (missing pieces, so they were obviously already broken), or items different from what we'd bought.

If I can remember anything else, I'll add it!

[Cpogie]

trip out west

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I meant to say that no, most insurances don't cover going into Mexico unless you purchase a special rider for that. That's why the trolley system appealed to us. There is no way I would take a rental car over the border.


No, your car insurance will not cover you, all we can tell you is that is it not a good idea to go there, but if you do there is quite a walk to get to the main street there...and beggars will follow you trying to get money from you, offering Chicklets gum/potteryetc....you cannot drink the water there, it is not potable....and restrooms?? good luck...don't waste a good day of vacation at a dirty destination..not good for kids.

[Theresa]

Knotts is great, especially if you like roller coasters. The local grocery stores always have discount coupons. Check out Ralphs Groceries for discounts. The first choice for eating is the chicken restaurant just outside the gate. It is really good. It has looooong lines on Sunday. Knotts is known for its boysenberry jelly. It has packets on the table. Try it. Also outside the gate is TGIF. There is a decent relatively inexpensive sit -down restaurant in the park. It is in the old west section. Do not order the ribs. They are parbroiled. The walk-up mexican food restaurant is okay. Funnel cakes look much better than they taste. The rollercoaster to go to first is excellerator. Second is Silver bullet If you do not like roller coasters head straight for the stage coach ride. The line looks short but it is always a long wait. You will get soaked on big foot rapids. I like the plays at the birdcage theatre. They are oldfashioned melodramas. Steve Martin performed at the Birdcage. In the lobby they have stars photos who performed. If it is crowded go on the sky cabin, the Indian show next to big foot rapids, the Indian dancer show near the stage coach ride, the train ride, or check out the geode shop or the old west museum. The old west stunt shooting show is okay but not original. Try to get in a stage coach for shade. I like slower rollercoaster like Montezumas revenge. You should look at the merry go round. It is historic and has interesting seats. There is a sign at the entry way with the history.