DISCOVER NORTHERN CALIFORNIA'S
7 TRAVEL TIPS

Whether we traveled in Northern California or around the globe, I've learned a few things over the years that have helped my family and me to get the most out of our adventures.

My hope is that these seven little travel tips will help you to have the same kind of wonderful adventures we've had, especially here in Northern California!

Sutter's Fort Entrance Plaque

Maybe you can learn from my mistakes and discover that love is never having to buy outrageously priced tourist sweatshirts!

1. Plan Ahead: Spur of the moment adventures can be hugely fun, but if you can plan ahead a little, you can request a Visitor's Packet from the Chamber of Commerce or Visitors' Bureau at your destination. You'll receive local maps, information about hotels and restaurants, and Insider Tips about what there is to see and do.
2. Use a Map: In this day and age of computers, iPhones, Garmins, and Tom-Toms, we often don't even think to look at an old-fashioned map or atlas - let alone to bring one along! But having a map can prove invaluable - not only for finding your way, but for understanding the lay of the land and where things are in relation to each other.
3. Keep the Gas Tank Full: If you've ever been stuck in a traffic jam with your gas light on as you sit at a stand-still or inch forward a millimeter at a time, you know what I'm talking about!
4. When in Doubt, Ask Directions: You know who you are, Guys . . . Just Kidding, we've all done it! But seriously, what's the point in wasting your gas and your time driving around and around and around? Do you think nobody notices you're lost? Stop... ask directions... you'll be back on the road to adventure and you'll have more time for seeing and doing the fun stuff!
5. Keep a Picnic Kit: This is such a great thing to have for going on adventures! Whether it's one of those fancy baskets with the built-in leather straps for holding your fine china picnic plates and sterling utensils; or it's a backpack with some paper plates and plastic forks, you've got a handy picnic lunch or dinner - and you won't have to worry about going hungry!
6. Don't Forget Your Camera: With the digital cameras of today, you don't have to worry about wasting film, so you'll want to get lots of pictures! Tip from an Inveterate Adventurer: Take pictures of signs - they let you know later where the following pictures were taken. It's surprising how quickly we forget!
7. Bring Sweaters or Jackets Along: If you do nothing else on this short list of travel tips - no matter how hot it is when you leave home - bring along a sweater or jacket for each member of your party, especially if you're heading to the coast or to the mountains. Nothing can spoil a trip more than being cold!

Just follow these seven simple travel tips and you'll get the most out of your adventures with the least amount of fuss!

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ~ Mark Twain

Here are some more of Discover Northern California's helpful hints and tips:

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