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Los Angeles Travel Checklist

Los Angeles Travel Checklist

Los Angeles California, USA Travel Guide

Planning Timeline & Bookings

A structured approach helps with a smooth and enjoyable Los Angeles experience.

Your Planning Timeline

Follow these steps for a well-prepared journey to Los Angeles.

1

Months Before

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity, renew if needed. Research and apply for visa/ESTA.

Flight & Accommodation

Book international flights and major accommodations.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance.

2

Month Before

Ground Transport

Reserve internal flights or rental car. Research public transport.

Itinerary & Bookings

Plan detailed itinerary. Make reservations for popular restaurants/tours.

Financial Prep

Inform bank/credit card companies of travel plans.

3

Week Before

Packing & Docs

Pack luggage, confirm all reservations, save a document in digital formats.

Tech Ready

Charge all electronics. Get necessary apps. Acquire local currency.

Home & Alerts

Secure home. Set out-of-office replies. Notify trusted contacts.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure these items early, especially during peak seasons.

Book Ahead

  • Flights (especially international flights).
  • Accommodation.
  • Rental car (if needed).
  • Theme park tickets (Disneyland, Universal Studios).

Pre-Trip Research

Familiarize yourself with La to enrich your visit.

Research Areas

  • Read guidebooks about Los Angeles.
  • Explore official tourism websites like DiscoverLA.com.
  • Watch documentaries or films set in Los Angeles to build excitement.
  • Familiarize yourself with local transportation options.

Home Preparation

Take these steps to secure your home before you leave.

Security

  • Secure your home (locks, alarms).
  • Notify trusted contacts of your travel dates.
  • Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Set timers for lights to deter intruders.

Utilities & Mail

  • Stop mail and newspaper delivery.
  • Empty trash and clean out the refrigerator.
  • Water plants or arrange for watering.
  • Unplug non-essential electronics.

Emergency Contacts

  • Notify trusted contacts of your travel dates.
  • Leave emergency contact information with a neighbor.
  • Provide a spare to a trusted person.
  • Arrange for pet care if applicable.

Final Checks

Confirm all reservations and have digital/physical copies of documents handy.

Arrival Checklist

Your first hours in Los Angeles set the tone for your trip. A smooth arrival leads to quick settling.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Clear Immigration and Customs

    Navigate arrival procedures efficiently.

  • 2
    Collect Luggage

    Retrieve your bags from the baggage claim area.

  • 3
    Currency Exchange/ATM

    Exchange some currency or withdraw from an ATM if needed.

Orientation & Initial Purchases

  • Locate Airport Information

    Find maps or assistance at the airport information desk.

  • Use Navigation App

    Plan your route to your accommodation using a navigation app.

  • Initial Purchases

    Acquire a Metro TAP card, water, and snacks.

Transportation from LAX

LAX FlyAway Bus

Has direct service for specific hubs like Union Station. Often quicker.

Check schedules and pick-up locations at the airport.

Ride-sharing / Taxis

Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis provide convenient direct service.

Fares are subject to traffic and demand surges. Use designated pick-up areas.

Shuttle Services

Shared ride vans can offer a cost-effective option for solo travelers or small groups.

Book in advance or find amenities at the airport for shared routes.

Welcome to LA!

Having transportation and initial needs covered transforms arrival stress into excitement.

Departure Preparation

A well-organized departure makes for a stress-free end to your Los Angeles trip.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Purchase souvenirs well in advance to avoid last-minute rushing.
  • If shipping items, arrange this with a postal service before heading to the airport.
  • Check your airline's baggage allowances to prevent unexpected excess baggage fees.
  • Keep receipts for any large purchases in case of customs inquiries.

Departure Timing & Returns

  • Allow ample time to get to the airport or station, factoring in The City of angels traffic.
  • Arrive at the airport early for international flights (3 hours is customary).
  • Dispose of any last-minute trash or perishable items from your accommodation.
  • Return your rental car with a full tank of gas, as per your agreement, to avoid additional charges.

Important Reminders

Double-check these useful points before you leave Los Angeles.

Details

  • Confirm return flight details.
  • Keep passport/ID handy for check-in and security.
  • Ensure emergency contacts are accessible.
  • Verify no prohibited items are in carry-on luggage.

Post-Trip Tasks

  • Unpack and take care of laundry upon arrival home.
  • Review your expenses and reconcile your budget.
  • Share your feedback on hotels, restaurants, and attractions online.
  • Start planning your next amazing adventure!

Departing with Ease

We hope your journey was wonderful!