hi

I am thinking of going to NW for 3 weeks this summer. Will probably stay beginning & end period with relative (WA, nr Portland OR).

So I'm thinking of flying direct to Seattle & taking short flight to Portland (and visa versa on return). This is the shortest, most direct route I can find (don't really want to mess about changing).

I have only done one long(ish) haul flight as adult - budget Barbados, 7-8 hrs grim, cramped flight (I'm 6"1.5").

Firstly, how much different would economy be on a BA/Virgin 747 flight (compared to cramped, non-747 flight to Barbados) ? Similar or better ?

A return economy (Seattle) would be around £600, but almost double for premium-eco. Would it be worth paying the difference ?

Secondly, what could realistically do in 10 days or so, on West coast ? Could I take in most of the important stuff (I'm more into natural world than cities etc.) in this time frame ? Probably a mix of flying & driving (or possibly coach/rail ?) ...

I was vaguely planning on a kind of loop which would somehow get me back to my uncle's a few days before flying home ...

Maybe an alternative would be outward to NW, and back from further south e.g. LA ? Would this be more expensive / more hassle ?

thanks

swayzak