Discover California...

California is an incredibly diverse state, teeming with fun-filled theme parks, local boutiques, mega shopping malls and, surprisingly, fantastic skiing.

Located on the West Coast of the United States of America, the state is home to Hollywood, Disneyland, the Golden Gate Bridge and too many movie sets to name. 

UNMISSABLE CALIFORNIA

• Skiing & Snowboarding - 8 million people hit the powder last year across California, with the state catching an amazing 10 metres of snow annually. Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain are the two main ski regions and offering resort deals for all groups and budgets.

• Roadtripping – Highway One is undoubtedly the ultimate Californian road trip. Hugging the coastline between San Francisco and Los Angeles, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and an abundance of marine life.

• Wineries & fine food – Good wine can be found in Napa and Sonoma Valleys along with the lesser known but equally superb southern and north coast regions. Also California is known for its organic produce and is sampled in many restaurants and farmer markets in these regions.
 
ESSENTIAL DAY TRIPS

• Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks are home to towering pines and even taller granite cliffs. Take a hike, climb and explore one of the United States’ most dramatic landscapes.

• SoCal (Southern California) has a vibe all of its own, arising from a heady mix of surfing, Mexican and new-age Californian culture. It’s the home of the OC (Orange County) and the Mighty Ducks (Anaheim.)

• Explore downtown L.A. and Hollywood by riding a Double Decker bus or stroll through the Hollywood Walk of Fame stepping across stars from Marilyn Monroe to Mariah Carey.

DISNEYLAND

• A magical kingdom where life is a fairy tale and dreams really do come true! Board the yellow submarine, experience the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage or let Mickey Mouse invite you into his house.

Wind your way through Splash Mountain or fly through the galaxy on Space Mountain. This really is the happiest place on earth.
 
NIGHTLIFE

• Try celeb spotting at the Viper Room, regular haunt for Hollywood’s hottest young actors.
• Visit the Laugh Factory, the comedy club that nurtured Steve Martin, Robin Williams & Chevy Chase.   

QUICK FACTS

• It is easy (and compulsory) to register for your free visitor visa online – check the American consulate website for details. Websites that try to charge you a fee are not legitimate – the visa is free.
• Leaving a tip of at least 15% is common decency in the States; their award wages are set very low on the expectation that they receive these tips.
• Having a car with a GPS will help you to get around at your own pace – you’ll quickly get used to driving on the other side of the road.
• There is such great competition between airlines on the trans-pacific route that now is the best time to go!