Southwest USA & Canada Holiday Adventure (Dec 18 2025 – Jan 6 2026)

Day 1: 18 Dec 2025 – Journey to Los Angeles

Morning: Depart Johannesburg on QR739 and enjoy a comfortable overnight flight to Los Angeles.

Afternoon: Arrive at LAX, clear customs, and transfer to Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown for check‑in.

Evening: Take a short stroll around the downtown area and dine at a local restaurant to recover from travel.

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Day 2: 19 Dec 2025 – Universal Studios & Hollywood

Morning: Spend the day at Universal Studios Hollywood, riding the thrilling Jurassic World™ – The Ride and exploring the Studio Tour.

Afternoon: Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, snap photos at the TCL Chinese Theatre, and visit the Hollywood Museum for a glimpse of movie history.

Evening: Head to Santa Monica Pier for sunset, rides, and a seaside dinner.

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Day 3: 20 Dec 2025 – Griffith Observatory & Flight to Las Vegas

Morning: Enjoy panoramic city views from the Griffith Observatory and explore its space exhibits.

Afternoon: Visit the LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) and its family‑friendly galleries.

Evening: Fly to Las Vegas on DL432 (LAX → LAS), then check in at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

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Day 4: 21 Dec 2025 – Christmas in Las Vegas

Morning: Let the 7‑year‑old explore the indoor wonderland of Adventuredome at Circus Circus.

Afternoon: Marvel at the seasonal displays in the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens and watch the iconic Bellagio Fountain Show.

Evening: Celebrate Christmas with a festive dinner at The Buffet at Wynn, featuring kid‑friendly stations.

Find Hotels **Day 5: 22 Dec 2025 – Nature & Shows** *Morning:* Hike the red‑rock formations of **Red Rock Canyon**. *Afternoon:* Stroll the **Strip**, shop at the Forum Shops, and enjoy a quick snack. *Evening:* Experience the mesmerizing water show **“O”** by Cirque du Soleil at the Bellagio. **Day 6: 23 Dec 2025 – Travel to Española, New Mexico** *Morning:* Depart Las Vegas early and drive to Española (≈ 8 hrs). *Afternoon:* Visit the **Hecienda de Guru Ram Dass Ashram**, a serene retreat with meditation gardens. *Evening:* Check into **Hotel Santa Fe** and enjoy a quiet dinner of local New Mexican cuisine. **Day 7: 24 Dec 2025 – Española Exploration** *Morning:* Walk along the **Rio Grande** for scenic views and bird‑watching. *Afternoon:* Explore the **New Mexico Museum of Art**, which offers interactive stations for children. *Evening:* Relax at the hotel; optional stargazing session at the nearby observatory. **Day 8: 25 Dec 2025 – Return to Las Vegas** *Morning:* Begin the drive back to Las Vegas; stop at **Albuquerque** for a quick lunch. *Afternoon:* Arrive in Las Vegas, check back into **The Cosmopolitan**, and unwind by the pool. *Evening:* Celebrate Christmas with a special dinner at **Giada – The Cromwell**. **Day 9: 26 Dec 2025 – Kid‑Friendly Adventures** *Morning:* Discover marine life at the **Shark Reef Aquarium** at Mandalay Bay. *Afternoon:* Interactive fun at the **Discovery Children’s Museum**—perfect for a 7‑year‑old. *Evening:* Free time to explore the Strip’s holiday lights. **Day 10: 27 Dec 2025 – Hoover Dam & Prep for Toronto** *Morning:* Guided tour of the **Hoover Dam**, including the visitor’s center and walkway. *Afternoon:* Last‑minute shopping at the **Fashion Show Mall**. *Evening:* Pack and relax before tomorrow’s flight. **Day 11: 28 Dec 2025 – Flight to Toronto** *Morning:* Transfer to LAS airport for **Air Canada AC1704** (LAS → YYZ). *Afternoon:* Arrive in Toronto, take a taxi to the **Fairmont Royal York** for check‑in. *Evening:* Stroll through **Nathan Phillips Square** to see the festive holiday lights. **Day 12: 29 Dec 2025 – Toronto Highlights** *Morning:* Ride up the **CN Tower** for spectacular city views. *Afternoon:* Explore **Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada**, a hit with kids. *Evening:* Dinner in the historic **Distillery District**, decorated for the holidays. **Day 13: 30 Dec 2025 – Niagara Falls Day Trip** *Morning:* Drive to **Niagara Falls** (≈ 1.5 hrs). *Afternoon:* Take the **Maid of the Mist** boat tour and visit the **Journey Behind the Falls**. *Evening:* Return to Toronto; relax at the hotel. **Day 14: 31 Dec 2025 – New Year’s Eve in Toronto** *Morning:* Visit the **Royal Ontario Museum** with its kid‑friendly dinosaur exhibit. *Afternoon:* Ice skate at **Harbourfront Centre** on the outdoor rink. *Evening:* Celebrate New Year’s Eve at **Nathan Phillips Square** with live music and a midnight countdown. **Day 15: 1 Jan 2026 – Toronto Islands** *Morning:* Take the ferry to the **Toronto Islands**, rent bikes, and enjoy the beaches. *Afternoon:* Picnic and playground time on **Centre Island**—perfect for children. *Evening:* Return to the city and enjoy a relaxed dinner. **Day 16: 2 Jan 2026 – Ottawa Getaway** *Morning:* Fly to Ottawa on **AC123** (YYZ → YOW). *Afternoon:* Tour **Parliament Hill** and watch the Changing of the Guard. *Evening:* Stay at the historic **Fairmont Château Laurier** and stroll along the Rideau Canal. **Day 17: 3 Jan 2026 – Montreal Adventure** *Morning:* VIA Rail train to Montreal (≈ 2 hrs). *Afternoon:* Explore **Old Montreal** and the **Biodôme**, an indoor zoo ideal for a 7‑year‑old. *Evening:* Check in at **Hotel Nelligan** and dine in the vibrant **Quartier des Spectacles**. **Day 18: 4 Jan 2026 – Montreal Culture** *Morning:* Hike or take the funicular up **Mount Royal** for city vistas. *Afternoon:* Visit the **Montreal Science Centre** with interactive exhibits for kids. *Evening:* Enjoy a family‑friendly dinner at a local bistro. **Day 19: 5 Jan 2026 – Return to Toronto** *Morning:* Flight back to Toronto on **AC456** (YUL → YYZ). *Afternoon:* Last‑minute souvenir shopping on **Yorkville**. *Evening:* Pack and prepare for departure.

Day 20: 6 Jan 2026 – Departure from Toronto

Morning: Transfer to Toronto Pearson International Airport for your onward flight.

Afternoon: Check‑in and enjoy airport lounges before boarding.

Evening: Fly home with unforgettable memories of a holiday adventure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

• QR739 (JNB → LAX) – 15 hr flight – $1,250
• Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown – 2 nights – $340
• Universal Studios Hollywood (Jurassic World ride) – 5 hr – $130
• Griffith Observatory – 2 hr – $0 (parking $10)
• DL432 (LAX → LAS) – 1.5 hr flight – $150
• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – 5 nights – $1,500
• Adventuredome – 3 hr – $55
• Bellagio Conservatory & Fountain – 2 hr – $0
• Red Rock Canyon Tour – 4 hr – $45
• Hecienda de Guru Ram Dass Ashram – 3 hr – $20 (donation)
• Hotel Santa Fe (Española) – 2 nights – $220
• Shark Reef Aquarium – 2 hr – $35
• Discovery Children’s Museum – 3 hr – $30
• Hoover Dam Guided Tour – 3 hr – $40
• Air Canada AC1704 (LAS → YYZ) – 5 hr flight – $350
• Fairmont Royal York (Toronto) – 5 nights – $1,250
• CN Tower – 2 hr – $40
• Ripley’s Aquarium – 3 hr – $45
• Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist – 2 hr – $30
• Royal Ontario Museum – 3 hr – $25
• Acadia New Year’s Eve Celebration (Nathan Phillips Square) – 4 hr – $0
• Air Canada AC123 (YYZ → YOW) – 1.5 hr flight – $180
• Fairmont Château Laurier (Ottawa) – 1 night – $250
• VIA Rail to Montreal – 2 hr – $120
• Hotel Nelligan (Montreal) – 2 nights – $480
• Biodôme de Montréal – 3 hr – $35
• Mount Royal Funicular – 1 hr – $10
• Montreal Science Centre – 2 hr – $30
• Air Canada AC456 (YUL → YYZ) – 1.5 hr flight – $180
• Toronto Pearson Airport Transfer & Misc. – – – $120
• Total Estimated Cost – – – $9,560

Tips

For a shorter trip, omit the New Mexico leg and the Ottawa–Montreal segment, focusing instead on Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and the Toronto/Niagara area (10 days total). To extend the adventure, add a few extra days in Canada to explore Quebec City or the Canadian Rockies, or spend an additional night in Las Vegas for a desert spa experience. Throughout the journey, keep a flexible morning schedule for the 7‑year‑old—mixing high‑energy attractions with calm parks and museums ensures the whole family stays engaged and rested.