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Archive for the travel tips category

Free Maps of Los Angeles

March 24th, 2008 by jamie a

LA mapMap of Los Angeles Photo uploaded by superfem

After you’ve picked up your Go Los Angeles Card, check out these great maps for bargain travelers!

Budget Travel just alerted us to the concept of Schmaps, which are free travel guides to places all over the world with local, zoom-able maps, and marked attractions.These guides are great for planning out itineraries based on your personal interests as well, providing all sorts of suggestions based on your preferences.

We’d love to hear what you think should be included for those traveling to Los Angeles! What are your favorite attractions? Let us know in a comment!

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Los Angeles Card.

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Free Museum Days Guide

March 6th, 2008 by jamie a

Getty MuseumGetty Museum Photo uploaded by synaethesia

With the multitude of museums in Los Angeles, it’s definitely a great achievement to visit them all. From the Museum of Contemporary Art to the Guinness World Records Museum, there’s something for every area of interest.

To make your travels a little easier on your wallet, here’s a guide to free museum days at all the museums in the Los Angeles area. Organized by Natural Wonders, Culture Clubs, Art Now, and The Classics, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Los Angeles Card.

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Get Your Kicks on Route 66

February 13th, 2008 by carrie t

Route 66Route 66 sign Photo uploaded by Simon Shek

Historic Route 66 highlights key historical and cultural sites throughout Los Angeles.  We all know the horror stories about traffic in LA, so of course I’d recommend finding an off peak travel time to start your drive.  Early morning on the weekends is best, particularly on Sunday.

Route 66 winds through Rancho Cucamonga, Pasadena, Downtown, and Santa Monica.  In the winter, the snow capped mountains and clear skylines make for incredible views.  Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at major historical landmarks!

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Los Angeles Card.

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Under 21 Nightlife in Los Angeles

February 11th, 2008 by jamie a

Troubadour in Los Angeles Mika at The Troubadour Photo uploaded by paper or plastic

LA.com has a fantastic guide for those who are under 21 in LA and are dying for some fabulous nightlife. This guide features 12 hotspots which are either all-ages or 18+ clubs or venues for a great night out on the town.

From indie shows at The Troubadour to Bang! which features DJs spinning electro, new wave, and other retro tunes, you’re sure to find something to suit your style.

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Los Angeles Card.

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Afternoon in Malibu, California

January 30th, 2008 by carrie t

Malibu BeachMalibu Pier and Beach Photo provided by Carrie T.

This is a great time of the year to visit Malibu.  Avoid the summer crowds, pack up a picnic lunch, and head to the beach in Malibu for the day with your family … it’s a great way to unwind on a Sunday.

You can shop or grab food at the Malibu Country Mart.  You might even casually bump into a star here!

Another great place to spend a day sunning is on the Pepperdine Campus.  Let the guard know that you are just visiting and head up to the grassy lawn overlooking the ocean.  You can park on the street and even bring pets … this is an amazing place to waste away the afternoon reading a good book or sharing time with your family.  The views are stunning.

Access to the exclusive beaches in Malibu can be tough to find.  Many beaches used to be closed off to the public all together but that has all changed… Appropriately nicknamed “Billionaire’s Beach,” (a one mile stretch of Carbon Beach) now has public access from Pacific Coast Highway.  To find it, head to the Malibu Pier and look for the beach access signs.

There are a few hidden beaches along the way but you have to look closely for them because they are sandwiched between closely connected houses.  Parking can be tough but it’s well worth the work; the beaches are breathtaking and you’re likely to see paparazzi or a star along the way.

To get to Malibu, just follow Pacific Coast Highway north of LAX.

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Los Angeles Card.

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Hooray for Hollywood: Travel Tips from the NY Times

January 14th, 2008 by susan j

Hollywood sign
Hollywood photo uploaded by Chang’r

Continuing the New York Times’ 36 hour travel series, writer Jennifer Steinhauer shared her weekend itinerary for visiting Los Angeles. She hit many of Hollywood’s highlights, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Runyon Canyon, and other places. How would you spend 36 hours in your favorite travel destination? Leave a comment and let us know!

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Los Angeles Card.

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4 Tips for Planning a Night Out in Hollywood

January 2nd, 2008 by carrie t

lax_new-years.jpg
Party photo provided by Carrie Tayloe

Most people who visit LA want to experience a night out in Hollywood, but they have a hard time figuring out how to organize it. Hollywood has so much to offer: great restaurants, world famous nightlife, comedy shows, concerts and performances – you name it, they probably have it.

  1. One of the first things you should do when planning a night out in Hollywood is set up transportation. Assuming you are not staying in Hollywood, renting a limo can be cheaper than a taxi, particularly if you have more than 8 people. Shop around in advance – or you can often find a taxi van that will drive you for a reasonable fee (remember to try and negotiate a rate with a company prior to the trip so that you will be charged a flat fee). You might even be able to meet a taxi driver at the airport that will assist you by offering a roundtrip fare at a flat rate. Transportation options include Academy Ride and Global Transportation Solutions.
  2. Another tip is to head out early for dinner so you can avoid traffic, long lines at nightclubs, and crowded restaurants. Locals head out for dinner fairly late in Hollywood, so if you take an earlier reservation you’ll be likely to get better service and you can hang onto your table for a while longer.
  3. When heading out to nightclubs, make sure to call in advance to reserve a table so that you won’t be stuck in a line at the front door. If you want to walk-up to a nightclub, come early (before 10 pm) and make sure to dress to impress!
  4. Do a little research before you go. Seeing Stars, LA.com, and LA Metromix are all good resources for finding events in Hollywood.

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Los Angeles Card.

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Runyon Canyon: the Best Dog Park in California

December 14th, 2007 by carrie t

monster.jpg
Photo courtesy of Carrie Tayloe

Runyon Canyon boasts the most breathtaking views in Los Angeles.  Situated high above the Hollywood hills, the canyon overlooks Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Downtown Skyline.  Runyon Canyon consists of various hikes and nature trails which all wind around the canyon. 

This is one of the best spots in California to bring a dog – it’s acceptable to take your dog on the path without a leash.  Some people will bring bigger dogs and run through the harder trails, while others will bring their small dogs and enjoy the easier paths.   

And one last hidden secret about Runyon Canyon is that it’s actually one of the best areas in L.A. for celebrity sightings! Hayden Christenson, Justin Chambers, and BJ Novak have all been sighted in the area recently.

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Los Angeles Card.

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Stress-Free Holiday Travel

December 6th, 2007 by susan j

The holiday season is supposed to be the “most wonderful time of the year,” but those who spend the holidays stuck in an airport or fighting traffic will probably want to sing a different tune (you can guess what that sounds like).

Our friends at ASTA, which is short for the American Society of Travel Agents, have compiled a list of tips to make holiday travel a little merrier and a lot less stressful. Here’s a sneak peek:

  • Book your ticket ASAP. If you must book last minute, remember, you have options. The key to securing the best deal is flexibility in travel dates–ask your ASTA travel agent to check into holiday fares; the slow week between Christmas and New Year’s; or consider flying into an alternate airport and renting a car. If your holiday vacation includes international travel, make sure you have a valid passport. Your travel agent can advise you on the new rules and how to apply.
  • Arrive early. Difficult airport parking, long lines at security checkpoints and the possibility of the airline overselling the flight and bumping passengers, should all be considered when deciding what time to arrive at the airport. Give yourself plenty of extra time. Need some incentive? Keep in mind that those who arrive earliest for an overbooked flight stand the greatest chance of staying on-board.

Read more tips for stress-free holiday trips. Happy travels!

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Los Angeles Card.

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Go Los Angeles Cards the Perfect Holiday Gift

December 4th, 2007 by susan j

11272007giftwrap.jpgPhoto uploaded by decor8

Looking for a holiday gift that won’t pack on the pounds or sit in a closet with last year’s sweaters? Why not consider giving a Go Los Angeles Card?

Go Los Angeles Cards make great gifts, because they are one-size-fits-all, letting your lucky recipient choose the activities they enjoy most. Cousin Steve can explore the Peterson Automotive Museum and eat at the Bonaventure Brewing Co. Aunt Sandy can bring the kids to Legoland and Kidspace Children’s Museum. Your sister Cindy can tour wine country or check out the Museum of Contemporary Art. Can’t do all that with a fruitcake or a holiday necktie, can you?

With over 40 attractions in Los Angeles and the surrounding area, the Go Los Angeles Card has something for everyone. Plus, we’re now offering 20% off 3, 5, and 7-Day cards. Hurry - sale ends on Thursday!

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Los Angeles Card.

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