"@janisj The insurance broker is great thing . Thanks for mentioning it. Will check it out for sure to get good deal."

Just to clarify . . . I didn't mean an insurance broker but a rental car broker. These are companies sort of like consolidators that represent more than one rental agency. The ones I was talking about will bundle all the costs (insurance, one way drop off, etc) into one all inclusive rate for visitors from overseas. That's why I suggested you ask around there in Austria - travel agents or maybe friends who have rented cars over here.

A lot of Americans use AutoEurope when renting in Europe and AE also do rentals in the States but from what I've read in various trip reports, companies based in Europe and Australia work out better deals for their residents. Wish I could give you more details --

https://www.pacificahotels.com

Look for discounts and specials on their website.

I don’t know your budget, but Pacifica Hotels has many places to stay along your route, particularly along the coast. We have stayed at several: Cottage Inn, Inn at the Pier, and Spyglass in Pismo Beach. Blue Sea Beach Hotel on Pacific Beach in San Diego and Marina Del Rey Hotel. Friends have stayed at several of the places on Moonstone Beach in Cambria.

Here are my recommendations for the San Francisco Bay Area.

https://www.fodors.com/community/uni...ations-356478/

Stu Dudley

@janisj Thank for the info. I got you wrong then. My bad. But it does not matter. A rentel car broker is also very useful. Will check it out.

@MichelleY Thanks for the Hotel recommodation will check it out.

Thanks for the San Franciso Tipps.@StuDudley


@All Thanks for your help again. That is really great forum. You really helped me out a lot to plan my route in California.

I do agree about checking with European auto rental brokers because of insurance, but also it is worth keeping an eye on the US rental agencies as well-but knowing you will probably have to count on paying for additional daily insurance. And also just checking on US-based agency websites in Austria. For example, when we rent we check both Hertz.com and Hertz.fr. And sometimes we get a better deal on one versus the other. In any case, by keeping an eye on what the US prices are, it will give you something to compare prices if you work with a European car agency or broker of some sort.

I personally would not feel very comfortable taking the train/bus combo to LAX on the day of my flight. It takes a long time and you could end up be delayed on the train or bus portion. If I did that, then I would make sure to come up to LA the day before and stay in a hotel near the airport that has a free shuttle. And if that is the case you are probably better to just drive yourself up and leave the car at LAX. But you will have a better idea once you get closer to your dates and start comparing prices on flights. San Diego is a much smaller and sim0pler airport to depart from so if the Munich flight or London Heathrow flight works for you, I think those would be good choices. And I mentioned earlier, you could also take a San Diego flight to a larger city like NYC or Chicago or other large city and then transfer to the European leg of your trip.

It's difficult to predict how this year will pan out, but generally lodging prices will drop mid-September along the Calfornia coast., in some places to less than half of what they are in July and August. If you want to stretch the budget, my advice would be to visit mid-October into November.

to help with your budget/planning. note that rental cars (car hire) for a 3 week trip starting in San Francisco and dropping in Los Angeles are currently looking at close to $500US per week, but that includes taxes and all the insurances that you need to purchase as a non-resident.

Rental car prices are still a bit high (for us who live here in the US) as well, due to pandemic shortages.
When the pandemic started in early 2020, many places were closed, on lockdown, etc. and a lot of people stopped traveling, so much so that rental car companies sold or repositioned a lot of their fleet, reducing capacity. When places started to open up, in mid 2021, demand for travel and means to do so, increased but supply was not there (including both rental and cars to sell, both new and used). So prices for rental cars are still high right now, as well as cars to buy (I just bought a new Honda in June and paid more than normal). Wait until a month or two out to book your rental car, you normally do not have to pay until you pick it up.

jpie Yes I have to agree. I would also not feel save to tak a bus or train to the airport at the day of the departure. Delays due tue heavy traffic or other unforseen events could lead to missing the plane which would be very bad. Going one day before leaving to airport already and stay in a hotel near there would be sound option. I will also take into consideration leaving San Diego Airport with a flight to another US big city airport and fly back from Europe from there like you said. That is really a good recommendation. I will research in every direction.

clarkgriswold That's good to know. Thanks kfor advice going from Mid October to Mid November would also be possible. I am very flexible with my plan. I will keep a close eye on everything and then book when the time is right.

For decent budget plan it is very good to keep a close eye on everything.