Important VISA Information for the Blokes and Sheilas...

When traveling to the US from overseas, there are a few things you'll need to prepare prior to your departure: 

• Firstly, you're going to need a visa called an ESTA (also known as the 'Visa Waiver Program'). This is a simple, electronic form you'll need to fill out that costs $14 and needs to be done at least 48 hours prior to traveling. You'll be required to supply an address where you'll be staying, so that will just be the name of your hotel/vacation rental.
• Secondly, please note that as of April 1, 2016 you MUST HAVE AN E-PASSPORT to enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program if your passport was issued on or after October 26, 2006. 
• Lastly, your passport  MUST BE VALID FOR 6 MONTHS beyond the period of your intended stay in the US. 

These are all very straightforward rules, but are imperative to being granted entry into the US. The Department of Homeland Security are not known for their lenience or good sense of humour. 

Whether You're Traveling from 'Straya or from within the US...

...You'll likely be landing in San Francisco** -  one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the birthplace of such modern luxuries as Uber, AirBnB and Tinder. There's plenty to see and do, from walking the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, to experiencing life as a prisoner in the infamous Alcatraz Prison; we guarantee you won't be bored. We highly recommend venturing into Muir Woods National Monument, home to the old-growth redwood trees (otherwise known as The Forest Moon of Endor for the nerds out there). 

**If you are traveling from within the US, flying into Oakland is also a viable option. Dependent on where you're coming from, some Southwest flights to Oakland are less expensive than their options to SFO.  Santa Rosa and Sacramento are also somewhat nearby, but from all the searches we've done, those two airports always appear more expensive to fly into than SFO or Oakland. 

Driving to Mendocino

The only way to get to Mendocino is by car, which means you'll likely have to rent one. You can do this one of two ways: either by picking up a car from the airport, or from one of the various rental car locations in the San Francisco area. Generally speaking, airport car rentals are more expensive (thanks to the convenience), so if you're planning on spending a day or two in San Francisco prior to heading to Mendocino, renting a car while you're in the city will likely be cheaper. 

NOTE! We've set up a facebook page for the wedding, so among other things, guests can connect and potentially coordinate carpooling, ride-sharing, etc. Save a few bucks, make a few new mates, everyone's a winner!

Also, a word of warning:  Google Maps could potentially lose connection along the way, which is why we recommend either downloading your desired Google Map route offline prior to departing San Francisco, or acquiring a GPS device with your car rental.

How To Get There

There are essentially two main routes to Mendocino from San Francisco, both of which are breathtaking - so eyes on the road!

Highway 1 is the coastal and very scenic route. For those of you from Australia who have driven the Great Ocean Road, it's just as stunning and just as serpentine! There are many points of interest along the way, such as Point Reyes Station, Nick's Cove and many other wonderful things to see and do. 

Highway 101 is the more inland route, also offering many wonderful sights and sounds (and a few less twists and bends). We definitely recommend making a pit stop for some lunch (and wine) in the charming town of Healdsburg. If you have time to kill and don't mind heading a little off course, you can head East to Highway 29, which will take you up through Napa for a spell. On one of our scouting trips, we popped out just north of Mendocino by way of Jackson State Forest (after jumping on the 20 from Willits). The road here weaves through a majestic redwood grove, and while the hairpin turns (or as Americans say, 'switchbacks') some may find a little taxing, it's undeniably beautiful. 

**Note that if you do take Highway 1 up the ENTIRE way it takes a bit longer and the driving can be a little intense. But if you have the time, great! And there are a number of places to switch from Highway 1 to the 101 and vice versa if you feel like the best of both worlds. The choice is yours, and there are options aplenty!

ROAD TRIP!

Here's our Spotify playlist to keep you company on the road to Mendocino! 

(Very eclectic mix, not in any intentional order, so just hit shuffle play! You'll want to make it available offline if possible, because the service cuts out along the road up North.)