Los Angeles is a popular destination for international travelers to soak up the California sun, enjoy the city’s multi-cultural diversity, unique dining options, and bargain shopping deals. However, the first-time visitor to Los Angeles may need a few tips to help them better adjust to the city’s transportation system and local laws, in order to make the most of their vacation in southern California.

Transportation
LAX International Airport is one of the most famous in the world, with hundreds of thousands of people passing through on Los Angeles flights every single day. Los Angeles freeways are renowned for being both an effective way of connecting the cities and surrounding areas, as well as a nightmare during rush hour. Traffic jams during 3PM to 6PM are becoming increasingly common, and with fewer alternatives available, commuters are often faced with lengthy delays. The best alternative to heavy freeway congestion is to take the Los Angeles trains and subways. These services provide easy access to Hollywood Boulevard, front gate drop-off at Universal Studios on the Metro Red Line, rapid service to and from Los Angeles International Airport on the Green Line, as well as downtown L.A. routes on the Metro Blue and Purple Line. A day pass that works on trains, subways and all Los Angeles buses is available for a nominal fee at the station vending machines, or you can enjoy greater savings from a weekly or monthly pass.

Smoking
California law prohibits the use of tobacco inside office buildings, restaurants, airports and most public beaches. However, many restaurants are adjusting to this legislation, and now offer legally approved smoking sections with adequate ventilation. Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas that provide an ashtray, and it is still generally permitted to smoke on both the sidewalks and other open public areas.

Safety
Los Angeles is stretched over 60 square miles, with plenty to see and do across the city. However, for many tourists it is advised to stick to the main tourist areas and avoid suburbs and less-populated or notorious areas of the city. Los Angeles is noted for crime and gang activity in some districts, as such caution is strongly advised when venturing out at night.

Sun Stroke
Travelers flock to Los Angeles for its warm and sunny climate, attracting tourists and locals in droves to sunbathe on the city’s infamous beaches. It is adviseable to remember that the sun can also be damaging – so be sun smart! Be sure to bring plenty of sun block and a visor cap to screen out the sun’s intense rays, protect your skin, and help prolong your outdoor adventures in L.A.

Los Angeles can be an attractive and intimidating holiday destination. The city’s diversity and expansive geography has continued to prove popular with tourists on last minute holidays and extended vacations, and will continue to do so in the future.

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Travelling is not exclusive…..anyone can travel and everyone should travel, even if you have a disability. Unfortunately, travellers with a disability have been subject to discrimination in the past. Fortunately, there is less discrimination today; however, it does still exist. The EU introduced the Disabled Air Passengers’ Rights Regulation in 2008 with the aim of guaranteeing equal treatment for all passengers, including those with a disability. Perhaps you have reduced mobility or use a wheelchair; or maybe you have a visual impairment. Be aware of your rights as a traveller! Ask for assistance at the check-in desk and make sure you are satisfied with the treatment of your mobility equipment. This is your right.

Remember to tick the option for special assistance when booking airline tickets. Most airlines state that they require 48 hours notice of your special requirements. However, if the passenger does not notify his or her needs, the airline should make every effort to assist the traveller. Most airlines around the world use something called Standard Interline Passenger Procedures codes to help define and communicate various services customers need while traveling. For customers with disabilities, there are varying levels of assistance, and having the “right code” will help the airline plan for how they can best assist you – things like having a special wheelchair that will fit down an aircraft aisle positioned at the right gate, for instance.

Remember that the battle for disabled passengers’ rights continues! Hopefully one day all travellers will be treated equally. Happy travelling!

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When visiting the Key West area in Florida the one thing you have to do is to watch the sunset in a glorious location. It is an event which draws in thousands of visitors from all around the world as the sun goes down into the Gulf of Mexico and has in turn led to events and concerts being organized in the area.

At Mallory Square Dock there is a nightly celebration of the sunset in Key West. It is a celebration which includes performers in the street, arts and crafts, food stalls and music performed by a number of buskers who travel from all over the country and indeed the world. It is a celebration that you can experience without the need to buy any tickets and you only have to spend whatever you want to spend.

However, if you are in the area you have a number of things you can do during the day with a strong emphasis on the water due to the location. Numerous companies offer boating expeditions with cruises, fishing, and snorkeling being popular activities. Prices for this can vary depending on the time of year and the exact location.

The same can be said about food in the area with a variety of cuisines available depending on your tastes. You are able to sample Italian, seafood, food with a Caribbean twist to it as well as finer dining but you do not have to go to top class restaurants to get a good meal.

The main reason to be there is of course to watch the sun go down and in the Key West area you have a variety of potential accommodation in various price ranges. You have choices from campsites near the water to bed and breakfast up to resorts next to the beach. By looking into the area before travelling you can find a place to stay that can come within almost any budget.

But the best part about visiting Key West, Florida for the sunset is that the main reason why you are there is absolutely free and you can experience it time and time again during your stay.

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When thinking about your next travel destination, why not find a spot on the globe that offers perfect climate with everything you could possibly think of right outside your hotel room door This place does exist! Tenerife, Spain is the largest of the Canary Islands and offers temperatures between 59 and 75 degrees year round. On top of these glorious temperatures, there is very little rainfall each year.

Another perk that Tenerife offers is the experience to swim and lay out on a beautiful beach while only being a few miles from Mount Teide, where snow falls year round. Mount Teide is in the center of the island and stands 12,200 feet, the highest point in all of Spain! It is also a volcano! There is a cable car that carries tourists to the summit and offers phenomenal views.

The capital city, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is a great port, upbeat town that is built for tourism. It was also where the first shots in the Spanish Civil War were fired. So, for your history buffs, there is much history in this port town!

The northwest tip of the island, around the village of Masca, is where you will find the most amazing scenery that make Tenerife holidays so unforgetable. The village is very unique in that it is settled up in the Teno Mountains and “hangs” off the side of a cliff. Only recently, Masca, has become accessible by road. There is a two hour hike that goes from the village of Masca (which was believed to be a pirate’s hideaway at one time) down to the ocean, at the base of the cliffs of Los Gigantes.

If you travel to the eastern side of the island, you will find six step pyramids. These pyramids still baffle archeologists, who have yet to figure out the origin of these mysterious structures. One archeologist believes that they are structured like the ones found in Mexico, Peru and Mesopotamia. You can visit the site, which now boats a museum, a life size replica of Heyerdahl’s ship, a souvenir shop and a cafeteria.

Because Tenerife is a volcanic island, there are very few natural beaches. Since cheap holidays to Tenerife have become so readily available that the few natural beaches became so crowded that resorts were built and man-made beaches were constructed. Los Gigantes and San Juan are the best beaches on the island for sunbathing and soft sand.

Whether you prefer sun bathing, swimming, hiking or soaking in luscious scenery, Tenerife, with its perfect year-round temperatures is a perfect paradise.

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