1 Month Pacific Coast road trip

Hey everyone,

I will be off in May for a 1 month road trip from Vancouver - San Diego and just wanted some tips from people on a couple of key issues.

1 - Any must see attractions (maybe the not so well known) can you get a 1 month pass for the national parks or is it cheaper to buy them when we get there?

2 - We will be renting a car as its only for 1 month. Do you think this is the best option? and what type of money should i be thinking of taking (on a budget)

Any other tips welcome, i look forward to hearing from you

Kind Regards

Samuel

Renting a car is the only option, I doubt you would want to buy the car that you would sell a month after you bought it.

As for the companies and the deals they offer, from my experience I would recommend Budget. They had and still have, by far, the best deals available. For example, on my last trip (in 2007; NYC - SFO) I rented a Ford Taurus '05, monthly fee, unlimited mileage (I put more than 5000 miles on it), Loss damage waiver and Supplemental liability insurance included. It cost me just over $1000, and they charged me no drop-off fee.

I recommend you do your homework and do some internet research. For example, on this last trip my starting point was NYC, however, rates are higher in big cities and at the airports. I seched for Budget locations in NJ, and found the best deal in a small, remote location some 1,5 hrs from NYC. I asked a friend to give me a ride, and saved more than $1000 by just renting a car outside a big city/airport.

Good luck in your search and be patient!

Hi,

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1 - Any must see attractions (maybe the not so well known) can you get a 1 month pass for the national parks or is it cheaper to buy them when we get there?

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There are many attractions but what is a "must see" for one person might not be so for another. Have a good look around the forums and use the search button to get info.
The National parks pass is valid for one year and costs $80 for a car and it's occupants. If you are planning on visiting 4 or more parks they are usually better value then paying at each one individually.

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2 - We will be renting a car as its only for 1 month. Do you think this is the best option? and what type of money should i be thinking of taking (on a budget)

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To get around under your own steam and do what you want to do then it really is the only option. I would use the search engine and find the best deals to suit your needs on line.

You will not be able to rent a car in Vancouver to drop off anywhere in the US other than maybe Seattle. I'd recommend you take the bus from Vancouver to Seattle and rent the car there.