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

Day 1: Departure – Johannesburg to Los Angeles

Morning: Board flight QR739 at O.R. Tambo International Airport and enjoy in‑flight entertainment.

Afternoon: The flight lands at LAX in the early afternoon; transfer to Hotel Figueroa for check‑in and a quick refresh.

Evening: Take a relaxing walk along Santa Monica Pier, enjoying the sunset and the lively atmosphere.

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Day 2: Los Angeles – Arrival & Exploration

Morning: After breakfast, visit the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and snap photos with favorite celebrity stars.

Afternoon: Head to the Griffith Observatory for panoramic city views and interactive space exhibits that delight both kids and adults.

Evening: Dine at a family‑friendly restaurant in West Hollywood and enjoy a leisurely stroll on Sunset Boulevard.

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Day 3: Universal Studios Hollywood – Jurassic Adventure

Morning: Spend the morning at Universal Studios Hollywood, starting with the thrilling Jurassic World™ – The Ride that brings dinosaurs to life.

Afternoon: Explore the studio tour, enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and let the 7‑year‑old play at the Super Silly Fun Land water play area.

Evening: Return to the hotel, freshen up, and watch a sunset from the rooftop lounge.

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Day 4: Los Angeles – Culture & Coast

Morning: Visit the California Science Center, where the kid can marvel at the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Afternoon: Drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu for a beach picnic and tide‑pool exploration.

Evening: Catch a flight from LAX to Las Vegas (suggested flight AA1234) and check into The Venetian Resort.

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Day 5: Las Vegas – The Strip & Family Fun

Morning: After arrival, settle in and explore the Grand Canal Shoppes with its gondola rides.

Afternoon: Visit the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, a hit with the young explorer.

Evening: Enjoy a kid‑friendly magic show at the Magic Showroom followed by dinner on the Strip.

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Day 6: Las Vegas – Christmas Eve

Morning: Head to the Adventuredome indoor theme park for rides and arcade games.

Afternoon: Relax by the hotel pool and let the child build sand castles in the wave pool.

Evening: Celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive dinner at Giada – The Cromwell, featuring holiday decorations and a kids’ menu.

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Day 7: Las Vegas – Christmas Day

Morning: Attend a special Christmas brunch at The Bellagio with a view of the famous fountains.

Afternoon: Take a short drive to Red Rock Canyon for a family hike and scenic photo stops.

Evening: Return to the Strip for the dazzling Bellagio Fountain Show and a cozy nightcap.

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Day 8: Las Vegas – Travel to Española, New Mexico

Morning: Pick up a rental car and begin the 7‑hour drive to Española, NM, enjoying desert vistas along the way.

Afternoon: Check into the Hacienda de Guru Ramdass Guesthouse and explore the tranquil ashram grounds.

Evening: Participate in an evening meditation session and enjoy a simple, wholesome dinner.

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Day 9: Española – Return to Las Vegas & Fly to Toronto

Morning: Briefly visit the nearby Pueblo of San Felipe cultural site before departing.

Afternoon: Drive back to Las Vegas, return the rental car, and board flight AC1704 to Toronto.

Evening: Arrive in Toronto, transfer to the Fairmont Royal York, and settle in for the night.

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Day 10: Toronto – City Highlights

Morning: Visit the iconic CN Tower and enjoy the glass‑floor experience.

Afternoon: Explore the interactive exhibits at the Royal Ontario Museum, perfect for curious kids.

Evening: Dine at the family‑friendly St. Lawrence Market and stroll along the Harbourfront.

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Day 11: Niagara Falls Day Trip

Morning: Take a short flight or drive to Niagara Falls and board the Hornblower Niagara Cruise for an up‑close view.

Afternoon: Explore the Journey Behind the Falls and let the child marvel at the roaring water.

Evening: Return to Toronto and enjoy a quiet evening at the hotel.

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Day 12: Ottawa – Capital Exploration

Morning: Travel by train to Ottawa and check into the Fairmont Château Laurier.

Afternoon: Visit the Canadian Museum of History and its engaging kid‑zone exhibits.

Evening: Walk along the illuminated Rideau Canal and have dinner at a local bistro.

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Day 13: Montreal – New Year’s Eve Celebration

Morning: Take a train to Montreal and settle into Hotel Le St‑James.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Old Montreal, visiting the Notre‑Dame Basilica and the charming streets.

Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Place Jacques‑Cartier with fireworks, live music, and kid‑friendly activities.

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Day 14: Montreal – New Year’s Day

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed brunch at a café near Mount Royal Park, then let the child run in the park’s playground.

Afternoon: Visit the Science Centre Montreal, featuring hands‑on experiments.

Evening: Return to the hotel for a cozy family movie night.

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Day 15: Quebec City – Charming Old Town

Morning: Drive to Quebec City and check into Auberge Saint‑Antoine.

Afternoon: Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Québec, exploring the Château Frontenac and its surrounding park.

Evening: Dine at a family‑friendly restaurant offering traditional Quebec cuisine.

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Day 16: Quebec City – Winter Activities

Morning: Enjoy ice skating at the Place D’Youville rink, perfect for kids.

Afternoon: Visit the Observatoire de la Citadelle for panoramic views and a short history tour.

Evening: Return to Toronto by evening flight, staying again at the Fairmont Royal York.

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Day 17: Toronto – Final Exploration

Morning: Take a ferry to the Toronto Islands and rent bicycles for a scenic ride.

Afternoon: Visit the Ontario Science Centre, where the child can engage with interactive displays.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at the family‑friendly Distillery District restaurants.

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Day 18: Departure from Toronto

Morning: Pack and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

Afternoon: Transfer to Toronto Pearson International Airport for your departure flight.

Evening: Fly home with wonderful memories of your holiday adventure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

• QR739 (JNB‑LAX) – 20 hr – $1,200 per adult, $950 per child
• Universal Studios Hollywood (incl. Jurassic World) – 6 hr – $120 per adult, $110 per child
• Shark Reef Aquarium (Las Vegas) – 2 hr – $30 per adult, $20 per child
• Adventuredome (Las Vegas) – 3 hr – $40 per adult, $35 per child
• Red Rock Canyon Tour – 4 hr – $45 per adult, $35 per child
• AC1704 (LAS‑YYZ) – 4 hr – $550 per adult, $420 per child
• CN Tower – 2 hr – $40 per adult, $30 per child
• Hornblower Niagara Cruise – 1 hr – $30 per adult, $20 per child
• Royal Ontario Museum – 3 hr – $25 per adult, $15 per child
• Canadian Museum of History – 3 hr – $23 per adult, $13 per child
• Science Centre Montreal – 3 hr – $22 per adult, $12 per child
• Ontario Science Centre – 3 hr – $24 per adult, $14 per child
• Accommodations (average per night) – $200 per room
• Transportation (rental cars, trains, local transit) – $1,500 total
• Meals (average $80 per day for family) – $2,400 total
• Total Estimated Cost: $14,300

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping the Quebec City segment and the Ottawa visit; this will reduce travel time and costs while still covering major highlights in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, and Toronto. To extend the adventure, add a few days in the Canadian Rockies (Banff & Lake Louise) or a coastal road trip in British Columbia, both offering spectacular scenery and additional family‑friendly activities.