California, here we come!

Our road trip adventure across the US is off to a bumpy start. Originally, Mr LML and I plan to drive along famous Route 66 from Vegas to LA but who would have thought that a few too many vinos in Sin City would have us waking with killer headaches and missing our car hire pick up… woops. Taking to the skies instead and finally arriving in LA we check-in to our LA airport hotel before making the wise decision to re-hire a car at the last minute…literally.

Some people think the cars we drive say a lot about us, so when I am handed the keys to a supped up Infinity SUV, I can tell you right now, I’m feeling bloody fabulous!

Happily swapping my dodgy 2001 Kia Rio back home with four brand-spanking-new wheels, I’m ready to hit the road, but nobody can prepare me for the panic attack to kick-start our journey.

Mr LML will agree that driving is not my forte’ but given that someone’s license expired during our travels, I had no choice but to battle the streets. Donning by bravest face, I battle a right-to-left merge into oncoming traffic at speeds I didn’t think existed, in a car I barely know how to drive, with the muffled noises of Mr LML screaming words in the background I should probably not repeat here… Yep, it was rocky alright, and stressful, but I’m glad I didn’t give up because booking a hire car in LA was probably the best thing we could have done in California. After I got the hang of driving on the wrong side of the road, here’s where our LA road-tripping adventure lead us…

First stop: HOLLYWOOD!
First timers can’t really go to LA without a stop-off in Hollywood. I’m not a first timer, but I’m all for a stroll down the Hollywood walk of fame, some big city shopping, deep fried pickles at Hooters, a tour of the Chinese Theatre and some casual celeb spotting on the streets – helllloooo James Franco & Seth Rogan! (I totally lost the plot when I saw them) Can I be any more of a tourist?! Yes, yes I can…

Next up: California Coast – Santa Monica, Venice, Newport
I’ve always been a bit of a beach bum at heart, and even though I’m not ready to brave the freezing cold waters of the North Pacific, the sun, sand and surf are a welcome addition to my California pit stop. En route from Hollywood to Santa Monica, I finally am seeing what the fuss is about. Santa Monica is just beautiful. From the pier itself and surrounding beach shacks, to the coastal bike trails and muscle men sculpting their bods in the outdoor gyms, I feel as if I’ve driven right into heaven, and I don’t ever want to leave. I can see myself really getting comfortable here.

If you’re passing by Santa Monica, make sure you take the time to check out its hippy neighbour, Venice Beach. Equally as beautiful, but ten times more quirky, Venice Beach is one not to miss. Check out this little lady we came across. Whilst I can’t totally agree with it, I did get a little giggle out of it. And the owner was right; this was the sweetest dog ever.

Before giving the sun the chance to escape us, we head south to Newport Beach for a delicious Italian feast. California, here we come indeed (tragic OC fan right here!).

Hot tip: Take the coastal route for some breathtaking views. We decided to keep driving until the sun set and it was just beautiful!

Final stop: Universal Studios
Anyone who knows me will agree that it’s hard to tame my inner child at the best of times, so I’m pretty excited to be lining up for the second time in my life (lucky me!) to check out Universal Studios. The only difference is about 10 years, and 10 times more excitement.

First stop when the doors open is the latest addition to the park, the Transformers ride. lastminute lovely Nicole gave it the thumbs up (read her review of Universal here) and I have to agree, it was FREAKING AMAZING! I think Mr LML saw a new side of me he never knew existed after I made him repeat this new ride time and time again. Rides never get old for me… and I don’t think I will ever get too old for rides.

Other Universal highlights include the Mummy Ride, the Jurassic Park Ride, Water World, the Studio Tour and Jamba Juice (seriously, try it – it’s totally TDF!)

I think it’s safe to say our LA adventure was a true success. From theme park madness, to celeb spotting and sunset chasing, we couldn’t have done it as well as we did (with as little time as we had) without hiring a car. Top tip for anyone planning their own LA adventure – hire yourself some wheels. Much cheaper than catching a cab everywhere and it gives you the freedom to do more, see more and experience more.