How To Do a Cu Chi Tunnels Tour From Saigon

By

-

December 29, 2018

Just 70 km North West of Ho Chi Minh City is the Cu Chi Tunnels complex, at the end of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. This vast underground network of war tunnels stretched as far as Cambodia. If you are visiting Saigon then my must take a Cu Chi Tunnels tour, it is the biggest attraction in town.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Where are Cu Chi Tunnels?

Cu Chi Tunnels are located about 60 km from District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City. The bus trip takes around 2 hours, depending in traffic in Ho Chi Minh City.

Booking a Cu Chi Tunnels Tour Through Your Hotel

If you are considering booking a Cu Chi Tunnels Tour, there’s a 90% chance you’re staying in Ho Chi Minh City (otherwise known as Saigon). And if you are staying in Saigon there’s a 90% chance you’re staying in District 1. That’s the main tourist district, the happening part of Saigon.

Our favourite hotel in District 1 of Saigon is the Duc Vuong Hotel, an inexpensive hotel with a wonderful tour booking office. Our Cu Chi Tunnels Tour was simple to organise. We just approached the hotel tour booking office and asked for a tunnels tour, and they organised the rest.

The tour booking agent suggested we combine a Cu Chi Tunnels half day tour with a Saigon City Tour. This sounded like a great idea. When we booked it cost 1,040,000 VND per adult and 740,000 per child for the combined tour. Alternatively we could have toured just the Tunnels of Chu Chi for 540,000/400,000 each.

Note that this is a luxury tour, in a small luxury van. We find these much more enjoyable than the large bus tours, so long as you can afford it. And in Vietnam tour prices are quite cheap, so it’s unlikely to break your budget.

The Tour company booked through the hotel travel office is Luxury Group Tours / Kim Travel. You can check out the exact combined tour details here. We thoroughly recommend booking these guys. The tour guide was excellent and the we couldn’t fault this excellent tour in any way.

Booking Through a Local Travel Agency

If you are staying in District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, finding a local Travel Agency should be as simple as walking for a couple of minutes down your hotel street. These agencies are absolutely everywhere, and they are usually open until very late. All you need to do is go in and ask for a Cu Chi Tunnels Tour, and they will present a range of options for you.

It is probably worth checking out a couple of Tour Agencies to make sure you are not being ripped off. And that you’re happy with the options presented. However, the below guidelines should be enough to get you well on the way.

Chu Chi Tunnel Tour Options:

Budget Group Tour

Large air-conditioned bus.
Maximum 30 people per group.
Cost is about $6.
You also need to pay the 110,000 VND / $5 Cu Chi Tunnels entrance fee.
You need to meet at the company bus stop.

Standard Group Tour

Smaller air-conditioned bus.
Maximum 20 people per group.
Cost is about $15.
You also need to pay the 110,000 VND / $5 Cu Chi Tunnels entrance fee.
Hotel pick up.

Luxury Group Tour

Smaller air-conditioned luxury van.
Maximum 9 people per group.
Cost is about 540,000 VND / $24 for adults, 400,000 VND / $17 for children
Cu Chi tunnels entrance fee is included in the tour cost.
Hotel pick up.

Cu Chi Tunnels by Boat Group Tour

1 hour Luxury speed boat one way along the Saigon River.
Air-conditioned bus the other way.
Maximum 15 people per group.
Cost is about $48.
Cu Chi tunnels entrance fee is included in the tour cost.
Hotel pick up.

The Best Tour Recommendation

I recommend you take the luxury tour. The standard tour will cost $21 dollars after you pay for the entrance fee. The luxury tour costs just $3 more at $24. The added comfort of the small luxury van is certainly worth paying the $3 extra for. But of course if you want to splash out and pay double, give the speed boat a try.

The War Remnants Museum is also a must see attraction, and to see it on the same day as the Cu Chi Tunnels half day tour, it gives you a excellent inside to shocking history of Vietnam. An afternoon city tour is a nice addition to the Cu Chi tunnels half day tour. But if you aren’t interested in the City Tour, then at least Grab a taxi to the War Remnants Museum.

Tour Itinerary – Luxury Tour

Since this is the recommended tour, and the tour that we booked, I’ll give you the itinerary for the Luxury Tour. The other tours will be very similar.

Pick Up From Hotel

The luxury van picked us up at a respectable 8:30 am from our District 1 Hotel. There were only 2 people in our party and only 2 other people on this tour, making it quite a personalised tour.

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour traffic — Driving out of Ho Chi Minh City

First Stop – Art Factory

It seems that all buses to the Cu Chi Tunnels stop at a factory on the outskirts of Saigon which produces beautiful artwork. They are hand painted and have mother of pearl and egg shell detail added, and then a heavy coat of lacquer. The twist is that these are all made by handicapped people, and you get to see them at work, up close. This beautiful artwork is hand made, right before your eyes.

You are explained the entire process from start to finish, which is very interesting. And of course at the end you are led into the show room and invited to make a purchase.

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour art — At the art factory, learning the process

We found that a smallish item which costs 1,200,000 VND in the factory can be purchased for around 500,000 VND at the Ben Thanh markets (after a good haggling session). I cannot say if the quality is the same, I suspect the factory in the tour will be a much better product. Anyway it’s hard to resist making a purchase, and we have a lovely hand painted and egg shelled masterpiece to take home.

The Cu Chi Tunnels

The drive to the tunnels is not all that interesting. There are some large rubber plantations with row upon row of rubber trees. Apart from that, there’s really not that much else to see.

When you pull up in the car park you soon realise this is the most popular tour in town. You are confronted by what seems like hundreds of tour buses as far as the eye can see. But we did not encounter masses of people, I guess the tours are staggered, and each bus is at a different point on the Cu Chi Tunnels tour.

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour map — The map in the car park

In the car park there is a Cu Chi Tunnels map in the car park. Then you walk through a gift shop, then through a long concrete tunnel entrance. Then the tour guide stops at another Cu Chi Tunnels map. This map includes the entire network for the south of Vietnam, and includes a section view showing how the different underground tunnels function. All the tours stop here for 10 minutes to get a general overview of the tunnel systems, and a history lesson.

Exploring the Tunnels

Then it’s time to start walking along several hundred metres of walking trails. First stop is the small opening in the ground where you can climb into a 1 metre deep hole and close the hatch. Then suddenly appear for that oh-so-instagrammable photo. Beware, large people won’t really fit in the hole, and skinny people will get muddy.

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour small tunnel — The first hole is rather tight!

Other Attractions

There are several other points of interest over the next couple or hundred metres – different types of tunnel openings, vent hatches, even an old American tank you can climb on for a photo opportunity.

Going Underground

Now it’s time for the main attraction, going underground into a real Cu Chi Tunnel. This one has been slightly enlarged so that western tourists can actually fit into the tunnel. However they are still incredibly small and claustrophobic.

Once you go into the tunnel the first exit is after about 50m. You are invited to exit take that exit if you want to. If you feel the need to keep going, the next exit is at about the 100m mark, and the final exit is about 200m I think. But I only made 50m, so I’m not really sure.

These tunnels are very small and difficult to take a photo in, but it’s well worth the effort.

Cu Chi Tunnels Shooting Range

I’m sure that for some people, the Cu Chi Tunnels firing range is the highlight of the tour. Here you can purchase live bullets and shoot real military weapons, as long as you’re a minimum of 16 years old. Generally bullets cost around $2 per bullet.

Some guys are willing to spend a few dollars, and you can even see some real machine gun rat-a-tat-tat action. Here’s a guide to what you can purchase and shoot, per bullet:

AK47: 50,000 VND
K63: 50,000 VND
M60: 45,000 VND
M16: 50,000 VND
M30: 40,000 VND
Garand M1: 40,000 VND
Carbine: 40,000 VND

We did not have a shot, due to the restrictions on children. Frankly, we couldn’t wait to get some distance between us and the shooting range, it’s just so LOUD. There’s a gift shop right near the shooting range, but it’s so loud we didn’t want to spend any time there.

Other Attractions

There are still quite a few other attractions to see along the way – a variety of lethal trap doors, storage facility, weapons factory, field hospital, command centre, kitchen, shoe factory, B52 bomb crater, and more.

Local Delicacies

Before leaving there is a local treat in store, where you get to sample some sugar cane juice, and tapioca with peanuts. Apparently this is and an authentic Viet Cong diet during wartime. But I can say it’s very yummy, and served in an authentic forest setting.

Documentary Film

The last stop is to watch a documentary film on the Vietnam War. Actually it is called the American War whilst you are in Vietnam. The film is a propaganda film about the heroics of the Vietnamese people trying to kill those American enemies. It shows a lot of real footage from wartime, and is a real eye opener.

Museum and Souvenir Shop

As you exit the Cu Chi Tunnel Complex you are led through a comprehensive weapons and bomb museum, where you see a wide range of weaponry used during the Vietnam – American War. Interesting for some.

Back to Saigon

The trip back to Saigon is very uneventful. If you decided to take a combined City Tour like we did, there is still another half a day of touring to go. After a very sweaty 3 hours of walking around the Cu Chi tunnels complex, it is a relief to get back on the air-conditioned bus.

Review of the Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

After taking this tour I agree that it is definitely one of the best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City. I would go as far as saying it’s not to her missed. For me the main attraction is not just the actual tunnels, but also the history lessons that go with the tour.

A history lesson is always so much more meaningful when you are standing right there, where it all happened. And to stand in a Cu Chi tunnel, where thousands of Viet Cong guerrillas fought for their country, and to learn how the war was really fought, well it is one of the most powerful history lessons I’ve ever had.

Research Your Ho Chi Minh City Trip

You can never do too much research before your holiday! Here are some great resources to help you before you go.

7 Spectacular Things to See in Ayutthaya

By

Ramon Perry

-

December 29, 2018

0

Built in the 14th century as the second capital city of Siam, is the amazing ancient city of Ayutthaya. It was destroyed by invading Burmese armies in the 18th century, and remained overgrown and neglected until the mid 20th century. Now the top 7 spectacular things to see in Ayutthaya await.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

History of Ayutthaya

The city of Ayutthaya was a bustling metropolis from the 14th to 18th centuries. Alas it was burnt to the ground in 1766 when it was invaded by the Burmese Army. The entire city’s inhabitants were forced to abandon the city, and it was never rebuilt. Today it is an important archeological area and a UNESCO World Hertigate site covering 289 hectares.

By the way, in case you’re wondering how to say Ayutthaya, it’s pronounced Ah-you-tea-ah.

Top 7 Things To See in Ayutthaya

1. Wat Mahathat (Buddha Head in Tree Roots)

The site of the Buddha Head in Tree Roots is in an ancient temple built in the heart of Ayutthaya Historical Park in the 14th century. The temple was destroyed by the invading Burmese Army in 1767, along with the rest of Ayutthaya. It is said that the invaders cut the heads off many Buddha statues during the invasion.

After Ayutthaya was destroyed, it remained abandoned, overgrown and relatively untouched until the 1950’s. It was then that the Department of Fine Arts began restoration work in the area. It was around this time that the Buddha Head in Tree Roots was discovered, and has since become a major tourist drawcard.

Remember that this is a sacred site. Whilst visitors are permitted to take photos, respect must be shown. Even to the point of kneeling as you take your photos. Respect.

Things to see in Ayutthaya Buddha's head in tree roots — Budda Head in Tree Roots

2. Aisawan Thiphya-At (Divine Seat of Freedom)

This is a beautiful Thai style pavilion in the middle of a lake. The Thai Style pavilion is a classic style of Thai architecture and a national symbol of Thailand. Here you can get some amazing photos of the golden pavilion reflecting on the still lake, as if it were somehow floating.

In the centre of the building is an amazing golden monument constructed by the son of Rama V to symbolise his father. This Thai Pavilion has a long history though the centuries, and has held close friendships with Kings and Queens.

Aisawan Thiphya-At can be found at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, half way between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. This is a popular stop for tour buses on the way to Ayutthaya, especially because it is conveniently located a little over half way en-route to Ayutthaya.

bang pa-in divine seat of freedom — Divine Seat of Freedom

3. Ayutthaya Historical Park

This is a UNESCO World Hertigate site covering 289 hectares. It includes the ruins of the 14th century city of Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam until it was destroyed in 1767. It is said that 35 kings ruled the Ayutthaya Kingdom while it existed.

As you enter the park, you get to stroll around a labyrinth of paths winding through many ruined temples and palaces. You can also see many Buddha statues, both complete and destroyed. You will get a strong feel for the historical significance of this amazing site, and feel the ancient grandeur of days past.

Ayutthaya historical park — Ayutthaya Historical Park

4. Wat Phanan Cheoeng (Oldest Temple in Ayutthaya)

No Thailand tour is complete without a visit to a real Buddhist temple, and at Ayutthaya that means the What Phanan Cheong. This is a special temple, being the oldest in Ayutthaya built in 1324. It even houses an incredible golden 19m high seated Buddha from 1334.

Legend has it that there was a King who ruled this area before the city of Ayutthaya was built. This King wanted to marry the daughter of a Chinese Emperor. When the Princess showed up one day to marry the King, he was nowhere to be found. The princess waited and waited, then she became so sad that she killed herself by holding her breath. When the King finally returned he was so devastated that he built this temple on the spot where the Princess was cremated.

Ayutthaya golden buddha — Golden Buddha in Wat Phanan Cheoeng

5. Wat Lokaya Sutha (Reclining Buddha)

On the north west tip of Ayutthaya Island is a huge reclining Buddha. It is usually draped in a huge orange cloth, although when we visited there was no cloth to be seen. The Buddha is 42m in length, and you can get up very close for some photos. Once again, these must be taken respectfully.

Right behind the Buddha is the ruins of a giant temple, Wat Lokaya Sutham. The entrance is facing east towards the rising sun. The temple is basically flattened, although the main tower (prang) at the centre is still standing.

Things to see in Ayutthaya reclining buddha — Reclining Buddha

6. Ho Withun Thasana (Sages’ Lookout)

This tower is stunningly unique, looking similar to a lighthouse. Indeed it is painted in a very happy theme, which could be straight out of a Dr.Seuss book. The tower was built in 1881 by King Culalongkorn as an observatory, where he could admire the surrounding countryside.

There are many vantage points from the summer palace grounds to get a great photo of Sage’s Tower. But what is even better is to climb to the top to admire the surrounding countryside yourself. Finally there is a narrow spiral staircase leading to the top, and several lovely viewing points along the way.

Ho Withun Thasana is half way between Bangkok and Ayutthaya, at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace.

7. Chao Phraya River

No visit to Ayutthaya is complete without a boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River. In fact the Chao Phraya River and the Pa Sak River intersect to form an island, which is the location of Ayutthaya. Not to mention that Bangkok was also built along the lower reaches of the Chao Phraya River.

The most popular way to see this fascinating river is to take a boat cruise from Ayutthaya to Bangkok. In the meantime you will pass many interesting monuments and temples, and all manner of other fascinating Thai tourist attractions dating back centuries.

Things to see in Ayutthaya chao Phraya river boat cruise — Boat Cruise on Chao Phraya River

How to Take a Day Tour from Bankgok to Ayutthaya

We used our favourite booking platform Getyourguide.com make a tour booking. The Tour is called From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Day Tour by Bus and Boat, and the cost was US $57 per person. All in all the duration of the tour is 9 hours and it includes transfers to and from your hotel. In addition to this the cruise includes a sumptuous 3 course lunch on board the cruise boat.

A mini-bus zooms around all the major hotels between 6am and 7am to pick up passengers. All of a sudden you arrive at a bus terminal at River City Bangkok, where you’re transferred to a coach to drive to Ayutthaya. Finally you are dropped off back at your hotel at around 4:30 pm.

The best things about this tour – we discovered all of these 7 spectacular things to see in Ayutthaya, and many more.

Would you like a free copy of our Ultimate Bucket List?

Not sure where to travel to next? We have created the Ultimate Bucket List to help you plan your next trip. 1170 awesome travel destinations in 167 countries. And we want you to have it for FREE.

Send Me The Ultimate Bucket List

Quick Travel Guide to Tokyo

By

Ramon Perry

-

December 28, 2018

0

The biggest city on the planet can be such an overwhelming place to visit. There is just so much to see, so many places to go… where do you start? If you’re planning to visit Tokyo, first check out this Quick Travel Guide to Tokyo.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Places to Go in Tokyo

Tokyo is officially the most populous metropolis on the planet, with a 2016 population of some 38,000,000 people. So it’s not really that hard to find some interesting places to see in Tokyo. Here are our top picks for the best places to go in Tokyo.

Shopping at Shinjuku: There are many shopping districts in Tokyo, and this is our pick of the bunch. It is famous for having a huge “camera city” area, where you will find unlimited camera shopping options. There are stacks of other attractions all over Shinjuku.

Tokyo Skytree: The tallest tower in the world at 3,080 feet high. What could be more thrilling than observing the worlds largest city from the worlds largest tower observation deck?

Tokyo Disneyland: The best thing about Tokyo Disneyland is Tokyo Disney Sea, aka the Disneyland for grown-ups. This is an awesome theme park for thrill seekers. But if you want to traditional Disneyland experience, just head next door for the real deal.

Tokyo Subway System: The most sophisticated subway system on the planet. Tokyo and Japan take catching a train to a whole new level, and it is a genuine experience not to be missed.

Virtually all Tokyo tourist spots can be easily accessed by subway. Don’t miss the Shinjuku Subway Station with over 200 platforms!

Robot Restaurant: A high tech, neon dining extravaganza. This crazy restaurant experience in Shinjuku lets you watch a real live robot show whilst dining. One of those “only in Tokyo” experiences.

Day Trips from Tokyo

Japan is a compact country incredibly jam packed with amazing destinations, easily accessible by the most sophisticated train systems in the world. Tours from Tokyo on the bullet train are amazing, you can cross half the country and be back in Tokyo same day.

Kyoto: Just a couple of hours away on the amazing bullet train, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years and is a World Heritage site due to the insane amount of temples and shrines.

No visit to Japan is complete without visiting amazing Kyoto. As an added bonus, you will get to see Mt.Fuji from the bullet train. Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo on the bullet train is about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Nikko: Just a couple of hours away by train, Nikko has some amazing World heritage shrines and temples. It’s a shame to spend just one day in Nikko, but it can be done.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

The biggest city on earth has an incredible variety of choices when it comes to accommodation. With the most sophisticated train system on earth, the key is to stay near a train station. The most popular places to stay in Tokyo for tourists are:

Tokyo Station
Shibuya Station
Shinjuku Station
Oriental Bay (Disneyland Resort area)

Disneyland Partner Hotel

Staying near Disneyland? The Oriental Bay, Tokyo Bay is our recommendation. This hotel is a Disney partner so it has complimentary shuttle buses to Disneyland. And it has a shopping mall and metro train line within 1 minute walk.

Shinjuku Shopping

Want to do some shopping in Tokyo? Then the Shinjuku area is the number 1 choice. Just near the crazy big Shinjuku train station, with over 200 train platforms, you will find the Sunroute Plaza. This is a lovely and luxurious hotel at a moderate price. And it’s surrounded by awesome restaurants and other conveniences.

Shibuya Shopping

The Hotel Mets Shibuya is connected to the busy Shibuya Station from the hotel third floor, so you can get to anywhere in Tokyo directly from the hotel. This is affordable and in a perfect location.

Find a Great Deal

The best hotels to stay in Tokyo are the ones you find the best discounts on. You should shop around to secure a discounted deal, and the Booking.com deals finder is a great place to start.

Booking.com

Quick Travel Guide to Tokyo

Plan Your Trip to Tokyo

Ultimate 2 Week California Road Trip Itinerary

By

Ramon Perry

-

December 28, 2018

0

It seemed like we’d been planning a trip to California for a lifetime. We knew it’s one of the most amazing places in the Unites States for a road trip. Ours was the Classic LA to San Fransisco road trip along Highway 1. We also included a detour into the spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains to see Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks and then back to LA again. Here’s our recommended 2 week California Road Trip Itinerary.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

2 Week California Road Trip Itinerary

OK let’s cut to the chase. Here’s the itinerary we’re recommending, day by day. Each Day refers to where you will be staying for the evening.

Day 0: Start in Los Angeles
Day 1: Santa Barbara
Day 2: Santa Barbara
Day 3: Santa Barbara
Day 4: Morro Bay
Day 5: Monterey
Day 6: Monterey
Day 7: San Francisco
Day 8: San Francisco
Day 9: San Francisco
Day 10: San Francisco
Day 11: Yosemite National Park
Day 12: Yosemite National Park
Day 13: Sequoia National Park
Day 14: Sequoia National Park, then return to Los Angeles.

If you’d like a suggested 10 day California road trip itinerary, go to the bottom of the page.

Picking up a Rental Car at LAX

We chose to pick up a rental car at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) upon arrival. It was a mid sized SUV, a Ford Edge Titanium hired through Alamo. We managed to get a great deal on rentalcars.com, and had all our insurances included with unlimited miles.

A quick stop at the nearest shopping mall for a GPS, and our west coast road trip had begun. We were off to our first stop, Santa Barbara.

California Road Trip hire car — Our medium sized SUV

Tip: You can read our full blog post about our getting an Alamo Rental Car in LAX.

Santa Barbara

We stayed our first 3 nights in Santa Barbara, well known for its Spanish influence and colonial Spanish Architecture. This was a strategic stop to recover from our long and tiring flight from South East Asia. It’s an easy 2 hours drive from LA, so it’s ideal for a short first day drive.

The first stop next day was the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural Science, where we learnt all about Southern California wildlife and habitats.

This turned out to be very useful for our wildlife spotting experiences during the road trip. We then went to the Old Santa Barbara Mission, just behind the Museum. This is a magnificent old Colonial Spanish building and a must see when in Santa Barbara.

old mission Santa Barbara on our California road trip — The Old Mission

On our second day in Santa Barbara went down to the waterfront at Stearn’s Wharf to sample some local fish and chips at the Moby Dick Restaurant. Great choice, this is a top little restaurant where you can watch Sea Lions, Pelicans and wave runners right from your dining table! There is also a cool marine museum right next door.

pelicans in Santa Barbara stearns wharf — Birds sit atop Moby Dicks on Stearns Wharf

Botanical Gardens

Then off to the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens, a rambling natural wilderness area which is planted with a large range of the most beautiful native flora. Here you can also find a valley full of Californian Redwoods planted in the 1930’s.

Lastly we visited the Old Courthouse in downtown Santa Barbara. Here you can climb to the top of the bell tower to get an outstanding view of the township, coast and surrounding environs.

old courthouse Santa Barbara on our California road trip — Outside the Old Courthouse in Santa Barbara

Tip: You can read all about our Santa Barbara visit by clicking HERE, and see our YouTube Vlogs by clicking HERE.

Whale Watching in Santa Barbara

The highlight of our Santa Barbara visit was a half day whale watching cruise aboard the Condor Express. We saw hundreds of Dolphins and Sea Lions, and witnessed a ravenous humpback whale launching itself into the air amongst giant schools of herring.

The whale cruise also took us across the famous Santa Barbara channel to the Channel Islands, where we had a guided sea tour of the islands.

Santa Barbara whale watching on California road trip — A humpback whale breaches off Santa Barbara

Tip: You can read about our whale watching trip by clicking HERE.

Morro Bay

Next stop was a couple of hours north of Santa Barbara, in Morro Bay. We stayed here for just 1 night. This is a quaint little seaside village loaded with restaurants and hotels to cater for a regular army of tourists. It has a great surf beach and the famous Morro Rock. We stopped at the mid-priced Harbor House Inn, a convenient and comfortable stopover.

The big attraction in Morro Bay for us was our close encounter with the local Sea Otter population. We had never seen these cuddly creatures in the wild before, and at Morro Bay we were privileged to see them up close. Really Close. There were a couple of groups of Sea Otters only 20 meters off the shore, resting and frolicking in the water.

We also saw some Sea Lions and Squirrels along the water’s edge. There is so much to see around Morro Bay, but we were only there for one night. Our California family road trip pushed us onwards and upwards to San Simeon.

Morro Bay boardwalk on California road trip — The Morro Bay harbour boardwalk

Tip: You can read all about our Morro Bay visit by clicking here, or watch our Vlog by clicking HERE.

Hearst Castle

Only about an hour north of Morro Bay is a little town with a beautiful beach town called San Simeon. We saw a brochure about a place called Hearst Castle just near San Simeon so we thought we’d check it out. We though it was going to be some sort of historic colonial Spanish castle up on the hillside.

What we found absolutely blew our minds. It was the opulent castle of a media magnate from the early 20th century named William Hearst. Lifestyles of the rich and famous, taken to the extreme.

The Trip to the Top

Driving up to the castle is not permitted. Instead, all visitors must park down the bottom of the hill and take a shuttle bus. We took the bus and had a 90 minute cottage and kitchen tour, before sending some time exploring the castle grounds.

Hearst Castle is one stop that is not to be missed on your Californian Road Trip itinerary, even if it’s only for the spectacular panoramic views of the coastline.

Hearst Castle Tour on California road trip — Roaming around the Hearst Castle grounds

Tip: You can read our blog on Hearst Castle by clicking HERE.

San Simeon Elephant Seals

Next stop on our tour was the elephant seal colonies, only about 6 miles north of San Simeon township. Actually we first found a small colony of Elephant Seals on a small secluded beach just south of the main colony. Then we found the larger seal colony which has become a large tourist attraction.

This is an outstanding close encounter with some awesome wildlife. You can get within about 20 metres of these huge beasts thanks to the cleverly constructed footpaths and boardwalks. This is yet another must see attraction on Highway 1.

San Simeon Elephant Seals on California road trip — The main seal colony

Tip: You can read all about our Elephant Seal encounter by clicking HERE.

Road Closures at Big Sur

We were planning to follow Highway 1 north to our next stopover in Monterey. Alas, there were some landslides and a damaged bridge, causing the road to be closed south of Big Sur. We had to track inland from San Simeon to go to Monterey.

Monterey

We stayed for 3 nights in Monterey in our first ever Airbnb experience. This worked out very well, for our Airbnb home was sweet and charming, and our helpful host felt like a long lost friend. Needless to say we loved our Airbnb time in Monterey.

Whilst in Monterey we drove south along Highway 1 as far as we could, which was only to Big Sur. Along the way we saw some more colonies of Sea Otters and the odd Sea Lion. There are many roadside stops along this stretch of coastline giving you the opportunity to spot these animals far below in the jagged coastline.

We wanted to stop in the State Park near Monterey to do some hiking, however the car parks were full and the parking was out along the main highway, a long way from the park entrance. So we gave that a miss and kept driving down to the famous bridge.

There are actually 2 similar bridges and they are both very popular tourist stops to get some photos. But beware, car parking is not very well provided, and cars just park along the side of the road wherever they can find a spot.

California Road Trip highway 1 — California Road Trip South of Monterey

Yosemite National Park

From Monterey we drove inland to Yosemite National Park and stayed in Housekeeping Camp for 1 night. I wanted to stay for longer, but accommodation was fully booked out. I also wanted to put our Yosemite Road Trip near the end to save some driving time, however the shortage of accommodation in Yosemite made this impossible.

Lesson learned – When planning a road trip in California, book your Yosemite accommodation many months in advance to avoid disappointment.

Tip: Check out this Yosemite Webcam page to see the park from all different angles and times of year.

Yosemite National Park Camping — Camping in Housekeeping Camp

Our Yosemite Road Trip for me was the highlight of our holiday. This was mainly thanks to the time of year and the big snowfalls in the winter. This year the waterfalls in May were absolutely thundering. They made spectacular sights and sounds all the way up through Yosemite Valley.

It seemed that every corner you turned you faced a new magnificent waterfall! And Housekeeping Camp was also a great experience which really enhanced the adventure.

Yosemite National Park yosemite fall — Yosemite Falls

Our Top 3 Attractions in Yosemite National Park

Vernal Falls, which were about a 2 hour round trip hike along a beautiful valley. Along the way you can spot other waterfalls in the distance, until you get to the very misty lower Vernal Falls. The more adventurous can continue to the Upper Vernal Falls however we were quite tired just visiting the first ones.
Lower Yosemite falls, which were an easy 10 minute walk from the car park and perhaps the most thunderous waterfalls in the whole park. Here we were able to easily get into the ‘blast zone’ from the waterfall.
Glacier Point, which is about a short 10 minute walk from the car park to see the most incredible panoramic views you are ever likely to see.

Yosemite National Park glacier point — Glacier Point is LIKE WOW. Not to be missed when visiting Yosemite.

Tip: You can see lots of photos and read our blog about camping in Yosemite by clicking HERE.

Sequoia National Park

Our next stop was the famous Sequoia National Park. We stayed about 90 minutes from this park in our second Airbnb, an RV in squaw valley. The RV cost about $100 per night and was the highlight of our road trip accommodation. We stayed there for 4 nights, and did a day trip into Sequoia National Park.

Inside the park we saw the biggest tree on earth by volume, the General Sherman Tree. This is in a magnificent Giant Sequoia Grove, where we spent some time hiking through the giants and enjoying the magnificent spectacle.

Sequoia National Park general sherman tree — The biggest living tree on the planet

From there we went to Crystal Meadow where another magnificent grove of Sequoias beckoned us to go on perhaps the most enjoyable hike, around a beautiful Crystal Meadow. We were hoping to see a Bear or two on the meadow but had to be content with spotting some wild Deer.

Also in Sequoia we went to Auto Log and Tunnel Log, the famous drive through Sequoia Tree, one of the best photo opportunities of the trip.

Sequoia National Park on California road trip — Here’s a classic shot at Tunnel Log

Tip: you can read all about our Sequoia visit by clicking on our blog HERE.

San Francisco

From Sequoia National Park we doubled back to visit San Francisco, where we booked another Airbnb for 5 nights. Our favourite activity in San Francisco was spending a half day at the Golden Gate Bridge. We parked right near the bridge and walked out into the middle of the bridge. We also found some great places to sit and admire / photograph this beautiful bridge from all different angles, and had a lovely visit to the Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Centre.

Pier 37 was our other favourite attraction in San Francisco. This is a very touristy place to visit and a little expensive, but if you plan it well you can spend several hours here without breaking the bank.

We got to enjoy some great street performers, and some very tasty fish and chips. Another main attraction here is the colony of Sea Lions which hang out right next to the Pier. There is even a grandstand where the hordes of tourists can sit and watch these super cute animals.

Whilst in San Francisco we also drove up to Twin Peaks where you can get amazing views over San Francisco and the bay area.

P029 San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge — There’s no better place to see the bridge!

Tip: You can read all about our San Francisco visit by reading our blog post HERE.

Los Angeles

After San Francisco we headed back to Los Angeles. There are many things to do around Los Angeles, but our favourites were the Ronald Reagan Museum and Hollywood Boulevard. We actually drove up to the Griffith Observatory on a Monday only to learn that it’s closed each Monday. No problem because you still get a great view of the Hollywood Sign and LA city from Griffith Observatory, so it wasn’t a wasted trip.

California Road Trip Airforce 1 — US Airforce One at the Ronald Reagan Museum

Hollywood is another attraction not to be missed when in LA. We did the Hollywood stars walk, and were lucky enough to see the stars arriving for a big movie premiere. Without mentioning the movie, we did get to see Rihanna in person!

Hollywood Boulevard is a great place to spend a few hours walking around, there is eye candy every where you look. We also tried the famous Pinks Hotdogs, one of the most famous hot dog chains on the planet.

Whilst in Los Angeles we spent some quality time checking out some of the many factory outlet malls. Ontario Mall was our pick of the bunch here, where we found big brands available for far cheaper than we can buy in Australia. We did a little splurging here, so much that we were in for a $60 excess baggage fee on our trip home!

California Road Trip Hollywood boulevard — Hollywood Boulevard is a must see

San Diego

No trip to Southern California is complete without a trip to San Diego. Our visit to San Diego was a day trip from Los Angeles. After all it was only a 90 minute drive from where we were staying. The main attraction for the day was the USS Midway, a US Navy Aircraft Carrier which is docked in downtown San Diego.

It also doubles up as an aircraft museum, because the top deck is covered in all sorts of different military aircraft. This is a great place to spend a few hours, especially if you have kids. They have many interactive displays where the kids can learn all about ships and aircraft, and get some hands on fun.

California Road Trip San Diego Midway Museum — The amazing USS Midway Museum

Wildlife in California

What took us by complete surprise in Southern California was the abundance of wildlife. We saw Sea Lions virtually all up and down the coast, quite a few Sea Otters, and huge numbers of Elephant Seals in San Simeon.

We saw quite a few wild Deer up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains as well. But what really blew us away was seeing 2 wild Bears in Sequoia National Park. This was definitely something we will never forget, one of those moments that makes a holiday worthwhile.

California Road Trip Wildlife — Spotting Bears in Sequoia National Park

Tip: You can read more about our close encounters with wildlife by clicking HERE.

SoCal Memories to Last a Lifetime

If you ever get a chance to do a road trip along Highway 1 in California – do it. This is a spectacular road trip, and there are so many variations you can make. It just depends on which parts you want to focus on, and how long you have. The coastline is immensely scenic and pristine along the whole length, and the mountains are rugged and spectacular.

We knew it would be a great trip, yet it even exceeded our expectations. We encountered wonderful kind hearted SoCal locals along the whole journey, and nothing really disappointed us. This trip is truly worthy of anyone’s bucket list!

Suggested 10 Day California Road Trip Itinerary

If you’re planning a road trip in California but don’t have a full 14 days to spare, here’s a slimmed down 10 day itinerary. If you wanted to reduce even further, you could cut out day 2, 7 and 9.

Day 0: Start in LA
Day 1: Santa Barbara
Day 2: Santa Barbara
Day 3: Morro Bay
Day 4: Monterey
Day 5: San Francisco
Day 6: San Francisco
Day 7: San Francisco
Day 8: Yosemite National Park
Day 9: Yosemite National Park
Day 10: Sequoia National Park, then return to Los Angeles.

Would you like a free copy of our Ultimate Bucket List?

Not sure where to travel to next? We have created the Ultimate Bucket List to help you plan your next trip. 1170 awesome travel destinations in 167 countries. And we want you to have it for FREE.

Send Me the Ultimate Bucket List

Quick Travel Guide to Melbourne

By

Ramon Perry

-

December 26, 2018

0

Did you know that Melbourne is currently sitting in second place as the world’s most liveable city? And that’s after sitting in first place for the past 7 years. There must be something good going on in Melbourne. Read on for your Quick Travel Guide to Melbourne.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Best Places to Visit in Melbourne

Melbourne is best described as an eclectic city. There’s a little bit for everyone. It’s hip, vibrant, and full of character. And it has a very lively festival atmosphere with a busy calendar throughout the year. It seems like there’s always a festival on in Melbourne. And when you’ve had enough of the festivals, here are our recommended Melbourne sightseeing options.

Street Art: Melbourne is well known for having some of the most impressive street art in the world. These days it’s easy to find a Melbourne city tour specifically for street art, where you will meander your way through the colourful city’s alleys and lanes.

Federation Square: This weird looking building is on the street corner right opposite Australia’s busiest train station, Flinders Street Station. Fed Square is a great place to just sit and chill with a nice coffee, do some people watching, check out some buskers, and immerse yourself in the city vibe. Definitely one of the more interesting places of interest in Melbourne.

Royal Botanic Gardens: The botanic gardens is one of those places in Melbourne where you feel like you stumbled upon the best kept secret. Within walking distance of the city centre, and with stunning views over the city centre, they are an urban oasis. These are some of the best botanic gardens on the planet.

Melbourne Cricket Ground: Australia is officially sports mad. Cricket is one of the most popular sports, and so is Australian Rules Football. Both of these are played at this famous sporting ground, situated right near the city centre. Well worth catching a game, or even an after hours tour of the venue.

Free City Circle Tram: Melbourne has a free tram circuit around the city centre, which passes by many of the biggest Melbourne city attractions. It’s just like a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, only the City Circle Tram is completely free. It can get a little busy at times, so it’s probably best to avoid the weekends.

Day Trips from Melbourne

One of the reasons Melbourne locals are so happy is that there are so many awesome weekend trips from Melbourne to choose from. Here are some of the best:

Phillip Island Penguin Parade: These cute little penguins all come out of the water at sunset, then waddle up the beach to their homes in the sand dunes. And you can see all year round at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. It’s about 90 minutes drive south of Melbourne. Spoiler: Penguins are much cuter than you think.

The Twelve Apostles: These are one of the most stunning natural wonders in Australia. Jagged pieces of rock sticking out of the ocean alongside dramatic cliffs. They are at the far end of the Great Ocean Road, and have regular daily tours to visit them.

Where to Stay in Melbourne

Here are the best places to stay in Melbourne, depending on what you are looking for:

City Centre: Tourist / shopping
St.Kilda: Beach
South Yarra: Boutique shopping
Fitzroy: Partying
Footscray: Budget

Cheap Accommodation

Ibis Budget hotels are well known for providing no frills budget accommodation all over the world. And Ibis Budget Melbourne CBD is no exception, in a premium location just near Flinders Street Station.

Mid Range

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Melbourne -Flinders Street is in a perfect position – across the road from Melbourne CBD’s busiest train station Flinders Street.

Affordable Luxury

St.Kilda Beach is a great place to stay, it’s buzzing with a strong cafe and pub scene, and has some great beaches. It’s about 20 minutes tram ride from the city centre. We really like the Novatel Melbourne St Kilda Hotel, mainly for its perfect position, across the road from the beach.

Shop Around for a Great Deal

You definitely should shop around in expensive Melbourne, and the deals finder on Booking.com is a great place to start.

Booking.com

Quick Travel Guide to Melbourne

Plan Your Trip to Melbourne

Quick Travel Guide to Santa Barbara

By

Ramon Perry

-

December 26, 2018

0

Santa Barbara is a popular weekender for Los Angeles locals, just two hours north of the big city. It’s a peaceful beachside getaway with loads of character, and loads of interesting tourist attractions. If you’re planning a a Santa Barbara vacation, be sure to check out this Quick Travel Guide to Santa Barbara.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

What to Do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is not a big city, so it’s easy to get to all the local attractions. But as with most of USA, having your own car is the way to go. The beaches of Santa Barbara are top class, and really are the main attractions. Here are some of our recommended things to see in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Old Mission: This mission was founded in 1786 and one of the original missions to be opened by the Spanish Franciscans. You can take a guided tour, or just admire the beautiful Spanish architecture from the outside.

Stearns Wharf: Right in the centre of the main beach you will find Stearn’s Wharf, a great place to come and dine above the water. Or you can go to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Centre, which is built right on the wharf.

Botanic Gardens: These are some of the most interesting and biggest Botanic Gardens we’ve ever been to. They are on the hillside and offer great views over the coast and surrounding area, and are mainly planted out with local flora.

Santa Barbara Courthouse: Still used as a courthouse today, the Santa Barbara Courthouse is a wonderful example of colonial Spanish Architecture. It’s located in the centre of town, and you can climb to the top of the tower for free.

Hit the Beach: The beaches of Santa Barbara cannot be overlooked, and there are so many to choose from. We suggest you start with East Beach in the middle of town, where you can play beach volleyball or rent a bike. It comes complete with lifeguard stations making it one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara with kids.

Day Trips from Santa Barbara

Being on the Southern California Coast, the best day trips from Santa Barbara generally revolve around the magnificent coastal environment found in Southern California. Here are our favourites:

Whale Watching: The Condor Express offers one of the best boat tours Santa Barbara has to offer, because you are guaranteed to see a whale. If you don’t see a whale you get a free trip.

Best of all there is a daily Captains Blog published online so you can see what whales have been spotted recently, which gives you a good idea of which species you’re likely to see. We reckon whale watching is the Number 1 Santa Barbara day trip.

Hearst Castle: Whilst Hearst Castle is 2 hours drive north of Santa Barbara, it is well worth the trip. Offering magnificent views of the coastline, this stunning home of a former media magnate is now open for tours. Lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Where to Stay in Santa Barbara

This idyllic coastal town is in a premium location near LA, and prices are also at a premium. Here are the best places to stay in Santa Barbara, depending on what style of holiday you are looking for:

East Beach – Tourists
Downtown – Budget
West Beach – Nightlife
Carpinteria – Families
Montecito – Trendy

Budget Accommodation

The Wayfarer is just 3 blocks away from Stearn’s Wharf, the number 1 tourist attraction in town. Great value in an amazing location, a stones throw from one of the best beaches in Santa Barbara, East Beach.

Mid Range

Our hands down favourite in Santa Barbara is the Sandpiper Lodge. This is in a convenient location and moderately priced, and the rooms are well appointed.

Affordable Luxury

Forget the luxury resorts in Santa Barbara, Simpson House Inn is an Adults only, elegant Victorian estate, comprising of just 15 guest rooms and cottages. The best part is this elegant Inn is located near downtown for the ultimate convenience.

Grab a Bargain

You really should shop around for a discounted deal in Santa Barbara, and here’s a great place to get you started.

Booking.com

Quick Travel Guide to Santa Barbara

P911 Travel Guide to Santa Barbara infographic

Plan Your Trip to Santa Barbara

Quick Travel Guide to Kuala Lumpur

By

Ramon Perry

-

December 26, 2018

0

Kuala Lumpur is a fascinating city to visit. This bustling city caters well for tourists, and has some amazing attractions within easy reach of the city centre. Kuala Lumpur is right near the equator and makes for an outstanding tropical holiday destination. Before you travel to KL check out this Quick Travel Guide to Kuala Lumpur.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur

You have undoubtedly seen pictures of the Petronas Towers, two of the most iconic buildings on earth. These are right in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, and are surrounded by giant shopping districts and malls. Here are our recommendations for what to do in Kuala Lumpur.

Climb Petronas Towers: Taking selfies from outside Petronas Towers is a mandatory activity when visiting KL. But taking the tour to the top is 10X more fun. The best time to go is sunset, and you should book ahead to reserve your spot.

Climb Kuala Lumpur Tower: Another of the best places to visit in KL is the iconic KL Tower. Standing at 335m high, climbing to the viewing platform at the top will give you amazing views of the Petronas Towers and KL city centre.

Shopping in KLCC: KLCC is the name for Kuala Lumpur City Centre. There is also sorts of shopping available here from high end designer brand shopping, to bargain shopping. Because it’s so cheap, shopping is one of the main attractions at Kuala Lumpur.

Visit China Town: Like most China Towns across the globe, this is a sprawling mess of commerce and food. This makes it a bargain hunter’s paradise, and and interesting day out.

Berjaya Times Square Theme Park: Ok so this is a novelty. Think of a giant shopping mall with a theme park in the middle. And the theme park has a thrilling roller coaster running through it, complete with loops and cork screws. Definitely one of the most fun things to do in KL.

When you’re finished with the theme park, the gigantic Berjaya Times Square mall is bargain hunters paradise, and the mall of choice for many bargain hunting locals.

Day Trips from Kuala Lumpur

Here are some of our favourite day trips from Kuala Lumpur:

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park: Because Kuala Lumpur is near the equator, you can go to this giant water park all year round. It has a wave pool, loads of thrilling water slides, and even a mini zoo. And it’s close enough that you can simply catch a taxi to get there.

There are loads of resorts and a giant shopping mall surrounding Sunway Lagoon, one of the most popular tourist attractions at Kuala Lumpur.

Batu Caves: These are gigantic caves holding deep religious significance, which are located just outside of Kuala Lumpur. Batu Caves are easy to get to via the metro train system, with a train station just 10 minutes walk from the caves.

There is a long steep walk up a giant stairway to the caves, where you will meet hundreds of cheeky monkeys. And some of the best instagram shots imaginable.

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is quite inexpensive, so you can pick and choose where to stay. Here’s a guide to the best areas to stay in KL depending on what type of traveller you are:

KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre): Tourists & Families
Bukit Bintang: Nightlife & Partying
Chinatown: Budget
Bangsar: Trendy

Cheap Accommodation

We recommend Berjaya Times Square for your accomodation. This is a giant hotel above a giant (and cheap) shopping mall, with a monorail train station at the front door. This shopping mall even has an indoor amusement park complete with roller coaster!

And the hotel swimming pool is sensational, with great views of the city centre for the nightly light show.

Mid Range

There is a wonderful place just 2 minutes walk from the Petronis Twin Towers in KLCC, and that is Max Style @ Kirana Residences. An absolute bargain, and close to Suria Mall also.

Affordable Luxury

When it comes to 5 star hotels in Kuala Lumpur we recommend you head straight for the City Centre Here you will find the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur in a perfect location. This hotel is pure class and has magnificent close up views of Petronas Twin Towers.

Find a Great Deal

Although KL is not an expensive city to find accommodation, you should always shop around for a great big discount, and this Booking.com deals finder is a great place to start.

Booking.com

Quick Travel Guide to Kuala Lumpur

Plan Your Trip to Kuala Lumpur

Quick Travel Guide to London

By

Ramon Perry

-

December 24, 2018

0

London certainly has something for everyone, from history buffs to party animals. Whatever category of visitor you fit into, make sure you check out this Quick Travel Guide to London before you go.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

What to Do in London

One thing I absolutely love about London is the high density of UNESCO World Heritage sites. And they are so close together you can see many in a single day. Here are our picks for the best attractions in London.

Tower of London: Located next to the iconic Tower Bridge, this UNESCO World Heritage site is open to the public for daily tours. There are actually 12 towers inside which you are welcome to explore.

Westminster Abbey: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this medieval church is where Kings and Queens are coronated, even to this day! There are all sorts of different tours available in and around this incredible Abbey.

Buckingham Palace: Just a few minutes walk from Westminster Abbey is the actual home of Queen Elizabeth II. There aren’t too many Queens that invite you into their house for a tour, but this gracious Queen does.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens: Home to the famous Kensington Palace, these are a huge expanse of parklands, and a popular recreation area for tourists and locals alike. We recommend hiring bicycle from the bike racks inside the front gate and cycling around the parks.

National Art Gallery: This magnificent gallery sits in the famous Trafalgar Square, and is full of magnificent classic paintings. This is the pinnacle of impressive art galleries.

Day Trips from London

United Kingdom is a rather compact country, and there are an enormous amount of day trips from London available. Or you could even go for a quick international day trip!

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath: This is the most popular tour from London, and it is quite a big day out. Anyone who has not pondered the mysteries of Stonehenge has been living under a rock.

Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio: Just a short drive from London, this movie set is a must see for any Harry Potter Fan. And anyone who’s not a fan. Even if you want to find all about making blockbuster movies, this is the place to go.

Paris: Just 2 hours train ride from London is Paris. Spending just one day in Paris is not enough to do this wonderful city justice, but if you’re limited for time then it may be worth considering.

Where to Stay in London

London is so big and diverse, as are the choices of areas to stay. Here is a brief guide on the best places to stay in London:

Southbank, Bankside: Sightseeing
Soho: Nightlife
Covent Garden: Foodies, Tourists
South Kensington, Marylebone: Families
Mayfair: High end luxury
Camden: Local atmosphere

Cheap Accommodation

We recommend finding an Airbnb apartment near a train station outside of the city to get the best deal. Paddington was our pick, it’s a nice safe area and it’s just near the lovely Hyde Park for some free relaxation. Paddington is on the right side of town to get to Heathrow Airport. As an added bonus the Big Bus Tours go through Paddington.

Here’s our lovely Airbnb apartment just 5 minutes walk from Paddington Station.

London Ultimate 2 Day Itinerary — Our Airbnb rental in Paddington

Mid Range

The Villa Kensington is a no frills hotel located near the Earls Court and Glouchester tube stations, offering great access to both the city and Heathrow Airport.

Affordable Luxury

Just near The Shard on the Southbank of the Thames river is the modern Hilton London Bankside. This is a remarkably affordable 5 star hotel by London standards, and you have great access to all the central London sightseeing attractions.

Shop Around for a Great Deal

It pays to do some research to find a great deal, and here is a great starting point. The Booking.com deals finder.

Booking.com

Quick Travel Guide to London

Plan Your Trip to London

Quick Travel Guide to San Francisco

By

Ramon Perry

-

December 24, 2018

0

San Francisco has a little bit for everyone. This is the 13th biggest city in the US, but the second most densely populated, only behind New York. Before your San Francisco vacation check out this Quick Travel Guide to San Francisco.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Cool Places in San Francisco

When you think of San Francisco you probably imagine the Golden Gate Bridge, or those movie police chase scenes over those crazy hilly streets. But there are loads more cool places in San Francisco, and here are our top picks.

Golden Gate Bridge: Whatever you do, you should take a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge. Whether you walk, cycle or drive, this is an essential part of visiting San Francisco. Snapping the best Golden Gate Bridge photo on Instagram seems to be somewhat of a global phenomenon.

Pier 39: Just a boring old pier, you say. Not this one. This is a bustling hub of restaurants, buskers, museums, and sea lions. Yes it even comes with it’s very own colony of wild sea lions. Pier 39 is at the top of the list in all good SF city guides.

Alcatraz Island: Another famous movie set in many classic movies, Alcatraz is now famous for thousands of eager visitors. It’s just a short ferry ride from Pier 39, and you get to walk all over this scenic part of San Francisco Harbour. This is the most popular of all San Francisco tours.

Twin Peaks: Assuming you have a car, Twin Peaks is a great free place to get uninterrupted views of downtown San Francisco and the Bay Area.

Fine Arts Gallery: There is a relaxing walking area outside the arts gallery which has an ancient Roman styling, great for a relaxing stroll and a few selfies.

Day Trips from San Francisco

The Bay Area is amazing, full of interesting places to visit. But here are the day tours from San Francisco which we recommend the most.

Yosemite National Park: It’s a big day out, but it is possible to visit Yosemite National Park in a single day. Here you will find towering waterfalls, massive granite domes and giant hanging valleys, making it one of the premier UNESCO World Heritage sites on the planet.

Napa Valley: With over 400 wineries, Napa Valley is not to be missed for any wine lover. There are many tours to this popular area, within easy reach of San Francisco.

Best Places to Stay in San Francisco

Here is a brief breakdown of the best location to stay in San Francisco, according to taste:

Fisherman’s Wharf: Tourists
SoMa: Foodies
Downtown/Union Square: Shopping
Noe Valley: Families
Haight/Ashbury: Quirky
North Beach: Italian Culture
The Mission: Hipster

Cheap Accommodation in San Francisco

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel is in a superb downtown Union Square location. A very economical way to experience the true San Francisco, and a perfect starting point for your San Francisco city tour.

Mid Range

The Hotel Zephyr is a quirky, hip hotel located right near Fisherman’s Wharf, the most touristy area of San Francisco. Just 5 minutes walk to the Wharf, with ample public transport options available.

Affordable Luxury

The best value genuine 5 star luxury is San Francisco is without a doubt The Fairmont San Francisco Hotel. This is a luxuriously decorated historical building in the heart of San Francisco, close to Chinatown. You will have no trouble finding things to do in this neighbourhood.

Quick Travel Guide to San Francisco

P916 Travel Guide to San Francisco infographic

Plan Your Trip to San Francisco

California Road Trip

A great way to see San Francisco is to make it part of your California Road Trip. Check out our Ultimate 2 Week Itinerary for your California Road Trip, including San Francisco.

Quick Travel Guide to Los Angeles

By

Ramon Perry

-

December 24, 2018

0

Los Angeles is a mega sprawling metropolis in Southern California, the second biggest city in USA. If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles you’re in for a Mediterranean climate and a laid back vibe. And it’s a a good starting point to visit San Francisco, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Parks. Before you go check out this Quick Travel Guide to Los Angeles.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

What to Do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is famous for its beach culture, and of course for Hollywood. In fact no Los Angeles Itinerary is complete without sampling Hollywood and the beaches. Here are our recommendations for things to do on your Los Angeles vacation.

Hollywood: Here you can tick the Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard from your bucket list. There are loads of things to see and do in Hollywood, but this is the most fun and the most well known of all Los Angeles sightseeing tours.

Universal Studios: Both a theme park for thrill seekers and a real working movie studio, all in one. It’s the one that others try to replicate.

Santa Monica Beach: Here you will find the iconic beach theme park with Ferris wheel and roller coaster. Santa Monica has so much more to offer as LA’s most famous beachside neighbourhood.

Disneyland Resort: The original Disneyland, and one which is one of the premier theme parks on the planet. Here you can visit the California Disney Adventure Park, which is more for thrill seekers than Mickey fans.

Griffith Observatory: It is here where you can see the famous Hollywood sign, and also get great views of downtown LA. This is located in Griffith Park, which is also home to the LA Zoo, a Planetarium, and of course the free Observatory.

Day Trips from Los Angeles

Los Angeles in on such a famous section of coastline that there are unlimited things to see and do. Here are our favourites.

San Diego: Around 90 minutes south of Los Angeles, located on the Mexican border is this amazing city. San Diego is full of major tourist attractions, the best being the San Diego Zoo and the Midway museum.

Ronald Reagan Museum: Located in Ventura County north of Los Angeles, this museum has a real WOW factor. Here you will find the actual Airforce 1 Aeroplane, and you can actually take a guided tour through the president’s plane. You can also go inside the President’s helicopter, and loads of other presidential exhibits. There’s even a Titanic museum with real artefacts from this sunken ship.

Where to Stay in LA

Los Angeles is such a huge city in terms of area, that you really need to map out which attractions you plan to visit, and locate you accommodation nearby. Otherwise you’ll be spending most of your time on freeways or trains.

Here are our recommendations on where to stay in Los Angeles for tourists, depending on what you are looking for:

Venice: Beaches
West Hollywood: Swanky shopping and bright lights
Koreatown: Bars & Restaurants
Loz Feliz: Casual, green & relaxing
Arts District: Boutique coffee shops

Cheap Accommodation

USA Hostels Hollywood is located just off the famous Hollywood Boulevard, and is a short stroll to the walk of fame. A perfect base for your Los Angeles vacation.

Mid Range

The Rose Hotel is a cute boutique hotel just 50m from the famous Venice Beach. Here you can experience the famous Southern California beach culture.

Affordable Luxury

Hollywood Orchid Suites is located right on Hollywood Boulevard, with super convenience in all directions. If you want soak up all that Hollywood has to offer then this is the place to stay.

Get the Best Deal on Accommodation

So get in early and do your research whilst planning a trip to Los Angeles. We think this Booking.com deals finder is a great place to start.

Booking.com

Quick Travel Guide to Los Angeles

Where are Cu Chi Tunnels?

Booking a Cu Chi Tunnels Tour Through Your Hotel

Booking Through a Local Travel Agency

Chu Chi Tunnel Tour Options:

Budget Group Tour

Standard Group Tour

Luxury Group Tour

Cu Chi Tunnels by Boat Group Tour

The Best Tour Recommendation

Tour Itinerary – Luxury Tour

Pick Up From Hotel

First Stop – Art Factory

The Cu Chi Tunnels

Exploring the Tunnels

Other Attractions

Going Underground

Cu Chi Tunnels Shooting Range

Other Attractions

Local Delicacies

Documentary Film

Museum and Souvenir Shop

Back to Saigon

Review of the Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Research Your Ho Chi Minh City Trip

History of Ayutthaya

Top 7 Things To See in Ayutthaya

1. Wat Mahathat (Buddha Head in Tree Roots)

2. Aisawan Thiphya-At (Divine Seat of Freedom)

3. Ayutthaya Historical Park

4. Wat Phanan Cheoeng (Oldest Temple in Ayutthaya)

5. Wat Lokaya Sutha (Reclining Buddha)

6. Ho Withun Thasana (Sages’ Lookout)

7. Chao Phraya River

How to Take a Day Tour from Bankgok to Ayutthaya

Would you like a free copy of our Ultimate Bucket List?

Places to Go in Tokyo

Day Trips from Tokyo

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Disneyland Partner Hotel

Shinjuku Shopping

Shibuya Shopping

Find a Great Deal

Quick Travel Guide to Tokyo

Plan Your Trip to Tokyo

Read More about Tokyo

Would you like a free copy of our Ultimate Bucket List?

2 Week California Road Trip Itinerary

Picking up a Rental Car at LAX

Santa Barbara

Botanical Gardens

Whale Watching in Santa Barbara

Morro Bay

Hearst Castle

The Trip to the Top

San Simeon Elephant Seals

Road Closures at Big Sur

Monterey

Yosemite National Park

Our Top 3 Attractions in Yosemite National Park

Sequoia National Park

San Francisco

Los Angeles

San Diego

Wildlife in California

SoCal Memories to Last a Lifetime

Suggested 10 Day California Road Trip Itinerary

Would you like a free copy of our Ultimate Bucket List?

Best Places to Visit in Melbourne

Day Trips from Melbourne

Where to Stay in Melbourne

Cheap Accommodation

Mid Range

Affordable Luxury

Shop Around for a Great Deal

Quick Travel Guide to Melbourne

Plan Your Trip to Melbourne

Read More about Melbourne

Would you like a free copy of our Ultimate Bucket List?

What to Do in Santa Barbara

Day Trips from Santa Barbara