You’ve booked your Santiago vacation – now what?

Flight and your confirmation San Diego Hotel Both have arrived in your inbox. This is certainly a relief. However, there are still some San Diego vacation decisions you may want to make before you go.

The purpose of this article is to address the questions you need to consider next. It’s for people who come to us after booking a flight or a hotel or both. I have a lot to say and this list is based on questions people emailed.

1. Protect your trip

My motto for 2025 is that everyone needs to check their travel insurance coverage. This starts with your credit card. If your credit card is insured, please make sure you use that credit card for the relevant booking.

However, you’ll note that credit card coverage may be limited and you may need to top up. If you want to protect a non-refundable flight or hotel booking, the sooner you purchase travel insurance, the cheaper it can sometimes be.

While it may seem unnecessary to purchase travel insurance if you have flexibility with hotel cancellations, Mother Nature may have other plans. We have to make exceptions for a lot of people who are within the cancellation window, and some of the larger hotels are having a hard time doing that.

• The hurricane came fast and furious, and we had to relax in a lot of our hotel stays in the Caribbean. Bad weather can have a domino effect on airlines.
• Heavy fog has filled San Diego this week, forcing planes to reroute and prevent them from landing. Hotel accommodation is affected.
• You or your child may get sick and be unable to travel (this happens often).
• Life happens and you can’t travel.

2. Figure out how to get around San Diego

Once you arrive by car, train, or plane, consider whether you’ll need a rental car, a black car service, or a ride-sharing app. People do all three, so which one you choose depends on your schedule and budget.

Most people rent cars. When considering costs, keep in mind that most San Diego hotels charge for parking, and even at budget hotels in the city center, parking fees can be high (street parking is rarely an alternative).

There are a few places that offer free parking as part of the resort fee (Bahia Resort, La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, and Four Seasons Hotel Aviara), but expect to pay $25 to $70 per night to park at the hotel.

3. Plan your airport transfer

Of course, this ties into the above. Many hotels can arrange airport transportation for you. Black car service or Uber Black can pick you up curbside at the San Diego Airport.

Black car services will usually give you an option. They can park and meet you at baggage claim. Alternatively, they can wait in the cell phone parking lot. After collecting your luggage, you will walk to the curb and look for the Green Zone signs. Call or text them and write the letters on the green zone sign.

4. Research what you will add to your itinerary

I start by simulating a tentative to-do list. If you need ideas, we have tons of San Diego Attractions Help you conduct research based on budget, interests, and community.

Keep in mind that our county is about 70 miles long and slightly wider. There can be traffic jams at times, so you’ll want to try and concentrate your activities in one area of ​​your town rather than meandering around.

The reason I say tentative is because of #5 below.

See also: Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in San Diego

5. Decide whether to buy a sightseeing pass or individual tickets

There are absolutely no entrance fees to pay at our top San Diego attractions. You’ll need to crunch some numbers to decide whether to save more with a sightseeing pass or discounted admission to individual parks.

I work with vendors around town to offer exclusive ticket deals, but I firmly believe that how you save depends on what you want to do. There are three sightseeing passes available (I think):

• San Diego Go City
• San Diego City Pass (only relevant if you are going to Legoland California and/or SeaWorld San Diego)
• Balboa Park Discovery Pass (Balboa Park Museum only)

See also: Go City San Diego or San Diego CityPASS — which one to choose?

If you do have a sightseeing pass, this may change your itinerary a bit as you may choose to visit attractions you may not have considered.

See also: Our list of San Diego tickets and discounts

6. Booking

A few attractions require timed admission, such as Legoland California. If you purchase tickets through us, please make sure you have a reservation. If you purchased through LEGOLAND, you may have tickets for a specific date.

I would make reservations at some high-end restaurants, such as Michelin-starred restaurants like Addison. Or, anywhere on the waterfront, like the Marine Room.

You also need to book sightseeing tour Such as whale watching or harbor cruises.

7. Plan what you need to bring

I wrote an article about What to bring to San Diego. The most important tip is always to wear layers of clothing and use sun protection. Trust me, you can get sunburned here in the winter.

Life is usually full of sports, unless you plan on going to a club or going to a nicer restaurant.

8. Review and organize your travel documents and memberships

If you arrive from overseas, your passport must be valid for six months after travel.

Another FAQ is about the various travel programs you may or may not be a part of, and which you may need a login or card to access (that is, if you’re not app-savvy).

• priority pass: This will take you to Aspire Lounge (always busy, don’t plan) and Chase Sapphire Lounge
• Clear: Terminal 2 does have CLEAR. I’m a member and love it. However, Terminal 2 has two “wings”, for lack of a better way of putting it. CLEAR is located where you check in for your Delta Air Lines flight. If you’re flying American Airlines or Alaska Airlines, you may want to brave TSA Pre-Check to avoid the long walk to the gate.
• TSA Pre-Check: Yes, we are available in all terminals.
• American Express lounge access: longing lounge
• American Aviation Admirals Club: longing lounge

9. Download useful apps

Here are some apps to make your stay easier. Search for them in the relevant app stores.

• Uber or Lyft
• Waze: Get real-life traffic conditions.
• circuit: There are great low-cost loop shuttles to Pacific Beach, downtown, Oceanside, National City, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, and Coronado.
• pronto: This is a rechargeable public transport fare card.
• The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park have apps
• seaworld san diego
• Legoland California
• Balboa Park
• Opentable Restaurant Reservations
• Your hotel apps: Hilton, Hyatt, Four Seasons (this is the best app)
• Spot hero: Disclaimer, I haven’t used it personally, but people tell me it’s a great way to find parking for events and busy days near the beach and downtown. I’ve downloaded it and see why it’s useful.

10. Double check your confirmation information

I do get frantic emails from travelers who sometimes book for the wrong dates or don’t realize their hotel is in Oceanside when they thought it was downtown. Before you go, double-check everything, especially the location of your booked location in relation to your itinerary.

Have questions? Let me know.