Thoughts and Tips for Traveling the US West Coast

Suggestions after enduring the US West Coast trip: I realized that many people are doing ineffective trip planning, spending a lot of time but not finding truly useful and practical information! Before heading to the US West Coast, I did a lot of research, joined groups, and sought advice to avoid pitfalls. However, I found much of the information was irrelevant or ineffective. So, here’s a summary to help everyone out! About Packing: 1. A 26-inch suitcase and a backpack are sufficient. 2. Carry valid personal identification (required for hotel check-ins). 3. Essentials: regular medication, motion sickness pills, moisturizing products, sunglasses, sunscreen. 4. Clothing: dresses, long pants, T-shirts, thick jackets, long socks, hats, and comfortable shoes. 5. Electronics: chargers, adapters, power banks, headphones, a credit card with MasterCard or VISA logo, and a small amount of cash. Tips (Based on Personal Experience): 1. Bring motion sickness pills! Whether you’re driving yourself or joining a tour, you’ll spend quite a bit of time in the car. 2. Prepare warm clothing. National parks are cold in the mornings and evenings, but you can wear lighter clothes like dresses during midday. 3. In Las Vegas, control your budget and time to avoid overspending. 4. Try to arrive at Horseshoe Bend before sunset; for Antelope Canyon, make sure to arrive on time as per your reservation. 5. Pay attention to safety during activities, such as following staff instructions when boating. 6. Follow the signs in scenic areas and avoid straying from designated routes to prevent accidents. If you arrive early in Los Angeles, you can experience the local nightlife. The 626 Night Market is a must-visit food paradise, offering everything from stinky tofu and grilled squid to Japanese and Korean cuisine, Mexican tacos, and creative desserts. Check the event’s time and location in advance, and bring both cash and credit cards for payment. When exploring Los Angeles, be mindful of the safety in certain areas at night, avoid returning too late, and keep your belongings secure. Group Tour Experience: We joined a small group of 10 people. The vehicle was spacious, and they provided us with rain gear, shoe covers, and disposable toiletries, which was very thoughtful. The group dynamics were great, and we didn’t encounter any unpleasant situations as mentioned online. The entire trip was smooth and enjoyable! We visited Antelope Canyon, experienced horseback riding in Yellowstone National Park, and witnessed the sunset at Arches National Park—it was truly amazing! The seven-day trip was fantastic, except for the long hours spent in the car, which is understandable given the vastness of the US West Coast. Self-driving is not recommended. I’m really happy I visited the US West Coast. It’s indeed far, but the transportation was convenient, and our guide/driver was skilled. I got to see diverse landscapes! I hope that anyone planning to visit the US West Coast, whether now or in the future, will have a wonderful time!