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 -- In the rare event of an earthquake, don’t panic. If you’re in a tall building, don’t run outside; instead, move away from windows and toward the building’s center. Crouch under a desk or table, or stand against a wall or under a doorway. If you’re in bed, get under the bed, stand in a doorway, or crouch under a sturdy piece of furniture. When exiting the building, use stairwells, not elevators. If you’re in your car, pull over to the side of the road and stop, but wait until you’re away from bridges or overpasses, as well as telephone or power poles and lines. Stay in your car. If you’re outside, stay away from trees, power lines, and the sides of buildings.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.