Booking separate round trip flights can absolutely save you money BUT that sometimes means you'll have a major layover. We chose to use some of that money saved on a mini adventure on the west coast and since LAX had the best airfare prices, we thought why not spend a day exploring a part Los Angeles. We settled on Venice Beach.When we booked our airfare for Japan, it was cheaper to do two separate round trip flights: Austin -> Los Angeles and Los Angeles -> Japan. However, on our first leg of the trip, we had about 24hrs to kill in between flights. So we booked an Airbnb in Venice Beach and decided to take in the sights... and the smells. After some research, we decided we didn’t want to deal with traffic and picked a location close to the airport. Venice Beach is less than 10 miles from LAX so we booked a cute little house (that allowed for 1 night rental) a few blocks from the Venice Canal and spent the whole day wondering around. Shortly after landing, we made our way over to tourist avenue, also referred to as Abbot Kinney Blvd. We put our name on the list for brunch at the Butcher’s Daughter and walked the street. About 45 minutes later we got a text that our table was ready. We were seated at the bar and ordered juice flights as well as some carb heavy entrees. The food was awesome! We had heard good reviews of this place (they have a second location in NYC that many have raved about) and we were pleased! We also got a round of free mimosas because our bartender/waiter was originally from Texas! The loyalty runs deep through here, y’all. Although the juices were great, we were all feeling that 6am flight from Austin so we ran across the street for a Blue Star Donut and a Blue Bottle cappuccino (at two separate stores, obviously). After our sugar fix, we drove over to the beach. The weather was not ideal for a day in the ocean but we walked out to the water and then down the strip, passing the body builders and souvenir shops. Chase and Quinn made their way back towards the Airbnb but not before finding a pub and grabbing a couple beers. I took off for Beverly Hills to make my facial appointment... When in LA! I did some research for a great but affordable facial spot and this place kept popping up. My only requirement, besides price and proximity from Venice, was an esthetician that worked with the French company, Biologique Rechearche. I had been longing to try their products but no one in Austin carried it and I didn’t want to pay for it and then hate it (or have a reaction to the products). I contacted LeMaje Skincare and made my mid-afternoon appointment! It was incredible! I wish I could remember my esthetician’s name but I can’t and it wasn’t listed in any of the emails... but I have a feeling any of the ladies there would be fantastic. They loaded me up with a bag full of travel sized products and wished me a bon voyage! Because I wasn’t far, I swung over to Melrose Place to get a rose tea from Alfred. And if you’re wondering if I went to Melrose Place barefaced, you’d be correct! You can take the girl out of Austin... Finally, with an extra tea in hand, I made my way to the guys and we walked around the canal streets for a bit. Then, we hung around the Airbnb before getting dinner at a burger joint in Ocean Park. we thought we’d get one last hamburger before we set off to devour ramen and sushi for two weeks! After we were full, we were super lame and went back to the house to get some sleep before our 8am flights to Tokyo. Although it was a quick 24hrs, it was really fun exploring a new city. Clearly, we didn’t see or do everything but it was cool to have a few hours hanging in Venice Beach. With a little bit of planning, layover trips can go from a major pain to a total blast.
Until Next Time, C + D
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