LA-SF-LV Trip - Sat Nav/Trip Advice?

[mozza42]

Going on our honeymoon in 3 weeks - starting in LA visiting San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Fran, Yosemite, Death Valley and Vegas...

Have hired cars, but would really like Sat Nav without paying an extoritionate rental charge - what would past trippers recommend? Shall we just buy one when we get out there?

Also any recommendations on things to do or see would be much appreciated.

Cheers!

[Puggit]

You don't need Satnav in America - just a good map and an understanding of how grids work!

[steveo3002]

i got a u.s map for our sat nav and used that

otherwise you can prob pick up a basic one for under $100 in wall mart etc

[Spudler]

steveo3002 said:

i got a u.s map for our sat nav and used that

otherwise you can prob pick up a basic one for under $100 in wall mart etc

This^^. A basic one in Wallmart is $79, about the same price as a map bought here.

[thehawk]

Buy a nice Garmin unit from a big chain store, with a no quibble 28 day refund policy, and return it on the day you depart.

[Nobby Diesel]

I have never used a Sat Nav in the States.
Never felt the need.
You'll be absolutely fine without one, but probably more comfortable with one.

[Nat_H]

I drove almost 4000 miles in 4 weeks with just a map, around Cali and Nevada.

Boarders, the shop (if they are still around) sell road maps for each state, and they are ideal.

Like these;

Edited by Nat_H on Thursday 5th August 09:03

[steveo3002]

i'll admit ive driven there alot with no map , its fairy easy to get around, but if you can afford the sat nav it makes life much easier imo

[Nicol@]

I agree with above, a map is fine.

Do you already have a sat nav?
Buy a US map add on if you do.
You will want a sat nav for use in the cities to dodge the traffic.

I have a Garmin sat nav that I use here (and in the US).
It gives you notification of delays (showing minutes of hold up on current route and where on the map) in the states plus other little features.

I actually prefer the US mode of my sat nav, just wish it was the same here.

I must add that Sat Nav is useful if you are on a road trip and want directing to a restaurant or hotel, without having to wander around the area (helpful after a long drive).

p.s. Are you staying at the Madonna Inn in San Louis Obispo?

Edited by Nicol@ on Thursday 5th August 15:49

[fatboy b]

I bought a Mio on offer @ Radio Shack for just under $100 back in Feb. Did the job, and better than the crap Hertz Never-lost.

[sawman]

gps is useful in big cities in the states, but as others have said a map will work everywhere else. I would imaging you can get maps for your european unit from fleabay. I use my canadian gps in europe with a european map card, which works just fine

[mozza42]

Hi All,

Thanks for your replies - very useful! I think the main concern is navigating around the Cities; it appears there are so few major routes once you get into the sticks that a map would be fine.

Will probably try and find a Walmart to get a cheapo Sat-Nav; have seen the prices that they go for on eBay so should be able to realise a little back on our investment!

Nicol@ - Not staying at the Madonna in San Luis; any good?

Any recommendations on what to do in any places would be much appreciated - we have a list but are happy to change if highly recommended something else

[Nicol@]

mozza42 said:

Nicol@ - Not staying at the Madonna in San Luis; any good?

http://www.madonnainn.com/

I stayed there a few times in the 80's as a child and loved the themed rooms.

[Arese]

thehawk said:

Buy a nice Garmin unit from a big chain store, with a no quibble 28 day refund policy, and return it on the day you depart.

I might do this.

[Mart-1]

South of Monterey on Highway 1 is Big Sur - highly recommend it, as some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere and a great road to drive too

A stay at Deetjens Big Sur Inn will be memorable - http://www.deetjens.com/

Carmel to the south of Monterey is quite touristy in a quaint upmarket way, and the beach is nice. Clint Eastwood was Mayor of Carmel and his bar is in the town

[DJFish]

While in LA consider staying at the Hyatt/Andaz W. Hollywood, quite awseome hotel!

Whilst in Monterey don't forget Pebble Beach, there's a great scenic drive that'll take up a couple of hours.

Best bit of advice is to get a satnav, wherever you get it from.
Navigation in the states is easy but get into the cities and it gets confusing, especially if you're both tired, plus it'll give to time and distance info, and save a shed load of potential hassle.
Bon voyage!