Hoping you can maybe help another of the oab_offspring have a great trip next year. Mini_oab is heading off with a pal in 2023. Planning hill walks, possibly treks, mountain biking, beer and fun...
Looking for some contacts or top travel advice as we plan.
Plan is:
Japan for a few weeks/two months travel in the autumn. They're currently planning Tokyo then up to Hokkaido. They're planning a couple of hiking trips, including Fuji if they can. Anyone in Japan able to suggest places to go or good local advice.
New Zealand - my brother is in Auckland, so friendly face on landing. Plan is to work the summer here, considering Nelson. Again, open to suggestions about places to go, perhaps finding jobs in hotel or similar (they both work for Hilton currently).
Anyone know about shipping two bikes to NZ (saves having MTB in Japan when they don't need it).
Vancouver: they've free accommodation, so plan to have earned enough in NZ to just travel from a base in Vancouver. Again though, places or suggestions would be welcome.
USA: He would like to visit High Sierra, but we know it's a) a long way (flight?) and b) getting permits for the really well known areas or routes is a lottery (eg JMT). Any other routes or places to explore that still give a High Sierra experience?
Vancouver is a fantastic base for 'stuff' - you have mountain biking on the doorstep on the three north shore hills, plus Vancouver Island for true wilderness (wolves, bear, moose?), Squamish, Whistler, all in easy travel distances. Aslo good kayaking, climbing etc.
If 'big-ass pointy mountains' are a close enough substitute for the high Sierra, then there are plenty to be had nearby. You have all the mountains north and northeast of Vancouver, or the Cascades in Washington State.
More trails and peaks than you could hike in years. Proper wilderness where you can hike for days without crossing a road, with a good chance of seeing some exciting wildlife. There are sections of the Pacific Crest trail in a reasonable distance from Vancouver, although logistics might be tricky.
Don't get me wrong, the Sierras are epic, but it's not like the rest of the West is particularly not-epic 🙂 If money were limited, but time wasn't, I'd take an extra two weeks of dirt-bagging in BC over flying to California.
Only Japan bits I can offer you'll probably already have, but they're to get a J-Pass in advance for travel (think you have to order in advance, they're not available to the Japanese and they allow you travel on pretty much all rail, including most Shinkansen bullet thingies), get a dongle for wifi access on the move (just removed any worries about lookibg things up when out and about), and send heavy bags to your next destination in advance (we were suggested this when Air China hung onto our bags and it made our trip as it meant we only had light bags for the next couple of days, safe in the knowledge that our big bags would await us at the next location down the line). Everything just works over there,on time every time - loved it. 🙂
Japan in Autumn I’d be tempted to head south to Kyoto. Was there this year and with the Autumn colours it was stunning. Lots of accessible mountains for trails and walking (and of course the temples!) Also the weather is a little kinder so can get more done (was 25degC and sunshine in Nov!)
Really enjoyed walking the Tahoe Rim Trail, seemed like you were out in the wilderness at times but plenty towns nearby. Don’t remember needing a permit but could be wrong. Also advantage of good mountain biking as well.
Bit of a schlep from Vancouver (well, half a day) but really enjoyed west coast Vancouver Island and round Tofino. Worth a visit and a great drive across the island too.
On vacation currently so tagging this to make sure I can provide thoughts once I'm home.
Roughly where in Vancouver as it's a big place and there's good stuff in every direction.
Some boring logistics questions which influence recommendations...
How long are they staying?
Do they have camping gear / private transport?
For shits n giggles…
… I can just imagine your sons face when you tell him “yeah son been on my geek bike forum asking a bunch of other geeks what you can do on your trip”
I’m sure that’ll go down well with him and his friend !
Mr dad who wants to relive his earlier years let your son discover for himself. He knows how to work the internet, if it’s feasible why not try and incorporate a holiday and meet up with him for a few weeks?
* he’s a lucky lad to be able to go travelling many fond memories from my world tour back in the 90s
** I’m pretty sure any advice on here is pretty top notch.
My Fuji season ends in early September , so he might want to consider that when figuring out dates.
Not a lot to add here, as we’ve not had much chance to explore, but I’m on Vancouver Island. I can probably provide some advice on local stuff, plus if he gets in a jam and needs a friendly face I’m happy to share my contact details.
Vancouver does have the nickname 'No Fun City' for pretty good reason. So yeah, it'd be good to have a base there but if $$$ isn't such an issue, I wouldn't be spending too much time there. It's also a huge pain in the butt to travel around on a daily basis due to bridges, Vancouver drivers (I've never seen drivers slow down when on bridges before. "OMG we're flying!!!!") etc.
Downtown Vancouver nightlife sucks (AKA No Fun City again), unless your idea of a good time is going to cheesy bars and throwing up. The better places tend to be in more 'rustic' areas. I suggest going to see a band at the Rickshaw, but don't look up the location beforehand. It will blow your mind, and not in a good way. It's a travesty that some of the city's population are literally treated worse than garbage. At least the garbage gets taken care of once a week.
Anyway! Fingers crossed that the free accommodation is in North Van or West Van!
How long are they staying?
Do they have camping gear / private transport?
Duration: they're hoping a couple of months if money will allow.
Transport: public only, they won't be able to hire.
Yes to camping kit.
Exact location isn't clear beyond 'His aunt has a 5 bedroom house in Vancouver and his cousins have left home, so we can stay as long as we like.'