California, avoid due to wildfires??
Jan 9th, 2016, 06:40 PM
#1
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California, avoid due to wildfires??
My 30th birthday is this July and I really want to head West. My "rough draft" plan was to fly into San Francisco, rent RV, drive to Yosemite, then drive to Sequoia, then back to San Francisco to fly back home to Chicago, all over the course of 6-7 days. Being that it is July and current meteorological outlooks on the drought are not optimistic, should I scrap my plans? Really worried we are going to spend a whole lot of money on plane tickets only to end up not being able to go due to wildfires. 4-5 adults and one 2.5 year old. #Californiawildfire #Yosemite #sequoia #30thbirthday #RVrental #SanFrancisco #California #drought #not sure if this type of tag works here
Jan 9th, 2016, 06:57 PM
#2
It's been raining for weeks and snowpack is well above normal. Not sure what forecasts you're reading. If you're worried, there are no guarantees so plan for somewhere else. I think that's always the best idea, plan to not worry.
Jan 9th, 2016, 07:03 PM
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And if it's reassuring at all- the wildfires were bad last year but they didn't really seem to hit California until after I left (late July). I had no problems at all until I drove into southern Oregon at the beginning of August.
I'm happy to hear CA is finally getting some rain, mmeperdu! The drought conditions last summer were sobering.
I'm happy to hear CA is finally getting some rain, mmeperdu! The drought conditions last summer were sobering.
Jan 10th, 2016, 03:57 AM
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Wow I didn't expect so many responses let alone overnight! Thank you! Here is the site I read:http://www.acwa.com/sites/default/fi...nfographic.pdf however I just read this which sounds more current and promising:http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2...el-nino-rains/ @janisj No we have absolutely zero experience driving an Rv anywhere, we are flatlanders who usually drive to camp somewhere. However, they're is no way we could drive from Chicago to California and camp,it would be a two week trip instead of one which we can't do. And it sounds like a nightmare to pack camping stuff to fly with... so RV was really the only option. Driving a car or SUV also doesn't sound exciting at all, we do that everyday, you know? So what do I need to know? There seems to be RV parks all over, so I was hoping we could drive without the full tank of water and fill as we arrive at our destinations, and take bathroom breaks at gas stations in between. Our longest drive is only 4 hours so not bad... thanks again for all your responses! I know this is an ambitious plan, but you only turn 30 once! And I have never been West at all so this is important to me.
Jan 10th, 2016, 06:03 AM
#9
>>However, they're is no way we could drive from Chicago to California and camp>so RV was really the only option.>No we have absolutely zero experience driving an Rv anywhere, we are flatlanders >Our longest drive is only 4 hours so not bad…
Jan 10th, 2016, 07:37 AM
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I would just add that since you are concerned about possible wildfires causing the waste of expensive airlines tickets, have you even checked into renting an RV yet?
They are extremely expensive. Rental + mileage+gas+kitchen kit fee+sleep kit fee+cleaning fee+dumping fee +initial deposit+possible damages. Add campground fees and hassle of not being an experienced RV driver or camper.
I think you would have more fun either staying in motels or car camping, but car camping with a toddler is difficult and stressful if you haven't done it a lot and have everything figured out.
They are extremely expensive. Rental + mileage+gas+kitchen kit fee+sleep kit fee+cleaning fee+dumping fee +initial deposit+possible damages. Add campground fees and hassle of not being an experienced RV driver or camper.
I think you would have more fun either staying in motels or car camping, but car camping with a toddler is difficult and stressful if you haven't done it a lot and have everything figured out.
Jan 10th, 2016, 07:41 AM
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One other point in the RV rental, you usually can't pick up before late afternoon and you have to return them usually mid morning. That means you are paying a full days rental for a day you don't get to fully use. This will have an impact on your 6 or 7 days. You also can't return them on Sundays since the rental offices are usually closed on Sunday's. Planning your trip just got more complicated.
Jan 10th, 2016, 11:18 AM
#16
I can't imagine taking pot luck with Yosemite lodging in July, sorry. I've seen the line out the door with people hoping for a cancellation.
Reserve now, even if you later cancel. The policy is pretty liberal.
Otherwise you will driving hours extra in and out of the park with toddlers, on top of standing in line for the shuttle buses.
Reserve now, even if you later cancel. The policy is pretty liberal.
Otherwise you will driving hours extra in and out of the park with toddlers, on top of standing in line for the shuttle buses.
Jan 10th, 2016, 11:32 AM
#17
I don't think anyone is suggesting arriving in Yosemite without a reservation somewhere. The reference, I believe, is to cancellations prior to arrival - keep checking during the weeks beforehand.
Jan 10th, 2016, 11:41 AM
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Are you aware of all the extra costs involved in renting an RV? Here is an article written by an RVr from the TA forums to give you an idea:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g2...ht.For.Us.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g2...ht.For.Us.html
