A colourful Ferris wheel and amusement park sit on a Californian pier above the ocean, with people walking nearby. The coastline stretches into the distance under a partly cloudy sky as waves gently roll towards the shore.
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How to Plan the Trip of a Lifetime to California

Taking a big trip to a place like California can often be a once in a lifetime experience, with the long-haul flight taking around 11-12 hours from the UK. The sunny state has so much to offer and there’s certainly enough to keep the whole family entertained. It might be more famous for the bright lights of Hollywood but there are numerous family-friendly spots and ways to get everyone involved – meaning all can enjoy the holiday of a lifetime.

Book ahead

If you know the dates of your travel and have an idea of where you want to go then it’s always worth booking as far in advance as possible. This will give you time to make some plans in advance, secure bookings, and save a little too. It’s also important to be realistic when it comes to planning things, make sure you consider how much time things will take, especially with small children, and what you’ll be able to fit into your time there. There are also specialist travel companies that can help you book parts of your trip like Abercrombie & Kent, they offer bespoke packages covering luxury California holidays including adventurous road trips.

A winding California coastal road curves along rugged cliffs beside the ocean at sunset, with cars driving, waves crashing, and hills bathed in golden light under a partly cloudy sky.

Plan Out Your Activities

When you’re planning your time in California, think about the activities you’d like to do most. This can help to shape your itinerary and allow you to create an ideal travel plan. If there are some sights, attractions or routes you’d like to take then add them in first. Make sure to leave some days free in between to relax and unwind, as doing a couple of weeks of solid exploring can be tough! California has many world-class beaches and great weather, so make the most of it by also adding in slow-paced days to relax by the ocean. If your kids have some ideas on attractions they would like to see then try to include them in the planning process, it’ll help them feel included and give them something to look forward to during slower times.

Explore more

One of the best ways to explore California is to include a road trip. With so many iconic highways to explore it really is something to experience. Whilst the temptation might be there to stay in a hotel and lie by the pool for a few days, the best way to see the most of the state is by hitting the road and driving along the coast and the famous Highway 1, snaking along the Big Sur coastline. You’re bound to see some incredible ocean views. This highway runs between San Francisco and Los Angeles, giving you plenty of opportunities to discover hidden beaches and wildlife along the way.

Mickey Mouse, dressed in a black dinner jacket with a bow tie, waves and smiles at the camera. Silver star decorations and people in the background suggest a festive California parade setting.

Finish at Disney

What a way to end a holiday! If you’re travelling with children, then going to Disney will probably be a dream come true. The Disneyland Park in California is also great fun for the adults looking to unwind, so this really is the best place to finish the trip of a lifetime. Located a few miles from downtown Anaheim, the park has a lot to offer with plenty of accommodation and facilities nearby. If you are planning a Disney trip, then booking your tickets (and checking the weather) in advance will save you precious time on the day since we’re sure you’ll want to make every moment count!

Explore even more inspiration and guides around the ultimate trips to California to help you plan a once in a lifetime experience for the whole family!

*This is a collaborative post*

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