Travel Planning
Updated 1 May
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Travel plans should be made in line with Covid-19 travel requirements and with the flexibility to change
Airports
Airports
SeaTec Intl Airport [SEA]
SeaTec Intl Airport [SEA]
Most international travelers might want to come in through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Apart from having rental cars available, SoundTransit offers the Link light rail into Seattle and a bus service is available all the way up to Bellingham (reservation strongly recommended).
Bellingham Intl Airport [BLI]
Bellingham Intl Airport [BLI]
Bellingham Intl Airport is great for visitors coming mainly for the Bellingham area experience and the Wedding Weekend. Compare the prices and times for flying into SEATAC and the time to drive to Bellingham ~2 hours) with costs to fly directly into Bellingham Intl Airport.
Vancouver Intl Airport [YVR]
Vancouver Intl Airport [YVR]
Vancouver offers a few more direct flights from some parts of Europe than Seattle. As Bellingham is closer to Vancouver than it is to Seattle, this would also be a viable way.
Note: Check Covid-19 requirements from Canada to the USA. Immigrating on land can be a bit more of a hassle than via an airport because of procedures and entry requirements.
Transportation
Transportation
Planes, trains, cars...and a few ferries
Planes, trains, cars...and a few ferries
Rental Cars: A likely must if you want to explore. Cars can be rented around all airports.
Public transportation: Available in the bigger cities. Check out the ORCA card for Seattle and the charter bus from Seattle to Bellingham.
Camper Vans: Vendors can be found with a Google search. Our favorites include Escape Camper Vans (Seattle) and Karma Camper Vans (Vancouver).
Ferries: A fun way to travel Western Washington if you have some extra time and want to see sea life.
Trains: Amtrak offers services on the West coast. Not recommended for daily local travel, but it may be a fun way to travel between different states or long hauls.
Hotels & Campsites
Hotels & Campsites
Below are recommendations / places M&B plan to stay. Other options can be found at www.booking.com, AirBnB, Google Hotels, HipCamp, WAparks.org, and WTA.org
NOTE: Online hotel prices in the USA do not always include TAX and FEES. Please check your reservation costs.
CAMPERS: check out REI for deals on membership and rental gear. $30 bucks cold save you a lot more.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Book places SOON. People in Washington take their summers seriously. Places go quickly.
Seattle favorites
Seattle favorites
These are timeshare condos; other options are also available in the area.
M&B will stay here 21-24 July
Citizen M: located around the Lake Union area
Belltown Inn: near Pike Place market and next door to one of Matt's favorite breakfast places, the Biscuit Bitch.
Arlington Area
Arlington Area
M&B recommend an AirBnB search if you want to stay in Arlington. Most hotels are chain hotels; AirBnB has private homes.
M&B have reserved a group location at the Tranquil Barn, where camper vans can also park. There is still spaces in the loft; let us know if you're interested.
M&B will stay here 24 July & 31 July 2022
San Juan Island referrals
San Juan Island referrals
M&B will stay here 25-27 July 2022
Rosario Resort and Spa. Recommended by locals as a place to stay on Orcas Island.
AirBnB, Booking.com and Google Hotels offer options and private homes.
Moral of the story: BOOK NOW if you want to a visit on one of the islands.
Bellingham options
Bellingham options
Some rooms are on hold 28-31 July.
To reserve:
Grand suites / Studios: Call or book online with "Book Direct and Save" option, mention Rebecca Kellogg.
Historical Rooms / Suites: call directly and mention Rebecca's name.
M&B will stay here 27-31 July 2022
Alternative hotels and Campsites
Alternative hotels and Campsites
Hotel Heliotrope A sister location to Hotel Leo in Bellingham, located about 1.7 miles (2.7 Kilometers) from the Hotel Leo. To reserve: Book online or call directly, mention Rebecca's name.
Hotel Heliotrope A sister location to Hotel Leo in Bellingham, located about 1.7 miles (2.7 Kilometers) from the Hotel Leo. To reserve: Book online or call directly, mention Rebecca's name.
Larabee State Park: cool option for campers, though know that the train might be loud...
Birch Bay State Park: You can camp on the beach 20 miles north of Bellingham.
Douglas Fir Campground: good option near Mount Baker. Double-check for availability, given recent flood damage.
Hipcamp: cool site for camping all over the west coast
REI: an outdoor enthusiast's dream store with rentals.
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier
M&B will be here 1-4 August (either at Wellspring or Scott W.'s property)
Wellspring Spa and Woodland Retreat: A favorite of the locals with really cute options. Three minutes drive from Scott W's Land.
We've reserved the Treehouse, Tieton, Timbuktu, Trail's End and Tumbleweed cabins for our group. Contact Rebecca by 31 May if you're interested to take one of them (first come, first serve).
Scott W's Land: a cabin and campground in one place! We've rented it as a central location and to celebrate 1 August. Camper Vans and RVs can park on the land. Contact Rebecca by 31 May if you want to camp or stay in the house (first come, first serve).
Cougar Rock Campground: A favorite of the locals. At the base of Mount Rainier; 25-minute drive from Scott W's land.
These are options in Ashford, WA. There are more hotels and houses in Ashford, Packwood and the surrounding area.
Washington & Beyond
Washington & Beyond
Olympic National Park: AirBnB or Booking.com in Hoodsport, WA
Oregon Coast: Circle Creek RV
Mount Saint Helens: Seaquest State Park
Hipcamp: cool site for camping all over the west coast
REI: an outdoor enthusiast's dream store with rentals.
Google Sites
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