California dreamin'

As I watch movies, read books, and listen to music that uses the city as inspiration, my feet have recently started to itch. The bright lights, the diversity and the 'city that never sleeps' mentality is a world away from the sleepy little island where I live.

Image by Cuba Gallery

I travelled to New York in March and it made me realise that these huge cities hold so many little treasures (and, of course, these huge cities are also home to the biggest treasure of all - Sephora).

But ever since coming back, I've yearned to go on another adventure further afield where I can stretch my wings yet be safe in the knowledge that I have a roof over my head and a job to come home to.

And so, that leads me onto my next adventure - California.

Source unknown

The thing that probably attracts me to Cali (see how I'm already in with the lingo) is the fact that one city or town under the state umbrella is completely different to the next one.

Take San Francisco and Los Angeles, for example. One is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, where you can find as many bearded men on bikes as you could a Starbucks, and the other is home to Hollywood, which is probably the only place on earth where Botox is so commonplace that it's just like brushing your teeth.

Image by pixelmama

Victoria from Victoria's Vanity Case and I have decided to check out pre-planned tours - like Contiki, for example, where LLYMLRS is currently on one of their Asia tours - as I think it'll take the stress out of trying to organise day to day activities, it'll save wandering around an unfamiliar city with a map as a new best friend, and it'll be a great way to meet and be around new people in case spending hours on a coach with your best friend takes its toll.

I'm also just a huge fan of organised fun.

The only thing I'm a bit apprehensive of is if I like a place more than another or vice versa. What happens if I want to stay in San Francisco more than I do Santa Barbara? I guess it's just a risk you have to take with a tour like this and it'll be great to tick off so many places within one trip. 

Even though the trip probably won't take place until late next year, I'm already super excited. The travel nerves, anticipation of new experiences, and the memories will all make it worth it.

Have you been on a planned tour of any type or know of anyone that has? What are your experiences?

- Jess xox