Anyone who has traveled through the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX knows it can be a total nightmare. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen someone almost miss their flight because he or she had to wait in unexpected and unprecedented long lines. The airlines actually have employees scouring the lines looking for travelers who may miss their flights due to the long check in process and crowds.
The new terminal LOOKs good so far (see photos below) – let’s hope it will function better too. That was the goal in this phase of remodeling: to eliminate much of the crowding, and make check in and baggage retrieval much easier. By 2013 the project expects to have spent $3-4 billion dollars for all the improvements scheduled.
Travelers make their way up the improved arrival ramp at the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport.
Visitors are reflected in the sliding glass doors of the newly improved Tom Bradley International Terminal that features a new bank of screens that gives the status of flights at LAX.
A traveler makes a phone call in front of a new public art piece featuring electronic media and video near Daniels Bistro at the newly improved Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Travelers arrive at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, where they are greeted by high-tech lighting and a video screen that projects a time-lapse photograph of vehicular traffic at LAX.
Sticking with my Hollywood/Oscars theme, I can’t ignore the new W Hotel on Hollywood and Vine, right near the Kodak Theater.
Not my type of place to spend more than one night…nor would I bring the kids…but oh is it pretty. Enjoy and have a good weekend. www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels
With all eyes on Hollywood this weekend for the Academy Awards, I have to write about the home team. (Looking forwad to seeing Alec Baldwin hit a few out of the park Sunday night…)
As much as LA gets a bad rap and is consistently not included on any “favorite travel destination” list, I will point out some travel-worthy spots in the City of Angels, for OUR little angels.I am focusing on places that roll out the red carpet for kids in LA…since family travel is my bag. Some of these places may surprise you…
But this one is obvious : Hit the Beach - No trip to So Cal is complete without getting a little sand between your toes. If only more people did this, there would be fewer shrinks in this town.
–Malibu: Malibu LagoonState Beach right on Cross Creek Rd. My favorite beach for families. Wetlands and a small quaint little beach..as long as you don’t veer too far.
The tidepools keep the kids busy, and the waves are gentle enough you don’t have to worry too much with kids who can swim – but when they break farther out it’s great for boogie boarding. Right across the street is the Malibu Country Mart for great sandwiches.
–Santa Monica: Rent bikes at Perry’s Cafe and Rentals and ride 22 miles (or part of the way) along the beachfront bike path. NOT just your average day on the beach, a very scenic ride passing Venice Beach performers, and the acrobats on the rings near Santa Monica pier.. It is an awesome way to spend the day. If you have real little ones you can also rent a carriage to connect to a bike. Perry’s: 1200 Palisades Road 310 939-0000
–Holmby Park & Pitch and Putt: This is a hidden gem that very few people know about. Beautiful in spring when all the jacaranda are in bloom…and such a peaceful, quiet place for Los Angeles because it is a ways back from any main road. Great little put put course, 18 holes, and depending on skill level of your child, I would say it is appropriate for most kids up to 10. Longest hole is something like 62 yards. Parents can work on their short game while your up and coming Phil Mickelson is going for par. Green fees for kids: $2.00
