Quote:
Originally Posted by Hehe
If you are going all the way to Portland for shopping, do what I used to do.
Book a hotel allowing early check-in, and call to confirm the day you leave. I'd leave at 10~11PM at night (I will explain the time choice in a bit), make my car comfy with a whole bunch of pillows and blankets. My wife usually just sleeps the entire way there. If I get tired, I just stop by one of the rest areas along I-5 and sleep for as long as I think I need. I usually end up arriving PDX around 9~10AM in the morning.
We then grab some awesome breakfasts among the numerous choices in PDX and go to the Hotel for check-in (usually around 11~12). We'd sleep a bit if we feel tired, otherwise, shower/clean up and shop. The next day, we usually just eat eat and eat and leave PDX around 5~6PM (after an early dinner, and grabbing a pastrami sandwich to go) and head straight back. Between gas/pee/food stops, I usually end up arriving at border around 10~12.
I get mad amount of allowances plus choices to bring booze/smoke from the dutyfree shop.
With the 48hr allowance now up to 800, this is no brainer... Assuming a trip for two people and both max'ing out their allowances, tax saving alone covers the gas, hotel... etc. Not to mention the savings if you are a drinker/smoker.
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That's too tiring. Here's my plan, similar to yours but more relaxing.
7PM leave Vancouver
9PM eat in Tacoma
1AM arrive in Portland
Sleep in a hotel, usually 3* is only about $40-$50 around PDX area via priceline.
*Insert 1 or 2 days of shopping*
Come back starting at 4PM
Arrive border at 10PM, depending on where you stop for food in Seattle.