There are famils, and then there is Visit California’s Agent Advisory Council famils, where eight hand-selected agents not only experience the best of the Golden State, but shape how it’s sold in the Australian market. So, what went down on this year’s Journey through Southern California’s Ultimate Playground, co-hosted with United Airlines, in partnership with Viva Holidays? Find out here.
You wouldn’t think you could experience glamour, culture, vineyards, wellness, adventure, beach life, and theme parks in one eight-day itinerary, but that’s the magic of Southern California. The 2026 California Agent Advisory Council (CAAC) members discovered this firsthand on a recent epic road trip.
Kellie Easterbrook, Operations and Training Manager for Pursers Travel Group, said it best, “Our Southern California fam showed just how much variety you can fit into one trip; it really has something for everyone.”
With today’s traveller seeking multi-destination itineraries, great value, diversity, and seamless, experience-rich journeys, California – as the Ultimate Playground – hits all the marks, especially with such strong air connectivity from Australia.
Alex Pickering from Phil Hoffman Glenelg commented, “California showcased the best of the best and reminded us why the US is a stunning destination for people of all travel styles.”
California: the Ultimate Playground
Did you feel a little jelly when you saw the 2026 famil teaser? Not to worry, you can live vicariously through the agents as we share what went down.
West Hollywood
What better way to recalibrate after a long-haul flight than a West Hollywood stay? WeHo is not only a place to base yourself (though it’s great for that); it’s a neighbourhood filled with energy, culture, and lifestyle experiences at every turn.
After checking into the design-led boutique La Peer Hotel – mere steps from Melrose Avenue – the group got their bearings on a Bikes & Hikes LA Griffith Observatory tour.
Rooftop dining is a West Hollywood must-do, with the boho vibes of Petit Ermitage demonstrating why. The London West Hollywood set a sophisticated tone, while Mel’s Drive In filled everyone’s cups with a vintage diner charm you have to experience in California.
Nearby, the magic of Hollywood came to life at the Academy Museum, accompanied by express passes to the famed Universal Studios Hollywood.
Natasha Cavallaro from Helloworld Travel Elizabeth loved her time in West Hollywood, “It really set the tone for the trip! It is vibrant, stylish and full of energy. From rooftop dining to iconic nightlife, it perfectly captured California’s creativity and culture in one place.”
Temecula Valley
While only two hours from West Hollywood (with everyone’s favourite transport company, Karmel Connect at the wheel), Temecula is night and day in pace.
Famed for its bucolic vineyard experiences and wine culture, Old Town charm, and olive oil tastings, the CAAC agents saw how easy it is to change the vibes (and experiences) in only a couple of hours.
An Old Town Temecula walking tour revealed how captivating its heritage district is, while lunch and a tour at Europa Village Wineries gave the group a sense of being in the Mediterranean amid Temecula’s rolling vineyards.
Eva Huezo, Visit California’s Tourism Development Manager – Australia, found Temecula Valley such a pleasant surprise. “It offers a completely different side of Southern California, with world-class wineries and a slower pace that really resonates with Aussie travellers.”
Greater Palm Springs
After another two-hour drive, the group arrived in Greater Palm Springs, where the desert, adventure, and wellness coincide in the best possible way.
A two-night stay and dinner at Adobe Grill at La Quinta Resort and Club afforded a chance to celebrate the property’s 100-year anniversary, while an Indian Canyons Hiking Tour proved a group favourite. The naturalist guide introduced the lifestyle, culture, and beliefs of the Cahuilla Indians as they walked the tranquil desert trail.
Tours of longstanding attractions, such as the aerial tramway and El Paseo shopping district, blended perfectly with new lifestyle attractions like the Surf Club. Yes, visitors can now surf in the middle of the desert!
San Diego
Experiencing California’s diverse landscapes and attractions again, the group traded the desert for coastal San Diego, where gorgeous beaches, harbour experiences, and vibrant dining impressed.
San Diego highlights included drive-through Balboa and La Jolla tours, an exhilarating self-drive boat ride with San Diego Speed Boat Adventures, and a visit to the one-of-a-kind USS Midway Museum for a glimpse into military life at sea.
Everyone was happy to taste-test San Diego’s thriving dining scene, with standouts including the award-winning Mexican Puesto at the Headquarters and Cannonball, an oceanfront restaurant offering California cuisine with a Pacific Rim edge.
Anaheim
Known for its broad-ranging entertainment, sporting prowess, and fun for the whole family, Anaheim was a strong ending to a jam-packed famil. Especially as Disneyland is in the throes of its 70th birthday celebrations!
The group’s Anaheim touring kicked off with the informative Richard Nixon Library and Museum before a fun-filled Anaheim Ducks game.
It took no time for Mickey, Minnie, and the Disney crew to wow everyone with a character breakfast at Plaza Inn before a day of Disneyland’s rides, character encounters, and Mickey Mouse-shaped treats.
One of the great perks of ending a trip in Anaheim is the option to Shop Til You Drop at the Citadel Outlets en route to LAX. Luggage storage and VIP lounge access meant it was almost obligatory (so we’re told) to squeeze some bargain designer items into the suitcase.
Helloworld Pakenham home-based agent Deborah McNamara raved about the CAAC famil. “From the vibrant energy of West Hollywood to the relaxed charm of Temecula Valley, our fabulous team experienced it all.”
What is the CAAC?
The California Agent Advisory Council is Visit California’s flagship trade initiative with legacy partner United Airlines, five destination partners, and Karmel Connect, who provided seamless connections throughout.
Viva Holidays was the exclusive 2026 wholesale partner, a joint venture that Helloworld Travel COO Cinzia Burnes deemed “incredibly valuable”. She commented, “Working closely with Visit California and United Airlines allows us to collaborate meaningfully with our top advisors and ensure California is represented in a way that genuinely resonates with the Australian market. The USA is the second highest selling destination for VIVA Holidays.”
Each year, eight agents are selected for their passion, storytelling skills, and ability to influence long-haul travel. They not only tour California but collaboratively shape how the state is sold here.
Amela Davie gained so much from her time, “My first time in mainland USA completely shifted my perspective. Southern California’s beauty and energy exceeded every expectation.”
Olivia Carvalho from Helloworld Travel Shellharbour wraps things up, “Our SoCal journey perfectly encapsulated what our industry does best: connection, fun, and experience.”
Learn more
Inspired? Start building your expertise with Visit California’s travel guides and dedicated STAR training and planning resources.
If you’re setting your sights on the 2027 CAAC program, this article will help you understand some of the milestones you’d need to reach to receive an invite.
Don’t want to wait for 2027? Visit California just launched its Kicks & Sips agent incentive. Check it out.
This article is brought to you by Visit California, United Airlines, and Viva Holidays.
