Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [355]
Some issues of safety are slightly different for women than they are for men – for more, Click here.
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TIPPING
Most people in service industries receive minimum wage and rely on tips as their primary source of income. However, if service is truly appalling, don’t tip. Here are some customary tipping amounts:
Bartenders 15% of the bill.
Bellhops, skycaps in airports $1 to $2 per bag.
Concierges nothing for simple information (like directions); $2 to $20 for securing restaurant reservations, concert tickets or providing services outside usual duties.
Housekeeping staff $1 to $2 daily, left on the pillow each day; more if you’re messy.
Parking valets $1 to $2 unless rates are stated.
Restaurant servers 15% to 20% of the pretax bill.
Taxi drivers 10% to 15% of metered fare.
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TOURIST INFORMATION
Almost every city and town has a local visitors center or chamber of commerce. For pretrip planning, consult the information-packed website maintained by the California Travel & Tourism Commission (www.visitcalifornia.com). This state-run agency also operates several California Welcome Centers (www.visitcwc.com) where staff dispense maps and brochures and can help find accommodations. The following branches are in Southern California:
Barstow ( 760-253-4782; 2796 Tanger Way, Suite 106) Off the I-15 at the Tanger Outlet Mall, en route to Death Valley and Las Vegas.
Oceanside ( 760-721-1101; 928 N Coast Hwy) In northern San Diego County.
Oxnard ( 805-988-0717; 1000 Town Center Dr, Suite 135) Exit Hwy 101 at Oxnard Blvd.
San Bernardino ( 909-891-1874; 1955 Hunts Ln, Suite 102) Exit Waterman Ave off I-10 Fwy en route to Palm Springs.
Santa Ana ( 714-667-0400; 2800 N Main St, Suite 112) In the Westfield Main Place shopping mall in Orange County.
Yucca Valley ( 760-365-5464; 56711 Twentynine Palms Hwy) Near Joshua Tree National Park.
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TOURS
Backpacker Bus ( 888-464-6460; www.backpackerbus.com) A hop-on hop-off service operating various loops, including one between LA, San Diego and Big Bear Lake ($55, all three legs).
California Motorcycle Tours ( 858-677-9892, 888-408-7631; www.ca-motorcycletours.com) San Diego–based outfit offering various trips, including a seven-day ‘Beach & Mountain Tour’ that takes in all of Southern California’s hot spots ($2300, including Harley Sportster rental, lodging and food).
Elderhostel ( 877-426-8056; www.elderhostel.org) Nonprofit organization that offers learning trips throughout the world, including Southern California, for active people over 55. Includes bus and walking tours.
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TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES
If you have a physical disability, you’ll find that Southern California is a fairly accessible place compared to other parts of the world. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that public buildings be wheelchair accessible and have accessible restrooms; most do. However, when it comes to nonpublic buildings, such as hotels, restaurants, museums and theaters, there are no guarantees. In theory, properties built after 1992 must be ADA compliant, but sadly violations are commonplace. When making lodging reservations, always discuss your particular needs. For other venues, call ahead to find out what access issues to expect.
Buses and trains must have wheelchair lifts and telephone companies are required to provide relay operators (available via TTY numbers) for the hearing impaired. Many banks provide ATM instructions in Braille, and you’ll find dropped curbs at most intersections and sometimes audible crossing signals as well.
Major car-rental agencies offer hand-controlled vehicles and vans with wheelchair lifts at no extra charge, but you must reserve them well in advance.
All major airlines, Greyhound