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Expert: Jason Curodeau - 10/19/2009


Question
Hi, we will be in southern california for 2 weeks this november and are planning a trip to universal city, hollywood and santa monica all in the same day. My question is which day would be better to go in terms of traffic, a sunday or monday? We wouldn't be leaving until about 10 am either day and are coming from anaheim if that helps any. Thank you for any help you can provide:)

Answer
Lori, sorry for the late reply I just got back from Rhode Island and didn't check my e-mail for awhile. So you are heading to the Los Angeles area and are concerned about traffic. Let me think... the best day to travel in Los angeles is Sundays (in 1950). Just kidding! Traffic is always bad in So Cal, there really is no way around it. I used to live in Manhattan Beach and Long Beach and the traffic wasn't bad at 2 am but that was back in the eighties. Be prepared to get frustrated I am not trying to discourage you at all I just want you to be prepared. Sunday would probably be the best day of the week for two reasons: the traffic will be lighter and heres the BIG one, parking is FREE. Just make sure you read all the street signs where you park. The county of Los Angeles has a strange habit of putting up as much as three conflicting parking signs on the same pole, it is ridiculous, confusing, and in my experience expensive. The meters are free on sundays and most "no parking" signs include "except for Sundays and Holidays" but there are still certain residential areas that only allow parking by permit. As long as you stick to the major streets you should be fine. Depending on how much time you have I would suggest a bike rental in Venice beach, from Venice beach you can ride along the strand all the way to Hermosa Beach (there is one section where you need to take side streets around MArina Del Ray) and it is only like 8 miles. I have done it a few times and it is nice to get out of the car and relax while getting a little exercise. Plus it's cheap, I think we paid eight dollars per bike for the whole day.
I hope this has been helpful and I really hope you enjoy your trip.
Jason Curodeau

California

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Jason Curodeau

Expertise

I can answer all questions regarding best routes of travel. Although I cannot predict traffic conditions, I can provide the most scenic and dynamic route for the traveller on a budget and or schedule. I also know the most direct and yet scenic routes.

Experience

I have had the opportunity to travel quite extensively throughout the Southwest and the Pacific Northwest, both as a resident and traveler. My search for adventure and new experiences has given me the thirst for the "road less travelled". Because I am not independently wealthy, the road I travel is as an admirer of the journey. As long as I can find a place to sleep for next to nothing, pack some food, and afford the gas I am down the road. If given a description of the prospective travelers needs I can easily provide them with detailed route options independent of their finances and suited to their needs. Most of my travels have been by automobile. I recently purchased a motorcycle and I am taking ten day trip from Joshua Tree to Auburn California and I am taking back roads and state highways the entire way. I will take a day trip around Lake Tahoe, where I lived for two years, and cruise the old highways of the Gold Mining era. I will cut across towards the Pacific and slowly wind my way down the coast taking in every minute smell and experience temperature changes subtly created by the shadow of leaves

Organizations
Some friends and I from the area have started a local music and art "zine" and have experienced some very positive community feedback.

Education/Credentials
I am currently a full-time, thirty-seven year old student and I am preparing to begin a career in primary education. I have chosen this field not only because I feel it will be rewarding but also for the travel time it will allow me. I anticipate frequent world travel in my near future.

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