Hi, we are going on a holiday to America next week. I was wondering if any of the US cuties could give me some tips on things that I should know. We will be in LA, Disneyland, Las Vegas and Hawaii. Tips on weather, driving and tipping (how do I know who to tip) would be appreciated. TIA :)

I would be looking up where all the fabric shops are for my stay in USA.
Some of the cuties have bought some great stuff from Walmart and Jo annes . I bought some from a place called Got Fabric in Hawaii on line ages ago at .99 cents a yard excellent quality.
Just be safe that is the main thing.

1 comment

by CindyG 25 Nov 2016

Thanks, I may have to get a shipping container to bring everything back to Australia if I s.hop too much

Tip restaurants 15-20% of the full price. Check to see if gratuity was already included first. I've noticed that gratuity is often included with room service meals in hotels.
Tip anyone helping with your luggage or parking your car.
Tip service people: hair dresser, manicurist, masseuse.

7 comments

by sewmom 24 Nov 2016

I'm not sure where you're coming from but we drive on the right side of the road : )
Southern California freeways get jammed so use your phone app to check the best routes. A lot of people go way over the speed limits but you can get an expensive ticket. You can usually go with the flow of traffic safely but I wouldn't suggest going over the limit by more than 10 miles per hour if your'e going to do that.

by sewmom 24 Nov 2016

I do not condone going over the limit at all officially!

by sewmom 24 Nov 2016

Weather in California can fluctuate. I would suggest layers. Long pants, short or long sleeves, sweatshirts and coats. Skip the cute shoes for Disneyland and wear good walking shoes! 2 of my kids are there right now in jeans and t-shirts.

by sewmom 24 Nov 2016

Back to tipping, no need to tip at fast food restaurants.

by sewmom edited 24 Nov 2016

I'm in California. Private Message me if you want more information.
Hawaii is usually 80 degrees all the time from my limited experience. (I'm going next month too.) It's humid so I just assume I'll have bad hair days everyday LOL

by CindyG 24 Nov 2016

Thanks that really helps. We are coming from Australia so the driving on the wrong side of the road is worrying me a little. Speeding would just add to my stress. Feel like I should take a sticker for the hire car that says 'sorry we are Australian' haha. I have bought good walking shoes.

by sewmom 24 Nov 2016

I would add a rain poncho in case it rains. Disneyland is usually open in the rain.

Wow sounds like a dream trip! I'm from the Midwest and my in-laws lived in CA for a number of years. I was always surprised how cool the weather was in LA and in Vegas I always thought of warmth and palm trees. You really need a jacket and pants there this time of year. The LA garment district is a must visit for a fabric collector. Someday I hope I can have advice for Hawaii.

2 comments

by asterixsew 24 Nov 2016

Welcome to Cute

by CindyG 24 Nov 2016

Thanks.

Going to any theme park is VERY expensive. In Disneyland, rent a locker when you first get to store your things as not to lose them on the rides. Keep money in a safe place as eating will not be included. Use your GPS navigating as the freeway system has terrible jams during rush hour. Enjoy the lights in Las Vegas but don't stay at a hotel on the strip as they are expensive. Try the South Coast as they are reasonable. If you go to the hotels, the parking is not included. There is a website to check on which hotels have bedbugs, too... In California and Las Vegas, it will be cold. Keep a couple of bottles of water in your car, too. Oahu, Hawaii will be beautiful this time of year. Go to the North Shore for Shaved Ice.... Enjoy the surf and don't forget your sunblock. Be safe-Be aware of your surroundings and take plenty of pictures..... God Bless :) ps. I used to live in Ca., now in Tn and I have a dtr in Las Vegas.....

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by CindyG 24 Nov 2016

Thanks. All our accommodation and tours etc. are already booked and paid for. All accommodation except LA have free parking, (LA is $10 per day) :)

You should know to have a great time!!!

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by CindyG 24 Nov 2016

I hope so. I just need to get through the 14 to 15 hour flight.

Too bad that you are not coming to the South east USA. I am sue the California girls will give you a heads up . Take in a Vegas show and don't waste your money on the gambling . Kay

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by CindyG 24 Nov 2016

Thanks. I wont be gambling.

I'm from the Southeastern U.S. so may not apply to LA. I tip 20% in restaurants if given excellent service, which is a generous tip for here. I don't tip every little extended hand. The only time I went to LA, the most fabulous experience I had was to see the Getty Museum, right up there with the Louvre for me! You want to give it 3/4 to a full day, and there is a lovely luncheon there (or used to be). Have a great trip.

1 comment

by CindyG 23 Nov 2016

Thanks.