Journey Through California With Ease
Story and photos by Stephanie Geske and Jessica Montevago
Getting around California for a weekend vacation can be a headache, without even factoring in the trip itself.
Book flights as soon as possible, and once you choose a date to travel, don’t try and swap it. Airlines can claim “affordable” date swapping prices that quickly stack up.
Clear it with your work, your school, your friends and then book tickets together so you can try and have sets near each other and you won’t have to travel alone. The same goes for any shuttles you may need, since it can be cheaper to do a shuttle service with more people.
Despite the delays sometimes experienced with trains and buses, going up and down California by way of Amtrak is one of the most cost-effective ways to travel. Especially when you factor in the cost of shuttles and the fact that you have to be at the airport hours earlier for check in.
If you’re going on an excursion with a group of friends, a day-long train trip can turn into a fun part of the vacation, especially if you eat in the dining car and spend free time in the observation car.
Amtrak Thruway buses reach more than 90 destinations, according to amtrak.com. This makes getting to specific destinations easier than ever before.
Cars are another easy way to get across the state, even easier than buses if splitting gas with trip buddies. Download the GasBuddy app for iPhones to map out the cheapest places to stop and fill up, and save receipts so there’s no squabbles over who’s paying what in the end.
Bay Area Rapid Transit is a great way to commute to San Francisco without running into city traffic. Here are a few helpful tips that will make your city travel as easy and convenient as possible.
- Prior to arriving at the BART station, it is beneficial to look at the train schedule. You are able to receive the daily train schedule on the BART official website.
- If you are traveling during commuter’s traffic, it may be difficult to find parking. Allot yourself enough time will help you avoid being late to your event. If you are staying overnight in the city, find a ride to the BART station from a friend or family member if possible.
- There isn’t storage room available on the train, so pack lightly. A small suitcase or duffle bag is ideal. Bringing a set of headphones and books will also help make the travel time pass by faster.
- BART is a relatively smooth ride. However, if you get motion sickness easily, find a seat facing the direction the train is traveling. Take Dramamine or any other motion sickness medicine one hour prior to your travel time. Note that some motion sickness medications may make you drowsy.
- There are usually enough seats on the train, but is not always guaranteed. If you are planing on wearing heels, bring flats or comfortable shoes to travel in. Bring a bag to carry your heals and make the quick switch when you get into the city.
- Familiarize yourself with all of the other BART stations and when your stop is prior to your travel time. There will be an announcement when the train is approaching each station, but it is sometimes hard to hear with the background noise from the train. A map is located in the train for your convenience.
The freeway split from the US-101S to the i-405 is called the busiest freeway interchange in the U.S., according to the Los Angeles World Airports website. We've compiled the best ways to unstick from the traffic jam.
- If you’re flying into Los Angeles, book your flight through the Burbank airport rather than LAX. LAX is always jam packed with people and taxis, not to mention getting around the city to wherever you’re staying is near impossible.
- Plan out what activities you want to do each day. Hit big tourist attractions like Disneyland on a school day, when the families who live in southern California won’t likely be in attendance.
- Avoid trying to get around or through the city in a hurry between 8 and 9 a.m. This is the prime time for people commuting to work, which means plenty of impatient, aggressive drivers.
- The same goes for 5 to 7 p.m. Plan a pate or early dinner, and try to pick a place with other activities around it, like a movie theatre or a park, so you don’t have to hurry from place to place around that time.
- You’d be shocked by how empty freeways are on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Take advantage of this! Pick a place you want to go, like the heart of Hollywood, and then find all-day parking and roam by foot.
