America

Australian Passport Information I applied at the post office at Woodcroft branch. I needed to produce my original birth certificate and tax file number for proof my identity, along with two coloured photos of myself signed by a person who agreed that it was me. The cost was $104.00 for a person under eighteen so that would basically be my sister Monike and $208.00 for an adult, me, my mum Kimberly and my father Kevin. It takes approximately ten working days, delivered back to me by registered mail; if I needed the passport urgently I could pay an extra $78.00 and receive the passport within two days. USA Visa Information All information about a visa can be obtained on the official U.S, government web site called – ESTA. An application with a police clearance is required along with passport information /number. For application within South Australia a Pd 47 Clearance which costs $86.00 to records department in Adelaide. Only personal applications will be received. It takes 10 – 12 days. After receiving the clearance on line application is completed on the ESTA site. At the moment there is no fee but late 2010 a fee is expected to be charged. AIR FARES TO USA There are six airlines that go to the use but only two leave direct from Adelaide, the other airlines you have a long wait (approx 4 – 6 hours). I choose Air New Zealand which offered with the price a three day car hires. Bag limits 23 kilos per person and carry on baggage permitted. Depart on Sunday 1st August at 11.30am direct from Adelaide Arrive in Los Angeles 2.30pm Sunday (we go back in time). Depart Los Angeles Sunday 22nd August at 09.30pm. Arrive Adelaide 10.25am Tuesday 24th August. (We go forward in time). Cost return including all taxes travelling on global saver premium economy $2,382.50 per person. Transport to and from Adelaide airport – family. AIRPORT TRANSFERS/HOTEL TRANSFERS Airport transfers are $144.00 for unlimited transfers during your visit in Los Angeles Anaheim and San Diego to and from the airport and between any hotels for fourteen days. As I was staying with my family for three weeks I was able to obtain an extra week transfer for $60.00. TRANSPORT DURING HOLIDAY After enquiries about public transport, it was decided the Los Angeles Taxi service was more economical because there was four of us and we would be paying adult fare for all of us. Approximate cost was $25.00 AUST per trip to a tourist attraction, although a lot of tours and attractions included a pick up and drop off transport service from all hotels daily. HOTEL ACCOMMODATION I decided to pick three different hotels and stay in each hotel for one week. All hotels are rated five star so on the upper price range. The time of year was classed as regular so this kept the price manageable. First Hotel - week 1 Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa $167.00 per person per night = $1169.00 for a week in a family standard room. Second Hotel - week 2 Andaz West Hollywood $149.00 per person per night = $1043.00 for two queen beds in two adjoining room. Including in the price is daily snacks and non alcoholic beverage. Third Hotel - week 3 Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive $117.00 per night (five nights cost, two nights free) =$585.00