I did this trip in April,I found it to be a wonderful exciting holiday, you make me feel I was coming with you, I would love to do it again, but not yet as other places to visit on my list. Yes it it a lovely view from the plane, I did quite a bit of walking about to keep my circulation going, so managed to see some great views looking through the windows. Alcatraz is best done in the morning to avoid the crowds, I and some others went at 9.10 which was quite busy, however when we came off at lunch time it was very busy.

San Francisco is fantastic, don,t forget to go on the trams, up and down the the roads.wonderful views.

Had a Fantastic time in Universal Studios, I did not think it was for me as I am 69, It was a wonderful experience.

Went over the Canyon in the plane, wonderful views.

Vegas is Amazing have a look in as many hotels as you can, they are fantastic

Yes the views from the top of the Hotel are amazing.

Hope you enjoy the experience as much as I did

It's always great to hear from people who have actually been on the trip - the little gems of information are invaluable.

The one excursion I didn't book was Universal studios, only because I want to see the space shuttle at the space museum and I don't know if I will have time for both - if I do have time, then I will.

I have never been to America before so the whole experience will be new..........can't believe I am going to see so many great things on the tour..................are you sure you don't wanna come with.........there are spaces left !!

Carol

Hi Steve

I can't wait to go to an American bar - they always look great on the telly.

I have been looking at the bars that have a shooting range - I fancy having a blast on a machine gun !!

I found out we fly over Greenland so the views from the plane should be great.

The views from the top of our hotel in Vegas should be amazing too.

What king of camera/video are you taking ?

Carol

HI Carol

Yes, Im sure there will be plenty of American Bars out there for us. 🙂

I just googled bars with shooting range. Ill have to see it to believe it.

Beer and Bullets! Only in America.

I was looking at the STraophere Hotel online and some people reckon its the best view in Vegas. Imagine having a few drinks in that Bar up the tower and enjoying the view of vegas in the evening sun. Cant wait!

The views at a place called VOODOO Bar and Manadalay Bay are supposed to be brilliant too.

I got a small digi camera which im taking. Not brill but should be sufficient. Ive got a habit of losing cameras. You got a good camera?

Steve

Thanks for the advice.

Were insects (mosqitos and gnats) are problem out there?

I get bitten like hell in the UK.

THanks

Steve

Seems like we are gradually putting together a bit of a "to do " list..........Which is great .......have you heard of any good bars in SF or LA ?

I'm taking a video camera and a mini ipad.......I can upload a few maps onto it.

I've got to go suitcase hunting tomorrow !!

How are things with you ?

Carol

Im fine thanks, You?

Ive been looking at bars etc in SF and according to most North Beach and Downtown areas are the best. Bars in LA seem to be around West Hollywood and the Beach Bars in and around Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu. Im not a Nerd but one place I got to go to is in the centre. My Fav film is HEAT (de niro and Pacino) and the famous scene where that meet in café is there in Wilshire Bvld.

All the best with suitcase shopping, Its going to be 29 degrees in south Wales today.

Have a warm weekend!

Steve

The film "Heat" has so many great locations around LA - brilliant film

I Really want to see Santa Monica - they filmed a part of "Heat" there as well.

I've postponed the suitcase shopping - too hot !! It is getting even hotter next week............we will be well prepared for Vegas. If this heat carries on we might find Vegas a bit chilly (ha-ha)

I've wondered how many people are on the tour..........there are still free spaces........I'll post the question on the site

Have a good weekend.....keep cool

Carol

Just wanted to introduce myself as I've recently booked to go on this trip...my first just you tour! Really looking forward to it all and like some of you, hoping to have time to go to Alcatraz...and John Muirs, and the boat tour in the bay. Think I will just book Alcatraz when we are there as I'm not sure of the timings of things. Those who have already booked who did you use?

I guess at 31 I'm going to be at the younger end of the scale, but regardless I'm sure it will be a fantastic trip and I'm looking forward to meeting you all.

Dawn

https://www.alcatrazcruises.com .

im sure age wont matter but Im not much older than you (36).

See you 16th Sept

Steve

Dawn

Great to hear from you...........I asked on another thread how many people were going and there are 35 of us so far with an age range from mid twenties to mid seventies....I am hoping age won't matter on the trip as I am 60 (certainly don't feel it and hope I don't look it)....but I am certainly looking forward to seeing as much as I can and having a great time

Looking forward to seeing you

Carol

How are you doing....not long to go now !!

Carol

I'm fine thanks. How are you?

Yes, 1 month today and we'll be in San F. Cant believe it!

I cancelled my alcatraz trip, I better wait until receive the final itinerary and then ill book again.

How much money do you think youll spend during the holiday?

Im wondering how much i need to exchange but ill prob take a CC to be safe

Steve

I've done the same as you and held off Alcatraz until I know where the other excursions fit in.

I have exchanged £200 and I am taking a couple of credit cards - Haven't got a clue how much I'll get through.

Your favourite film "Heat" was on telly a couple of weeks back !!

Have you seen pictures of the hotel in Palm Springs - looks amazing ??

Carol

Yes, the Hyatt at palm Spings looks good. I havent looked at that hotel before. Rooms have living room and balcony. Shame we only there for 1 night. I just realised that we only got 1 full day in LA, not much time there.

Ive got HEAT on DVD. I plan on watching it the night beforewe go, to get me in the mood. Bit of luck we'll bump into De Niro or Pacino in LA!

Its 40 degrees in Vegas this weekend.

Steve

Thanks for that Steve, think I might book Alcatraz before we go as it does seem to be pretty popular. Hoping the timings with the other trips will work out fine.

Dawn

Hi Dawn, if you take a look at the website for Alcatraz that Steve suggested and check the calendar it will give you an idea of how fast the tours book up. As of today, it looks as though the first day trip available is Sept 3. Not sure how popular Sept will be, I was there in April and those who didn't book in advance had problems getting tickets. Sue

2 weeks to go. The wait is almost over.

Ive had a txt message on my phone saying that the Documents have been sent out.

Steve

I received my paperwork yesterday - I booked Alcatraz for the third day at 10.00 am - I almost forgot to print off the ticket !!

The days are going really quickly now - just need to sort out my coach travel to heathrow.

Are you packed yet ? I still have ironing to do....

Do you know if there are mosquitoes where we are going ??

Carol

Just wondering is anyone else trying to fit in Alcatraz and the trip to John Muirs woods? I've asked and asked for times of the John Muirs trip but no joy. I've already booked on the 10.30am trip to Alcatraz on the 18th but now I'm thinking I will probably have to book an evening trip too as I bet it clashes with the John Muirs woods trip. Is anyone else struggling with this too? have people booked Alatraz and what time boats have they gone for?

Thanks

Dawn