Trip to the US (West Coast)

TripleAce

Hi Guys,
I was thinking to go on holidays to the US with my girlfriend around September/October – the plan was to fly from Shannon to San Francisco, spend a few days there, then drive down to LA and carry on to Las Vegas for 3-4 days and then back home… 10-14 days in total will be more than enough.
I checked the flights with Aer Lingus and the cheapest I found in September is 800€ pps (flight only)…just wonder if you could advise any cheaper airline to go with or possibly an agency that offers some good package flight+hotel at reasonable price.
I am not really used to go with travel agencies but we could save a few quids on the flight it would be great…..thank you in advance!

fist_of_fury

i did this last summer but for six weeks. flew with delta, bit cheaper than aer lingus at the time.

i would suggest not bothering with LA too much, personally thought it was a horrible place and san diego is much nicer.

keefg

There is loads to do on the West Cost, the drive along route 1 from SFO to LA is fantastic.

As Fist Of Fury says, LA is a kip and best avoided but if it's somewhere you definitely want to see then I suggest staying outside LA for the night, drive into Hollywood in the morning and see the walk of fame, Mann's Chinese Theatre, Universal Studios etc then get the hell out of there and stay somewhere else before you head into Las Vegas.

Don't bother trying to see any of the big houses around Beverley Hill because all you will see is a lot if Mexican gardeners trimming hedges.....the houses themseves are off the road and well concealed.

I haven't been to Vegas since last Sept and it was a bit of a building site but it is fantastic.

There is also loads of cool things to see & do around SFO and the wine country.

Trust me.....whatever time you had put aside to stay in LA....use that time either in Vegas or SFO, it will be worth it.

Rossie will probably be along soon with some great ideas for where to stay and what to see. Also, have a look though the old posts by Rossie and you will find some great tips for the West Coast and Vegas.

Have Fun!

ncmc

TripleAce wrote: »

Hi Guys,
I was thinking to go on holidays to the US with my girlfriend around September/October – the plan was to fly from Shannon to San Francisco, spend a few days there, then drive down to LA and carry on to Las Vegas for 3-4 days and then back home… 10-14 days in total will be more than enough.
I checked the flights with Aer Lingus and the cheapest I found in September is 800€ pps (flight only)…just wonder if you could advise any cheaper airline to go with or possibly an agency that offers some good package flight+hotel at reasonable price.
I am not really used to go with travel agencies but we could save a few quids on the flight it would be great…..thank you in advance!

That actually sounds quite reasonable to me, I booked with Continental and the cost was €1750 for two for the same trip, you gotta remember that LA is a hell of a lot further away than lets say, New York, so it's gonna be more expensive. Try pricing with Delta, Continental, American Airlines and US Airways, none of them fly direct, but may be a little cheaper.

I don't think you would save money using an agent, their hotel prices are crazy expensive. For Vegas, try the coupon website www.smartervegas.com or also www.fatwallet.com .They were doing an offer on the MGM Grand from $69 per night, that would easily cost €100 plus if you booked through an agent. If you have time, try this: Go in to an agent and get a printed quote, take it home and price the same flights/hotel/car hire yourself, would be very suprised if you didn't save money, especially if you use those coupon sites for your Vegas hotel.

On an aside, would you consider throwing in a night or two in the Grand Canyon? Would be a shame to go all that way and not see it.

tdp-carol

I went all that way, and yet somehow missed the Grand Canyon. Going to catch it next time though.