Monterey, California is a lovely place to visit almost any time of the year. Here you will find a wide range of activities to keep you busy on your next vacation including scuba diving, kayaking, riding along the Coastal Bike Trail and much more. For more relaxed activities, you can enjoy the Museum of Monterey or the local aquarium. To have a great vacation in Monterey, here are seven tips you will want to know while planning your trip.
Plan Your Transportation
The first step in planning a Monterey vacation is to know how you will get there. If you live just a few hours away, you may choose to drive to Monterey which will help you saving a few dollars on having to rent a car while you are on vacation. If you choose to fly, make sure you search for the best airfare rates by booking three to six weeks in advance.
Book Your Accommodations in Advance
There are a number of affordable hotels in Monterey, such as the Bay Park Hotel, so it is important that you book your accommodations in advance. That way, you will have a guaranteed room whether you are staying during the off season or during the peak tourist season.
Make a List for Packing
Having a master packing list is important, especially if you are traveling from an area where there is a different climate in affect. To make sure that you have packed all of the clothing and other personal items you will need during your stay, it is important to think about what activities you will be doing. If you are planning on getting in the water, you should pack a bathing suit or wetsuit, depending on what you will be doing. You should also be aware of the general climate so you can bring the appropriate wardrobe for maximum comfort.
Gather Information from the Local Visitor’s Center
A good way to get familiar with all the Monterey has to offer is by requesting information from the local visitor’s center. This can be done through the mail or online by browsing the center’s website. This will tell you about activities, restaurants and other points of interest throughout town.
Make Advanced Reservations for Activities
Some vacation activities in Monterey may require you to make advanced reservations, though not all of them do. For activities such as diving and kayaking, you should make reservations up to a week before you leave for your trip. If you are an avid water sports enthusiast and are considering taking up more serious activities like professional scuba certifications that may allow you to go deep sea diving or trimix diving (what is trimix?) by yourself, then you can contact the many centers that may be able to help you train with them. These might need to be booked in advance as well.
Have a Plan, but Stay Flexible
No one wants to have their whole vacation planned down to the minute, but having a general plan of what you want to do each day you are there can make sure you fit in all of these fun activities. However, you will also need to have some flexibility in your vacation planning because bad weather can hinder some of Monterey’s outdoor activities. Always have a backup activity planned just in case.
Confirm Reservations Before Leaving Home
To make sure everything you have planned goes accordingly, make sure to confirm your travel, hotel and activity reservations before you leave home. That way, you will have everything you need all ready to go once your arrive in beautiful Monterey.