Holidays

Manc in London said:
We are going to San Francisco, Carmel, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and NY from 8 July.

We have been to NY a number of times so know it well.

Anyone got any tips on the places in California listed above?

I know the obvious, such as avoid Union Square and SOMA at nights, get a travel pass for SF, go to Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate etc..

Maybe @FogBlueInSanFran cannot help?

Any tips much much appreciated. Ta
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Was in Cali two years ago. Flew into San Fran, then hired a car and drove up to Fort Bragg/Noyo and back to SF via Mendocino, Bodega Bay and Point Reyes. It was a three day trip to visit some movie locations and see some coastal redwoods, but it might be the most beautiful bit of coast I’ve ever been to. Then three days in SF, did Fisherman’s Wharf, Amoeba Records, TransAmerica building, Union Square etc - felt fairly safe when we were there, but then I used to work in Brazzaville and Malabo, so might not be the best judge - take local advice. Most of the city smelled of weed.

We then travelled down to Santa Monica via Carmel, Monterey (big John Steinbeck fan) and the coastal highway. Carmel is pretty and expensive - I liked Monterey more. Both are good for a day visit though.

Have a good time - I’ve been to California 3 times and all three visits have been great.
 
diegoalv said:
Anyone got a recommendation for an all-inclusive hotel in Europe with good kids’ entertainment? Open to any location
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We did Palm Wings Ephesus in Kusadasi last year and it was brilliant. There was a waterpark, 3 pools, loads of bars/restaurants etc and the food was brilliant. It was on the beach and had watersports which you had to pay for.

Entertainment wise plenty for the kids to do during the day with the usual games etc and there was an arcade, shows etc. The day trip to Ephesus was incredible it's one of the ancient wonders of the world and the city is similar to Pompeii.

I was a bit unsure about Turkey but it was a brilliant holiday. In Kusadasi there was no mithering etc etc and it was very relaxing. The ice cream sellers do the little shows as well which was great to see.

Obviously I've not been everywhere but a few friends have said you get a lot more in Turkey than in Greece etc. We are doing Greece this year and to be honest I wish we had booked Turkey again for what we are getting!
 
Streetsweeper said:
Was in Cali two years ago. Flew into San Fran, then hired a car and drove up to Fort Bragg/Noyo and back to SF via Mendocino, Bodega Bay and Point Reyes. It was a three day trip to visit some movie locations and see some coastal redwoods, but it might be the most beautiful bit of coast I’ve ever been to. Then three days in SF, did Fisherman’s Wharf, Amoeba Records, TransAmerica building, Union Square etc - felt fairly safe when we were there, but then I used to work in Brazzaville and Malabo, so might not be the best judge - take local advice. Most of the city smelled of weed.

We then travelled down to Santa Monica via Carmel, Monterey (big John Steinbeck fan) and the coastal highway. Carmel is pretty and expensive - I liked Monterey more. Both are good for a day visit though.

Have a good time - I’ve been to California 3 times and all three visits have been great.
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Thank you for the tips. Much appreciated.

As for the smell of weed, we experienced the same in New York and Vegas, and to less of a degree in DC (probably because we were based on (in?) the Capitol Hill area.

We cannot head north of SF in this instance as we don't have the time. However, in the future I do fancy travelling from Seattle to the costal area south west of Portland. Oregon and Washington State both really appeal to me.

Having last been to the States just a couple of years, I appreciate how expensive it is. $120 for a basic meal for three (no alcohol) and then $14 for a pint of US beer! A couple of hotels on the coast that we are staying in are no better than Premier Inns and they are costing us close to £300 per night. The hotel we are staying in Manhattan is a little bit better quality but more expensive. It will be our last trip to the US for a few years.
 
Manc in London said:
Thank you for the tips. Much appreciated.

As for the smell of weed, we experienced the same in New York and Vegas, and to less of a degree in DC (probably because we were based on (in?) the Capitol Hill area.

We cannot head north of SF in this instance as we don't have the time. However, in the future I do fancy travelling from Seattle to the costal area south west of Portland. Oregon and Washington State both really appeal to me.

Having last been to the States just a couple of years, I appreciate how expensive it is. $120 for a basic meal for three (no alcohol) and then $14 for a pint of US beer! A couple of hotels on the coast that we are staying in are no better than Premier Inns and they are costing us close to £300 per night. The hotel we are staying in Manhattan is a little bit better quality but more expensive. It will be our last trip to the US for a few years.
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I said the same about the US after my last visit in September 2022 (Florida) really had gone expensive.

Previous visit was to Vegas and New York for Mrs H’s 60th, brilliant time but so expensive compared to our previous trips, exchange rate has had a big effect.

Just a recommendation for anyone, when in New York we stayed at the Citizen M hotel near Times Square, rooms quite small but the hotel itself is fantastic with a great rooftop terrace bar and the lobby/lounge is so cosy. It was around £200 a night when we were there, just had a look and it’s around £250 a night now, expensive but good value in what for me is the greatest City I’ve visited, love the place. Whilst your there visit Rudi’s Dive Bar for an experience, it’s cheap and there’s plenty of characters in there plus you get a free hot dog! (9th Avenue)
rudysbarnyc.com

Cheap Beer NYC | Rudy's Bar & Grill | United States

Historic NYC dive bar since 1933 in Hell's Kitchen. Enjoy cheap beer, free hot dogs, and the ultimate local vibe near Times Square. A gem for locals & tourists!
rudysbarnyc.com rudysbarnyc.com
 
hammocity said:
I said the same about the US after my last visit in September 2022 (Florida) really had gone expensive.

Previous visit was to Vegas and New York for Mrs H’s 60th, brilliant time but so expensive compared to our previous trips, exchange rate has had a big effect.

Just a recommendation for anyone, when in New York we stayed at the Citizen M hotel near Times Square, rooms quite small but the hotel itself is fantastic with a great rooftop terrace bar and the lobby/lounge is so cosy. It was around £200 a night when we were there, just had a look and it’s around £250 a night now, expensive but good value in what for me is the greatest City I’ve visited, love the place. Whilst your there visit Rudi’s Dive Bar for an experience, it’s cheap and there’s plenty of characters in there plus you get a free hot dog! (9th Avenue)
rudysbarnyc.com

Cheap Beer NYC | Rudy's Bar & Grill | United States

Historic NYC dive bar since 1933 in Hell's Kitchen. Enjoy cheap beer, free hot dogs, and the ultimate local vibe near Times Square. A gem for locals & tourists!
rudysbarnyc.com rudysbarnyc.com
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Thanks, Blue.

Re the rooftop bar, does it sell food and, if so, is it a place I can take my 16 year old pest?

I want to check out the Bixby Hotel (used to be Hotel Metro) to see if they allow youngsters on the rooftop terrace. Stayed there years ago and I see they still have a rooftop bar, which has an amazing view of the ESB.
 
Manc in London said:
Thanks, Blue.

Re the rooftop bar, does it sell food and, if so, is it a place I can take my 16 year old pest?

I want to check out the Bixby Hotel (used to be Hotel Metro) to see if they allow youngsters on the rooftop terrace. Stayed there years ago and I see they still have a rooftop bar, which has an amazing view of the ESB.
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Just looked it up, it’s 21 years plus and I think it’s just drinks which is a shame for your party. I’m sure the Concierge at your hotel will be able to fix you up somewhere, £58! They know how to charge in NYC! Hope you have a great time.
 
hammocity said:
Just looked it up, it’s 21 years plus and I think it’s just drinks which is a shame for your party. I’m sure the Concierge at your hotel will be able to fix you up somewhere, £58! They know how to charge in NYC! Hope you have a great time.
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Thanks. Having an u21 in the party really is not helpful. The missus does not drink either. I need to go there with mates one time
 
ob said:
Currently drinking mojitos under an umbrella laying on a sunbed on South Beach Miami. Forecasted storm's not materialised yet. Off on day trip to everglades tomorrow
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That must be an insanely large cocktail if you are under its umbrella. Yanks do everything larger.
Have a great trip!!!
 
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DTKOAG said:
Just booked 5 nights for Seville in August.
Hot hot hot..
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Hottest place in Spain I believe but apparently a great City.

Take some Minty Knob Fresh to put down your keks when it’s causing sweating problems in the nether regions, my mate came up with the idea many years ago, surprisingly no one took it up but we do now have Tena Men!
 
Just spent couple hours going round Wynwood Walls Street Art Museum in Miami. Not really I to art but something I fancied taking a look at and it was really enjoyable and an insight into how some of the works are done. Highly recommended if ever in Miami
 
RobMCFC said:
My favourite city that I’ve visited (actually been twice).

But what on earth possessed you to book for August?

Anyway, best of luck and hope you enjoy the amazing sites Seville has to offer.
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Haha yes we just decided on a short break and got a decent city break.
Think it was 30 degrees in February..
 
Amazing airmanship over the sunkissed bays of Cleethorpes.


Avro Lancaster and Typhoon low level flypast over Cleethorpe Pier


Armed Forces Weekend. We've secured a Premier inn advance booking blinder by participating in an invited deal of a Premier Inn with an all you can eat full English Breakfast thrown in at no extra charge. How very British of them.
And then, after the weekend subsides, we've secured a front row seaview signature caravan for a midweek break in the sun. Positively soiling our trews in anticipation and very much looking forward to the battle of Britain fly over.

Full details and itinary for any and all enthuisiasts. June 27th, 28th & 29th 2025
www.afmet.co.uk

Events Programme | Armed Forces Major Events Team | Cleethorpes | North East Lincolnshire

The Armed Forces Weekend is brought to you by a team of volunteers. It is a completely free event which is entirely funded by sponsorship and donations. We support our armed forces community not for a weekend, but throughout the year offering facilities within our hive as a one-stop-shop where...
www.afmet.co.uk www.afmet.co.uk
 
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Protein Junkie said:
I watched a very good guide to Seville before I went in March.
The presenter was excellent, very professional. I think he posts on here:-)
See post 4474.
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Well, I wasn't going to mention it again, but thanks. :)

If I'd filmed it in August, I think you'd have seen a very different video! But I'm intrigued to hear how DTKOAG gets on. Might be lucky and it be merely 40 degrees.
 
RobMCFC said:
Well, I wasn't going to mention it again, but thanks. :)

If I'd filmed it in August, I think you'd have seen a very different video! But I'm intrigued to hear how DTKOAG gets on. Might be lucky and it be merely 40 degrees.
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Spent a week in August in Seville, and, as you say, it was 45 degrees every day. Oddly, it didn't bother me!
 
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