California/Las Vegas Roadtrip Honeymoon
Discussion
) with work, but Jen hasn't, so quite likes the idea of an upgrade.Nope, the Virgin suites are too big. They're in the nose of the lower deck.
In some cases, there's even Economy seating up top. Personally, I'd go for PE both ways instead of Upper on one leg only.
If you go Upper on the way there and Eco on the way home you'll a) be annoyed that you're not getting the same service on the return leg and b) won't get much rest on what is an overnight flight.
If you go Economy on the way out, you'll arrive feeling shagged, and that can set the tone for the entire trip if you're not careful.
PE is the best of both, and if you can get on the upper deck there's only about twenty seats in the PE section so it has the feel of an upper cabin without the cost.
In some cases, there's even Economy seating up top. Personally, I'd go for PE both ways instead of Upper on one leg only.
If you go Upper on the way there and Eco on the way home you'll a) be annoyed that you're not getting the same service on the return leg and b) won't get much rest on what is an overnight flight.
If you go Economy on the way out, you'll arrive feeling shagged, and that can set the tone for the entire trip if you're not careful.
PE is the best of both, and if you can get on the upper deck there's only about twenty seats in the PE section so it has the feel of an upper cabin without the cost.
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 11th February 11:05
Craikeybaby said:
Just called them to try and book an upgrade, but there aren't any upgrades available with miles, at the moment. I have been told to keep checking back.
Virgin have one, maybe two seat per flight that they allow miles upgrading on. They go early so the later you leave it the less likely you are to get one.http://www.seatguru.com/
Make sure you use this to book the best seats possible. Some are awkward and crap!
Make sure you use this to book the best seats possible. Some are awkward and crap!
vescaegg said:
http://www.seatguru.com/
Make sure you use this to book the best seats possible. Some are awkward and crap!
Thanks, I have just remembered that I am able to reserve seats now, so will use that site to help, in case we aren't able to upgrade.Make sure you use this to book the best seats possible. Some are awkward and crap!
The Virgin flights to San Francisco all have Upper class upstairs at the front and about 8 rows of economy upstairs too. A much better place to sit - fast service, quiet and you get off the plane first with the Upper class people, which means you get to customs first which can be a BIG bonus at SFO. Also the window seat has a large shelf which you can put all your stuff on and gives you considerably more room. However, the front row, whilst has loads of legroom as there's nothing in front, often has no entertainment and no window.
They used to release the upper deck economy at 7am the day before the flight, not before. I've flown upstairs for the last few years. However, I know Virgin have changed their policies now so not sure when they will be made available. Only once, when the flight was not full, they didn't open the upper deck, I assume for weight balance.
They used to release the upper deck economy at 7am the day before the flight, not before. I've flown upstairs for the last few years. However, I know Virgin have changed their policies now so not sure when they will be made available. Only once, when the flight was not full, they didn't open the upper deck, I assume for weight balance.
Craikeybaby said:
It looks like we have a date sorted now, so the trip planning can start in earnest! Should be out there end of September/beginning of October.
Just booked flights to SFO going around the same time (out on 24/9 back on 11/10). Got to really get my head round sorting some decent accommodation now 
if it weren't such a bloody big place I'd say may see you on the road somewhere!!!!Misaps said:
Craikeybaby said:
It looks like we have a date sorted now, so the trip planning can start in earnest! Should be out there end of September/beginning of October.
Just booked flights to SFO going around the same time (out on 24/9 back on 11/10). Got to really get my head round sorting some decent accommodation now if it weren't such a bloody big place I'd say may see you on the road somewhere!!!!Some nice guest houses in Santa Barbara and Santa Monica, we have booked here if you want somewhere with old style charm:
http://www.simpsonhouseinn.com/
http://www.channelroadinn.com/
Edited by yellowbentines on Wednesday 18th March 10:19
yellowbentines said:
Need to get some PH stickers organised for the hire cars to do some spotting of everyone that seems to be heading out there at the same time (or avoiding each other if you want some peace!), I'll be out there also at that time and will be in SF over the 8th-11th Oct.
Some nice guest houses in Santa Barbara and Santa Monica, we have booked here if you want somewhere with old style charm:
http://www.simpsonhouseinn.com/
http://www.channelroadinn.com/
We've booked the Castillo Inn in Santa Barbara, but will check out the Channel Road Inn for Santa Monica.Some nice guest houses in Santa Barbara and Santa Monica, we have booked here if you want somewhere with old style charm:
http://www.simpsonhouseinn.com/
http://www.channelroadinn.com/
Edited by yellowbentines on Wednesday 18th March 10:19
Are we best off staying in Santa Monica or Venice Beach?
Craikeybaby said:
We've booked the Castillo Inn in Santa Barbara, but will check out the Channel Road Inn for Santa Monica.
Are we best off staying in Santa Monica or Venice Beach?
Looks lovely!Are we best off staying in Santa Monica or Venice Beach?
Ive never been to SM or VB but my sister has spent a lot of time in the area, she said both are nice and great to spend time in during the day but that VB was a bit seedier and not as pleasant to be in after the sun goes down.
I found Channel Road Inn myself after a recommendation on here from another PHer whi stayed there - kapeteinglanzaga or something like that
I did something similar 2 years ago and it was the holiday by which all holidays have been measured since. We are not the all night clubbing, crazy city centre, Disneyland type people but here are a few tips from my experience. We did it in a convertible Mustang.
Don't worry about the driving as we found that by splitting it up into 1-2 hours early in the morning then another 1-2 hours late afternoon it never felt like too much. The only day that was rough was a day trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. Its a 6 hour drive each way from Las Vegas and we did it in one day, along with a quick stop at Hoover dam. We also drove through a summer storm where i experienced the heaviest rain of my life with about 3ft visibility.
We didn't like SF in general. The highlight of that city was renting a bike and cycling through Golden Gate park, across the golden gate bridge and down into Sausalito, then you can cycle round to Tiburon where you can get a ferry with your bike back to SF city.
From SF we went east to Lake Tahoe which is a must. We then went over the mountains east of Lake Tahoe down into the plains below. Amazing drive. Headed south on the 395 all the way towards Mammoth Lakes. We came around the corner to see the sun setting over Mono lake and it blew our socks off.
In Mammoth lakes we hiked up to TJ Lake which again was spectacular. We also took one of the ski lifts to the top of the mountain and the views were amazing. We left mammoth and headed back west going through yosemite. We went down into the valley but in August when we were there the water falls had all dried up so not much to see really.
We took the 120 over Tioga Pass then back west to just south of SF to Half Moon bay. Really nice there as you come down from the mountains onto the flat lands and into the massive orange fields. Then we hit Pacific Hwy heading south. We went through Montray/Carmel and did that 17 mile drive route. We found it a total waste of time unless you like looking at rich people houses and golf courses. I think you have to pay $10-20 for the privilege.
We worked our way south, stayed in Santa Barabara for 2-3 days, LA for 2-3 days, San Diego for 2 days then through Death Valley up to LAs Vegas, Grand Canyon, flew to NY for 3 days then home.
Highlights of the Trip
Lake Tahoe and the drive from there to Mammoth
The bike ride in SF
San Diego
The Giant Redwoods.
Chilling out in Santa Barbara.
Tips
In Las Vegas head out to the LV Speedway. The Shelby factory is there and you can do a factory tour. There is track days for the public at the speedway with all the best supercars(ferrari. Lambo, etc etc) and far cheaper than the UK.
On Pacific Hwy we found that on 1-2 days the sea fog was very heavy and it made the drive a bit boring and cold. So we headed inland and took a different route because once you go 1-2 miles inland its normally clear.
As mentioned before do not miss Hertz Castle.
Be careful in SF. We took one wrong turn and within 1 block were in a very rough area.
LA - If you are up to it there is an unofficial hike you can do up to the Hollywood sign. You will find details on google.
Here is a link to a picture gallery. Have a look and if there is anything that interests you let me know and I will tell you where/what it is.
http://s244.photobucket.com/user/irisheleanor/libr...
Don't worry about the driving as we found that by splitting it up into 1-2 hours early in the morning then another 1-2 hours late afternoon it never felt like too much. The only day that was rough was a day trip to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas. Its a 6 hour drive each way from Las Vegas and we did it in one day, along with a quick stop at Hoover dam. We also drove through a summer storm where i experienced the heaviest rain of my life with about 3ft visibility.
We didn't like SF in general. The highlight of that city was renting a bike and cycling through Golden Gate park, across the golden gate bridge and down into Sausalito, then you can cycle round to Tiburon where you can get a ferry with your bike back to SF city.
From SF we went east to Lake Tahoe which is a must. We then went over the mountains east of Lake Tahoe down into the plains below. Amazing drive. Headed south on the 395 all the way towards Mammoth Lakes. We came around the corner to see the sun setting over Mono lake and it blew our socks off.
In Mammoth lakes we hiked up to TJ Lake which again was spectacular. We also took one of the ski lifts to the top of the mountain and the views were amazing. We left mammoth and headed back west going through yosemite. We went down into the valley but in August when we were there the water falls had all dried up so not much to see really.
We took the 120 over Tioga Pass then back west to just south of SF to Half Moon bay. Really nice there as you come down from the mountains onto the flat lands and into the massive orange fields. Then we hit Pacific Hwy heading south. We went through Montray/Carmel and did that 17 mile drive route. We found it a total waste of time unless you like looking at rich people houses and golf courses. I think you have to pay $10-20 for the privilege.
We worked our way south, stayed in Santa Barabara for 2-3 days, LA for 2-3 days, San Diego for 2 days then through Death Valley up to LAs Vegas, Grand Canyon, flew to NY for 3 days then home.
Highlights of the Trip
Lake Tahoe and the drive from there to Mammoth
The bike ride in SF
San Diego
The Giant Redwoods.
Chilling out in Santa Barbara.
Tips
In Las Vegas head out to the LV Speedway. The Shelby factory is there and you can do a factory tour. There is track days for the public at the speedway with all the best supercars(ferrari. Lambo, etc etc) and far cheaper than the UK.
On Pacific Hwy we found that on 1-2 days the sea fog was very heavy and it made the drive a bit boring and cold. So we headed inland and took a different route because once you go 1-2 miles inland its normally clear.
As mentioned before do not miss Hertz Castle.
Be careful in SF. We took one wrong turn and within 1 block were in a very rough area.
LA - If you are up to it there is an unofficial hike you can do up to the Hollywood sign. You will find details on google.
Here is a link to a picture gallery. Have a look and if there is anything that interests you let me know and I will tell you where/what it is.
http://s244.photobucket.com/user/irisheleanor/libr...
Edited by 67Eleanor on Friday 20th March 17:00
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff