Back from CA trip that would never have happened without this group. Was able to take my 7 and 5 year old to spend time with my half brother who I only reconnected with a few years ago, and they were able to meet their cousins for the first time. I know this group is mostly a fun hobby, but please know all the advice here helped make family connections happen
Now for the travel talk! Flew Southwest, BWI to Sacramento via San Diego on the way out, and then SFO to BWI via Denver on the way back. All flights paid for with points earned through Chase SW sign up bonus and referrals. We live about 90 miles from BWI so stayed in an airport hotel the night before departure using Bonvoy points.
San Diego airport is under construction and was a MESS, had to go back through security to get to connecting gate. Even though I have TSA PreCheck they still flagged my 7 year old son for additional screening. I loved when they asked him what electronic device he had and if there was anything sharp in his bag that could cut them
Rented car at Sacramento airport using Costco Travel, was $218 vs almost $400 booking thru Chase Portal. Bus from airport to rental car area was quick and easy. Sacramento airport is GREAT and would recommend it over SFO if you are going to Tahoe or Yosemite.
We headed to Fairfield, CA and stayed at a Fairfield Inn and Suites (ha!) for 2 nights using points earned through Bonvoy signup bonus. Spent time with my brother’s family and also visited the Jelly Belly Factory. A total bargain - $13 for me and two kids - and so fun.
Next, headed to San Francisco in the rental car to stay in an AirBnB for 3 nights with other family. Paid cash and split amongst family. Since we were with small kids did touristy stuff - Muir Woods, Pier 39, CA Academy of Sciences, Chinatown, and Exploratorium. All were excellent; Exploratorium participates in the ASTC Science Museum program. Since we have a membership to the Franklin Institute in Philly, our admission to the Exploratorium was free, as will be our trip to Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh later this summer (using remaining Bonvoy points for that). Would also recommend Chinatown for fun and cheap souvenirs!
Our AirBnB was in Outer Sunset near Golden Gate Park; unfortunately all excursions but one were on the other end of the city. A one way Uber\Lyft was $30 - next time will stay at a hotel near the piers with points.
Only other hiccup was rental car drop off - turns out in the city they are surrounded by a fence and you can’t drop off after hours. Lesson learned!
Such a great trip that I am now working on a strategy to get back to CA again next year. Thank you again to this group!