Vancouver Travel Planning

Wi-Fi Hotspot Rental

• WiFiCube: http://www.mywificube.com/rental-fees-and-booking?location=66
• Other:
• https://rent-wifi.com/pocket-wifi-canada/
• Telus, Rogers, and Bell are the three biggest Canadian providers.
• https://simplefi.ca/
• https://www.cellomobile.com/hotspot-rental/canada.html

Itinerary

• 09/20 (Wed): 
• Arrive: SJC to YVR (11:50-2:03 p.m.)
• Hotel check-in: ???
• 09/21 (Thu)
• Stanley Park - aquarium, totem poles, etc
• 09/22 (Fri) 
• Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Grouse Mountain
• 09/23: (Sat)
• University of British Columbia, Science World
• 09/24-27 (Sun-Wed):
• Sun:
• Check-out: ???
• Check-in: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
• IROS Welcome reception (7:00-9:00 p.m.)
• IROS Workshops only
• Mon:
• IROS Technical Sessions
• Tue:
• IROS Technical Sessions
• IROS Conference Banquet (7:00-10:00 p.m.)
• Wed:
• IROS Technical Sessions
• IROS Closing Reception (6:30-8:30 p.m.)
• 09/28 (Thu)
• Check-out: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
• BC Connector to Victoria 
• Check-in: Victoria...???
• IROS Workshops only
• 09/29 (Fri)
• Victoria Island
• 09/30 (Sat)
• Check-out: ???
• BC Connector to Vancouver
• Check-in: Skwachàys (?)
• 10/01 (Sun)
• Vancouver
• 10/02 (Mon):
• Check-out: Skwachàys ???
• Depart: YVR to SJC (2:30-4:45 p.m.)

Hotels

• http://www.iros2017.org/registration-travel/accommodation
• Conference rates:
• Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown
• $CAD 229 conference base rate (before taxes and fees)
• $USD 176.51, as of 07/02/2017
• 17.5% taxes and fees:
• $CAD 269.08 ($CAD 229 * 1.175)
• $USD 207.40 ($USD 176.51 * 1.175)
• Out-of-pocket::
• $CAD 228 ($CAD 41.08)
• $USD 176 ($USD 31.4)
• Room availability, as of 07/02/2017: only Friday and Wed-Sun nights left
• Fairmont Hotel Vancouver: $CAD 249 conference base rate (before taxes and fees)
• $USD 225.20 ($USD 191.66 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 49.20
• Commute:
• 10-15 min public transportation
• 10-15 min walk
• Fairmont Waterfront: $CAD 299 conference base rate (before taxes and fees)
• Fairmont Pacific Rim: $CAD 339 conference base rate (before taxes and fees)
• Standard rates, by neighborhood:
• Downtown
• Days Inn Vancouver Downtown
• $USD 199.75 ($USD 170 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 23.75
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 8 min walk
• Skwachàys Lodge
• $USD 260.85 ($USD 222 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 84.85
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 17-20 min walk
• Kingston Hotel Bed & Breakfast
• $USD 135.13 ($USD 115 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 4/5, #57 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 17-20 min walk
• Howard Johnson Hotel Vancouver Downtown
• $USD 157.45 ($USD 134 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 3/5, #77 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 25 min walk
• Hotel Ambassador
• $USD 122.20 ($USD 104 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 3/5, #79 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 25 min walk
• Executive Hotel Vintage Park
• $USD 197.40 ($USD 168 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 21.40
• Commute:
• 20 min public transportation
• 30 min walk
• GEC Granville Suites Hotel
• $USD 202.10 ($USD 172 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 26.10
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 20 min walk
• Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre
• $USD 215.02 ($USD 183 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 39.03
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 20 min walk
• Greenbrier Hotel
• $USD 199.75 ($USD 170 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 23.75
• Commute:
• 20 min public transportation
• 20 min walk
• Ramada Vancouver Downtown
• $USD 205.63 ($USD 175 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 29.63
• Commute:
• 15 min public transportation
• 25 min walk
• West End:
• Sunset Inn and Suites
• $USD 263.20 ($USD 224 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 87.20
• 4.5/5, #13 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 15-25 min public transportation
• 30 min walk
• Sylvia Hotel
• $USD 148.70 ($USD 126.55 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 4/5, #34 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 35 min public transportation
• 40 min walk
• Buchan Hotel
• $USD 98.70 ($USD 84 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 4/5, #35 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 20-25 min public transportation
• 35-40 min walk
• English Bay Hotel
• $USD 150.4 ($USD 128 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 3/5, #76 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 25-30 min public transportation
• 30-40 min walk
• Sandman Suites - Davie Street
• $USD 139.83 ($USD 119 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 3.5/5, #63 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 20-25 min public transportation
• 25-30 min walk
• Riviera on Robson Suites Hotel Downtown Vancouver
• $USD 175 ($USD 149 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• Commute:
• 16 min public transportation
• 20 min walk
• Blue Horizon Hotel
• $USD 263.20 ($USD 224 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 87.20
• Commute:
• 16 min public transportation
• 20 min walk
• Fairview (across False Creek):
• Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre
• $USD 229.13 ($USD 195 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 53.13
• Commute:
• 20 min public transportation
• 50 min walk
• Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Vancouver
• $USD 173.9 ($USD 148 base plus 17.5% taxes and fees)
• Out-of-pocket: $USD 0.00
• 4/5 stars, #44 of 90 (TripAdvisor)
• Commute:
• 25 min public transportation
• 52 min walk

IROS

http://www.iros2017.org/

• September 24-28, 2017
• Conference site: Vancouver Convention Center West

Sight seeing

• http://www.iros2017.org/registration-travel/sight-seeing
• Whistler
• Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Grouse Mountain

Meals and incidentals:

• Canada: https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem_action.asp?MenuHide=1&CountryCode=1079
• All countries: https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=184&menu_id=78
• Breakdown of M&IE: https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=114&menu_id=75
• Effective Date: 07/01/2017
• Applicable Timespan: 09/16/2017 -- 05/14/2018 (off-season)
• Maximum Lodging Rate: $CAD 194 and $USD 150 ($USD 176 ($CAN 228.16) + 17.5% taxes)
• M & IE Rate: $USD 124 ($CAN 160.75)
• $USD 19 Breakfast
• $USD 31 Lunch
• $USD 49 Dinner
• $USD 25 Incidentals
• Maximum Per Diem Rate: $USD 300 ($CAN 388.91)

Transportation

• Santa Cruz to/from Airport (SFO?)
• Personal vehicle: Santa Cruz to/from Airport
• SFO Long-term Parking: https://www.flysfo.com/to-from/parking/long-term
• Shuttle to/from terminal
• Airlines
• Flight price tracking:
• Google Flights: https://www.google.com/flights/
• Hipmunk (add email address during search): https://www.hipmunk.com
• SFO to/from YVR Flights (Note: direct flights only)
• Air Canada
• 561: 6:30-8:48 a.m. (2:18 direct)
• 563: 11:50-2:08 p.m. (2:18 direct)
• 569: 4:50-7:08 p.m. (2:18 direct)
• Alaska
• American
• Delta (no thanks)
• United (no thanks)
• Virgin America
• SJC to/from VRY Flights
• Air Canada (Note: direct flights only)
• 8113: 6:00-8:13 a.m. (2:13 direct)
• 8115: 11:50–2:03 p.m. (2:13 direct)
• 8117: 5:25-7:38 p.m. (2:13 direct)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to/from Hotel
• IROS delegates can get to downtown Vancouver from YVR via Canada Line, a light rapid transit system for $9 (CAD)
• Taxis: $25
• Victoria Island
• http://bcfconnector.com/

Government Resources

• Passport: Valid through July 2026
• Global Entry:
• Valid through April 2022
• TSA Pre✓
• Expedited re-entry clearance
• https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry
• U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver: https://ca.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/vancouver/
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): 
• TODO: When hotel booked
• https://step.state.gov/step/
• International Drivers Permit (IDP)
• Expires after one year
• Canada - Not needed; U.S. driver's license acceptable
• AAA in Capitola can provide
• Country Information:
• https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/canada.html
• Passport Validity: Valid at time of entry
• Blank Passport Pages: One page required 
• Tourist Visa Required: Not required for stays under 180 days
• Vaccinations: None 
• Currency Restrictions For Entry: None 
• Currency Restrictions For Exit: None

Pet Boarding:

• Peace of Mind Pet Sitting: 
• http://peaceofmindpet.com/PetSittingservices.html

Sites (Suggested)

• Victoria (Vancouver Island)
• Butchart Gardens
• The Fairmont Empress Hotel
• High Tea
• Vancouver

International Conference Travel Checklist

• Carry-on:
• Eye-mask
• Travel-sized toiletries:
• Hair brush
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Mini deodorant
• Dry shampoo (recommended: Oscar Blandi)
• Linen face blotters
• Refreshing face spray
• Electronics:
• Laptop
• Laptop Charger
• International power adapters
• Mini power strip
• Cell phone
• Cell phone charger
• Flashdrive
• Dongles which use regularly
• Any adapters needed to connect your computer to a projector
• Extra:
• Kindle
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Traveling
• Printouts 
• Condense to one page; keep in wallet/passport bag:
• Flight information
• Hotel reservation (with address)
• Maps
• Location of the conference center
• Travel reason proof, for border crossing:
• Conference registration
• Talk/poster acceptance letter
• Water bottle
• Guides
• TripAdvisor
• US Department of State
• Identification
• Passport bag around neck
• Passport
• Printed copy of passport
• Boarding passes
• Conference essentials
• Business cards
• Color copies of poster (if presenting one)
• Note-taking:
• Writing utensils
• Notebook (for example, Moleskin)
• Water bottle
• Reusable travel mug
• Umbrella
• Small purse or bag (note: so don't have to lug laptop bag to dinner)
• Snacks (granola bars, fruit, nuts)
• Travel baby wipes, hand sanitizer (note: when bathroom essentials lacking)
• List of people to introduce yourself to (note: search the program online in advance, workshop, lunch, or field trip)
• Packing
• Outfits for each day, plus backup (in case of wardrobe malfunction)
• Underwear
• Socks
• Accessories: belts/leggings, jewelry
• Outdoor wear
• Coat
• Jacket
• Raincoat
• Umbrella
• Hat
• Mittens
• Shoes: comfortable, weather appropriate
• Toiletries:
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Soap
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Hair products/hair dryer
• Nail clippers
• Shaving needs
• contact lenses/solution
• feminine hygiene products
• bite splints/retainers
• makeup
• medication
• ID:
• Passport
• Travel visa (if needed)
• Wallet
• Debit/credit cards
• Talk:
• Backup (!)
• Poster (with print-outs, in a poster tube with your contact info)
• Good to have:
• Mini sewing kit (for lost buttons, etc.)
• Travel laundry bag (these are great)
• Books, papers, or files you need to work while you travel (or finish your talk)
• Location of lodging, conference center, flight information, transportation itineraries, etc.
• Before you leave:
• Notify credit card companies of where and when will travel
• Citi
• U.S. Bank - Email them, like a barbarian: login, contact us, email....
• Golden One - Email them, like a barbarian: login, contact us, email....
• Capital One 360 - Don't need to
• Other (?)

Resources

• http://wikitravel.org/en/Vancouver

Reimbursement:

• Travel Process: https://financial.ucsc.edu/Pages/Travel_Process.aspx
• Travel "Keys": https://financial.ucsc.edu/Pages/Travel_Keys.aspx
• Travel Forms: https://financial.ucsc.edu/Pages/travel_guide.aspx
• Travel Guide (that is, all the details): https://financial.ucsc.edu/Pages/Travel_Forms.asp

Previously:

https://iokevins-social.blogspot.com/2016/07/south-korea.html