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Expert: Jason Curodeau - 10/13/2010


Question
Hi
There will be 2 of us (adults)travelling to LA in April next year and staying for 5 days (2011) We don't know whether to stay in Santa Monica or Anaheim. What would you recommend? We definitely want to visit Disneyland, Universal, Santa Monica pier etc and bike it to Malibu on one day (Is that even feasible and how long would it take??) Much appreciated

Diane

Answer
Di,
I apologize for the late response, I have been tackling mid-terms. I would suggest staying in Anaheim, there are more places to stay and it will be easier to get around. Santa Monica isn't far away and either is Universal so if you have a rental car you won't have any problems.

Biking from S.M. to Malibu is possible but much of the way you will be on city streets instead of the beach. I would suggest driving to Malibu if you want to see it. Much of Malibu is private homes right against the beach. If you want to go for a nice ride on the strand go south from S.M. and after a little side street detour around the marina you can bike all the way to Hermosa beach, I have done it quite a few times. You can rent a beach cruiser in Venice for like 10 a day and it is easily a day trip down and back.

I hope I have been of some help.
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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