USA Travel Guide for Indians: Everything I Learnt Along the Way

Every trip teaches you something.

After spending 5 weeks across the USA, I thought I'd put together everything I learnt. From transport and shopping to food, cards, apps, and destination-specific tips in one place.

These are based entirely on my own experiences. Just practical tips, observations, and lessons I picked up along the way that I hope make your own USA trip a little better than mine.

📚 Table of Contents

✈️ Part 1 — Before You Fly

🇺🇸 Part 2 — Everyday USA Tips

📍 Part 3 — Destination Guides

• 🗽 New York
• 🌴 Fort Lauderdale
• 🌊 Los Angeles & San Clemente
• 🎰 Las Vegas

Trip at a Glance

⏳ Duration

5 weeks (including flights)

📍 Places Covered

🗽 New York → New York City, Brooklyn

🌴 Florida → Fort Lauderdale

🌊 California → Los Angeles, San Clemente, San Francisco

🎰 Nevada → Las Vegas

✈️ Journey

Delhi → New York → Miami → Los Angeles → Las Vegas → San Francisco → Delhi

🗓️ When I Visited

Late May to June end (Summer)

🙋 Who This Guide Is For?

Whether you're planning your first trip to the USA or returning after a while, this guide is for anyone looking for practical, experience-driven advice.

I've focused on the things that matter most while travelling—transport, shopping, food, connectivity, payments, attractions, destination-specific recommendations, and plenty of small lessons I learnt along the way.

Part 1 — Before You Fly

A little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few things that made our journey smoother even before we boarded the flight.

🛂 Visa

You need a B1/B2 visa to visit the USA.

The current visa application fee is $185 per applicant. This is a non-refundable application processing fee.

I already had a valid US visa and got it renewed in July 2025 through the Dropbox process.

Trust me, if you're eligible for Dropbox renewal, make sure you explore this option. The process was quite straightforward and saved me the hassle of a regular interview.

I applied for my wife's and daughter's visas myself. The appointment availability was showing almost 10 months away, but luckily, the process worked out and they got their visas.

I've written a detailed post covering my US visa renewal experience and the entire Dropbox process here:

https://x.com/man1sh_golcha/status/1946936120677159372

🛂 Fast Track Immigration

If you're travelling abroad from India, Fast Track Immigration (FTI-TTP) is an absolute game changer.

If you're already enrolled, great. Otherwise, I highly recommend registering before your trip and completing your biometric verification in advance.

At Delhi Airport Terminal 3, the biometric counter is located at the extreme right, just before the immigration counters. It's easy to miss, so keep an eye out.

The best part? While the regular immigration queues can get quite long, the Fast Track lane usually has little to no waiting time.

🛫 Airport Experience

Since we were travelling with family, I booked the Meet & Greet service using my HSBC Premier benefits.

It made the airport experience much smoother, especially while travelling with multiple bags.

The service also included access to the Encalm Lounge. Although we were flying Business Class and already had lounge access, it was still a nice benefit to have.

🛡️ Travel Insurance

Never skip travel insurance when travelling internationally.

Thankfully, I didn't need to use it, but it's one of those things you'll appreciate only when something goes wrong.

I purchased mine from Digit Insurance. One recommendation: always add a buffer of a couple of days before and after your actual travel dates. Flight delays and unexpected changes do happen, and that extra coverage provides peace of mind.

💳 Cards I Carried

I didn't carry a forex card, and honestly, I never felt the need for one.

My primary card throughout the trip was the Axis Magnus Burgundy.

I also carried:

• HDFC Infinia (enrolled under the Global Value Program)
• HSBC Premier

Since both my wife and I use iPhones, we couldn't take advantage of the Visa Tap to Pay offers available on Android. Otherwise, HDFC Infinia would probably have been my primary spending card.

I also carried our Priority Pass cards, which came in handy for domestic lounge access within the USA.

Before you leave, make sure international transactions are enabled on all the cards you plan to carry. Also, add your cards to Apple Pay or Google Wallet wherever possible.

As for cash, I carried very little. Card acceptance in the USA is excellent, so you can comfortably manage almost the entire trip without cash. That said, keeping cash is still a good idea for the occasional street vendor or emergency.

📱 SIM Card

We're Airtel Postpaid users, so instead of buying a local SIM, we activated Airtel's 90-day International Roaming Pack.

It included 40 GB of high-speed data, and the experience was excellent. Between mobile data and hotel Wi-Fi, we never felt the need to buy another SIM.

If you're looking for a data-only option, Roamless is another great choice. I've used it on previous trips, and it has worked seamlessly.

📲 Apps You Should Install

These apps made the trip significantly easier.

🗺️ Google Maps / Apple Maps

• Navigation, walking directions, public transport routes, and everything in between.

🚕 Uber

• Cabs, Uber Eats, and grocery deliveries.
• Activate the Uber One free trial if you're eligible, but don't forget to cancel it before your trip ends.
• Link your account with Delta Air Lines to earn additional SkyMiles on eligible rides.

🚗 Lyft

• I found Lyft to be slightly cheaper than Uber on many routes.
• Try the Lyft Pink free trial if available.
• Link your Lyft account with United Airlines to earn MileagePlus miles on eligible rides.

🍔 DoorDash

• Excellent for food delivery and grocery deliveries.
• You can also buy gift cards through the app.
• Activate the free DashPass trial to save on delivery charges.

📥 Offline Preparation

A few things packed or downloaded before your trip can save a lot of trouble later.

• Offline Maps — Mobile connectivity isn't available everywhere, especially during long drives. Download offline maps before heading out.
• Offline Music & Entertainment — Keep your favourite playlists, podcasts, or movies downloaded for areas with weak coverage.
• Boarding Passes — Download all boarding passes to your phone and keep a PDF or printed copy as backup.
• Hotel Confirmations — Save all hotel confirmations offline or carry printed copies. They can be useful if your internet isn't working during check-in.
• Important Documents — Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and other important documents in cloud storage as well as offline on your phone.

Part 2 — Everyday USA Tips

These are the little things that don't usually make it into travel guides but can make your trip significantly smoother.

🚰 Water

One of the best things about travelling in the USA is that you don't have to keep buying bottled water.

Tap Water

In most residential areas, tap water is safe to drink. If you're unsure, simply ask your hotel staff or host before consuming it.

Water Fountains

Most tourist attractions, airports, parks, malls, and public places have drinking water fountains or bottle refill stations. Carry a reusable water bottle—you'll save both money and plastic.

Bottled Water

If you prefer bottled water, avoid buying individual bottles from convenience stores. Instead, buy a gallon pack for your hotel room and refill smaller bottles before heading out each day.

🛒 Grocery Stores

These were my go-to stores throughout the trip.

🛍️ Walmart

Best for: Groceries, snacks, beverages, daily essentials, medicines, souvenirs and budget shopping.

Usually the cheapest option among the three.

🥗 Whole Foods

Best for: Fresh fruits, bakery, salads, ready-to-eat meals and premium groceries.

If you're looking for healthier food options or a quick fresh meal, Whole Foods is hard to beat.

🎯 Target

Best for: Groceries, household essentials, clothing, snacks and electronics.

A great all-round store that's usually cleaner and less crowded than Walmart.

🏪 7-Eleven

Convenient, but expensive.

Use it only when you need something urgently. For planned shopping, Walmart or Target will almost always be cheaper.

🍔 Food Delivery

My two go-to apps were Uber Eats and DoorDash.

If you're eligible, activate the free trials (Uber One and DashPass) before ordering. They can save a significant amount on delivery fees and service charges.

Don't use these apps only for home delivery.

Many restaurants offer same discounts on Pickup Orders as well, allowing you to use app promotions while avoiding delivery fees and tips. If you're already nearby, pickup is often the better deal.

💰 Tipping Culture

This was probably one of the biggest adjustments coming from India.

In the USA, tipping is expected in many situations, especially at restaurants, bars, food delivery, taxis and salons.

A few general guidelines that worked for me:

• 🍽️ Restaurants (Table Service): 15–20% is the norm.
• 🚕 Uber/Lyft: Optional, but appreciated.
• 🍔 Food Delivery: Usually a few dollars depending on the order.
• ☕ Self-service cafés & takeaways: You'll often see a tip screen. Don't feel pressured—it's completely your choice.

One thing to remember: many restaurants display prices before taxes, so your final bill will usually be higher after adding sales tax and tip.

🚗 Getting Around

🚙 Self Drive

If you're planning to explore multiple cities or destinations outside city centres, renting a car is the best option.

For the last 10 days of our trip, we rented a 12-seater van through Avis.

Before booking, carefully read the rental terms and conditions. Taxes, insurance, toll options and additional charges can increase your final bill significantly if you're not aware of them upfront.

🚕 Uber & Lyft

Both apps worked extremely well throughout our trip.

In many cases, Lyft turned out to be slightly cheaper than Uber, so it's always worth checking both before booking.

https://x.com/man1sh_golcha/status/2062682359313666164

https://x.com/man1sh_golcha/status/2059001668428296358

🚇 Public Transport

Whenever available, use public transport.

Cities like New York have excellent metro and bus networks that are significantly cheaper than taking cabs. San Clemente offers free Trolley/Bus throughout the day. Check schedule and move accordingly

Also check whether the city offers daily or weekly transit passes, as they can save a lot if you're travelling frequently.

⛽ Fuel

If you're renting a car, don't assume fuel prices are the same everywhere.

Prices can vary noticeably even within the same city.

Whenever you come across a cheaper fuel station, it's worth filling up the tank.

☀️ Weather

The weather was probably the most unpredictable part of the trip.

New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco all felt completely different despite being part of the same itinerary.

I'll cover city-specific weather in the destination guides, but one recommendation applies everywhere:

Carry a light jacket for early mornings and evenings, and keep a compact umbrella handy for unexpected showers.

👕 What to Pack

These are a few things I'm glad I carried—and a few I'd recommend to anyone visiting the USA.

• 🔌 Universal Travel Adapter — The USA uses Type A/B sockets.
• 🔋 Power Bank — Your phone will be used extensively for navigation, tickets, ride-hailing, photos and payments.
• 👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes — Expect to walk a lot, even if you're using public transport.
• 🧥 Light Jacket — Useful for mornings, evenings, air-conditioned spaces
• ☂️ Compact Umbrella — Weather can change unexpectedly depending on the city.
• 🧴 Sunscreen — A must for beaches, theme parks and long sightseeing days.
• 🧴 Body Lotion — Many hotels don't provide one, and the weather can be quite dry.
• 🧢 Cap & Sunglasses — Especially useful during summer and beach visits.
• 💧 Reusable Water Bottle — Probably the most underrated item. It pays for itself within a day or two thanks to the abundance of free water refill stations.
• 🚿 Portable Bidet — If you're used to a handheld shower jet in India, carrying a portable bidet can make your stay much more comfortable, especially since most hotels and public restrooms in the USA don't have one
• Essential Medicines

Part 3 — Destination Guides ✅

🗽 New York

Quick Overview

If there's one city that truly feels like it's straight out of a movie, it's New York.

From towering skyscrapers and Broadway shows to iconic landmarks, neighbourhoods full of character, world-famous shopping and endless food options—there's something happening on every corner.

I spent 10 days exploring New York, staying in both Brooklyn and Manhattan, which gave me two very different perspectives of the city.

📍 Best Stay Location

We split our stay between Brooklyn and Manhattan.

Brooklyn is a great option if you're looking for comparatively affordable accommodation while still being well connected to Manhattan via the subway.

If budget isn't a concern and it's your first visit, I'd recommend staying in Midtown Manhattan, where most attractions, Broadway theatres, Times Square and multiple subway lines are within easy reach.

🚇 Getting Around

For airport transfers, we used Uber XL since we were travelling as a family with multiple suitcases.

For everything else, the New York Subway was our primary mode of transport.

The subway network is extensive, reliable and by far the fastest way to get around the city. Most tourist attractions are well connected, and once you understand the routes, travelling becomes incredibly easy.

I would strongly recommend using public transport instead of relying on cabs.

🎟️ Must-Do Attractions

🌆 Midtown Manhattan

This is where you'll probably spend most of your time.

✨ Times Square

The heart of New York and one of the most iconic intersections in the world.

Famous for its giant digital billboards, Broadway theatres, street performers and nonstop energy, Times Square truly comes alive after sunset. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, it somehow never gets old.

We ended up visiting it almost every day because the atmosphere changes completely from daytime to late night.

It's also the perfect base for several attractions, including Madame Tussauds (Wax Museum), RiseNY, M&M's World, Disney Store, and the starting point for many Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours.

🏙️ Top of the Rock

One of the best observation decks in New York.

Unlike some other viewpoints, Top of the Rock gives you an unobstructed view of both Central Park and the Empire State Building, making it one of my favourite skyline viewpoints.

Other excellent options include SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Empire State Building, and Edge at Hudson Yards.

🎄 Rockefeller Center & Fifth Avenue

Even outside Christmas season, Rockefeller Center is worth visiting.

Walk along Fifth Avenue, home to some of the world's most famous flagship stores, luxury brands and iconic shopping streets.

Don't miss the massive LEGO Store, which features incredible New York-themed LEGO creations.

If you're travelling with kids, the nearby American Girl Store is more than just a toy store. Children can shop for dolls, accessories, matching outfits and even visit the famous doll salon, making it a memorable experience for families.

🎭 Broadway

Watching a Broadway show is one of those classic New York experiences.

We watched Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and even if you're not a die-hard Harry Potter fan, the storytelling, stage effects and magical illusions make it an unforgettable experience.

I only wish I had more time to watch a few more productions.

Some of the most popular Broadway shows include The Lion King, Hamilton, Aladdin, Wicked, Chicago, Moulin Rouge!, and The Book of Mormon. If you're spending a few days in New York, I'd highly recommend watching at least one show.

🌳 Central Manhattan

🌿 Central Park

No trip to New York is complete without spending a few hours here.

Spread across more than 840 acres, Central Park is the city's green oasis and a welcome escape from Manhattan's skyscrapers.

Whether you're walking, cycling, renting a boat, enjoying a picnic or simply relaxing on the lawns, it's the perfect break from the city's fast pace.

🌉 Lower Manhattan

🗽 Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

One of New York's most iconic experiences.

The Statue of Liberty has welcomed millions of immigrants to America for over a century and remains one of the country's most recognizable landmarks.

We booked a Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise, which offered stunning views of the Manhattan skyline during golden hour.

The ferry also stops at Ellis Island, where over 12 million immigrants entered the United States between 1892 and 1954. The Immigration Museum there is worth exploring if you enjoy history.

🚶 The High Line

An elevated park built on a former railway line.

Stretching through Manhattan's West Side, it's one of the city's most unique urban parks, combining landscaped gardens, public art, city views and food vendors.

It's best explored on foot and pairs perfectly with Little Island, Hudson Yards, and Chelsea Market if you decide to visit it.

🌳 Little Island

Located next to the Hudson River, Little Island is a beautifully designed floating public park built on unique tulip-shaped concrete pillars.

It offers landscaped gardens, walking paths, open-air performances and beautiful sunset views over the river.

It's a surprisingly peaceful escape in the middle of Manhattan.

🏙️ Hudson Yards

Hudson Yards is New York's newest modern neighbourhood, filled with luxury shopping, restaurants and impressive architecture.

It's also home to Edge, one of the highest outdoor observation decks in the Western Hemisphere.

Even if you don't visit Edge, the neighbourhood itself is worth exploring while walking between the High Line and Little Island.

🎨 Brooklyn

🌉 Brooklyn Bridge

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the best free experiences in New York.

Completed in 1883, it was the world's longest suspension bridge at the time and remains one of the city's most iconic landmarks.

Try walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan during sunrise or sunset for the best skyline views.

📸 DUMBO

DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is one of Brooklyn's most photogenic neighbourhoods.

It's famous for the postcard-perfect view of the Manhattan Bridge framed between old brick buildings.

Apart from the famous photo spot, you'll also find waterfront parks, cafés and spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.

🏭 Industry City

One of Brooklyn's hidden gems.

A former industrial complex transformed into a vibrant community of cafés, boutiques, local businesses, art installations and open public spaces.

If you enjoy photography or simply want to explore somewhere less touristy, Industry City is definitely worth a visit.

🛍️ SoHo

If you enjoy shopping or simply wandering through beautiful streets, don't miss SoHo.

Known for its cast-iron architecture, cobblestone streets, premium brands and independent boutiques, SoHo offers a completely different vibe from Midtown Manhattan.

Even if you don't plan to shop, it's one of the nicest neighbourhoods to simply walk around and soak in the atmosphere.

🍌 Magnolia Bakery

This deserves a special mention.

Their famous Banana Pudding completely lived up to the hype and became one of our favourite desserts of the trip.

The bakery also offers excellent cheesecakes, cupcakes and pastries.

Right next door is Venchi, where we enjoyed some fantastic gelato. It's the perfect dessert combination after exploring the area.

🍽️ Food

Being pure vegetarians (not even eggitarians), finding good food was one of our biggest concerns before visiting New York.

Thankfully, we had plenty of great options.

• Chipotle — Build-your-own burritos, bowls and tacos with plenty of vegetarian choices.
• Shake Shack — Surprisingly good vegetarian burgers and fries.
• Potbelly — Fresh sandwiches, soups and salads.
• Just Salad — Healthy salads, wraps and warm bowls that make for a quick and filling meal.

🛍️ Outlet Shopping

If you're planning serious shopping, don't miss Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.

Located around 100 km from Manhattan, it takes roughly 1 hour to reach.

It's one of the largest premium outlet malls in the USA, featuring hundreds of stores ranging from luxury brands to sportswear and lifestyle labels.

We booked the official round-trip bus from Manhattan.

• Adult: $48
• Child: $38
• Booking fee: $2 per person

Fortunately, we found a 25% discount coupon, making it the cheapest and most convenient option.

Before visiting, download the Simon app and sign up for additional store coupons and exclusive outlet deals. It can easily save you a few extra dollars across multiple stores.

⏳ Time Needed

• 4–5 days to cover the major attractions.
• 7–10 days if you also want to explore neighbourhoods, Broadway, shopping, museums and nearby experiences at a relaxed pace.

🗓️ Suggested Itinerary

📍 Staying in Manhattan

• Day 1: Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock, Fifth Avenue, LEGO Store, American Girl Store, Broadway Show
• Day 2: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island, Broadway Show (if not covered on Day 1)
• Day 3: The High Line, Little Island, Hudson Yards, Magnolia Bakery, Venchi
• Day 4: Central Park, SoHo, Shopping & Cafés, Times Square (Evening)
• Day 5: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets (Full Day)

🌉 Staying in Brooklyn

• Day 1: Industry City, Sunset Park
• Day 2: Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park & Waterfront

💡 Things I Learnt

• Stay close to a subway station—it matters more than staying in the city centre.
• The subway is almost always faster and cheaper than taking a cab.
• Comfortable walking shoes are essential—you'll easily cross 15,000–20,000 steps in a day.
• Visit Times Square during both the day and at night. It feels like two completely different places.
• Book Broadway shows in advance, especially popular productions like Hamilton or The Lion King.
• If you're visiting Woodbury, dedicate an entire day to shopping.
• Download the Simon app before reaching Woodbury for additional discounts.
• Don't overplan your itinerary. Some of the best memories in New York come from simply walking around its streets and discovering places along the way.

🌴 Fort Lauderdale

Quick Overview

Often called the "Venice of America," Fort Lauderdale is famous for its beautiful beaches, luxury waterfront homes, canals, yachts and relaxed coastal vibe. also add that it’s called yachting capital of the world.

Compared to Miami, it feels less crowded and more laid back, making it a great destination if you want to slow down and enjoy Florida's coastline.

I spent 7 days here and found it to be an excellent base for beaches, scenic cruises and relaxing evenings.

📍 Best Stay Location

If your budget allows, stay close to Fort Lauderdale Beach or choose a beachfront property.

You'll be within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, cafés and evening activities, while also enjoying beautiful sunrise views.

🚗 Getting Around

Uber and Lyft are the easiest ways to get around Fort Lauderdale.

If you're planning to explore nearby cities like Miami, renting a car is also a good option.

One transport option that doubles as an attraction is the Water Taxi. It lets you hop on and hop off at multiple locations while exploring the city's canals and waterfront neighbourhoods. More on that below.

🎟️ Must-Do Attractions

🏖️ Fort Lauderdale Beach

One of the cleanest and most relaxing beaches in Florida.

The beach has soft white sand, clear blue water and a lively promenade lined with restaurants, cafés and shops.

Whether you're looking to swim, relax or simply enjoy a sunset walk, this is where you'll spend most of your time.

🌴 Las Olas Boulevard

The heart of Fort Lauderdale.

Las Olas Boulevard is filled with boutique shops, cafés, restaurants, art galleries and lively nightlife.

It's the perfect place for an evening stroll after spending the day at the beach.

🚤 Water Taxi (Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry)

This was one of my favourite experiences in Fort Lauderdale.

The Water Taxi isn't just transportation—it's a sightseeing cruise through the city's beautiful canal network.

Often called the "Venice of America," Fort Lauderdale has over 300 miles of inland waterways, and the cruise offers a completely different perspective of the city.

One of the highlights is sailing past Millionaire's Row, where you'll see extravagant waterfront mansions, private docks and luxury yachts owned by celebrities and business tycoons.

The ticket works on a Hop-On Hop-Off basis, allowing you to get off at various stops, explore nearby attractions and board the next ferry whenever you're ready.

If you're visiting for a day or two, I highly recommend choosing the all-day pass, as it offers excellent value and lets you explore the city at your own pace.

🌳 Parks & Museums

Fort Lauderdale also has several beautiful parks and museums if you're looking for a quieter day away from the beach.

Some popular options include:

• Hugh Taylor Birch State Park — Walking trails, kayaking, cycling and picnic spots.
• Bonnet House Museum & Gardens — A historic estate featuring art, tropical gardens and local history.
• Museum of Discovery and Science — Great for families travelling with kids.

🛒 Grocery Stores

Publix quickly became our go-to grocery store.

You'll find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to bakery items, ready-to-eat meals and daily essentials.

If you're staying in an Airbnb or extended-stay hotel, Publix is incredibly convenient.

⏳ Time Needed

• 2–3 days if you're visiting only Fort Lauderdale.
• 5–7 days if you're looking for a relaxed beach vacation or using it as a base to explore nearby destinations.

💡 Things I Learnt

• Stay close to the beach if possible—you'll save a lot of travel time.
• Don't miss the Water Taxi. It's one of the best ways to experience Fort Lauderdale.
• Spend an evening at Las Olas Boulevard for its cafés, restaurants and lively atmosphere.
• Publix is the best place to stock up on groceries, snacks and beach essentials.
• Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. The Florida sun can be intense, especially during the afternoon.
• If you're planning beach days, start early in the morning or visit closer to sunset to avoid the strongest sun.

🗓️ Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Boulevard (Evening)
• Day 2: Water Taxi (Hop-On Hop-Off), Millionaire's Row,
• Day 3: Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, Beach Sunset
• Day 4: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Museum of Discovery & Science

🌊 Los Angeles & San Clemente

Quick Overview

Los Angeles is where Hollywood dreams, world-famous theme parks and beautiful beaches come together. Whether you're here for movies, entertainment, shopping or sightseeing, there's no shortage of things to do.

We paired our stay in Los Angeles with a few relaxing days in San Clemente, a charming beach town around 1.5 hours south of LA. It turned out to be the perfect combination—busy city life followed by a peaceful coastal escape.

📍 Best Stay Location

🌴 Los Angeles

If it's your first visit, I'd recommend staying around Hollywood or West Hollywood. You'll be close to many popular attractions, restaurants and public transport.

🌊 San Clemente

Stay as close to the beachfront as possible.

Most beaches, the pier, restaurants and even the complimentary trolley are within easy reach, making it an ideal place to unwind after exploring Los Angeles.

🚗 Getting Around

🚖 Los Angeles

Uber and Lyft were our primary modes of transport while exploring Los Angeles.

Since attractions are spread across the city, expect travel times to be longer than they appear on the map because of LA traffic.

🚋 San Clemente

One of my favourite things about San Clemente was the Complimentary Trolley.

It's completely free and connects many of the city's major attractions, beaches, shopping areas and restaurants.

The trolley also stops near the Outlets at San Clemente, making shopping much more convenient without needing a car.

If you're visiting during the operating season, definitely make use of it.

🎟️ Must-Do Attractions

🔭 Griffith Observatory

One of the best free attractions in Los Angeles.

Apart from learning about astronomy and space, the observatory offers breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles and one of the best viewpoints for the Hollywood Sign.

Even if you don't enter the observatory, the views alone make it worth visiting.

⭐ Hollywood Walk of Fame

One of the city's most iconic attractions.

Walk along Hollywood Boulevard, spot your favourite celebrities' stars, visit the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, and see the famous Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards (Oscars).

Expect large crowds throughout the day.

https://x.com/man1sh_golcha/status/2066026016104165405

🎬 Universal Studios Hollywood

The biggest reason many people visit Los Angeles.

The Studio Tour is an absolute must-do and, in my opinion, the highlight of the park. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at working movie sets and iconic filming locations.

A few tips that will save you both time and money:

• Visit on a weekday if possible. It's usually less crowded.
• Reach before opening time to maximize your day.
• Complete the Upper Lot first, then head to the Lower Lot. Switching between the two takes time because of the escalators.
• Use the Single Rider Queue whenever available. You may not sit with your family, but the waiting time is dramatically shorter.
• Before your visit, decide which rides are your priority instead of trying to do everything.

We booked our tickets through Klook, which was cheaper than the official website. We also earned additional rewards by shopping through an affiliate Avios shopping portal.

Keep an eye on promotions. During our visit, there was an offer where buying a 1-day ticket also included a second day's entry free.

My personal opinion: I was slightly disappointed.

Having already visited Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Orlando, I had much higher expectations from Hollywood. If it's your first Universal park, you'll absolutely enjoy it, but personally, I found the other two parks to be better overall.

🏰 Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort has two separate parks:

• Disneyland Park
• Disney California Adventure Park

You can purchase a Park Hopper ticket, but realistically, completing both parks in a single day is nearly impossible.

Since we were also visiting Universal Studios, we chose to spend our entire day at Disneyland Park, and I don't regret that decision.

Tickets were booked through Klook, which offered better pricing than booking directly. Before purchasing, check the ticket conditions carefully, as some ticket types also require a park reservation.

A few recommendations:

• Visit on a weekday if possible.
• Download the Disneyland App before your visit. It's incredibly useful and shows:Live waiting times for rides Interactive park maps Show schedules
• Don't miss the Parade and the Night-time Fireworks. They were easily among the highlights of our day.

Whether you're travelling with kids, adults or senior citizens, Disneyland truly has something for everyone. It's a must-visit when you're in California.

🌊 San Clemente Pier

The heart of San Clemente.

Take a leisurely walk along the pier, enjoy the ocean views and watch surfers riding the waves.

The surrounding beachfront is perfect for relaxing, sunset walks or simply slowing down after the fast pace of Los Angeles.

🛍️ Outlet Shopping

Outlets at San Clemente

A smaller outlet compared to places like Woodbury or Las Vegas Premium Outlets, but still worth visiting if you're staying nearby.

The Complimentary Trolley conveniently stops at the outlet, making it very easy to reach without driving.

One important tip: check the outlet's closing time before visiting, as operating hours vary depending on the day.

⏳ Time Needed

• Los Angeles: 2–3 days
• Universal Studios: 1 full day
• Disneyland: 1 full day
• San Clemente: 2–3 days

💡 Things I Learnt

• Stay near Hollywood if it's your first visit to Los Angeles.
• Leave early for every attraction—LA traffic is unpredictable.
• Book Universal Studios and Disneyland on weekdays whenever possible.
• Reach both parks before opening time to maximize your day.
• The complimentary San Clemente Trolley is one of the easiest ways to explore the town.
• If you're combining Los Angeles with San Clemente, keep the busy sightseeing days first and save San Clemente for the end of your trip. It's the perfect place to relax before flying home.

🗓️ Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre
• Day 2: Universal Studios Hollywood (Full Day)
• Day 3: Disneyland Park (Full Day)
• Day 4: San Clemente Pier, Beach Walk, Downtown San Clemente
• Day 5: Outlets at San Clemente, Beachfront, Sunset at the Pier

🎰 Las Vegas

Quick Overview

Las Vegas is much more than just casinos.

Whether you're visiting for the iconic Strip, world-class shows, outlet shopping, nearby road trips like the Grand Canyon and Death Valley, or simply to experience the city's energy, there's something for everyone—even if you don't gamble.

I spent 6 days in Las Vegas, which gave me enough time to explore the city comfortably while also taking a couple of day trips.

📍 Best Stay Location

If it's your first visit, stay as close to the Las Vegas Strip as your budget allows.

You'll be within walking distance of major hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, attractions and live shows, saving both time and transportation costs.

🚗 Getting Around

If you're planning to visit only the Strip, walking combined with Uber/Lyft is more than enough.

However, if you're planning day trips to Grand Canyon, Death Valley, or Hoover Dam, renting a car is highly recommended.

We already had our 12-seater van from our California trip, so we continued using it in Las Vegas.

For one day, we rented a Ford Mustang Convertible through Turo for $149, purely for the experience. Driving a Mustang through the desert roads around Las Vegas was an experience in itself.

Fuel prices varied a lot during our trip, ranging from $3.39 to $4.49 per gallon, so don't assume every fuel station charges the same.

Also, expect to walk a lot on the Strip. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.

🎟️ Must-Do Attractions

⛲ Bellagio Fountains

Probably the most iconic free attraction in Las Vegas.

The fountains perform every 15 minutes (during most evenings), with each show choreographed to a different song. It instantly reminded me of the iconic closing scene from Ocean's Eleven, which was filmed right here.

When we visited, the performance was set to "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic.

🌐 Sphere

Our hotel was right next to the Sphere, making it impossible to miss.

Even if you don't attend a show inside, it's worth seeing from the outside—especially after sunset, when its massive LED exterior transforms into different animations and visuals. It's easily one of the most impressive modern landmarks in Las Vegas.

⭐ Las Vegas Strip

Spend at least one evening simply walking along the Strip.

Every major hotel has its own theme, architecture and attractions, making the walk an attraction in itself.

🍫 Hershey's Chocolate World

A fun stop for chocolate lovers with exclusive merchandise, giant chocolate displays and plenty of photo opportunities.

🟤 M&M's Store

One of the most popular attractions on the Strip.

Apart from exclusive merchandise, you can even create customised M&M's with your own photo or message—a fun souvenir to take back home.

🚣 Grand Canal Shoppes

Located inside The Venetian, this was one of my favourite indoor experiences.

The canals, gondolas and architecture recreate the feel of Venice surprisingly well.

🎭 Shows

Las Vegas is famous for its world-class entertainment, and I genuinely think watching at least one live show should be part of every trip.

MJ Live

Even if you're not a Michael Jackson fan, you'll still have a great time. The music, live performances, choreography and overall energy make it an entertaining experience for everyone. We booked our tickets through Groupon, which turned out to be much cheaper than buying them at the venue.

KÀ by Cirque du Soleil

If you're watching only one Cirque du Soleil show, I'd highly recommend KÀ. It's a spectacular blend of storytelling, acrobatics, martial arts and breathtaking stage effects.

A fun Bollywood connection: the high-energy aerial choreography, ballet and French parkour seen in the "Malang" song from Dhoom 3 was inspired by and learned from Cirque du Soleil performers. Watching them perform live makes you appreciate that sequence even more.

🌊 Cowabunga Water Park

A great option if you're travelling with kids or simply want a break from the casinos.

Regular tickets cost around $50, but we managed to get $20 off per ticket just by browsing Google, so keep an eye out for ongoing promotions before booking.

🚗 Day Trips

🏜️ Death Valley National Park

Located about 2 hours from Las Vegas, Death Valley is one of the hottest and most unique national parks in the world.

The dramatic desert landscapes, salt flats and colourful mountains make the drive itself worthwhile.

One important tip: mobile network coverage is extremely limited, so download offline maps before leaving Las Vegas.

🏞️ Grand Canyon National Park - West Rim

It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and widely recognised as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Located around 2.5 hours from Las Vegas, Grand Canyon West is the closest section of the Grand Canyon for visitors staying in the city.

The biggest attraction here is the Skywalk at Eagle Point, a glass bridge suspended nearly 4,000 feet above the Colorado River.

We also tried the Zip Line and visited Guano Point, which offers some of the best panoramic views of the canyon.

If you're short on time, Grand Canyon West is a much better option than the South Rim.

The South Rim offers more viewpoints but requires approximately 4.5 hours of driving each way.

We were lucky to visit during a Father's Day promotion, where fathers received free entry with a paid adult ticket.

Regular admission was around $115, children received 20% off, and each ticket also included a $10 meal discount.

🌉 Hoover Dam

On our way back from the Grand Canyon, we stopped at the Hoover Dam. Built on the Colorado River, the Hoover Dam is one of the greatest engineering marvels of the 20th century. Completed in 1936, it supplies water and hydroelectric power to millions of people across Nevada, Arizona, and California.

🛍️ Outlet Shopping

Las Vegas has two Premium Outlet malls.

Las Vegas North Premium Outlets

My preferred choice.

It's a completely open-air outlet mall with a wider selection of brands.

Las Vegas South Premium Outlets

A mix of indoor and outdoor shopping.

🍽️ Food

Some places we enjoyed during the trip:

• Delhi Indian Cuisine — Indian buffet for around $20, with a 10% discount for the next visit.
• IHOP — Great breakfast option.
• Hell's Kitchen — Worth visiting, especially if you're a Gordon Ramsay fan.
• Naan & Curry — Good Indian lunch option.
• Mint Indian Bistro — Another excellent Indian restaurant.
• Mt. Everest India's Cuisine — Nice lunch buffet.
• The Cheesecake Factory — Great food and, of course, the famous cheesecakes.

⏳ Time Needed

• 2–3 days if you're visiting only Las Vegas.
• 5–6 days if you also plan day trips to Grand Canyon and Death Valley.

💡 Things I Learnt

• Compare ticket prices across official websites, Groupon and other deal platforms before booking shows.
• Allocate a full day for both Grand Canyon and Death Valley. Neither is a half-day trip.
• Walgreens and ABC Stores are excellent for snacks, drinks, medicines and other daily essentials but are expensive then Walmart or Target.
• Buy water bottles in bulk.
• Carry sunscreen, a cap, sunglasses and light cotton clothes