How do my best friend and I prepare to go backpacking in California this summer?

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First of all, i’m so excited. this is one of the best ideas we’ve ever had. we’re both in college and want to see the world.. and for us.. San Francisco is the place to start. We love the nature, and the music, and I want summer to be here already.. it’s only November.

So who could help me? What should I know?

We’re going to be staying in a hostel, ive looked them up online and each time i become more excited.

Any tips? Places to see in San Francisco?!

Also, any pointers on how to relay this information to my parents?… i feel like they won’t be all for their "little girl" traveling across the country with only my best friend. Seems fine to me, and we’re going to do it. But how can i talk them into knowing its all going to be fine?!

After all, we are both 18. We decided that since we’re only young once, we should act upon our desires to live as though each day was our last. More people should realize this.

Help please with any of these questions would be greatly appreciated! : )

Thank you!!

San Francisco is a great city and a great place to kick off a tour of California – it could be the trip of a lifetime! I’m not sure where you are coming from or how you are planning to get to California. A cross country road trip could be fun. If you drive, it’s better to park outside the city and take BART in, there is little parking in the city itself. If you are flying into San Francisco, you will have no problem getting from the airport to any point in the city via BART and MUNI. I don’t know how you are planning to get around outside the city, but I strongly suggest AGAINST hitch-hiking. In this day and age, it is very dangerous. You’ll be too young to rent a car, but you can take Amtrak from the Bay Area to pretty much any other major city in CA.

My favorites in SF
* Ghiradelli Square
* Pier 39
* Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge
* Cable cars
* Haight and Ashbury
* City Hall
* Even if you’re not gay, as long as you have an open mind the Pride Parade (June 26)

My Tips on SF: Wear good walking shoes and dress in layers. Summer can be unpredictable weather wise; you could hit a heat wave or it could be cold and foggy.

I doubt your parents will be thrilled about this idea. But they will probably be more receptive if you can prove you’ve done your homework and you have a plan. You should have an idea of how you are going to get around, where you are going to stay, and how much it’s going to cost. You should also know a little about the areas you plan to see, so you don’t end up in the wrong neighborhood. Maybe also take a self-defense class to put them more at ease about that sort of thing.

Posted in: California hostels Comments(1) August 2010


One Response to “How do my best friend and I prepare to go backpacking in California this summer?”

  1. Ed Says:
    August 12th, 2010 at 7:37 am

    San Francisco is a great city and a great place to kick off a tour of California – it could be the trip of a lifetime! I’m not sure where you are coming from or how you are planning to get to California. A cross country road trip could be fun. If you drive, it’s better to park outside the city and take BART in, there is little parking in the city itself. If you are flying into San Francisco, you will have no problem getting from the airport to any point in the city via BART and MUNI. I don’t know how you are planning to get around outside the city, but I strongly suggest AGAINST hitch-hiking. In this day and age, it is very dangerous. You’ll be too young to rent a car, but you can take Amtrak from the Bay Area to pretty much any other major city in CA.

    My favorites in SF
    * Ghiradelli Square
    * Pier 39
    * Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge
    * Cable cars
    * Haight and Ashbury
    * City Hall
    * Even if you’re not gay, as long as you have an open mind the Pride Parade (June 26)

    My Tips on SF: Wear good walking shoes and dress in layers. Summer can be unpredictable weather wise; you could hit a heat wave or it could be cold and foggy.

    I doubt your parents will be thrilled about this idea. But they will probably be more receptive if you can prove you’ve done your homework and you have a plan. You should have an idea of how you are going to get around, where you are going to stay, and how much it’s going to cost. You should also know a little about the areas you plan to see, so you don’t end up in the wrong neighborhood. Maybe also take a self-defense class to put them more at ease about that sort of thing.
    References :

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