Post by: Mrious_be on March 14, 2012, 10:21:35 AM
Not sure if anyone still remembers me here
But I have a question which I find is really difficult to find out the details just browsing the internet.
This all has to do with our trip to the US, and field trip we'll be doing in Hawaii and California.
I will unlock my smartphone (Samsung Galaxy Ace) so I can use it in the US to receive calls.
It looks like I will only be able to use it on the 2G network though (with AT&T or T-Mobile):
2G Network: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network: HSDPA 900 / 2100 or HSDPA 850 / 1900 - Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830L
This phone is a A-GPS phone, which means I need to be within range of my providers cell towers (in this case either AT&T or T-Mobile).
For any of those, I can hardly find any information if they sell SIM Cards only that includes Data usage!
I can find some SIM card information (very expensive actually) but none of them mentions Data Usage.
I need Data Usage because of the A-GPS system from my phone (or it won't connect much to the GPS satelites).
I do think I will get Nav software where I can download the maps on my phone so not to use too much data though.
Any ideas are most welcome.
This is mainly for the State of California where we want to do the Pacific Coastline Road up to San Fransisco, and Hawaii (Oahu).
Thanksssss all
The Stranger
Post by: Xairbusdriver on March 14, 2012, 01:47:45 PM
Mainly because I don't know what all those terms mean! But I would suggest calling either or both your local provider or Verizon/AT&T (1-800-288-2020). I'm not sure they have overseas Toll-Free numbers, I'll check and repost if I can find any. On second thought, it might be better to try their "Chat" method. Here's Verizon's page: <http://www22.verizon.com/content/ContactUs/> and AT&T: <http://www.att.com/econtactus/>
Post by: krissel on March 14, 2012, 10:25:04 PM
I don't know anything about smart phones and data usage that would help you but as you know we have several members in CA and at least one in Hawaii (hey Al!). I'm afraid my phone is so dumb it doesn't even have a camera.
Hang in there and someone should come by with info.
Post by: Mrious_be on March 15, 2012, 09:14:16 AM
Thanks for the feedback, the contact details might be handy so I'll try those out.
Maybe I should just get a GPS system when renting a car actually, I might save some money getting an App for Android but it seems to be painful to see if it would actually work well (I'm not even sure how well the A-GPS would work in the first place).
Krissel,
Yes, it's for our wedding trip.
We're getting married in Oahu on May 9th but will be arriving in Honolulu on 5th.
We'll stay in Hawaii till 19th (Hopefully see some more islands) and then off to Los Angeles where we'll do a small road trip between 19th and 24th (Coastal road up to SF, back road back).
Thanks
Marcel
Post by: dolphin on March 15, 2012, 09:22:14 AM
I think renting a car with GPS would be the wise thing to do. Good Luck!
Post by: Xairbusdriver on March 15, 2012, 11:22:53 AM
On the bright side, it will be hard to get lost in Hawaii for very long, they just aren't that big! And as for CA, just turn west and you'll eventually hit 101 or the ocean! Then turn north or south and follow either one!
In my opinion, however, the road/coast is more beautiful from San Fran north... 
Post by: daryl66 on March 15, 2012, 12:09:18 PM
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Mar 15 2012, 11:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think it is getting to be fairly common for rental cars to have the GPS capability built-in. And their reception will probably be better since they will be external.
Mid size cars on down NO, however most car rental firms do offer external GPS's for a fee (naturally). Wife, who travels nationwide at least once a month personal experience. ( She travels with her Tom Tom)
Daryl
Post by: tacit on March 15, 2012, 01:13:48 PM
I live in Portland, and have traveled down the coast through California to San Francisco. AT&T coverage is pretty good along the Western seaboard. T-Mobile coverage is lousy. Total rubbish. There are many dead spots along that part of the country.
I don't have any idea what coverage is like in Hawaii, but T-Mobile coverage is quite poor along the California coast.
Post by: Paddy on March 15, 2012, 01:32:36 PM
When my son was working in the US for a summer, he bought a Virgin Mobile phone and then got a monthly plan with no contract for it. I think that was on Verizon's network, which is the best for coverage in many areas of the US, but is NOT GSM (or wasn't the last time I looked).
Check some of the other providers like Virgin, who offer pay-as-you-go type plans. I'd check from here, but for some reason or other the internet has slowed to a crawl (I'm in the Bahamas right now) and I can't load any pages for love nor money. It will be interesting to see if this post even makes it through!
Post by: daryl66 on March 15, 2012, 06:03:00 PM
QUOTE(tacit @ Mar 15 2012, 01:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't have any idea what coverage is like in Hawaii, but T-Mobile coverage is quite poor along the California coast.
I think all 3 of the major wireless companies cover Hawaii pretty well, at least on the main Island (Oahu). We just spent 9 days there, and because of the roaming charges on our Verizon plan we bought a "pay as you go" plan from T-Mobile and had no problems (average cost about .18 per minute) . We were traveling with a couple that had an iPhone (not sure if it was Verizon or AT&T) and it worked just lovely.
FWIW
Daryl
Post by: Mrious_be on March 16, 2012, 03:29:24 AM
I'll try to answer everyone here... hope I don't miss anything out
Tacit:
Thanks for the coverage info. I checked both coverage for AT&T and T-Mobile and they are actually quite similar. But both showed death spots along the Coastal Route so I was somewhat concerned there yes. Specially if I would be using A-GPS system which, like I mentioned, should be in range of cell towers to keep track of Satelite Signal (don't ask how it works but somehow the GPS signal triangulates through the cell towers, not straight to a GPS receiver in the phone... or maybe a combination of two but yes, an external GPS receiver is much more powerful then a phone).
Paddy, Daryl (and others):
I don't have a GPS unit at home, I don't have a car here (and never will in London). Otherwise I would surely take that one
But still considering to just rent a unit with the car yes, and leave behind all the fuzz of connecting the phone and using it as a Navigator. I know it works theoretical, but there's a few things that can go wrong which till now I don't find the answer for so the investment in the App software, unlocking and US SIM might not be worth it (thinking about those dead spots mentioned above, if GPS works, will my signal hold on my phone while driving, the costs for a US SIM only look pretty steep and no information yet about Data usage which I need to connected....)
One other solution I found = Holiday Phone which would be the same price as unlocking, Decent SatNav App and SIM.
Buying a phone is not really an option, I can just as well rent the GPS unit then
When I take my phone, I can only use AT&T and T-Mobile since Verizon and Virgin are using non-GSM systems which are not compatible with Europe's systems.
I surely will unlock my phone since I want our relatives to be able to call me in the US just in case. So that's why I was thinking to go all the way and use it for SatNav as well. We'll also be using the phone to play music at the reception (in between entertainment)... with an amplifier obviously
Thanks again
Marcel
Post by: Mrious_be on March 16, 2012, 03:44:10 AM
The website USASims shows some options and what can be included... pretty much what I need
Just giving it a glance makes me feel the cost of getting a SIM for Satnav is getting just as expensive as actually renting a GPS unit so I think I'll go that way.
Thanks guys
Post by: Mrious_be on March 19, 2012, 10:07:59 AM
So I still went to dig a little deeper and at least I have a good view on the rates for both T-Mobile and AT&T.
Just in case when anyone was interested, here's the choice between both (click on the links to take you to the PAYG section).
AT&T:
$25 a Month + Data Package $25 for 500 MB = $50.00 and I assume you need to top-up once this 500 MB is finished.
- Benefit: If I can do with 500MB it would be cheaper then T-Mobile;
- Downside: If not, it will be more expensive.
T-Mobile:
$2 a day for unlimited 2G speed (= $60.00 for month).
- Benefit: It's unlimited.
- Downside: It's more expensive then AT&T.
Obviously, both of the above will be 2G, so the speed for me won't be too good but according to T-Mobile it should be good for Directions (which is NOT the same as Navigation but might still be good enough for me, as long I have coverage).
Now... If anyone has any experience using data for Navigation or Directions, I would love to hear if 500Mb is enough for let's say a 14 day trip, 6 hours/day driving.
It will be my next Quest.
And if Al is reading... 1 Month and a half and we'll be in Oahu!
Thanks
Post by: Mrious_be on March 19, 2012, 10:24:31 AM
According to this Forum (don't worry, I'm not a member there, just found it with Googling)
Although never really going into the data usage for A-GPS, it does give some helpful information actually.
1) Google Maps ONLY downloads the maps/route you need to get to your destination when requesting so, OR when you do a detour and it will need additional information;
2) Data Usage for those maps do not seem to be that big of a chunk;
3) They suggest to deactivate 2G/3G data streaming once the map is loaded in order not to get more data usage (just in case), although that takes a longer time to connect to GPS satellites then);
4) Best thing they mentioned is to calculate your route using Wi-Fi, once the route is calculated deactivate Wi-Fi and go.
So I'm starting to feel comfortable with the AT&T 500 MB data plan.
Now the question is... does US really have a lot of free Wi-Fi hotspots?
Airports, McDonalds, Hotels, Train Stations... any thoughts?
Thanks again
M
Post by: daryl66 on March 19, 2012, 11:48:55 AM
QUOTE(Mrious_be @ Mar 19 2012, 10:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Now the question is... does US really have a lot of free Wi-Fi hotspots?
Airports, McDonalds, Hotels, Train Stations... any thoughts?
Thanks again
M
Airports, McDonalds, Hotels, Train Stations... any thoughts?
Thanks again
M
Cannot speak to train stations or McDonalds, however, B (read traveling wife) has discovered that all of the airports seem to have Wi-FI however some of them have a daily charge usually about 10 bucks, the trend seems to be more and more are offering it free. Hotels. Same story, in your room WI-FI. The ones that charge seem to he the higher end types. ie: Crown Plaza, Four Seasons etc. You can normally find out by checking their web pages. Those that charge usually have a "business center" where the WI-FI can be accessed free. ( Emphasis on USUALLY) The Not so "high end" folks seem more likely to be free and use it as a completive tool.
HTH
Daryl
Post by: Xairbusdriver on March 19, 2012, 01:49:22 PM
Many states will send you one free! Most states have 'Welcome' centers that provide these maps, also. Rand McNally publishes good atlases covering the entire country and many major cities. My point is, you don't seem to be planning on traveling to any extremely remote areas and I sincerely suggest watching the scenery and road signs rather than a smart phone navigation device. Unfortunately, I don't know of any maps of the quality and scale of the "Ordinance" maps available in the British Ilses. 
That's all we ever use there and have never been steered (pardon the pun!) wrong!There are also travel aid services in many cities, even small ones. US 101 is very well travelled, marked and developed. It certainly has plenty of help for those needing/wanting it.
The Hawaian Islands are not covered by roads the way the eastern US is and not even the way Ireland or the Shetlands are. There is usually one major highway that encircles an island. Keep going in any one direction and you will reach either the end of the road (near the top of the mountain that's been in front of you the whole time) or the other side of the island!! Who needs a map?!
Plan your trip before you get here. You have the advantage of the interweb that the pioneers didn't.
If you need a phone, get the cheapest one possible and fergit about the GPS!! It's a vacation not an expedition!!! If you get lost, just ask someone, almost all Americans speak English in one form or another and many can actuall read! You'll have no problem communicating with most of us. And, if I remember correctly, you'll have fellow traveller who can, if needed, translate Flemish into Canadian which has many similar words as English!!
Post by: Mrious_be on March 20, 2012, 08:49:54 AM
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Mar 19 2012, 06:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The Hawaian Islands are not covered by roads the way the eastern US is and not even the way Ireland or the Shetlands are. There is usually one major highway that encircles an island. Keep going in any one direction and you will reach either the end of the road (near the top of the mountain that's been in front of you the whole time) or the other side of the island!! Who needs a map?!
Hehehe, not to worry about the Hawaiian roads actually. Already figured that, either way I'm going, we'll get there
Actually, going the wrong way just makes you travel longer which in Hawaii, isn't really a bad thing anyway
But for LA, we're not always staying on the 101, we'll drive as close to the ocean as possible which I noticed is not always the 101 (or Route 1 I believe) so GPS would be welcome as a guide.
We'll also visit that Danish town (the name escaped me) and hopefully stay there for a night (since Smiley = Danish, and her sis is joining).
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Mar 19 2012, 06:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you need a phone, get the cheapest one possible and fergit about the GPS!! It's a vacation not an expedition!!! If you get lost, just ask someone, almost all Americans speak English in one form or another and many can actuall read! You'll have no problem communicating with most of us. And, if I remember correctly, you'll have fellow traveller who can, if needed, translate Flemish into Canadian which has many similar words as English!!
It's not just for us, it's also to give my family/relatives (which at that point will be two families), the opportunity to give us a ring when anything is wrong, or when THEY get lost
Thanks everyone.
I did a really interesting test with my A-GPS yesterday but haven't got the time to explain now (I'm sure some of you are interested to know how navigation on a smartphone holds up).
Will post later
Thanks
M
Post by: Xairbusdriver on March 20, 2012, 09:09:02 AM
My apologies to Smiley for not remembering her nationality!
But I think being mistaken for Canadian is much better than being confused with most other North American countries!! And I know (virtually, anyway) some nice people who are Canadian!! 
My main hope is that you have a wonderful experience!!
Post by: tacit on March 22, 2012, 03:58:55 AM
Post by: Mrious_be on March 23, 2012, 03:30:51 AM
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Mar 20 2012, 02:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My apologies to Smiley for not remembering her nationality! But I think being mistaken for Canadian is much better than being confused with most other North American countries!! And I know (virtually, anyway) some nice people who are Canadian!!
But I think being mistaken for Canadian is much better than being confused with most other North American countries!! And I know (virtually, anyway) some nice people who are Canadian!! Hehehe... I didn't even thought anything about it. Her English is much better and she did went to college and worked in US for some years
QUOTE(Tacit)
500MB is more than enough. I have a 2 GB data plan with T-Mobile and rarely use more than 500 MB a month, and that's with GPS and turn-by-turn navigation and Web browsing and Netflix and all sorts of other stuff.
Wow, thanks Tacit. That's good to know
I told you I was going to write down what I did to test the Turn-By-Turn navigation from Google Maps so here it is.
It's a quote from an email I've send to Smiley since she said that two people at her work said you can't use Google Maps without having a data connection constantly on.
But since I feel very smart now, did lots of research on it, I can actually say 'Yes you can'
QUOTE(eMail communication with Smiley)
Back to Google Maps.
Yes, most people think you need to have a constant data connection to use Google Maps as it's all being streamed.
But this is not true, you can do without the constant connection as I tested on Monday.
So how to do this:
This works!
The only drawback is that you can't navigate too far away from the plotted route as, at some point, the cached maps might not be available on your phone and data connection is needed for those.
For slight detours, it works staying offline.
I actually had this happening when I tested it, Google Maps plotted my way home using Park Way through Hyde Park, while the bus I was on obviously takes the main road.
Once the bus did it's turn, a few seconds later Google Maps re-plotted the route using the road we were on WITHOUT going online (as I switched off my data connection to start with).
One way around this is to cache the area you might going for a detour to your cell phone as well.
Like I showed you yesterday, you can actually cache areas of 10 square miles to your cell phone (without using them in your directions) for offline use.
Pretty neat feature I would say but it needs to be activated through Google Maps Labs.
Yes, most people think you need to have a constant data connection to use Google Maps as it's all being streamed.
But this is not true, you can do without the constant connection as I tested on Monday.
So how to do this:
- Go to a (free) wi-fi zone, or make sure you have a data connection to start with (best also to empty Google Maps Cache on your phone first);
- Using a connection to the net, plot the destination you need on your phone;
- Once the destination is on Google Maps, select 'Navigation'. Google Maps will now plot navigational directions AND download that route to your phone's cache memory! <- This is what people don't realize!
- Once the navigation is on your screen, you're ready to go.
- You can now even terminate your data connection before heading off if you want to make sure that you are not using any data on the route.
This works!
The only drawback is that you can't navigate too far away from the plotted route as, at some point, the cached maps might not be available on your phone and data connection is needed for those.
For slight detours, it works staying offline.
I actually had this happening when I tested it, Google Maps plotted my way home using Park Way through Hyde Park, while the bus I was on obviously takes the main road.
Once the bus did it's turn, a few seconds later Google Maps re-plotted the route using the road we were on WITHOUT going online (as I switched off my data connection to start with).
One way around this is to cache the area you might going for a detour to your cell phone as well.
Like I showed you yesterday, you can actually cache areas of 10 square miles to your cell phone (without using them in your directions) for offline use.
Pretty neat feature I would say but it needs to be activated through Google Maps Labs.
With this I also want to apologize... I realized a few days ago that this is sooooo NOT apple related!
Even worse, it's a direct competitor
Post by: Xairbusdriver on March 23, 2012, 02:40:34 PM
QUOTE
I realized a few days ago that this is sooooo NOT apple related!
Don't worry too much about it, your secret is safe with me and all my friends! And Tim Cook hasn't joined TS, yet, so he probably hasn't seen your posts! I posted some info that lets older iPhones connect and use iCloud Mail/Contacts/Calendars, but I think many others have discovered that way before I posted. And some are even on the Apple "Community" Forums! I suppose I am in the minority of people using older iPhones and not even owning any iPad model! 
Post by: kimmer on March 23, 2012, 03:20:59 PM
QUOTE(Mrious_be @ Mar 23 2012, 12:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
With this I also want to apologize... I realized a few days ago that this is sooooo NOT apple related!
Even worse, it's a direct competitor
Even worse, it's a direct competitor
No apology needed. This is the TECH forum and it's for any and all TECH stuff. We love to offer opinions, err, help.
I noticed that earlier in the thread you mentioned coverage not always being available on the coast roads, and while I can't speak for Hawaii, over here it does come and go on the coast roads -- even with our Garmin. That's the nature of the coast. Still, if you are heading north, don't turn left unless you actually see a town. HAHAHA
Free wi-fi is available all over the place: libraries (and you usually don't even have to go inside), coffee shops and restaurants, book stores, small markets, and on and on.
Congrats on the upcoming wedding and honeymoon.
Post by: Mrious_be on March 26, 2012, 08:02:19 AM
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Mar 23 2012, 07:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
I suppose I am in the minority of people using older iPhones and not even owning any iPad model!
But at least you're using an iPhone... I'm here flashing my Android device around
Thanks Kimmer... and thanks for the 'don't turn left before you see a town' advice
Can't wait to go out there
Post by: Paddy on March 26, 2012, 09:45:40 AM
QUOTE(Mrious_be @ Mar 26 2012, 09:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks Kimmer... and thanks for the 'don't turn left before you see a town' advice
Wot? No stopping at any of the beaches, parks and sites on the left side of 101, Kimmer?
How far up the left coast are you going, Marcel? I'm sure we could oblige with a list of "don't miss" attractions on the um...left side of the road.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on March 26, 2012, 02:24:43 PM
Post by: kimmer on March 26, 2012, 06:15:24 PM
QUOTE(Paddy @ Mar 26 2012, 06:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE(Mrious_be @ Mar 26 2012, 09:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks Kimmer... and thanks for the 'don't turn left before you see a town' advice
Wot? No stopping at any of the beaches, parks and sites on the left side of 101, Kimmer?
How far up the left coast are you going, Marcel? I'm sure we could oblige with a list of "don't miss" attractions on the um...left side of the road.
Well, I'd be cautious about simply turning down "roads" and such as we read about too many folks who drive into the drink because the GPS says "this is the road to the beach", and it's not and off they go. Plus they do caution tourists about making left hand turns against/into traffic when traveling up the coast roads. Just saying.
QUOTE(kimmer @ Mar 23 2012, 12:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That's the nature of the coast. Still, if you are heading north, don't turn left unless you actually see a town. HAHAHA
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Mar 26 2012, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It might be wise to use compass directions rather than "Left" or "Right"! The concern is that turning WEST off 101 will take you closer to the Pacific than turning EAST. Whether that is left or right depends, again, on which direction you are going, as in NORTH or SOUTH! These kinds of "left/right" directions are why men seldom ask a woman for help in find something. Of course, it also means we men are often lost more than we need to be!
(emphasis is mine, but nothing changed from original post)
Post by: Xairbusdriver on March 27, 2012, 11:57:48 AM
QUOTE
emphasis is mine, but nothing changed from original post
"Emphsis" is all well and good, but you didn't tell him which way to turn if he is going in the opposite direction! Once again indicating the increasing use of GPS over "asking a woman!" Remember, what is left unsaid can cause
Post by: Mrious_be on April 11, 2012, 07:44:50 AM
So here's the trip we're doing, it's a link to my Google Maps.
The original thought was to do most of this, but now we're thinking of driving to SF, stay there and move out in different directions and visit places.
The link has some highlighted points of interest... so now you know
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&...bd6349da9e663ac
Marcel
Post by: Xairbusdriver on April 11, 2012, 09:40:28 AM
I think <this link> works, however. Yep! Looks like a fun trip! Don't forget to take time to enjoy the scenery! And try meeting some 'locals!'
Post by: Mrious_be on April 13, 2012, 11:00:30 AM
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Apr 11 2012, 03:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think the link needs a little editing. The second line (above) probably has the specifics that will show the items mentioned in the text but it is not part of the actual link. At least I'm not getting much besides a general map of the lower 48...
I think <this link> works, however. Yep! Looks like a fun trip! Don't forget to take time to enjoy the scenery! And try meeting some 'locals!'
I think <this link> works, however. Yep! Looks like a fun trip! Don't forget to take time to enjoy the scenery! And try meeting some 'locals!'
Yes, the link broke it seems but thanks for repairing it
Counting down and starting to get somewhat nervous now...
Post by: kimmer on April 13, 2012, 10:12:17 PM
No matter, it will be a wonderful honeymoon for you two lovebirds.
BTW, take pics and share them AFTERwards. Take time for just you two and forget everybody else and the Internet and all that.
Post by: Paddy on April 14, 2012, 08:37:19 AM
Another spot I'd work into the itinerary long before I'd go to Las Vegas would be Yosemite. Truly awe-inspiring.
Also, if you are driving down the coast from SF, don't miss the Hearst Castle. It's just north of Morro Bay.
Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are two places worth a stop (we camped at Pismo, I think...eons ago...)
Carmel is worth an afternoon or so - it's charming.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is worth a stop...
Do stop and see the giant sequoias somewhere along the way...
And consider taking 101 instead of I5. I5 is dead boring. 101 will take a bit longer (about 2 hours longer) but it's much prettier!!
You didn't expect to post your route here and not get a lot of opinions, I hope!
(And I'm not even a Californian - I've just visited there a number of times. We lived in Oregon for 6 years.) If you can let us know what sort of time frame you've got, I'm sure we can all pile in with appropriate suggestions!!
Post by: chriskleeman on April 14, 2012, 09:03:08 AM
Don't know what you're planning while in Solvang, but it's literally a hot-bed of wineries concentrated in a very small area. They call it the "Wine-Ghetto", as it's a bunch of industrial buildings with all manner of businesses, but many of the smaller local winemakers have their wine-making facilities concentrated in this area. Doesn't look like much, but it's pretty incredible. The Santa Rita Hills outside of town are riddled with some great vineyards, and while there are a few grand tasting facilities like Melville, that little industrial park in Solvang is way cool with lots of great wineries. Try to look up my friend Kathy Joseph at Fiddlehead Winery while you're there!
And definitely check with the locals where to eat, lot's of very cool not-too expensive restaurants in town!
Have a great trip!
All the best,
Chris
Post by: Xairbusdriver on April 14, 2012, 06:13:27 PM
Now matter where you go, you just won't see it all! <This site> is one place to compare Europe and the contiguous 48 US States. <This one> lets you pick individual countries and states. Just as you can't possibly "know" Europe (or even most of its countries) in a couple of weeks, you can't do that in most US States, especially the Western ones which are extremely LARGE!
Just make notes about things you'd like to see/visit next time!I'd especially recommend avoiding any Interstate highway. Most are similar to the Autobahn, except not as safe and with speed limits!
Their made for cutting travel times, not picturesque views. Of course the coastal roads will be slower and it will be even slower because of the towns...but that's where the people are! 
The majority will be welcoming and happy to help you enjoy your trip!
Post by: kimmer on April 14, 2012, 09:16:47 PM
