Hey all, I am booked on the Grand Southern trip for June 30th '07 and there are a few additional things that I want to do before and after - except things are all getting a bit expensive so was wondering if anyone has some better ideas. So here is my itinerary so far with my questions also -

ISSUE 1: Arrive in Las Angeles on the 28th June as I really want to see Universal Studios and also Hollywood, Rodeo Drive etc. The contiki accommodation as use probably know is in Annaheim which is apperantly fine for Universal Studios however the travel into Hollywood is bout an hourish so she recommended staying in Hollywood. Catch is - quoted price = $512.00 (HOLIDAY INN HOLLYWOOD
Includes Grand tour of LA and Stars Homes
Transfers from Airport to hotel and then out to Anaheim.

QUESTIONS: Is it worth staying actually in Hollywood? Or is the travel not too bad? Has anyone found anywhere cheaper? Anyone wanna share :-) And also - is it necessary to do the "Grand tour of LA" or is it easy enough to wing it?

ISSUE 2: I definately want to spend a couple of days in New York afterwards and would love to do the Maid of the Mist tour at Niagra Falls. Quoted price: New York Accommodation = $525 (Hotel Beacon - 3 nights). Day tour to Niagra Falls = $647 (including maid of the mist tour and flights). Big holy cow!!!

QUESTIONS: Anyone know of anything cheaper?

ISSUE 3:Was also thinking of doing a Stopover in Hawaii on the way back. Quoted price = $654.00 (Honolulu 5 Day Holiday Package With Contiki)

QUESTION: Is it worth it? I live on the coast in Queensland and am a bit of a beach chick - but is there a huge difference to our beaches?

Well I think that's all my questions (for now - no doubt between now and June I will have a lot more).

Thanks heaps
Tammy
23yo Queenslander

Hi Tammy
Nikki here from grand southern messages! I can answer a couple of your questions for you.
I think it would be better for you just to stay in Anaheim for the two nights before the tour. Obviously the price quoted to stay in Hollywood is very high, and it will only cost you around $30 US to get to Hollywood if you can get a good transfer bus. And there are always tours that go into hollywood and to Universal Studios. You can usually book these through the hotel you are staying with. I did a "stars homes tour" when i was there in 2004 and that was fine. We saw LA and Hollywood including Rodeo Drive and Beverly hills and heaps more that I can't think of right now... That was fine, and I think that cost me about $40-$50 US. That is pretty much an all day tour. I will be staying in New York after the tour also, as will most people I think. You can get very cheap hostels if you share. i have been looking on the internet for hostels in New York, and there are heaps around. that would be much cheaper than staying in the beacon hotel. Plus, you will have all your friends with you that you make on tour. the only thing is, you might need to book that early so they aren't booked out. We might need to find a few people on here that are doing the same tour, and thinking of doing the same thing. then we could book a room or 2 for a few nights after. i can't answer your last couple of questions as I have never been to Hawaii or Niagra falls.
Anyway, keep in touch, and I hope this helped!!
Nikki

Thanks so much for that Nicki. Has helped heaps. Would definately be keen if anyone else wanted to share in a hostel at the end of the tour. Figure the least I have to spend on accommodation the more I can spend on doing other things - so open to any suggestions. Thanks heaps
Tam

hey... universal studios now offer a shuttle bus from anaheim that is included in the prepaid ticket cost
check it outhere