1st time in LA/ America

Hi, my cousin and I are visiting LA for 12 days in July (1st time %26#39;state-side%26#39;). We%26#39;ve only booked our flights as we can%26#39;t decide where%26#39;s best to stay. We%26#39;re both 29, enjoy nightlife and seeing the sights. We%26#39;re also on a budget (she%26#39;s a teacher, I%26#39;m a nurse!!) We%26#39;d love somewhere by the beach...are there any little %26#39;cheap%26#39; gems around, and do we really need a car? Should we stay a few days in different locations? Also, are there any guest lists to any good clubs we should try and get on.... All these questions! Finally...what%26#39;s the average temperature there mid July? We from Ireland, so rarely see the sun (';,)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thankyou.

Janine

1st time in LA/ America

I would recommend a rental car and I would recommend that you stay at a few different locations. The beach areas, particularly in July will be more expensive. If you want to limit yourself to Southern California you might consider these locations:

Hollywood

Venice Beach

Orange County: (choose from Anaheim, or a beach city such as Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, or Laguna Beach

San Diego

There%26#39;s much to see throughout California from San Francisco, to Yosemite, to the Big Sur coast and the redwoods. Don%26#39;t know if these interest you or you plan to make additional time for them.

1st time in LA/ America

As the prior poster states, there are lots of different communities you could visit. It would help a lot if you could tell us what you are comfortable paying per night for a hotel. July is the ';high season'; so there are no deals. Count on $100 minimum per night for a modest hotel. Prices can be $200,or $300 (or more).

So, tell us what you are comfortable paying.

While a car is the most convenient way to get around, it will cost you much more than public transit. Keep in mind that when you look at prices for rental cars, you must add in the cost of the ';optional insurance'; (required of Europeans driving in the U.S.), the cost of petrol (gasoline) at $3.50 per gallon (4 liters), the cost of parking (some hotels charge as much as $30 per night) and the cost of parking at some attractions (Disneyland charges $11; Universal Studios charges $10 or $20 depending on where you park). The total could be $60 to $80 per day,. Look at Yescarhire.com for estimates on cars with the insurance included.

Compare hiring a car to a $3 DAY PASS which will afford unlimited rides on the metro rail and metro buses. (The cost of the DAY PASS will rise to $5, this summer). Are you willing to pay more for the convenience of getting around faster?

So, tell us what your budget is for everyrthing: hotel, car rental (or public transit), meals, etc and we%26#39;ll be better equipped to direct you.