What to pack for California

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: The weathern in California is very pleasant just about any time of the year, but the evenings can get pretty chilly-even in July. If you visit California make sure to bring a light jacket or sweater in case the temperature drops after the sun sets---especially on the coast.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: If you're taking the Pacific Highway 1 route, the towns you'd be passing by are blessed with a lovely climate.

The following is a rough guide on what I'd pack along with me for a SUMMER vacation to places like Carmel, Pebble Beach, Monterey etc:


1 pair of jeans
1 pair of shorts/ bermudas.
3 or 4 cotton t-shirts/ tank tops
1 cardigan/ sweater
(just in case the weather gets chilly...)
1 pair of sandals
1 pair of evening shoes
(for that social gathering in the evenings in Pebble Beach!)
1 little black dress
(which can double up for day and evening events).
2 nightgowns/ pyjamas
1 bathing suit

P.S. I didn't mention the more personal under-garment items because I think you should have no problem deciding on this yourself. :-)

An important rule of thumb: DO plan your wardrobe in such a way that you'll have no problem mixing and matching your outfits and it should be able to see you through from day to night. So in this instance, that little black dress WILL come in VERY handy for the night events AND in the day time too! :-))

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: DON'T forget to transfer all your toner, cleanser, night cream et al into small plastic containers - to save luggage space, of course. :-)))

Photo Equipment: These days, I bring along 2 to 3 types of cameras with me and load them with 2 or 3 different types of films i.e. ASA200 film (for day) and the high speed Kodak 800 film for museums or places that do not allow flash photography.

So, the cameras that I bring along with me (in my knapsack or tote bag) are:-

the Olympus mju Zoom (with wide-angle lens) which comes in a cool silver metallic color. I usually use this camera for day photography.
the Pentax 150 Zoom which I use for places that does NOT allow flash photography.
the ultra-small Canon IXUS Zoom camera - smaller than the size of my palm. I usually hang this camera around my neck. Frankly, it looks kinda cool this way too! ;-)) This camera requires a special type of film (APS) to be used.

Miscellaneous: DON'T forget to bring along your much-treasured ATM card to withdraw cash. Yes, no need to rush to the money-changers to change all your currencies into American dollars before your trip.

And NEVER use your Visa or Mastercard to withdraw cash.

This is considered a CASH ADVANCE and you'd be slapped with a HEFTY fee whereas if you were to use YOUR own ATM card, you will NOT be charged for any fees. In fact, you WILL benefit and enjoy from the low interbank exchange rates. Trust me (I used to work for an American bank).

Just ensure that you adhere to the following steps:

Flip to the back of your local ATM card, do you see the logos 'Cirrus', 'Plus', 'The Exchange', 'Maestro' etc on it?
If the answer is 'yes', then you have absolutely nothing to worry about!
Why? Because you can withdraw cash from any ATM machines in U.S.A., no matter how obscure the town you're at is.
If you use this method, you'd also save alot from the interbank exchange rates. Money changers will charge you much, much more compared to a bank.

I've been using this method countless of times before and so far, no ATM machines in this world have failed me.... Yes, even at the remotest village in Africa or China! :-)) Have a great trip!

'There are three wants which can never be satisfied: that of the rich, who wants something more; that of the sick, who wants something different, and that of the traveler, who says... 'Anywhere but here.' ' - Ralph Waldo Emerson (American Essayist & Writer); 1803-1882

Miscellaneous: You can get free booklets with coupons for discount on prices of lodging in hotels and motels, at most gas stations, visitors centers, rest areas on highways etc.
Many hotels give discount from Monday thru Friday with those coupons at check-in.
You can even find them on the Net, so make your own!

http://www.roomsaver.com/

Miscellaneous:
For 'grounded' plugs, flat blades (see previous tip), but with round grounding pin plug and receptable with side grounding contacts is used (see picture)

An adapter will allow you to plug an appliance designed for one type of outlet into another type of outlet. Despite the fact that more than a dozen different types of plugs are in use, a typical travel adapter kit usually contains about five adapters which are capable of dealing with most of the outlets shown here. Adapters often manage this versatility by bypassing the ground/earth wire.

Beware : an adapter by itself will not change the electrical voltage. You must be sure that your appliance can handle different voltages (either automatically or through a voltage switch). If it can't, you will need a voltage converter.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear:
Okay, I admit it, I love the snow, LOL. I was supposed to be on a summer vacation, and it looked like summer in the morning... so I can't help it that I am wearing a miniskirt and sandels, now can I? hahaha, but the sight of snow I just couldn't stand the temptation and I had to throw a snowball. Yes.... it was cold on my feet, all the snow creeping in my shoes, but it was fun!!!

Hahaha, this picture does show though how unexpected the weather can be when you are on a roundtrip like this. One day you can be in a super hot place like Death Valley, and the next you can drive through the snow in the mountains. The best thing to do is dress in layers, so you can easily adjust to the weather you encounter.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: For San Diego:casual
Sequioa Park: casual to rugged depending on your activity there and the season.In the winter dress for cold.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: For the Sequoia trip I got a little motion sickness from the several haripin turns.That was the only time I was ever bothered with it.Dramamine may be handy to have with you because it is a winding road to the top.

Luggage and bags: pack just a bit of everything. it's really depend where in california you are. it could be very cold and fogy. it could be very hot and humid. but you can always buy clothings in different pricess.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Hiking

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen Sun screen!!!!