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
Canada
Monday 13th October 2008
Travel Counsellor: Grace Cuciniello
Canada must be one of the most spectacular countries in the world, there is truly some very amazing scenery in this place including the famous Niagara Falls on the east coast that separates Canada and America, this water fall is absolutely amazing. But before doing the east coast you really should spend some time covering the Canadian west coast this place is great you can fly into Calgary visit Banff which is a small mountainous town, then the Jasper national park where you might even come across some black bears running in the wild forest. Another breathtaking spot to visit on the west coast is Lake Louise which is located in the Alberta Rockies, also is great for skiing and snowboarding. If you would like to do tour the Rocky mountains the easy way then the train is a nice option and the Rocky Mountaineer Train has this sorted, its got the gold or red leaf seats all with a great view as you zig zag though the rocky mountains, they also provide a fantastic breakfast and lunch service.... view full story
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