I can't remember the last time YVR got snowed in. The runway maintenance crew is pretty much on the ball. And, as with all international flights, you got to be at the airport 3 hours early anyway. Gives us a chance to wind down after check in, have a coffee and a smoke, read a paper, and catch up on the hockey highlights from the night before. Also, every time I've flown anywhere, winter or not, there has never been a delay for de-icing. Last time I flew to Vegas, I was off the plane, had my luggage, and in the cab in under 20 minutes.

Anyway, I think I've swayed my wife to flying. We were going to check airfares at a travel agent today, but the two we went to see were closed. But there's always that trusty internet.

But on the flying flip side, I was about ready to suck it up and drive anyway. If we find an airfare that my wife's happy with, we'll fly. That way, it's "5" hours instead of the optimistic 20, which would probably be longer because of snow. Heck, that's an extra 15 hours of fun on both ends.

Still waits to be seen though.

 

Make sure you Phone Westjet

The person I talked to had more possibilities than the web did.

The woman I talked to at Westjet 3 days after the seat sale ended saved me $250.00 more than the sale would have.

I got a $99.00 /seat there & a $127.00 seat return.

 

Got a number for Westjet?

When I checked into it, Westjet doesn't go to Vegas from YVR, but that was 2 weeks ago. I would have had to fly to Calgary, then down to Vegas.

 

To make or change a reservation, call:
Calgary calling area: (403) 250-5839
Toll free: 1-888-WESTJET (1-888-937-8538)
Or call: 1-800-538-5696

Here's what the net shows.

http://www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion/Westjetfares.JPG

 

Well, it looks like we're driving for sure now. Anyway, the directions I got from mapquest are as follows:

South on I 5, get onto I 405, I 90, I 82, then I 84, which turns into I 15 South.

Does that make sense?

We'll probably go down that way. But for the way back, my wife wants to go through LA. 3 hour drive, no problem. Then up to San Fransisco for a couple days before finally coming home via the coast.

So. Getting from Vegas to LA, I figure I should ask you guys. What's the most interesting route, and what we should avoid? Is Lake Tahoe on the way?

How about from LA to San Fransisco? How about San Fransisco home? She really wants to drive back up the coast.

Thanks again.

 

From L.A. to San Fran. take Pacific Coast Highway (aka, PCH or Hwy 1). It will take you through some of the greatest coastal scenery. Monterrey, carmel, etc.

 

Okay, that's great. Thanks. Next?

 

Route going makes as much sense as any.

Going to LA, WHY?
I'd put that on the 'only if I had to' list unless you're going to see something specific. Been through there several times, nothing but misery. But it's a way to get to Hwy 1 I guess.

Hwy 1, absolutely, beautiful.
Same for San Fran. Lots to do/see, many great historical sights, maritime museum, vinyards, etc.
Just don't bend over for any reason. ;-)

Trip home from there isn't bad either, Redwood forests, more scenery.

Y'all enjoy and be safe.

 

The route makes sense- just keep tabs on the weather reports.

re: LA. You don't really go "through" LA- the greater LA area is about 100 miles North-South, and about 65 Miles East to West. It isn't really a city in the conventional sense, it's more like an area. I don't think anyone actually goes downtown- at least no one I know of. Lake Tahoe is nowhere near on the way, unless you're in Reno (other end of Nevada).

One interesting alternative might be to head down I-15 through San Bernadino, stay on I-15 and go directly to San Diego. SD is everything LA used to be- 40 years ago. Sea World, The Zoo, Wildlife Park, Old Town. Lots to do, lots to see.

On the way back, take I-5 north, which runs you through San Clemente. If you want, take Hwy 1 at Dana point towards Laguna and Newport Beach (you can wave to my folks- they're buried on the hill overlooking the Bay in Newport). In Newport, take Macarthur Blvd back to I-405- scenery ends there. I-5 north through LA, past the airport, over the Mullholland Hill, then 101 (Ventura Frwy) north towards SF.

Things to avoid in LA? Ummm.... is LA an answer?

This will take you through Oxnard, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Santa Maria. If you're feeling adventuresome, stop at the Madonna Inn in Santa Maria- you're never seen anything like it (my uncle decorated the thing. "Over the top" doesn't really describe it).

Eventually, you'll wind up in San Fransisco. Keep going north and you'll be smack in the middle of the Redwoods. Awesome- no other word for it. Try to stop in the town of Scotia- right before you hit Eureka. It's a historic old logging town- quite something. the old hotel is worth a visit, but don't eat there unless you brought along the platinum VISA.

If you need to make time from here, take Hwy 38 along the Umpqua River East back to I-5. If the weather's tacky, or if you have time, keep north on 101- there's a half-dozen ways to cross back over.

Can you tell we've done this trip more than once? I think tigerDan lives in lake County- it's along the way, and beeyootiful!

 

The oregon coast is beautiful, definately drive that way at some point.

 

The only interesting drive from Las Vegas to LA is gling through Death Valley. Not exactly on the way but close enough and well worth the time. And since this is winter, the weather is usually perfect. I would go up US 95 and cut off at Beatty. The valley is beutiful, and Las Vegas is as close as you are going to get without making a special trip.
As for the coast, San Deigo is a terrific place to start, and I would stay on the coast until you hit Port Angeles, then take the ferry back to Canada. Give yourself at least 2.5 Days for the California coast and one day each for Oregon and Washington. and don't take 101 north of San Francisco make sure you cut over to Hwy 1. It is very isolated in a few spots and a very slow drive but well worth it. And don't skip the Washington Coast either. It is not at all like the Oregon Coast, hardly a tourist trap in sight.
I doubt there are too many people who have driven Mexico to Canada on the coast, on the same trip. I have done all of it, but in sections. What an adventure, and the worst mother nature could through at you is a little (or a lot of) rain.
The problem is, if you listen to me, you have one, maybe two days in Vegas, but thats all I can handle anyway.

 

Thanks, guys, that's exactly what I'm looking for. We have 2 weeks for this road trip. The reason I brought up LA was... is... my wife wants to go to Disneyland... again... FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW!!! Anyway, I know it's Anaheim. Pretty much straight off I 5. But San Diego sounds pretty good.

 

2 weeks for all of this ?

You're not talking a holiday/vacation Joe,

You're talking an "Endurance Driving" trip.

I did what you are talking about doing in 3 weeks and felt cheated by not being able to actually rest (the idea of a vacation).

Good Luck !


Ps,The Excaliber is a great place to stay in Vegas.

 

I agree with Dennis, a lot of driving for two weeks. It takes me roughly 6 or 7 hours to get to Vancouver, (depending on the border), and going south I figure on 18 hours driving to get to LA, or 24 hours to LV, counting stops. ( I always stop at the Olive Pit and grab munchies.)

The wife and I have been thinking about taking the same trip, but flying down there and renting a car for the drive back. You might be able to do the same thing. Maybe drop the car off in Bellingham and have someone pick you up.

(101 in N. California is a great drive, highly recommended.)

 

I worked for the airlines for almost 43 years. I can fly almost anywhere for free or at a highly reduced rate. If I'm not crossing an ocean, I drive. But then I'm retired. Went back to Memphis last year from So. Calif. Almost 1800 miles each way and it only took me 8 days going and 10 coming back. LOL You miss to much really nice scenery from 35000 feet. If time is a problem and you MUST do 500-600 mile days driving, then fly. Otherwise driving can be fun. Just my opinion.