Planning a Trip

Although the best vacations are the ones that allow for spontaneity, there's no substitute for a little pre-trip research when it comes to planning a great vacation. Ergo, this entire guidecontains practical information to help you prepare the perfect trip to San Francisco, including topical websites, recommended pre-trip arrangements, ideal times to visit, and local resources for those with specialized needs.

Tip: Earthquake Advice -- Earthquakes are fairly common in California, though most are so minor you won't even notice them. However, in case of a significant shaker, there are a few basic precautionary measures to follow: If you are inside a building, do not run outside into falling debris. Seek cover -- stand under a doorway or against a wall, and stay away from windows. If you exit a building after a substantial quake, use stairwells, not elevators. If you're in a car, pull over to the side of the road and stop -- but not until you are away from bridges, overpasses, telephone poles, and power lines. Stay in your car. If you're out walking, stay outside and away from trees, power lines, and the sides of buildings. If you're in an area with tall buildings, find a doorway in which to stand. And if you're having cocktails, find a straw.