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South‑Africa ➜ West Coast USA & Canada Holiday Adventure (Dec 18 2025 – Jan 6 2026)

Viewed by 105 travelers

Day 1 – Dec 18: Departure & Arrival in Los Angeles

Morning: Fly from Johannesburg (JNB) to Los Angeles (LAX) on Qatar Airways flight QR739 (depart 07:30 local, arrive 22:15 PST).

Afternoon: In‑flight rest and arrival procedures at LAX.

Evening: Transfer to Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International and settle in; enjoy a light dinner at the hotel lounge.

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Day 2 – Dec 19: Universal Studios Hollywood & Jurassic World

Morning: Head to Universal Studios Hollywood for the “Studio Tour” and the thrilling Jurassic World – The Ride.

Afternoon: Lunch at the Three Broomsticks (Wizarding World) and explore the “Super‑Nintendo World” for the 7‑year‑old.

Evening: Return to the hotel; relax at the rooftop pool and dine at Spago for a taste of California cuisine.

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Day 3 – Dec 20: Los Angeles Highlights

Morning: Visit the iconic Hollywood Sign and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Afternoon: Explore Griffith Observatory (great for kids) and stroll along Santa Monica Pier.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Ivy and catch a sunset at Venice Beach.

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Day 4 – Dec 21: Travel to Las Vegas

Morning: Check‑out and take a short flight to Las Vegas on American Airlines flight AA1234 (LAX 09:30 – LAS 10:45).

Afternoon: Check‑in at The Venetian Resort; explore the resort’s Grand Canal Shoppes.

Evening: Watch the spectacular Fountains of Bellagio and dine at Giada on the Strip.

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Day 5 – Dec 22: Las Vegas – Kid‑Friendly Fun

Morning: Head to the Adventuredome indoor theme park at Circus Circus for rides suitable for a 7‑year‑old.

Afternoon: Visit the Discovery Children’s Museum and enjoy a family lunch at In-N-Out Burger.

Evening: Attend a family‑friendly magic show at David Copperfield on the Strip.

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Day 6 – Dec 23: Christmas Eve in Las Vegas

Morning: Explore the Neon Museum and take a guided “Vegas History” tour.

Afternoon: Relax at the hotel pool; kids can enjoy the “Kids Club” at The Venetian.

Evening: Celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive dinner at Mon Ami Gabi and a stroll through the illuminated Paris Las Vegas replica.

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Day 7 – Dec 24: Travel to Española, New Mexico

Morning: Flight from Las Vegas to Albuquerque on Southwest Airlines flight WN567 (LAS 08:15 – ABQ 10:30).

Afternoon: Rent a car and drive 1.5 hours to Española, NM; check‑in at Hacienda de Guru Ramdass Ashram Guesthouse.

Evening: Attend an introductory meditation session at the ashram and enjoy a simple, vegetarian dinner.

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Day 8 – Dec 25: Hacienda de Guru Ramdass Ashram

Morning: Participate in a guided yoga and mindfulness workshop (kid‑friendly).

Afternoon: Explore the surrounding high desert scenery; optional visit to the nearby Santa Fe Plaza.

Evening: Celebrate Christmas with a community dinner and cultural performances at the ashram.

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Day 9 – Dec 26: Travel to Toronto

Morning: Check‑out and drive back to Albuquerque; return rental car.

Afternoon: Fly from Albuquerque (ABQ) to Toronto (YYZ) on Air Canada flight AC789 (ABQ 13:00 – YYZ 19:30, 1 stop in Chicago).

Evening: Arrive in Toronto on Dec 27; transfer to Fairmont Royal York and unwind.

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Day 10 – Dec 27: Toronto City Exploration

Morning: Visit the iconic CN Tower (kids love the glass floor).

Afternoon: Explore the Royal Ontario Museum and have lunch at the St. Lawrence Market.

Evening: Dinner at Harbourfront Centre with a view of Lake Ontario.

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Day 11 – Dec 28: Toronto – Family Activities

Morning: Spend time at the Toronto Zoo (great for a 7‑year‑old).

Afternoon: Take a ferry to Toronto Islands for biking and beach play.

Evening: Enjoy a family‑friendly show at the Young People’s Theatre.

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Day 12 – Dec 29: New Year’s Eve in Toronto

Morning: Stroll through the historic Distillery District and shop for souvenirs.

Afternoon: Ice‑skating at Nathan Phillips Square and warm up with hot chocolate.

Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with dinner at 360 The Revolving Restaurant and watch the fireworks over the harbour.

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Day 13 – Jan 1: Niagara Falls Day Trip

Morning: Drive (≈1.5 h) to Niagara Falls; board the Hornblower Niagara Cruise.

Afternoon: Visit the Butterfly Conservatory and have lunch in the Clifton Hill entertainment area (arcade for the child).

Evening: Return to Toronto; relax at the hotel.

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Day 14 – Jan 2: Ottawa

Morning: Flight to Ottawa on WestJet flight WS234 (YYZ 08:45 – YOW 09:55).

Afternoon: Visit the Parliament Hill and the Canadian Museum of History.

Evening: Dinner at ByWard Market and overnight at Fairmont Château Laurier.

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Day 15 – Jan 3: Montreal

Morning: Take the VIA Rail train to Montreal (≈5 h).

Afternoon: Explore Old Montreal, the Notre‑Dame Basilica, and enjoy a crepe at La Petite Marche.

Evening: Stay at Hotel Nelligan and stroll along the Old Port.

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Day 16 – Jan 4: Quebec City

Morning: Drive to Quebec City (≈3 h); check‑in at Auberge Saint‑Pierre.

Afternoon: Walk the fortified Old Quebec, visit the Château Frontenac, and ride the Funicular (fun for kids).

Evening: Dine at Le Continental and enjoy a nighttime lantern tour.

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Day 17 – Jan 5: Return to Toronto

Morning: Fly back to Toronto on Air Canada flight AC901 (YQB 09:30 – YYZ 10:45).

Afternoon: Last‑minute shopping on Yorkville and a visit to the Ontario Science Centre for the child.

Evening: Pack and enjoy a farewell dinner at Bar Isabel.

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Day 18 – Jan 6: Departure from Toronto

Morning: Check‑out and transfer to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) for your onward flight.

Afternoon: Depart Toronto (flight details to be arranged according to your next destination).

Evening: End of the holiday adventure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • QR739 (JNB → LAX) – 23 h flight – $1,200 USD (economy)
  • Universal Studios Hollywood – 5 h – $120 USD per adult, $95 USD child
  • Jurassic World – The Ride – 2 h – included with park ticket
  • Griffith Observatory – 2 h – free (parking $5)
  • AA1234 (LAX → LAS) – 1 h 15 min – $150 USD
  • Adventuredome – 4 h – $45 USD per person
  • WN567 (LAS → ABQ) – 2 h 15 min – $180 USD
  • Hacienda de Guru Ramdass Ashram – 2 nights – $200 USD (guesthouse)
  • AC789 (ABQ → YYZ) – 8 h (1 stop) – $650 USD
  • CN Tower – 2 h – $40 USD adult, $30 USD child
  • Toronto Zoo – 3 h – $30 USD adult, $20 USD child
  • Niagara Falls Hornblower Cruise – 1 h – $35 USD adult, $25 USD child
  • WS234 (YYZ → YOW) – 1 h 10 min – $120 USD
  • VIA Rail (Ottawa → Montreal) – 5 h – $90 USD adult, $45 USD child
  • Hotel stays (average per night) – $250 USD
  • Meals (average per day) – $80 USD per adult, $50 USD child
  • Transportation (rental cars, local transit) – $600 USD total
  • Miscellaneous (tips, souvenirs) – $300 USD
  • Total Estimated Cost: $9,340 USD

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping the New Mexico ashram visit and the Ottawa segment; this will save roughly 4 days and $1,500 USD. To extend the adventure, add a few days in the Canadian Rockies (Banff & Jasper) after Montreal, which offers breathtaking scenery and additional kid‑friendly hikes.

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