Surprise 40th

[Claire76]

Hubby turns 40 in 2 years time. This is obviously a while away yet but I have already got an idea on what I'd like to do for him and need to start saving now cos it's going to be a pricey one!! I really want to do something big for him as both of us never really "celebrate" our birthdays as we're always skint so it's always next year, next year. So this time I want to make sure this particular birthday is celebrated in style as it's a biggy!

He is MAD about cars and modifying them etc. He watches West Coast Customs ALL the time on Sky so I had the idea of flying him out to their showroom for him to see it in the flesh. They're based in Corona, California. Have looked at their website and you can go along, they have a special area for you to watch from.

Does anyone know California and in particular Corona? Emma, maybe you can help?? Just wondering what else there is to do there, America has never appealed to either of us as somewhere to go but this I know he would love, am thinking just a long weekend, 3 or 4 days maybe, as think it's going to be quite pricey to do this, plus I wouldn't want to leave Finlay longer than that, despite the fact he'll be nearly 7 by then! The only other place he's wanted to go is Vegas but my geography is shocking so not sure whether both can be done in one weekend?

Any help or suggestions would be greatly received. Flights wise I've seen they are around £4-500 each inc taxes which isn't as bad as I thought, no idea how long the flight is though, around 8 hours I'm guessing.......

[DrP]

Love your idea. Couple of thoughts though, flights will be a lot longer than that I think given that it's usually about 7 hours or so to the east coast, then you have to cross the whole of the US so I reckon you are looking at something closer to 11 hours. It's a very long way to go for just 3-4 days, especially when you factor in jet lag etc. If you are going to spend the money then you would be better to look at a slightly longer break. If you're not happy to leave Finlay for that long then what about the possibility of bringing him with you and making a family holiday out of it at the same time ?

[iwantone]

It sounds like a lovely idea. It is 11 hours to fly to CA from the UK. You can definitely do CA and Vegas as they are quite close (couple of hours drive so you may be best doing a fly drive) Even if you didn't want to factor in Vegas you will need to go for longer than a long weekend. They are 8 hours behind the UK and it is a killer for the first few days. Hubby and I went to Vegas from the UK 10 years ago and we spent the first 4-5 days getting on Vegas time!!! As far as the place in CA goes I have never been and would have to look at what it's close too. We have only been to Beverly Hills and Miami.

I know you want to do this car place and I will have a look where the place is next but what about just doing vegas for his birthday - it's amazing. x

[iwantone]

Ok, just had a look. It is 48 miles outside of LA. I didn't recognise the names of any of the surrounding areas. It could be a toughie as if you are just wanting to go to the car place for one day only then you could stay in LA just to be somewhere touristy and be able to make a real holiday of it as well. Only thing is public transport is crap here at the best of times so you would have to hire a car and drive to the car place which would be a real pain as traffic in LA is terrible. Having been to LA I wasn't that impressed and definitely wouldn't do a holiday there again and especially from the UK. Hmmmm maybe vegas IS the better option???? Loads to do and see and if you wanted to take Finlay along there is plenty to keep him entertained too. x

[Claire76]

Bummer!! May re-think then, I know he wouldn't want to go all that way and not visit there iykwim? It's the one thing he's always gone on about, wishing he could go and see it in action.

Thanks for your help ladies, will think it through a bit more xx