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Get
an early start.- This is my number
one tip for beating the crowds and traffic. Arrive
at your destination when it is just opening up.
This works great for all places especially amusement
parks. If you like to take pictures this is when
you get the best shots. This tip works especially
well on week ends because people like to sleep
late.
Best
travel day for your trip.- Any
day is a good day but to avoid heavy traffic
Saturday is the best day followed by week days
and then Sunday. Week days are good but you have
to deal with the AM and PM rush hours. If you
can plan around these times and have a day off,
week days are for you. Saturday is great but
you need that early start. Don't sleep in get
up early and get on the road. Sunday is ok for
a quick trip but you will have to deal with a
lot of traffic from the weekend get away people.
Sunday evening most major routes experience heavy
traffic.
Amusement
Park Tips.-
Get to the park about an half hour before they
open. (this means at the gate not just pulling
into the parking lot). As soon as you enter the
park get a fast pass for your favorite attractions
( only available at some parks) Try to ride the
major rides first and then head for the shows later
on in the day. Avoid holiday weekends. Rain days
are great no lines, no people. Who cares if you
get wet you don't have to wait in long lines. If
you go to Universal Studios (opens at 9am) the
fist thing to do is head straight for the studio
tour. No wait at this time just jump on the tram
and enjoy the ride. Disney resort in Anaheim the
California Adventure Park is less crowded and has
some great show. Knott's you have about three hours
in the morning before the lines start forming.
Museums
and Historical Places - These
places might not sound like fun to the kids but
can be a pleasant surprise for the whole family.
Many of these destinations are free or low cost.
Most museums are now offering hands on exhibits
for children to enjoy. Some of the historical
places in Southern California are located in
the most scenic areas of the state.
Take
a side trip - You're off on your
day trip and see a sign that grabs your attention.
Make that turn down the road and see what you
find. (How do you thing I found all these different
places) It's amazing what you can discover, a
fantastic view, some nice little restaurant or
an off the beaten path place to enjoy. A little
side trip from your main destination can be very
rewarding.
Get
maps and plan your route. - Research
the roads you will take. Make estimates of travel
times along the route. There are many map sites,
Goggle Maps, Yahoo Maps, Map Quest, ect. It is
easy to print out detailed directions to your
destination. Also carry a california map and
a local area map. You never know when you might
want to make a little side trip. Even if your
car has a navigation system it is still a good
idea to carry a map on your day trip. Bring
snacks on your Day Trip - Don't
forget to bring along some healthy snacks and
drinks. Consider your day trip is like watching
a movie at home the only difference is you in
your car and the movie is actually happening
in front of you. Bringing your own food will
save you money and cut down on extra stops along
the way.
Make
sure your car is prepared. - A
quick check of tires, fluids, brakes, and lights
can ensure you have a safe Day Trip. Have your
car insurance and registration up to date. Nothing
worse than having car problems on your outing.
Have fun and enjoy Southern California.Top
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