Four travel advisors and five nights in the ultimate city – Los Angeles. With a jam-packed itinerary of Cali-cool hotels; mouth-watering meals; courtside sports; outdoor pursuits and Hollywood attractions, these winning advisors got to press play on Los Angeles Tourism’s Ultimate LA 2.0 famil.
Los Angeles. The City of Angels. LA. Call it what you want – Los Angeles is always fresh and unexpected. No matter how many times you visit there’s something new to see, taste, learn, explore and experience.
Los Angeles Tourism partnered with American Airlines and The Travel Junction on an agent incentive to showcase LA 2.0 and share all the newness firsthand to inspire their clients to travel to LA and experience something different each time.
We previously shared that five lucky Aussie travel advisors earned a spot on the ultimate LA 2.0 fam trip simply by booking LA flights and accommodation through The Travel Junction’s HELiO platform.
Now they’re back and ready to dish on what went down on the five-night fam.
“I discovered Los Angeles as a destination, more than just a stopover. There is so much more to do and see than I expected.” – Renee Markwick.
LA Tour Highlights
Day 1: Marina del Rey, NBA & markets
First up, the four winners winged their way to LA with American Airlines Premium Economy return flights on the airline’s newly resumed SYD-LAX route.
Touching down, the group was whisked to the Marina del Rey Hotel, a sleek and chic boutique hotel in one of LA’s most sought-after neighbourhoods and enjoyed brunch at the onsite SALT Restaurant & Bar with a side of scenic harbour views.
“I never knew how close Marina Del Rey is from the airport, its such a great stopover spot and you can hire a bike and ride on down to Venice Beach & Santa Monica Pier.” – Chantelle Emerton.
Next, check-in time at Fairmont Century Plaza right on Avenue of the Stars with lunch at the French-inspired Lumière restaurant amid lush and plush surrounds, complete with a hidden courtyard.
Later, the agents had a guided tour of the famous Grand Central Market, which spans fresh food through to the multicultural flavours of LA such as tacos and ramen.
To top off a busy first day, the advisors took in a nail-biting NBA game between the LA Clippers and Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Center – an absolute must-do on any US trip.
Day 2: Hello Hollywood!
After breakfast at leisure, the group hiked with Bikes & Hikes LA up to the iconic Hollywood Sign, which is celebrating its centennial this year. They then immersed themselves in more movie glamour with a full day roaming around Universal Studios Hollywood.
Here, the agents checked out the brand new attraction, Super Nintendo World where they also experienced the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride and had lunch at the Toadstool Café.
“I will never sell just a normal Universal Pass to a client ever again, the Express Pass is worth its weight in gold!” – Chantelle Emerton.
LA is known for its authentic Mexican dining options and that night’s dinner at KA’TEEN with its fresh take on ancient Yucatan dishes in a garden oasis did not disappoint. From food truck to award-winning restaurant, KA’TEEN is a dead-set LA legend.
More myths and legends awaited on The Ghosts of Hollywood Walking Tour, which delves into the star-studded spirits of Tinseltown after dark for a fun and engaging experience.
Day 3: Contemporary Art and a familiar Aussie dish
Day three kicked off with a classic American diner experience at the San Pedro Café on the Port of Los Angeles.
Next up was a visit to The Broad in Downtown LA, which is a contemporary art museum showcasing art from the 1950s to the present day, with exhibitions and galleries. This building itself is even a piece of art, designed by world-renowned architects. With its innovative “veil-and-vault” concept, the 120,000-square-foot, $140 million building features two floors of gallery space and is the headquarters of The Broad Art Foundation’s worldwide lending library.
The group visited the Americana at Brand mall in Glendale next, enjoying lunch at a Californian staple, In-n-Out burger. Yasss!
In the evening the group checked in the The Garland Hotel, before heading to Grandmaster Recorders for dinner in Hollywood, which is an Australian/Italian fusion restaurant, who would have thought travelling over 7000 miles for a traditional potato scallop. Delish!
Day 4: Movie magic & comedy hijinks
More movie magic was on today’s itinerary for our star-struck agents who embarked on a two-hour My Valley Pass Film Tour of hidden San Fernando Valley locations of fave films.
Then the group returned to The Garland Hotel for an inspection followed by lunch on-site at The Front Yard, an outdoor patio restaurant with a menu that epitomises LA’s laidback vibes and fresh flavours.
“Loved The Garland Hotel – really catered for families, felt like you were a distance away from the city. So close to Universal and the Front Yard Restaurant had the best cheese burger.” – Renee Markwick.
The afternoon’s activity was an elevated experience at Warner Bros. Studio Hollywood where agents got to experience the Studio Tour Plus, which offers an extended, in-depth guided tour and visited the sets used for The Big Bang Theory, Gilmore Girls and Friends, including the real Central Perk café.
A quick Uber down to the famous Melrose Avenue with dinner at Ronan, which offers a seasonal menu of locally sourced produce and pizza paired with natural biodynamic wines before the advisors headed out for a show at The Groundlings Theater.
Famous for comic alumni such as Will Ferrell, Kathy Griffin, Lisa Kudrow and Melissa McCarthy, the group got to see that night’s Cookin’ with GAS show based solely on audience suggestions.
Day 5: Markets, shopping & sightseeing
The final day started with brekky on La Brea at République Café & Bakery, a historic building in the heart of LA, ahead of exploring the Academy Museum with its massive movie-related collection of Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences as well as enjoying an Oscars Experience.
Next, it was onto the Original Farmers Market, which included lunch and a guided food and history tour with Melting Pot Food Tours for insider access and insights into the gourmet destination that boasts more than 100 vendors and has been operating since 1934. Agents also got some free time to hit up one of LA’s most popular shopping centres, The Grove.
Venice Beach was next on the agenda and advisors got physical on the boardwalk with a Venice Beach & Canals Walking Tour with Bikes & Hikes LA before wandering to the eclectic and stylish Hotel Erwin for a site inspection and some bevvies on its famous rooftop lounge with unparalleled views of Venice and Santa Monica Beaches.
It was the perfect opportunity for a final selfie and toast to a top LA fam before heading to LAX for the flight back to Australia with American Airlines.
“I had no idea there was so much to do in LA! We’ve had five days here and just scratched the surface.” – Chantelle Emerton.
Inspired? Book your clients on a similar experience with these LA packages on sale via The Travel Junction here. Stay tuned to find out how to enter the next famil.
This story was brought to you by:
