Deciding on our itinerary was the most fun aspect of the preparation. Having been to California (San Jose side) when I was still single (on a training trip paid for by the company i worked for at that time), I have a pretty good idea where i wanted to bring my family.
First up is Legoland. We are staying near Legoland at Carlsbad (near San Diego) for a good one week. I am quite keen on Legoland. So are the two boys!
Next up is Disneyland at Anaheim. I am contemplating just a two-day hopper ticket as we are not really a 'rides' family. So three nights at Anaheim.
Then we are driving up the west coast to Monterey. This will be a 6 to 8 hour drive (gotta get a hire car with cruise control). I have been to Monterey before and the Aquarium is a must-see. Cannery Row, Carmel, Pebble Beach ... these are the places I want to show my husband around. This is the part of our holiday that is more for grown-ups than for kids. A good three night stay at Monterey should do it.
Then finally, a drive up to San Francisco. I am planning to stay in a hotel at Fisherman's Wharf with a view of the Golden Gate bridge. Now that would be a sight to behold. Four nights at San Francisco, the last leg of our trip. I think by this time we will be so tired of driving. The visit to Yosemite will most likely be an organised tour rather than self-drive!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Comparing airfares ...
Finally, we have air tickets!
I have been very remiss in updating this blog. Life took over ...
I spent these previous months monitoring air fares. In March, there were "kids fly free" tickets, but travel was valid only until July 2009. I have decided that we are visiting California in October, during Sydney's school spring break. This was also ideal, as American children will still be in school; I am hoping that the queues will be shorter. My husband Gambit, can only get away from work for three weeks. Therefore, I planned our trip to last for exactly 18 days, plus extra days to recover from jetlag.
United (Sydney to LA) had the cheapest airfare at $800+ average. I trawled Trip Advisor and concluded that the food was disappointing, no individual TV screens (very important if you are flying with small children), very old planes. The general feedback was that it was not a good experience at all.
Next to be researched was Air New Zealand. They had newish aircraft with individual screens. The stopover at NZ meant longer flying time. Delta airlines (a new addition to the Australian route) seemed to tick all the boxes, but seats were not available on the dates I wanted.
Finally, I decided on V Australia. This was the most direct flight, individual screens, positive food reviews, reasonable price ($1000 average), and updated B777. Also I am a big fan of Sir Richard Branson, as well as being a Velocity cardmember. Things stacked up.
The call centre lady was very helpful. She even called me the next day to sort out some pricing issues as I required a domestic flight from San Francisco to LA. I was quite happy with the booking process on the phone. There is however a surcharge for phone bookings.
I spent these previous months monitoring air fares. In March, there were "kids fly free" tickets, but travel was valid only until July 2009. I have decided that we are visiting California in October, during Sydney's school spring break. This was also ideal, as American children will still be in school; I am hoping that the queues will be shorter. My husband Gambit, can only get away from work for three weeks. Therefore, I planned our trip to last for exactly 18 days, plus extra days to recover from jetlag.
United (Sydney to LA) had the cheapest airfare at $800+ average. I trawled Trip Advisor and concluded that the food was disappointing, no individual TV screens (very important if you are flying with small children), very old planes. The general feedback was that it was not a good experience at all.
Next to be researched was Air New Zealand. They had newish aircraft with individual screens. The stopover at NZ meant longer flying time. Delta airlines (a new addition to the Australian route) seemed to tick all the boxes, but seats were not available on the dates I wanted.
Finally, I decided on V Australia. This was the most direct flight, individual screens, positive food reviews, reasonable price ($1000 average), and updated B777. Also I am a big fan of Sir Richard Branson, as well as being a Velocity cardmember. Things stacked up.
The call centre lady was very helpful. She even called me the next day to sort out some pricing issues as I required a domestic flight from San Francisco to LA. I was quite happy with the booking process on the phone. There is however a surcharge for phone bookings.
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