See what the experts are saying about Los Angeles. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Package deals
Packages for the Independent Traveler Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as car rentals, airport transfers, and sometimes even activities) at the same time and often at... Continue reading »
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Entry requirements & customs
Passports For an up-to-date, country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world, go to the "Foreign Entry Requirement" website of the U.S. State Department at http://travel.state.gov. International visitors can obtain a v... Continue reading »
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Money
It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and ATM cards. You should also have enough petty cash upon arrival to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel... Continue reading »
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Sustainable travel & ecotourism
Each time you take a flight or drive a car CO2 is released into the atmosphere. You can help neutralize this danger to our planet through "carbon offsetting" -- paying someone to reduce your CO2 emissions by the same amount you've added. Carb... Continue reading »
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Recommended reading
Like eating étouffée in New Orleans, books always tend to be a bit spicier and authentic when you reading them in the place they're based. Here are some of my favorite L.A.-themed reads. Nonfiction In vivid detail, Edward Jay Epstein's... Continue reading »
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Health & safety
Staying Healthy Contact the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) (tel. 716/754-4883 or, in Canada, 416/652-0137; www.iamat.org) for tips on travel and health concerns in the countries you're visiting, and f... Continue reading »
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Insurance
The cost of travel insurance varies widely, depending on the cost and length of your trip, your age and health, and the type of trip you're taking, but expect to pay between 5% and 8% of the vacation itself. You can get estimates from various... Continue reading »
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Tips on accommodations
Saving On Your Hotel Room The rack rate is the maximum rate that a hotel charges for a room. Hardly anybody pays this price, however, except in high season or on holidays. To lower the cost of your room: Ask about special rates or other... Continue reading »
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Tips for families
If you have enough trouble getting your kids out of the house in the morning, dragging them thousands of miles away may seem like an insurmountable challenge. But family travel can be immensely rewarding, giving you new ways of seeing the wor... Continue reading »
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Tips for gay and lesbian travelers
When the city of West Hollywood was incorporated in 1984, it elected a lesbian mayor and a predominantly gay city council. West Hollywood, also known as WeHo, has been waving the rainbow flag ever since. While L.A.'s large gay community is to... Continue reading »
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Tips for senior travelers
Nearly every attraction in Los Angeles offers a senior discount, but age requirements vary. Public transportation and movie theaters also have reduced rates. Don't be shy about asking for discounts, but always carry some kind of identificatio... Continue reading »
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Tips for student travelers
A valid student ID will often qualify students for discounts on airfare, accommodations, entry to museums, cultural events, movies, and more. The International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC) (www.istc.org) was formed in 1949 to make trav... Continue reading »
Los Angeles Travel Experiences
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Hollywoodland
We woke up early and cruised down to Manhattan Beach, just north of Redondo Beach. While it’s not very crowded and is great for surfing,... Continue reading »
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Los Angeles (well Hollywood anyway!)
I had heard some less than favourable comments about LA so didn't expect a great deal from Los Angeles and so had only planned to spend a... Continue reading »
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LA pitstop
After the tour of possibly all the second hand car garages in Vancouver, it was good to have LA to look forward to...Well, to look forwar... Continue reading »
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Must-Do's in LA
Here is a quick list (much more will be added later) of things you MUST do in LA (in no particular order)-Hang out at Venice Beach and jo... Continue reading »
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LA's Beaches...Advice from a Local!
For those of you that have been to LA, I think you will agree that one of the best things about the diverse City of Angels is the beach.... Continue reading »
Popular Los Angeles Hotels
- The Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills
- Andaz West Hollywood
- Hotel Palomar Los Angeles - Westwood - a Kimpton Hotel
- Hotel Casa Del Mar
- Viceroy Santa Monica
- Courtyard by Marriott LAX
- Omni Los Angeles Hotel At California Plaza
- Best Western Sunset Plaza Hotel
- Hyatt Regency Century Plaza
- Renaissance Hollywood Hotel and Spa
