Travel Tips-USA Tipping guide

A few tips on who to tip and how much.


For example:-

Hotel chambermaid

$5 a night minimum. More if long stays (over a week) Consider $7 to $9 a night.

Accommodation

Vancouver
BestWestern Plus Downtown
718 Drake Street

Seattle
 

HotelFive
2200 5^thAvenue

San Francisco

OaklandMarriott City Centre
1001 Broadway
Oakland

San Francisco,Walking Tour

Some tips from a fellow traveller:-

Here is the walking tour link in San Francisco and some images I took that might give you some ideas. The city tourism office is on market street near Union Square. It is below the road and has loads of information and you can by your Muni pass here.

 

Also don’t forget to go see the painted ladies in Steiner Street, in Alamo Square. Take Muni line #21 westbound trolley from downtown to the corner of Hayes and Steiner streets.

 

 

Coit tower. Well worth the visit and take the lift to the viewing gallery at the top.

 

Designer Shoe Warehouse

 

6 floors of shoes at discount process- including 51/2 floors of women’s shoes. 400 Post Street – right in Union Square

 

· See Lombard Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·


 

Book for Alcatraz

· Get a street car to the Castro – great architecture and quirky shops, great cafes and restaurants-    good value for money

· Go to Haight Ashbury – flower power (where the 1960’s hippie started)

· Go to the Cable Car Museum – has the wheel house and see the cables pulling the cars

· Go to the de Young Museum and Museum of Modern Art

· Go to Gumps Department Store – quite unique  

· Westfield mall (on market Street) has loads of shops and Bloomingdales is the anchor. The main Levis shop (6 floors) is in Union Square along with a big Macy’s and Sak of 5th Avenue.

· Buy some Ghirardelli Chocolate – it is yum

· Go to Fishersmens Wharf - but it is quite touristy –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can walk back to the city from there via Coit Tower- go up to the top for stunning views of the whole city

· See HaasLillenthal House

 

 

 

 

 

• Walk to China Town

• Cycle the bridge to Sausalito

• Get a Muni pass to ride the cablecars. You can get a 3 day pass for 23.00 includes all travels of trolleys, trams and cables cars. (each trip on a cable car is 6.00). Don’t get the cable car from the main getting on point at Union and market go up one or 2 stops and you will always get on. At the main stop the que is huge and snakes for about a block.

• Don’t be put off by the people living on the street – the locals call them the crazies. I’d avoid the Tenderloin especially at night but SOMA is a fun part of town for cafes and restaurants as is the MIssion and Castro for food. Around Union Square and Fishermens Wharf food is expensive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Francisco - Alcatraz Landing

Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing
Alcatraz and history go hand in hand. Once home to some of America's most notorious criminals, the federal penitentiary that operated here from 1934 to 1963 brought a dark mystique to the Rock. The presence of infamous inmates like Al "Scarface" Capone, and the "Birdman" Robert Stroud helped to establish the island's notoriety. To this day, Alcatraz is best known as one of the world's most legendary prisons.

Many people, though, are unaware of the wealth of other stories to be learned on the island. Alcatraz is now home to rare flowers and plants, marine wildlife, and thousands of roosting and nesting sea birds. Civil War-era buildings dotting the island give insight into the 19th century when the island served as both a harbor defense fort and a military prison. You can also see visible reminders of the American Indian Occupation that started in 1969 after the prison closed, highlighting an important milestone in the American Indian rights movement.

Come experience the beauty, history and infamy of Alcatraz on the San Francisco Bay. You'll be astounded by what you learn and see.

Vancouver - Hop on hop off big bus tour

Hop-on Hop-off BigBus Tour

With this pass, you get access to unlimited hop-on hop-off bus service within our selectively chosen route around the most happening areas in Vancouver. Take a bus, stop at a location, browse around for as long as you want and then hop back onto the next coming bus to move on to the next attraction!

With two days and twenty stops you will have the freedom to discover Vancouver with all the time you want at any location you want!

Cost: $48

 

You can also combine your Vancouver Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tour with tickets for other attractions eg:

-       the Vancouver Lookout - enjoy panoramic views over Vancouver. Your ticket is valid for a full day so you can return in the evening to see the city illuminated at night.
$60.00 total per person

-       Capilano Suspension Bridge
$81.00 total per person

-       Grouse Mountain
$88.00 total per person

 

Vancouver- City Attractons Trolley Tour

Hop On and Hop Off at your own pace, for a Fun and Informative City Attractions Trolley Tour!

 

See the best of Vancouver in a classic turn-of-the-century Vancouver Trolley. Your Trolley Ticket is your passport to fun and excitement while you're in Vancouver, and can be used over two consecutive days. Take the entire tour in one afternoon or hop-off the trolley at any of the stops or 3 flag stops, to visit Vancouver's major downtown attractions, go shopping, or dine out. The tours include live commentary.

.

The trolleytour offers two loops. The Red Loop will take you through Stanley Park, Robson and Denman, the English Bay and Canada Place. The Blue Loop tours around Yaletown, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island and Library Square. To complete both loops in one afternoon board the Red Loop Trolley before 2:40pm and 2:50pm on the Blue Loop.
$41.00 per person

These free android apps are available for Vancouver, Seattle and San Fransisco and can be used off line.


Are you a world traveler? Get this FREE City Guides Catalog, a personal advisor in your pocket which helps you plan and have the perfect trip. With the TripAdvisor City Guides Catalog, you can easily download any City Guide from Google Play or quickly open any City Guide you already have installed on your phone. The City Guides Catalog is also automatically updated when any new cities are added -- be the first to know.
Millions of travelers are using TripAdvisor City Guides already, join them and get the most out of your trip.Key reasons millions of travelers love TripAdvisor City Guides:FREE
Need we say more? Download the app now, there’s absolutely no risk and we’re sure you’ll love it!WORKS OFFLINE
All City Guides work offline, no need live data connection, as everything is stored on your phone, after you do an initial update. This means you won’t be charged for expensive data roaming, and the app is super fast to use. You can update user reviews periodically when you are on WiFi.RESTAURANTS, ATTRACTIONS, HOTELS
All places that are listed on TripAdvisor.com in this city are included each City Guide.THOUSANDS OF USER REVIEWS
TripAdvisor’s community of millions of worldwide travelers ensures that content is fresh, plentiful and honest. With over 50 million reviews and thousands more added daily, City Guides offer the best and most recent content.SELF-GUIDED TOURS
TripAdvisor members and destination experts have handpicked the best itineraries in the city for you, enabling you to explore interesting neighborhoods, famous landmarks and hidden gems. Using the phone's GPS, you can follow along and read about the interesting sights along the route.TRIP IDEAS
Traveling with family, self-proclaimed foodie, or fans of places off the beaten path" Now City Guides has curated some customized itineraries to give you ideas of what to do , based on popular travel themes. View these lists and keep track of itinerary favorites in their “Saves” list.POWERFUL YET EASY TO USE
Searching for pizza around Times Square? Coffee near the Eiffel Tower? Or do you just want to find a highly recommended place near you? With City Guides you can easily search any way you want, and find exactly what’s best for you and your travel companions.TRANSIT
The “Nearby Station” feature helps you find the closest station to your current location, or the restaurant, hotel, or attraction you are planning to visit. With the ability to see them on a map, this will help you navigate a new city easily.POINT ME THERE
Once you have selected a restaurant or attraction, the City Guide will guide you there using the fun & useful “Point Me There” screen, which uses the phone’s GPS and Compass.CITY FACTS
Written by TripAdvisor members and edited by professionals, City Facts articles provide helpful information for when you plan your trip, such as when to go, how to get around in the city, what neighborhoods to visit, etc.GPS-BASED
This app leverages the GPS in the phone to show you the best restaurant, attractions etc nearby. City Guides also uses the compass to guide you to a place, once you selected it.

Trip Adviser City Guide

These free android apps are available for Vancouver, Seattle and San Fransisco and can be used off line.


Are you a world traveler? Get this FREE City Guides Catalog, a personal advisor in your pocket which helps you plan and have the perfect trip. With the TripAdvisor City Guides Catalog, you can easily download any City Guide from Google Play or quickly open any City Guide you already have installed on your phone. The City Guides Catalog is also automatically updated when any new cities are added -- be the first to know.
Millions of travelers are using TripAdvisor City Guides already, join them and get the most out of your trip.Key reasons millions of travelers love TripAdvisor City Guides:FREE
Need we say more? Download the app now, there’s absolutely no risk and we’re sure you’ll love it!WORKS OFFLINE
All City Guides work offline, no need live data connection, as everything is stored on your phone, after you do an initial update. This means you won’t be charged for expensive data roaming, and the app is super fast to use. You can update user reviews periodically when you are on WiFi.RESTAURANTS, ATTRACTIONS, HOTELS
All places that are listed on TripAdvisor.com in this city are included each City Guide.THOUSANDS OF USER REVIEWS
TripAdvisor’s community of millions of worldwide travelers ensures that content is fresh, plentiful and honest. With over 50 million reviews and thousands more added daily, City Guides offer the best and most recent content.SELF-GUIDED TOURS
TripAdvisor members and destination experts have handpicked the best itineraries in the city for you, enabling you to explore interesting neighborhoods, famous landmarks and hidden gems. Using the phone's GPS, you can follow along and read about the interesting sights along the route.TRIP IDEAS
Traveling with family, self-proclaimed foodie, or fans of places off the beaten path" Now City Guides has curated some customized itineraries to give you ideas of what to do , based on popular travel themes. View these lists and keep track of itinerary favorites in their “Saves” list.POWERFUL YET EASY TO USE
Searching for pizza around Times Square? Coffee near the Eiffel Tower? Or do you just want to find a highly recommended place near you? With City Guides you can easily search any way you want, and find exactly what’s best for you and your travel companions.TRANSIT
The “Nearby Station” feature helps you find the closest station to your current location, or the restaurant, hotel, or attraction you are planning to visit. With the ability to see them on a map, this will help you navigate a new city easily.POINT ME THERE
Once you have selected a restaurant or attraction, the City Guide will guide you there using the fun & useful “Point Me There” screen, which uses the phone’s GPS and Compass.CITY FACTS
Written by TripAdvisor members and edited by professionals, City Facts articles provide helpful information for when you plan your trip, such as when to go, how to get around in the city, what neighborhoods to visit, etc.GPS-BASED
This app leverages the GPS in the phone to show you the best restaurant, attractions etc nearby. City Guides also uses the compass to guide you to a place, once you selected it.

Lonely Planet - Top Things To Do In Vancouver

Lonely Planet - Top Things To Do In Vancouver

San Francisco - Highlights

Golden Gate Bridge

 Trans America Pyramid

Vancouver Highlights - Stanley Park

Stanley Park - Vancouver

Vancouver Highlights - Granville Island

Granville Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arty isle: Vancouver's Granville Island, seen in the foreground, is home to food markets, craft brewers, theatres and art galleries.

 

In the early 1900s, Granville Island was home to factories, plants and sawmills. At one time, its official name was actually Industrial Island. Things are a little different today, Granville Island is both a locals’ favorite and a huge draw for visitors. It is centred around the Granville Island Public Market, a bevy of merchants selling seafood, fresh produce, cheese and breads. The island’s offerings are much more diverse than just one of North America’s best markets, with theatre, culture, restaurants and unique attractions drawing millions of people each year.

 

Vancouver Highlights - Rocky Mountaineer Train Trip

Rocky Mountaineer Train Trip - Vancouver

Travel on a breath-taking journey through the stunning scenery of the "Sea to Sky Climb" region from the coastal city of Vancouver to the resort town of Whistler, renowned for outstanding skiing and year-round outdoor activities. Highlights of the trip include spectacular views of Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains, Brandywine Falls, Mount Garibaldi and the impressive Cheakamus Canyon.

1 day
$353.00 for normal service or $522.00 for the Dome view.

 

America map

San Francisco

Seattle

Vancouver

Industry visits - options San Francisco

Khan Academy

A free world-class education for anyone anywhere.

Khan Academy is an organization on a mission. We're a not-for-profit with the goal of changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education for anyone anywhere.
All of the site's resources are available to anyone. It doesn't matter if you are a student, teacher, home-schooler, principal, adult returning to the classroom after 20 years, or a friendly alien just trying to get a leg up in earthly biology. Khan Academy's materials and resources are available to you completely free of charge.

Stanford University d.school

Volkswagen Artificial Intelligence Lab

Hyatt Regency Innovation Lab (Santa Clara)

Ebay/Paypal Commerce Innovation Showcase

IDEO
An award winning global design firm that takes a human centred, design-based approach to helping organisations innovate and grow

Exploratorium
Approx $32 entry fee plus $26 for 45 minute tour

Google
Head Office at Mountain View

Want to stop talking about changing the world and actually do it? At Google Mountain View, our global headquarters located at the heart of Silicon Valley, we make products for hundreds of millions of users around the world that change the ways they create, share, communicate, collaborate and do business.

 

Les Mills International
Otago ex-pat Steven Renata Chief Energy Officer of the US West Coast Operation

Avos a digital media creation and discovery company led by YouTube co-founders Chad Hurley and Steve Chen

     

 

Industry visits – options Seattle 8 – 13 July

Microsoft- Envisioning Center





Microsoft -  Security Overview

Visitor Centre – Redmond Campus

Walk through the doors of the Microsoft Visitor Center and you are surrounded by the sights, sounds, and demonstrations of the same idea: Microsoft believes that everyone in the world has potential and that great software can help you realize that potential.

Once inside, you can explore the vision, products, culture, and history of Microsoft. Our exhibits display everything from the latest Microsoft Research innovations to the very first personal computer. Explore hands-on exhibits featuring some of the company's most exciting technologies for home and business.

The Microsoft Visitor Center is open to all employees and visitors to the Microsoft campus. Come share in the excitement of our discoveries, explore some of our latest products, and meet some of the people whose ideas and creativity make Microsoft a world leader in computer and software technology.

BezosCentre for Innovation @ Mohai

Vision

MOHAI is respected nationally and treasured locally as a dynamic, innovative museum where historical exploration inspires people to create a better future for themselves and their communities.

Mission

MOHAI collects and preserves the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region and beyond. Highlighting innovation and education, MOHAI enriches lives by sharing the individual and collective stories of our communities. - See more at: http://www.mohai.org/about-us#sthash.azasIY5k.dpuf

•Boeing

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and the leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Additionally, Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems. As a major service provider to NASA, Boeing is the prime contractor for the International Space Station. The company also provides numerous military and commercial airline support services. Boeing provides products and support services to customers in 150 countries and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales.

Boeing has a long tradition of aerospace leadership and innovation. We continue to expand our product line and services to meet emerging customer needs. Our broad range of capabilities includes creating new, more efficient members of our commercial airplane family; integrating military platforms, defense systems and the warfighter through network-centric operations; creating advanced technology solutions that reach across business units; e-enabling airplanes and providing connectivity on moving platforms; and arranging financing solutions for our customers.

Headquartered in Chicago, Boeing employs more than 169,000 people across the United States and in more than 65 countries. This represents one of the most diverse, talented and innovative workforces anywhere. More than 140,000 of our people hold college degrees--including nearly 35,000 advanced degrees--in virtually every business and technical field from approximately 2,700 colleges and universities worldwide. Our enterprise also leverages the talents of hundreds of thousands more skilled people working for Boeing suppliers worldwide

1.5 hour guided tour of Seattle’s Boeing factory
Approx $90