Spending a few days in Los Angeles is a dream come true for many people around the world. We want to see celebrities, feel the glitz, and soak up the atmosphere. Some people will rent one of the best vacation homes in Los Angeles to make the most of their vacation. Others will book a room in a budget hotel or hostel. Whichever way you decide to spend your time in LA, consider the following travel hacks to make a great trip awesome.
Go Camping:
One of the fastest ways to save money in Los Angeles is to spend a few nights camping. Hotels and vacation homes eat a large part of the budget whereas a campsite offers a spot along the beach or in the mountains for a fraction of the price. And it’s not just about saving the extra money too. Imagine waking up and hearing the gentle lapping of waves on the beach or being surrounded by the beautiful scenery. Camping is a perfect way to both save a little money and experience nature up close and personal.
See the Latest Movies for Free:
If you’re a fan of movies and love watching the latest releases, you may be able to catch an early screening for free. Movies are produced and released all the time in Hollywood and the producers want feedback. In order to do this, they have a free pre-release screening and invite members of the public to watch and rate their movie. You can find several around Los Angeles and some even offer you a small amount of money as an incentive to watch and give feedback.
Go Mexican:
There’s a large Mexican population in LA, which means you can find lots of shops that cater for their needs. Mexican supermarkets have all your favorite ingredients and meals that you can later cook at home for a fraction of the price compared to other shops. This is a perfect way to eat some delicious food without spending a fortune. Why not buy some of the most delicious tacos in the entire state of California from the food trucks too?
Play Tennis on a Rooftop Tennis Court:
In West Hollywood, there’s a tennis court on the top of a parking complex. This is a great place to practice and have a quick game with your friends whilst overlooking the city below. It’s difficult to find something as unique as this outside of Los Angeles. And the best part is that it’s free to use. All you have to do is show a government identity card and you can play tennis for as long as you want.
Be Savvy When Parking Your Car:
The majority of tourists in Los Angeles will rent a car to get around the city. Attractions are far apart and it can take forever to use public transport. This leads to a new problem: parking. It can be costly to park your car in this city and if it’s in the wrong place, you’re going to be issued with a hefty fine. But, you can find free parking on the green and yellow curbs before 7 am and after 6 pm. Parking here is also free all day on Sunday. Use this to your advantage when you’re sightseeing.
Follow Traffic Reports:
What can be worse than having a short time in LA and heading down the freeway to one of the must-see attractions to suddenly find yourself stuck in deadlocked traffic? Accidents and traffic jams are a major problem in a city as big as Los Angeles and some can take hours to completely clear. This could be one of the worst things imaginable if you’re heading to a theme park with the kids in the backseat. In order to minimize the risk of being caught up in endless congestion, follow the traffic reports online before setting off. You may find that you can save hours by taking an alternative route.
Fly into Bob Hope Airport:
There are two airports in Los Angeles. Most people fly in and out of LAX. This is one of the largest and busiest airports in the country and takes a lot of time to actually pass through and get to the city. Not to mention that the traffic is horrendous and the roads are complicated, which is very frustrating when you rent a car from the airport. The second airport in the city is much smaller and takes less time to get into the city. If it’s possible, fly into Bob Hope Airport to avoid the stress of LAX. You can find many domestic and a few international flights that arrive at Bob Hope.
Find a Nice Quiet Spot on the Beach:
Los Angeles has lots of beautiful beaches. Some attract thousands of beachgoers on a daily basis and others are practically empty. You can find hidden beaches in the city if you know where to go. Driving a little further along the coastline or away from the bustling center will reveal nicer spots. It may not be possible to take part in water sports or rent equipment, but you’ll have the place to yourself. This is a perfect way to enjoy the beach with your family without jostling for space at the busier ones.
The Bottom Line:
Take advantage of pre-release screenings and secluded beaches. Follow the traffic reports to avoid congestion and use the green and yellow parking zones after 6 pm for free parking. Los Angeles is a great city to visit and can become even greater by following these travel hacks.
