To holiday in Los Angeles is to escape to a make believe world of movie stars and wannabes. This is where the American dream begins; where hopes are high for fame, where tomorrow’s next big star valet parks your hire car in the restaurant lot.
A sprawling megapolis, really a collection of individual cities and neighbourhoods, the only way to experience LALA land is by car, because, as the song says, LA is a great big freeway. Ask your Travel Counsellor to arrange a rental for your visit, preferably a convertible; because once your LA stay is complete, you can head along the Pacific Coast Hwy to San Francisco, out across the Mojave to Las Vegas, or really get your kicks on Route 66.
Home of Disneyland and movie stars, Beverly Hills and Hollywood, Los Angeles seduces into its glittering world. With endless sunshine and freeways, palm trees, shopping malls and beautiful people, LA is like no place you’ve seen before, yet is strangely familiar. Backdrop to many a movie, you’ll soon start ticking off the landmarks as you embark on your star spotting quest. Just strolling down a street you’re likely to spot a face you’ve seen on the box, or buy a star map on Sunset Boulevard and take a tour of Hollywood highlights.
Visitors flock to the west of the city and the Beaches, for the most hotels and attractions. West Hollywood is a safe bet, you’ll find Sunset Boulevard, Melrose Drive and all the hot spots nearby. Outdoor life is a large part of Los Angeles life. Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu beaches offer great urban beach culture, but the coast stretches a long way and even suburban beaches have a life of their own.
One of LA’s charms is its opportunities to flash the plastic in a frenzy of retail therapy. Whether you’re looking for haute couture, trendy or vintage, chic or designer, Tinsel town has you covered. The famous Rodeo Drive is where the big people buy big names for big money. A familiar backdrop in lots of movies, it is certainly worth a look – even if you don’t buy.
Los Angeles fun facts
The city of Los Angeles, spread over 750 square km is hub to a five-county metropolis of 54,650 sq km
The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is said to be haunted by Montgomery Clift who continues to play his bugle in Room 928; and Marilyn Monroe whose image has been seen gazing from a lobby mirror
Los Angeles has more than 80 stage theatres and 300 museums
I Luv New York
Friday 11th July 2008
Travel Counsellor: Diana Vawdrey
As part of our Family Holiday to the US in July 08, we spent 5 fabulous nights in New York. We had many adventures including a live show on Broadway - "Hairspray" which was one of the best shows I have ever seen - even my husband loved it!
A Semi-Circle Cruise on the Hudson gave us a new perspective of Manhattan Island and was a quick and easy way to see the Statue of Liberty, while avoiding the really long queues through security to view it up close. A running commentary from the captain was very informative.
A visit to the old Yankee Stadium to see a game was a highlight for my husband Paul, but we all really enjoyed it. There is such a wonderful atmosphere at a ball game - no down time at all. The girls got to enjoy an American hotdog complete with American mustard of course.
Central Park was beautiful, such an oasis in the middle of the concrete and smoggy jungle of New York. We intended to take a horse and buggy ride, but were convinced by 2 students who worked part-time... view full story
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