TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO

Hello,

In November, my wife and I are going to fly to San Francisco, rent a car, stay in San Fran for 5 days and then drive to San Diego (for 2 weeks). Naturally, we'll be stopping at other towns along the way but my question to you is how do people manage a drive like that, I'm sure they don't stay at a motel/hotel everyday, and living out of our suitcase doesn't sound too smart to me.

This is our first time taking a trip like this. The sightseeing part is no problem, it's the lodging (after San Francisco) and dining, etc that is concerning us.

I know you'll come up with a helpful solution that we're possibly overlooking. Also this is going to be our 25 anniversary and I'm trying to surprise my wife with a romantic day in San Fran.
Have you ever been to San Fran, and if so can you suggest any kind of romantic restaurant, tour, etc. Looking forward to your response.

Vinny
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Dear Vinny,

Congratulations on your anniversary and applause for planning a romantic trip for you and your bride.

Arrive early for your flight - at least two hours. Have two forms of identification ready for check-in. Photo ID, driver's license, credit card or your passport should suffice - check with your airline. Plan a meal after check-in. Hanging around is boring and can test your patience. Plan a light breakfast or lunch to pass the time and avoid the irritability of other harried passengers.

First rule of travel into the unknown: GOOD ACCOMMODATIONS. Plan your travel with better class hotels. A comfortable room with a restaurant is a must after a long drive and is part of the vacation. Do not economize - this is fun travel not steerage class.

[I encountered a couple whose kids gave them an anniversary trip to Paradise Island. They were miserable because the food was too expensive. Good vacations cost money. Showstoppers cost more.]

[Jimism: When you're a tourist, smile, pay the price, and be happy; or fight, buck the tide, and be miserable.]

Great accommodations make a romantic trip a memorable one. Many hotels/motels are satisfactory. Four star and superior hotels are pricey but everyone should experience "first class" at least once.

Living out of a suitcase is not fun. TRAVEL LITE. Dragging suitcases is every husband's lament. Take what is necessary - nothing more. Overnight cleaning service is usually available - use it. A vacation is not a fashion show - leave valuables at home in a safe deposit box. Secure your home and have a trusted neighbor keep a watchful eye. Carry some cash, but traveler's checks or credit cards make sense for extended travel.


Car rental companies have desks in all major airports but not all companies have their parking area nearby, some have facilities miles from the airport. The major companies eliminate desk check in. Your name and car location is posted - service is door side. Avoid sub-compact cars, a medium or full size car that is the equivalent of your own vehicle is a good choice. Evaluate the vehicle immediately and don't hesitate to return it if it is deficient. A breakdown or worse can ruin a vacation.

Decide how many hours per day you want to drive. A leisurely drive allows time to enjoy the landscape and pleasant lunch breaks. Avoid rush hour traffic and consider scenic routes appropriate for your vehicle and wilderness experience.

San Francisco has devolved from a place where you once left your heart, to a semi-sewer where vagrants now leave their excrement. [I have not been there and would not go there.] I am told there are good sections and bad. Do research ahead of time and avoid the deteriorated areas. Derelicts might qualify as cultural elements but score no romantic points.

Do your homework before venturing out. Travel agents are often disappointing but books available for almost every place in the world can be a blessing. They evaluate various lodgings, restaurants, list points of interest, and provide excellent travel tips.

Enjoy,

Everybody's Uncle