LA Can Be Affordable but You Have to Know Where to Look

Los Angeles is best known as the "City of Angels". While traveling to Los Angeles can be expensive the expenditures once there can be affordable if thoroughly planned for in advance. Here are some examples of what Los Angeles has to offer:

1. A Southern California trip around Los Angeles wouldn't be a excursion without including a trip to Disneyland. Disneyland is in Anaheim, CA, south of LA and it doesn't matter how old you are, everyone enjoys Mickey Mouse.
A one day pass for an adult is around 80.00 but if you buy your tickets online for your entire family ahead of time, and buy a package rate, you get a better bargain depending on how many days and how many in the party. I suggest calling the park for help with purchasing tickets. (714-781-4400).

2. One of the hippest things to do is go down to the 3rd Street Promenade it is located close to the beach in Santa Monica and has everything from eateries to shops. You can stroll along the Santa Monica Pier and play games on the midway, ride some rides, walk in the sand, watch the waves crash in or usually there are bands playing especially in the summer months. Not to mention this is a very affordable way of passing the time.

3. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is in Rancho Verdes and although it isn't easy to spot, it is a great beach. The park is free of the multitudes of tourists and the park sits on a beautiful overlook.

4. The Getty is one of best museums in America. The Getty offers a great view of LA and the Pacific Coast. The art is exquisite and basically the museum has something for everyone to enjoy. Not to mention it is very affordable. Most exhibits are free and on Saturdays everything after 5pm is free.

5. The Vineland Swap Meet is a great bargain. It is open from early morning until around 3 pm and you can literally find treasures at every turn to pack into your hatchback and drive away. Located off 605 Freeway on Valley Blvd turn onto Valley Ave. this swap meet is big, with over 600 vendors and a full food court. Parking is free and you can spend the whole day finding good bargains and having lots of fun.

6. The Observatory at Griffith Park is famous for being in the movie "Rebel without a Cause" with James Dean, and the planetarium will astonish any child or adult alike. Not to mention the park has nature trails to wander through.

7. Red Rock Canyon is embedded down a path in Old Topanga Canyon. It is like LA's little piece of the Grand Canyon with it's picturesque masterpiece just sitting waiting to be discovered by those that wander upon it.

8. LA Studio Tours, whether you decide to do just one or all of them, they all have things happening at all times and tours round the clock. There are back lots and movie stars coming and going everywhere. Cost is approximately 70.00 for 2 days for one adult ticket however it is best to call for group pricing and group rates.

9. The Cecil Hotel is one of the most affordable hotels in downtown LA. It has a European charm and a friendly atmosphere and very helpful staff that can help you with all your needs in getting to the places you want to see. If you ask about their off season rates and book in well in advance you can get some discounts on their rooms.

10. The final tip I can give you is to plan your trip well in advance. Start with what are the main things you want to see, add the affordable lodging places in the area and then add other sites you can visit that are local to where you will be staying. It isn't hard to plan an affordable trip just plan ahead and make a budget. Allow for some expenditures but don't spend needlessly. You can buy bargain souvenirs and eat cheaper than at fancy restaurants.

Stay safe travel to and from your destinations during the daylight hours. Don't stray away from the tourist areas. Ask your travel guides how to get to and from destinations safely and when in doubt about traveling take a cab.

References for this article include: Losangeles.com and TheQfamilyadventures.com