Ireland to L.A.

Only Human

I'm going out to L.A. fror a week from the 1st of April. I have a huge lack of wit when it comes to traveling abroad. Could anyone correct me if my estimations are not accurate? The only information that I know is right is the hotel information.

€500 for the flight (stupid question but is that a return flight?)
€89.12 for the hotel for the week with four others at the same rate.
€100 (rough estimate for transport once in America)
€100 for food
€100 for spending etc.
€100 for back up or safety
Visa =??

---

€990

thanks.

LegacyUser

u will need far more than 100 euro for food unless you are going to eat bread...

idontknowmyname

€89 is a bit under estimated for somewhere to stay...unless its a hostel and its a complete dive in the streets where you shouldn't go during the day let alone the night!

You dont need a visa so no expense there. However you will get ur mug shot taken and finger prints taken at Security Control before you leave Dublin.

Definitely find out from people where you should avoid. LA is a pretty dangerous city if you dont know where you're going. The good areas are great, but there's a lot of gangland suburbs so watch out.

If you stick around the Santa Monica, Venice (not at night), Long Beach, Marina Del Ray, Huntington Beach (THE OC) and Beverlt Hills, Westside and most of the western towns you'll be fine.

Its a very hard city to get around if you're not renting a car- are u relying on buses (which are not great) or you gonna get a car?

Lisapeep

Is a visa needed if you're heading to the States for a holiday?

Also, 500 euro would cover a return flight, yes, but you can check that out easily enough on www.aerlingus.com.

Only Human

Thanks everyone. I always thought you needed a visa and the whole process was like applying for a passport or something. The hotel room is $97 per night for four beds so its sorted . Im only flying out to L.A.X, from there were getting a shuttle bus to Santa Barbra airport which costs about $20 each with a part of four.

irishguy

Lisapeep wrote:

Is a visa needed if you're heading to the States for a holiday?

Also, 500 euro would cover a return flight, yes, but you can check that out easily enough on www.aerlingus.com.

Irish residents qualify for the visa wavier program, you just fill out a form on the plane and you can stay for upto 90days

€500 for the flight (stupid question but is that a return flight?)
thats return
€89.12 for the hotel for the week with four others at the same rate.
seems a bit cheap for a hotel, i would read up about it if i was you
€100 (rough estimate for transport once in America)
depends on what you are doing, i hear you really need a car when in LA its very spread out and the public transport it crap
€100 for food
if you are prepared to eat from supermarkets alot then you should b ok
€100 for spending etc.
unless you are just going to visit the park and lots of free attractions, you would need alot more than this if it was me i would be brining €1000 but i would say you could survive on €500 but not be able to do everything you want

BuffyBot

depends on what you are doing, i hear you really need a car when in LA its very spread out and the public transport it crap

Agreed: LA's public transport system is so crap it defies belief. If you want to get around, driving is your best bet.

segadreamcast

And if you can't drive? Is public transport/excessive walking gonna get you by? (I'll be hitting L.A. this summer possibly - so it's also in my interest)

Also, any recommendations for decent cheap-ish ($150 per night for 3 sharing) hotels in L.A?

BuffyBot

Is public transport/excessive walking gonna get you by?

Public transport is awful. There is no other way to describe it. You may be lucky enough to find somewhere close to some form or route, but don't depends on it. Walking isn't much of an option - LA is a huge, huge sprawl. Wouldn't recommend it in the summer heat either! (Plus the residents tend to look at you like you're some sort of crazy person!)

segadreamcast

Well we're only gonna be 18 going there so it's seemingly our only option, since we're too young to rent a car.

You've given me much to consider BuffyBot - thanks...!

pete

spend as little time in LA as possible. It's a dump. We went a few years back and had to rely on public transport. We were staying in Hollywood so we had enough to see and do in our immediate surroundings, but getting anywhere else was a total nightmare.

I'd spend a day or two there at most for visiting Universal Studios, Hollywood Boulevard & Beverly Hills - then I'd get the hell out of dodge & go to San Diego or San Francisco instead. Seriously.

LegacyUser

Going to Santa Barbara for four months this summer. Can not wait. LA is a dump. Do not go to spend a holinday in LA. Are ya mad?

At 18, I would almost go as far to say as forget it. If you are not driving and not able to booze and head out places, what are ya gonna be doing?

Lex_Diamonds

Aye, sounds like it will be ****e. LA is a kip in all honesty. Go somewhere in Europe instead, its cheaper and you'll have loads more fun.