A friend and I are intending to travel next year. She has already spent a year in Australia but has now been back in the UK for just over a year now and is getting itchy feet. I have a cousin who lives in Canada and we are thinking of spending a few months over there. I have only met my cousin once before so it will be a great opportunity to get to know her as well as see what Canada has to offer!

My cousin lives in Calgary and I was just wondering if there are any locals from Calgary or people who have visited there or near by who might be able to give me some info. Like when is it best to go there, what there is to do, just to whet my appetite!!

From there we are hoping to visit South Africa (where my uncle lives), Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, America which is on a certain traveller ticket we have found. If there is anyone who would like to enlighten me on any of my intended destinations, I would really appreciate it.

Look forward to finding out more!!

I've never been to Calgary, but the first thing I think of when I hear it , is Rodeo! The Calgary Stampede. See here.
Where will you be going in America?

Not really sure, with the ticket we are thinking of we can get a flight into Los Angeles but we figure that would be kinda expensive to stay there so any suggestions??

In what sort of things are you interested, and what time of year do you think this might happen? Because if you don't handle heat well, you wouldn't want to go too far south in the summer, or the same if you don't like the cold -- not too far north in the winter. But if you like color, the fall foliage in the north and northeast is gorgeous! But it probably is beautiful anywhere there is a seasonal change up north.

If you like to be a tourist and like history I would suggest the east coast: Williamsburg, Philadelphia, etc.
Or, if you like Zoos, I would suggest the Washington Zoo, the Brookfield Zoo (near Chicago), or the San Diego Zoo. I think they are the 3 largest in the US.

There is lots to do and things to see. Except for natural sights like the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone, the historical sights are not quite as old as yours!

To be honest, I am expecting Canada to be reasonably cold whatever time of year, but I know it gets even more so in the winter!! Other than that, during my time in America I would like to see some warm weather, no point leaving rainy cold UK to go somewhere else cold! I wish I had the money and time to see it all!

Howdy! Any ideas on whereabouts in Australia you'll be heading, and what time of year?

Ahh, Los Angeles. I used to live just south of there in Long Beach - that's where the Queen Mary is docked now! And, it is (or was - not sure, now) a hotel. Stayed on her a few years back. If fact, we lived there when she arrived -- much ado about her arrival!

Anyway, there are always lots of things to do in and around LA. There's Disneyland (which breaks MY pocketbook!), the LaBrea Tar Pits (dinosaurs and such), the museums, professional sports teams, etc.

By the way, I went window shopping on Rodeo Drive -- and on the street I have never seen so many Rolls Royce cars in one place! It was fun just to walk along the sidewalk Ah Hollywood! You could probably get free tickets to television show tapings, too! Or to see the Jay Leno Show -- (my personal opinion here -- ugh!)

If it were me and driving a rental, I would take the time to go see the Mount Palomar telescope, the San Diego Zoo or such things. Here is a site that I googled. There are probably lots more if you do a search on Los Angeles and tourism. See Here

Most important is to have fun and enjoy!

If you are interested in art, I would suggest the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. The admission price is tiny (free), and you get a magnificent view of the city.

Hi, Missy. LA probably isn't that expensive, provided you pick your accommodation carefully. I've generally found prices in America reasonable. However, in LA getting around without a car might be a problem. I wonder if anyone from LA or the surrounding area could comment, please?

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To be honest, I am expecting Canada to be reasonably cold whatever time of year,

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Summers in some parts of Canada can be just as hot as they are here in the south of Spain! I grew up in south-western Ontario, and July/August is shorts and T-shirt weather there. It can also be quite humid. Toronto can sizzle in the summertime. I haven't been to Calgary, but I'm reasonably certain that they get a decent summer, followed by a very cold winter.

Canada, in the summer, with the exception of the far north is HOT! Don't be fooled by stereotypical ideas of Canada's 'legendary cold'. In July and August here in Halifax, Nova Scotia, we have been averaging temps well into the 80's and sometimes 90's. Even today, in October, it is a pleasant 65 degrees. Mind you, if you travel in the winter, it will be cold! Springs can be damp and cool as well. Just something to keep in mind.

Thanks everyone! Tanzen, not sure yet when, possibly early months of 2004. As for where, we can fly into a few different places but more than likely Sydney.
I think as far as Canada goes, it is likely to be the winter when we get there! Oh well, lots of jumpers and coats!!
To be truthful, I have no real idea when we will be anywhere as it all depends on how much money we can save! Ideally we are looking to set off from the UK next September.