You guys schooled me on Cruises, now school me about San Francisco

[Hondaracer]

The amount of money this trip is going to cost you could rent a house on the lake in the Okanagan and a boat for a week

[68style]

Yah man take your kiddos to Kelowna... SF is a fucking pain in the ass to do anything in even as an adult let alone with complaining kids

[mikemhg]

Take em to Penticton or Osoyoos, way better for kids, like others have said, rent a pontoon for a few days and have a blast.

[BIC_BAWS]

Idk about Kelowna, but this past weekend I drove past somewhere that I went for a school trip (I was 12?) and remember how my friends and I used to say that we should find this road again when we're older - I found the road. Someone else on the trip with me also reminisced about the same thing and it dawned on us how valuable childhood memories like these are.

Strathcona Park Lodge and Outdoor Education Center. 4 days, 3 nights with lodging, meals, activities and a guide, will run you about $4500 tho (2 kids + 2 adults).

I don't think my school trip came to that much money, but it was definitely an unforgettable experience.



This was a 5 min "hike" LOL





Here's a shitty pic of the lodge from the other side of the lake.. insane full circle moment

[murd0c]

I did the night tour when they first started them about 9 years ago and it was fantstic. Man I used to really love SF such a great place to walk around and bar hop day and night. LA is starting to turn into the same shit hole, the only thing thats saving that from happening is Hollywood.

[CivicBlues]

Same I can't believe people here are suggesting going to car dependent hellscapes like LA, San Diego over SF. Sure I guess if you want to just hop from beach to theme park to hotel if that's your jam. SF along with NYC, Chicago and New Orleans are basically the only true cities in America that can hold it's own against European cities as destinations in their own right.

I hope his kids are old/mature enough to appreciate that, even if they're part of the iPad generation.

[bcrdukes]

Originally Posted by CivicBlues

I hope his kids are old/mature enough to appreciate that, even if they're part of the iPad generation.

Of the times dark0821 came out to meets, his kids were on their iPads or phones most of the time.

[Traum]

Originally Posted by noclue

I actually had someone tell me with a straight face why bother traveling when you can see it on youtube while you can use the money saved and buy a handbag which lasts longer than a vacation. I was flabbergasted that someone can be that materialistic

This is exactly what we have subtituted vacation travel with. Except that we didn't use the money saved to buy any handbags. Or bought anything, really.

[Hondaracer]

Biggest detractor to me in US travel is the exchange rate, there’s no value in these destinations.

SF isn’t like a Switzerland where you willingly get fucked in the ass because the upsides are worth it. SF seems like you’re just visiting any other North American city, checking out their version of the DTES, and paying $18 a beer and $60 for a burger

With such a weak dollar stuff adds up fast. And I can’t say how certain people travel but imo there’s typically two types. There’s the type who don’t think about how much things cost and you just do what you would normally do and accept the bills later

Then there’s people who go to places like these and are intentionally frugal. Imo if you’re this latter type of traveller, I don’t even know why you’d consider destinations like these. There’s no value in them. You cannot step outside of your accommodation without spending literally hundreds of dollars a day in basic expenses.

Not sure where the OP falls but given the current exchange rate and all other circumstances SF just doesn’t seem like an attractive destination unless you’re such an experienced traveller that you’re just ticking off specific experiences imo

[CivicBlues]

lol
I know you're obsessed with harping on about homeless drug addicts in this city and others but pretending that the Tenderloin is the entirety of SF or that it should be only for experienced travellers is insane.

Recent troubles aside, it's still an iconic city with great sights, lovely views, and just a fun overall city. It's one of the most visited cities in the US by domestic and international tourists, probably 2nd only to NYC. And also if it wasn't, there wouldn't be a huge list of suggestions on page 1 and 2 of this thread from RS members.

I will give this to you, it's not a good time to do leisure travel to the US in general right now given the exchange rate and uhh...political climate. But otherwise once these things subside, it will still be on the top of my recommends list.

[bcrdukes]

Originally Posted by Hondaracer

Not sure where the OP falls but given the current exchange rate and all other circumstances SF just doesn’t seem like an attractive destination unless you’re such an experienced traveller that you’re just ticking off specific experiences imo

To answer your question, directly from the OP.

Originally Posted by dark0821

Also, remember Dark is cheap af.... so dont suggest crazy places that is like $150 per person, unless its a lifetime unforgettable experience~

[Hondaracer]

Originally Posted by CivicBlues

lol
I know you're obsessed with harping on about homeless drug addicts in this city and others but pretending that the Tenderloin is the entirety of SF or that it should be only for experienced travellers is insane.

Recent troubles aside, it's still an iconic city with great sights, lovely views, and just a fun overall city. It's one of the most visited cities in the US by domestic and international tourists, probably 2nd only to NYC. And also if it wasn't, there wouldn't be a huge list of suggestions on page 1 and 2 of this thread from RS members.

I will give this to you, it's not a good time to do leisure travel to the US in general right now given the exchange rate and uhh...political climate. But otherwise once these things subside, it will still be on the top of my recommends list.

Why do you need to get on a plane to see homeless? We’ve got our own homeless at home!

I dunno SF has never really been up there for me. Would love to go to Napa one day but SF has never been a destination that I considered other than “if I was in the area”

Edit* just as an example costs with the CAD/USD exchange

2 adults and 2 kids for the Alcatraz day tour will be over $250 CAD for a 2.5 hour tour

[mikemhg]

I do agree with Honda on the value proposition.

The exchange rate right now sucks, you really aren't getting your dollar value IMHO in the US right now, Europe isn't cheap now either, but with kids it's not like you have a ton of options.

[bcrdukes]

Kids ruin everything!

[Gumby]

There's always Asia (i.e. South Korea, Japan)...

A few years ago when I went on vacations with my kids (with my intention of escaping from chores and showing them new places/cultures) I was always wary of spending a bunch of money and planning the itinerary around them, only to hear them complain and want to go back to the hotel. After 2 weeks, we'd come back home to a ton of work and I would wonder was that even worth it?

Now that they are older (currently 17 and 11), I think the last 2 years they have finally started to appreciate going places. Last year we went to Japan and this year HK and they actually have good things to say about the trips.

[CivicBlues]

Originally Posted by Hondaracer

Why do you need to get on a plane to see homeless? We’ve got our own homeless at home!

I dunno SF has never really been up there for me. Would love to go to Napa one day but SF has never been a destination that I considered other than “if I was in the area”

Edit* just as an example costs with the CAD/USD exchange

2 adults and 2 kids for the Alcatraz day tour will be over $250 CAD for a 2.5 hour tour

A great city is more than it's sum of it's homeless people and tourist traps . Just get over it with the whole homeless thing dude, it's causing you mental stress I can tell.

Like I said, the relatively recent effects of inflation and exchange rate changes doesn't negate the fact it's still one of America's premier cities. So what if you spend a couple grand more than you intended if you can afford? You don't have to live there.

We went to NYC, DC, Boston, Philly last year around this time when the exchange rate was the same and spent about $2000 more than I intended (I usually budget pretty accurately to the closest $200) Still had a great time everywhere despite how "dirty" these places seem on the surface. Not everyone needs to vacation in perfectly curated resorts or first world countries (insert joke here about the US being the world's richest 3rd world country)

[Hondaracer]

Yea I never budget :shrug: maybe that’s my issue lol

[Gumby]

Originally Posted by dark0821

Also, remember Dark is cheap af.... so dont suggest crazy places that is like $150 per person, unless its a lifetime unforgettable experience~

This will appeal to your cheapness:

If you are planning on visiting any museums, check to see if it's part of the ASTC program: https://www.astc.org/membership/find...mber/passport/

Assuming yes, you can buy an annual family membership (2 adults, 2 kids up to age 18) at Science World for $264.60 with promo code "summer20" (expires Aug 31) for 20% off the regular price of $315.

With the Science World membership, you can visit all of the museums that participate in the ASTC program for free (excluding any special exhibits/presentations/etc.).

[Great68]

We went to San Francisco in 2013, and had a pretty good time. I was being sent on a 3 day trip for work, so we just paid for my wife's airfare and a few additional days of hotel (we stayed at the JW Mariott in union square) to stretch it out into an extended vacation. The food was amazing, we got a bit of the VIP treatment with the restaurants the hosts took us on the work nights.

I agree that I don't think downtown SF really has all that much that I think kids would find overly interesting.

The walkability is pretty amazing, we walked everywhere from the hotel:
- Coit Tower
- House of Prime Rib
- Lombard St
- The full 10km from the ferry building to the Golden gate Bridge along the waterfront/beaches and back....

The most memorable night was our last night, we were sitting on the hotel's 21st floor outdoor patio having some wine when we could see a building across the way that with flashing lights and looked like people dancing. I said to my wife "we have to find that place", and out we went, turns out it was a nightclub called the "Starlight Room" on the 21st floor of the Beacon Grand. Had a great time there for the rest of the night. Then we almost missed our flight out the next morning lol.

[!LittleDragon]

I was just there because grandma gave up the ghost... 2 burger combos at Smashburger came to almost $60 CAD... just FYI... lol... oh and I didn't step foot into San Fran... spent most of my time in San Jose/Silicon Valley, it's much warmer... lol


If you want House of Prime Rib, make your reservations now.

[bcrdukes]

I'm sorry for your loss, but happy you enjoyed some expensive burgers?

[Great68]

You know, House of Prime Rib was allright. It was neat from a "old timey Restaurant" perspective for the experience, but the prime rib itself was just allright, nothing that "knocked my socks off". I've cooked it better at home. The way they salt bake it doesn't give it any Maillard crust, which I like to have on mine.

IMO it's one of those "one and done" restaurants.

[Badhobz]

I just like seeing the meat blimp and the fresh made sides. Oh and If you get the Louis the xiiiiiv or whatever cut, you can ask for another slice when you’re finished. They will also top up your sides.

[!LittleDragon]

Yeah, it's not the best prime rib I've had. That's gotta go to Duke's in Waikiki for me... you go to a place like that for the experience, table side salad, etc...

It's like Tojo's... it's good but not great, you wouldn't go there normally unless you're on vacation or trying to impress someone.

Go with the English cut, a thick slab of prime rib takes a while to eat and dries out while eating it... 2-3 thinner slices work better... and don't be shy when they ask if you've had enough. They don't want you to leave hungry, they'll happily give you another slice, no charge..

[underscore]

Originally Posted by CivicBlues

Same I can't believe people here are suggesting going to car dependent hellscapes like LA, San Diego over SF.

I don't really get the appeal of LA. I personally hate it because their terrible traffic turned a 30 minute drive into a 2 hour drive and I missed a flight out of their dump of an airport once lol.