The Bay Area has so much to offer, and we really hope you enjoy your time here! Here's a list of tips, though, to help make sure your travels go smoothly.

1. Use Google Maps to check traffic!!! It's pretty accurate in reporting true travel time (or it says it's slightly better than it is...), and can really help you pick a different route with less traffic or just align expectations.

2. Traffic is real. Especially at rush hour or if you have to cross a major bridge. Your 15 minute drive can easily turn into an hour. So again, use Google Maps to check travel times. Strongly consider avoiding travel during commuting hours. And remember: you're not stuck in traffic, you are traffic :)

3. Car break-ins happen. NEVER leave anything in plain sight in your car. If you're leaving something in your trunk, make sure you put it in there BEFORE you get to your destination (if you open your trunk to put a bag in back at your destination, you make yourself an easy target). Consider not leaving anything in your trunk either or have someone wait in the car while the other person runs in to grab groceries, for example.

4. Weather varies a LOT depending on where exactly you are. In general, San Francisco/Oakland/Berkely is pretty chilly. Almost every evening all year round you'll want a jacket, even if it was warm during the day. As soon as you head inland, though, (think Napa, Livermore, San Jose, Sacramento, etc...) it gets HOT fast. On the other hand, going to the coast? It's cold. You're probably going to want a coat and hat rather than a swimsuit (but it does vary day-to-day). So bottom line: wear layers, check the weather for your destination, and bring a coat.

5. Need somewhere to stash luggage while you're traveling before/after the wedding? Let Madi or Sean know, and we'll see if we can store it at our apartment.