West Coast (starting+ ending in Seattle)

helimachoptor · 04-01-2013 04:35PM #1

Hi folks, will be heading to Seattle next year to see a NFL game, sometime between September and December (fixtures not out until April!)

The aim will be to have 2-2.5 weeks and to get the game out of the way in the first 2-3 days and then have 10-12 days to do a road trip.

So any suggestions appreciating that it may be the 1st week in September of coming up to xmas of where to go and any "must see" places!

Cheers!

InTheTrees · 07-01-2013 06:14PM

Go Seahawks. Last night they beat the redskins to get to the next level of the playoffs so we're hoping.

As regards a 10 day road trip from Seattle you obviously have three choices; north, south and east.

Personally... I'd rent a car in Seattle, take the ferry up to Vancouver, drive a little through canada then back down into the USA and west back to Seattle.

But you could also just go south, maybe to San fransisco, maybe even all the way to LA.

That time of year you could really play it by ear and not bother with reservations too.

helimachoptor · 07-01-2013 09:34PM

Thanks for the reply.

Leaning towards BC alright, have a lot of time to plan out the trip but a lot will depend on the time of the game.
Would love to camp outdoors somewhere

but that is very much weather dependent (wife is also coming!).

Have driven down the PCH at all? Is is worthwhile?

InTheTrees · 07-01-2013 09:49PM

The Oregon coast is beautiful. But the most efficient way of getting to it is to take the main freeway south I-5. And if you're on the freeway you can keep going to California.

Also the only scenic section of I-5 on the entire west coast is the section between southern Oregon and northern CA!

So here's another route:

Seattle > Ashland oregon > San Fransisco. > Monterey > SF again > Lake Tahoe/Reno > Back to Seattle.

You could do it in six or seven days so it would be quite relaxed in 10-12 days.

That would give quite a variation from Beaches to Snow, coast road to mountain pass. And you can go through Nevada and see the casinos at Lake Tahoe. Ashland (on I5) is a nice place to stay, its a pretty mountain town. The wife will like it.

The only stretch I'm not sure about is between Reno and getting back on I-5.

helimachoptor · 08-01-2013 11:04AM

Thanks mate, will take a look!

McG · 08-01-2013 11:19AM

hi Heli.
Last summer we did Vancouver > Seattle (by train) > Yosemite (via a cheap flight to Fresno to pick up car) > Death Valley > Las Vegas > Grand Canyon South > Zion National Park > Bryce Canyon Park > Las Vegas

If you're going that far anyway you might want to think about the idea of a cheap flight like we did to get a completely different experience in. I'm sure there's plenty to see/do in Washington and BC if you stay up in the north west but worth wondering if there's anywhere else within reach you'd like to go while over there.

In Seattle we liked the EMP Museum (which is right beside the Space needle) and Pike Market. For a great view of Seattle go to Kerry Park (it's little more than a small grass garden but it has a wonderful view of the city). I can PM you a link to my holiday album if you want to get an idea of some of the places we visited in Vancouver and Seattle.

helimachoptor · 09-01-2013 06:46PM

Cheers McG send it on to me!

At this point we have a lot of ideas on what to do.. Need to find the time to fit it all in!

SantryRed · 09-01-2013 11:53PM

Is there a need to finish in Seattle Heli? You can return a car at a different cut albeit for a dearer price. Something to consider and you could get right down the west coast then.

helimachoptor · 10-01-2013 12:57AM

Was looking at doing this after the wedding last year Ben and the cost was about 500 euro to drop it in LA from Seattle..

There is quite a lot to see in Washington state, Would like to head into montana aswell along with BC...

Wife wants to head down to San Fran...

At the moment we're just trying to figure out what to do, again a lot will be based on when the Titans/Hawks game will be on cos if it's snowing that limits the camping.. well for the wife it does me ill happily do it.. and then lose toes/fingers to frostbite...

It aint easy :pac:

InTheTrees · 10-01-2013 03:39PM

The train can be really fun. Its four nights from Seattle to Chicago (i've only done it from Minneapolis to Seattle), and it takes a route through the northern high plains that you'll never ever drive. Its fascinating. You need to get a cabin of course but they're really well run, clean etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_Builder

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izaak_Walton_Inn

http://www.amtrak.com/west-train-routes

helimachoptor · 17-03-2013 06:22PM

Hey folks, appreciate all the advice so far.

One quick question.. looking at either a SUV or a convertible (weather dependent) but should know more about this on this day next month.

Have been looking at various rental sites, any way to rent a car cheaper??

helimachoptor · 06-06-2013 07:35AM

Hi guys... I'm back :pac:

So my trip is going to be slightly amended for a couple of reasons.

Around the same time I have 2 friends going to San Fran (brothers)
One is flying from Oz and the other from Ireland.

I have other friends going to Vegas and then another set of friends also going to be in Vegas!

So my plan is... (need to be in Seattle on October 13th thats my only hard date)

Fly to San Fran, probably on Tuesday 1st October, spend 3-4 days there.
Drive to Vegas on the Friday/Saturday, spend 2/3 days there. Then from there drive to Seattle up through Yosemite and into Seattle. Happy to take a bit of time doing this and stay in a few motels etc

Try to get a college came on the Saturday, see the NFL game on the Sunday and then leave Seattle on monday morning and take the PCH back to San Fran (splitting trip over 2 days).

Thoughts/ideas??

Jonny_D · 06-06-2013 04:53PM

helimachoptor wrote: »

see the NFL game on the Sunday and
Thoughts/ideas??

Good luck getting tickets.

helimachoptor · 06-06-2013 04:53PM

Jonny_D wrote: »

Good luck getting tickets.

its against the Titans so shouldnt be too bad, i'll so be buying them from Ticketmaster the day they'll be going on sale!

Jonny_D · 06-06-2013 05:49PM

Since the Seahawks have been doing so well last season, its become harder to get tickets.
I usually had been picking up tickets from season ticket holders and never had a problem before last season.
Never tried buying from ticketmaster on the day they go sale though. Might give that a go...

InTheTrees · 06-06-2013 07:44PM

We've used Stubhub.com a few times for sold out events. It worked well. You pay a little more but it takes the pressure off.

helimachoptor · 24-06-2013 03:27PM

Hey guys, will be booking my trip before the end of the week.

Plan is to fly to Vegas on Oct 4th (and fly out of NYC later) Aerlingus have a 20% off sale at the minute so its about 430 for flights.

We'll then stay in Vegas until the Tuesday, from there drive to Yosemite and stay a night (i presume the weather will be ok and no need for snow chains but can check in advance)

on Thursday leave Yosemite and drive San Fran 200 miles spend a night in san fran.

Leave san fran on Friday and drive up the PCH and probably stay somewhere around Coos Bay on Friday night.

Saturday morning drive the rest of the way to Seattle.
Game in seattle on sunday and stay the night.
Monday morning get up early and get back to Vegas and take a more inland route this time and probably stay in salt lake city on the monday night and then continue to Vegas on Tuesday morning.

Fly out of Vegas on Tuesday evening to NYC.

thoughts or critiques welcome!

Ponster · 24-06-2013 03:58PM

I don't think I'd bother driving back to Vegas and instead fly from Seattle to NYC, depending on how much time you have to spend in New York

helimachoptor · 24-06-2013 04:01PM

Ponster wrote: »

I don't think I'd bother driving back to Vegas and instead fly from Seattle to NYC, depending on how much time you have to spend in New York

NYC is purely for shopping (have been over 10 times so nothing left to see)
The reason for going back to Vegas is really down to one way drop on the car, it seems to be hugely expensive

InTheTrees · 24-06-2013 08:18PM

helimachoptor wrote: »

NYC is purely for shopping (have been over 10 times so nothing left to see)
The reason for going back to Vegas is really down to one way drop on the car, it seems to be hugely expensive

Its a long way just to drop off the car. At least $200 I would have thought. How much is the one way charge? Have you tried all the major hire companies?

helimachoptor · 25-06-2013 01:31PM

I have checked again and it doesnt seem to be that expensive, but i have slightly changed the dates to take it to 9 days rental starting in LA and then droppinf off in San Fran and its quite a bit cheaper

InTheTrees · 25-06-2013 04:32PM

helimachoptor wrote: »

I have checked again and it doesnt seem to be that expensive, but i have slightly changed the dates to take it to 9 days rental starting in LA and then droppinf off in San Fran and its quite a bit cheaper

.

Dropping off within the same state is usually just a nominal charge.

But thats a big change of plans. No Seattle?

Ponster · 25-06-2013 06:20PM

And last time I checked hiring in Vegas and dropping of in CA does not incur a one-way fee with most of the major companies.

helimachoptor · 25-06-2013 09:24PM

InTheTrees wrote: »

.

Dropping off within the same state is usually just a nominal charge.

But thats a big change of plans. No Seattle?

No, Seattle is in as its the whole reason for my trip!

Going to re-do my plans and dates tomorrow and come back with another proposal for review

Jonny_D · 22-07-2013 05:11PM

helimachoptor wrote: »

its against the Titans so shouldnt be too bad, i'll so be buying them from Ticketmaster the day they'll be going on sale!

How did you get on with the tickets?

I managed to grab a couple against the jaguars (as my Dad will be over here at the time).

helimachoptor · 22-07-2013 10:44PM

Going to use stubhub, general tickets went on sale today but only single or standing were left. Booking flights in the next couple of days

InTheTrees · 23-07-2013 03:27AM

Wow. They sell out that quickly? They do have a really short season which means only 8(?) home games, which is a shame (contrast that to the baseball season with 168 games). I suppose its the reason College football is so popular in the US.

Stubhub is really good anyway. There will always be tickets available at a price.

nice_guy80 · 23-07-2013 08:32AM

where can i find college football fixtures?

for Seattle/Portland area

Jonny_D · 23-07-2013 04:34PM

nice_guy80 wrote: »

where can i find college football fixtures?

for Seattle/Portland area

Here's the Huskies schedule:
http://www.gohuskies.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=30200&SPID=126613&SPSID=749527&DB_OEM_ID=30200

And here's the Ducks...

http://www.goducks.com/SportSelect.dbml?SPID=233&SPSID=3377

Jonny_D · 23-07-2013 04:36PM

helimachoptor wrote: »

Going to use stubhub, general tickets went on sale today but only single or standing were left. Booking flights in the next couple of days

Don't think there's any standing at the games...(apart from standing in your seats when something happens.)

Jonny_D · 23-07-2013 04:46PM

InTheTrees wrote: »

Wow. They sell out that quickly? They do have a really short season which means only 8(?) home games, which is a shame (contrast that to the baseball season with 168 games). I suppose its the reason College football is so popular in the US.

Stubhub is really good anyway. There will always be tickets available at a price.

Yup!
http://seattletimes.com/html/seahawks/2021450982_regional23xml.html

They did really well last season and are being touted as Super Bowl contenders this season.

No problems getting tickets for the Mariners though...;)

InTheTrees · 23-07-2013 05:04PM

Jonny_D wrote: »

Yup!
http://seattletimes.com/html/seahawks/2021450982_regional23xml.html

They did really well last season and are being touted as Super Bowl contenders this season.

No problems getting tickets for the Mariners though...;)

We were in vegas a couple of weeks ago and I put $30 on them to win the superbowl.

Mariners? ew... 10+ years under 500. Its hard to watch. They've been on a winning streak though. We're going to the game on friday.

Sounders are... so so... great atmosphere though.

helimachoptor · 23-07-2013 05:33PM

Jonny_D wrote: »

Don't think there's any standing at the games...(apart from standing in your seats when something happens.)

Ticketmaster are selling standing tickets for the game!

Jonny_D · 23-07-2013 05:46PM

helimachoptor wrote: »

Ticketmaster are selling standing tickets for the game!

I saw that on Ticketmaster yesterday, but didn't see any option to buy standing tickets. I'm not sure what they mean by standing, as there isn't anywhere to stand in the stadium - it's all-seater.

kupus · 23-07-2013 06:03PM

If you cant get tickets, you should try the Irish bars, there is always tickets going around the bars, but you have to ask, try emailing them first if they have regulars who go to games and tell them your story. That you are coming to USA specially just to see the Mariners.
Start with Kells bar. and ask them then if they know the local bars if you dont have any luck from them.

Jonny_D · 23-07-2013 08:09PM

Jonny_D wrote: »

I saw that on Ticketmaster yesterday, but didn't see any option to buy standing tickets. I'm not sure what they mean by standing, as there isn't anywhere to stand in the stadium - it's all-seater.

Saw some Standing Room only tickets mentioned on another sight and looked into it a bit more.
Looks like there are certain sections where you can stand. Never seen them myself.
So, apologies - you were right. :cool:

InTheTrees · 24-07-2013 12:49AM

I got to soccer games in CenturyLink Field pretty regularly and there's an area around the North end (bottom of the "birds nest" stand) that is open and facing the field, thats the only area I can imagine they'd sell tickets for.
Given that those games can go on for many hours I wouldn't recommend it though.

helimachoptor · 24-07-2013 03:57PM

I'll be sitting :P

helimachoptor · 05-08-2013 11:54PM

Guys any recommendations for a car rental company?

Convertible is what i'm looking at and will be doing about 1300 miles in it, spaced over 5 days

Going from San Fran to Seattle via yosemite and then up the coast.

Would be happy to listen to any recommendations on what to see on the coast if anyone has them

Ponster · 06-08-2013 04:30AM

helimachoptor wrote: »

Guys any recommendations for a car rental company?

I doubt that there is any one company that is always best/cheaper when it comes to car rental. It just depends on the prices that you get on the day that you book.

Any obvious companies loo good when you search on a site like Kayak ?

InTheTrees · 06-08-2013 03:25PM

Also try going to every car hire companies website to see if they have any specials/deals because they wont be listed on the listing sites like travelocity.

helimachoptor · 06-08-2013 04:50PM

Have spent a good chunk of the day looking, for those of you in the states Avenger or mustang?

InTheTrees · 06-08-2013 05:08PM

helimachoptor wrote: »

Have spent a good chunk of the day looking, for those of you in the states Avenger or mustang?

Mustang. 100%

Dodge is a Chrysler product line and nobody buys them except rental companies. (Although you're not buying one... and I'm sure it would hold together for 1300miles!).

Also the avenger is a 4 door right? There's a dodge charger convertible but I dont know how good it is.

Anyway, given a similar price I'd go mustang.

There's also the chevy camaro. Probably better quality than dodge but less than ford.

helimachoptor · 06-08-2013 09:20PM

yeah its a 4 door, but it looks badass

Its also a bit cheaper than the Mustang maybe 200 dollars.

Also should i take out extra insurance?

InTheTrees · 06-08-2013 09:49PM

helimachoptor wrote: »

yeah its a 4 door, but it looks badass

Its also a bit cheaper than the Mustang maybe 200 dollars.

Also should i take out extra insurance?

200 bucks cheaper? Hmmm. The prob is that the default handling characteristics for most American cars is wallowy and without feeling... but you could swap it out if you don't like it. Ask about that when pick it up.

Id certainly get the extra insurance. No question. Keep your liability to a minimum. When Americans have crashes the costs multiply fast. And given the randomness of their driving you'll be happy for the peace of mind.

helimachoptor · 06-08-2013 09:55PM

Last question...

Better to book the mustang in advance or book a small car and upgrade at the desk?

InTheTrees · 07-08-2013 02:59PM

:eek:

I was reading this news story on the worst cars in the USA:

http://autos.yahoo.com/photos/17-worst-cars-you-can-buy-slideshow/dodge-avenger-undercuts-kia-hyundai-photo-165644235.html

Jonny_D · 07-08-2013 04:36PM

helimachoptor wrote: »

Have spent a good chunk of the day looking, for those of you in the states Avenger or mustang?

I had an Avenger as a rental when I was down in San Diego last month.
Horrible car. Feels very cheap inside.
The Dodge Charger (which is a very similar body shape) is a better car I think (the cops use them around my area).

If you don't mind paying the extra cash, go for the Mustang.
There are probably better cars in the next size up from the Avenger (full size?) that might work out cheaper than the Mustang.

If you do go for the Avenger, expect to feel a little sad and empty inside that a car with such a cool sounding name can be so terribly bland.:(

helimachoptor · 07-08-2013 07:33PM

Mustang it is...

InTheTrees · 09-08-2013 02:16AM

helimachoptor wrote: »

Last question...

Better to book the mustang in advance or book a small car and upgrade at the desk?

Tough call...

Check for deals first on the companies websites.

If there's nothing there then I'm really not sure. Booking in advance means they may bump you up a class if they dont have what you want (and that could happen easily).

But companies work differently. ANd booking in advance may mean you miss out on the spontaneous upgrade. but thats not guaranteed either...

helimachoptor · 08-09-2013 11:39AM

Hey folks, just an update and a question on this.

Decided to go for the SUV and after a few conversations with Hertz i got a Chevy Equinox (or similar) for €450 for 5 days including 1 way drop to Seattle.

So now i'm looking for a recommendation to spend for an overnight place to stay.

So far i'm drawn to Crater Lake/Klamath falls area but I would like to do come coast driving too, so looking at Coos Bay too.

any recommendations?

West Coast (starting+ ending in Seattle)

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