6 Most-Instagrammable Spots in Los Angeles

By Sarah Miller

Most tourists who visit Los Angeles want to capture every picturesque moment they can while visiting the city. L.A. is the epitome of the Southern California lifestyle, and you should experience all the highlights. From palm trees on Sunset Boulevard to Hollywood star-spotting to beautiful beaches, there is always a reason to have your phone out for a quick Instagram pic. Make sure to stop at these six most-Instagrammable spots in Los Angeles on your next trip.

Wall Murals

So many wall murals brightly color the L.A. area that we couldn’t pick just one! A well-loved scene is the Paul Smith building’s Pink Wall on Melrose Avenue. This spot is the perfect solid background for whatever your heart desires. The Arts District is a hotspot for famous local murals. Here you will find the Bloom mural and the many brilliant Angel Wings. The Wrdsmth Mural is another favorite along with French honey bears along the same wall on Imperial Street. There are murals in every part of the city perfect for vacation pictures.

Urban Light at LACMA

This art installation, created by artist Chris Burden, is well known in the area as one of the most interesting Instagram spots. The 202 restored antique light posts are all lined up outside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Many visitors choose to photograph the light posts during the day while others wait for the LED lights to turn on at night. The unique display of a group of cast iron lampposts makes this stop a worthy one in the L.A. area. Try taking a picture in sepia or black and white for an even more-dramatic effect.

hollywood sign — Hollywood sign – Image by David Mark and Pixabay

Runyon Canyon

Pack your hiking boots and catch a glimpse of nature while hiking through famous Runyon Canyon. Many L.A. natives use this beautiful recreational area as a place to stretch their legs on the weekends. You’ll also find many native plants along the way, including California sagebrush and plants that attract natural wildlife, such as elderberry and golden yarrow. The famous Hollywood sign is located in the hills of the canyon as well, making for a great photo op. Enjoy sweeping views of the city as you hike your way through the canyon.

Descanso Gardens

With a year-round growing season, glamorous gardens in the L.A. area are always blooming. The Descanso Gardens are an essential spot for those visitors looking for natural beauty in all forms. You’ll find gorgeous native trees surrounded by blooms in every color. The Oak Forest captures the particular growth habit of the leaning trees. If you’re looking for perfect beauty, consider stopping by the Camellia collection that boasts being the most extensive collection of its kind in North America.

Venice Beach Boardwalk

There is always something going on at the Venice Beach Boardwalk. You’ll see brightly colored buildings, vast ocean views and street performers trying to earn an extra buck or two. Rollerblades and skateboards are commonplace on the boardwalk as are an array of “look-at-me” clothing and hairstyles. Snag a seat on a nearby bench and watch life walk by in all shapes, sizes and forms on the Venice Beach Boardwalk.

Griffith Observatory

If you’re looking for an overall landscape view of the beautiful Los Angeles skyline, make sure to visit the Griffith Observatory, located on the edge of Griffith Park. You can learn a lot about the night sky at the observatory while also taking gorgeous pictures of the area from the building’s outside decks.

There are plenty of spots all over the area to tour and see on your next trip. From views of the city to iconic signs to plenty of people, there is always something to capture in LA. Make sure to stop at these six most Instagrammable spots in Los Angeles on your next trip to Southern California.

Sarah Miller is a writer, self-claimed nutritionist, and CrossFit junkie. She spends much of her time meal prepping and actively trying to beat personal records in the gym, but always enjoys a meditative walk through a nearby woodland area or near a lake.

Father’s Day is This Weekend!

Summer is here, and among all of the other wonderful things that means, it also signifies the coming of Father’s Day! In honor of dads everywhere (and the kids who love them), we here at GotoBus have compiled some great budget-friendly gift ideas for Dad, including some of our favorite dad-centric treats!

Darth Vader and Son
This adorable comic book by Jeffery Brown asks the question, “What if “Luke, I am your father” was just a stern admonishment from an annoyed dad?” The adorable illustrations take a unique look at what is means to be a dad to a small child. Perfect for the Star-Wars-Obsessed dad in your life! Here is it on Amazon.

Custom-Made Photobooks
It’s a classic, but for a reason- collecting photos of you and dad out and about is the perfect way to remember how important he is to you. For those who use iOS, Apple offers an easy way to take the pictures you already have and turn them into a professionally-printed photobook! Just select the ones you want to include and the iPeople do the rest.

Shaving and Grooming Goodies
Everyone likes to be well-groomed! If your dad is into nice shaving gear, some new tools or accessories could be the way to go. Here’s a great collection of the best budget-friendly electric razors. If your dad is more of a manual-shaving-type, check out this father’s day gifts! Top things off with some nice cologne.

Dad Is Fat
Jim Gaffigan isn’t for everyone, but his hilarious book lends itself perfectly to Father’s Day! The comic with a unique delivery and penchant for food explores life as the father of five young children in his first book, which has spent 17 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. This hilarious and heartfelt book is perfect for a dad with a sense of humor.

Ties!
Whose dad DOESN’T have a ridiculous collection of novelty neckties? Fun, unique, and personalized ties are a quirky way to show you know Dad. ThinkGeek has prints for everything from binary code to Harry Potter, while the aptly-named Necktie Shop adds cartoon characters, astrology signs, and more into the mix. Maybe your dad has always wanted to glow in the dark. If it exists, it has been put on a tie.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there, and remember: if you need help getting from one location to another, don’t forget to check out GotoBus.com to book your bus tickets. Surprise the big man with a trip home for the holiday!

Affordable Bus Tickets That Will Get You Home For Easter

Heading Home For Easter? Get Affordable Bus Tickets Online!

Easter or Resurrection Sunday is a festival and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial after his crucifixion by the Romans. At GotoBus, you can find affordable bus tickets that will get you home for Easter.

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Green Travel on a Budget: Tips and Resources

Green travel continues to be the top travel trend in 2019, as more eco-conscious tourists are making an effort to plan a sustainable and eco-friendly travel experience. Here are some tips and resources you may find useful.

Choose a green destination

If you have not yet had a determined place to go, just Google “Green Destinations” and search for inspirations. If you wish to travel within the United States, Niagara Falls and Yellowstone National Park are both highly recommended green destinations.

Click here to see the top 100 sustainable destinations around the world!

Plan ahead for more affordable price

As known to all, the cost of accommodations and transportation services could go drastically high if you do not book ahead of time– especially when you are traveling on public holidays. Remember good deals sell fast. Therefore the most important thing we should keep in mind is to always make plans in advance.

Transportation is critical

In 2018, Rhodium reports that carbon emissions by transportation maintained its position to be the largest source of US greenhouse gas emissions for the third year running. Rapid growth in air travel contributes to the overall demand for jet fuel by 3.0%. A greener and more economical transportation method are intercity buses. Comparing to other transportation methods, intercity buses are no doubt the most flexible and low-cost option, which also covers the most grounds.

Find a bus for your desired destination !

Packing light – but bring all you need

Packing light is another essential element when it comes to travelling green. Most people will not realize the impact of a heavy luggage. Not only will you risk of paying extra, but also will it harm the atmosphere. Having to carry a heavier weight, your transportation (bus, train, or airplane) will emit more greenhouse gas – which we are trying to avoid. However, there are some nitty-gritties you will need to bring, here’s a simple checklist:

Bring eco-friendly toiletries with minimum packaging
Wear reef-safe Sunscreen to protect yourself and the ocean/lake creatures
Utilize reusable water bottles and utensils to reduce your plastic trails
Carry a backpack or shopping bag, just in case you need extra room
more details on how to travel light? Click here

What to do other than sightseeing?

There are so many things you can do other than sightseeing while traveling. Spend a day exploring local communities and treat yourself with a delicious meal, learn about the local history and culture. Or you can go shopping from local merchants, where there is lower transaction cost (economical and environmental). If you have the time and energy, you should always look for local green initiatives and non-profit organizations, and see if there is anything you could help them out with! Other than just having fun during the trip, you will be making an effort to make the world a better place. After all, the earth treats us so generously with so many wonders, it is our turn to give back.

GotoBus Making Joint Effort with Green Streets Initiative for Sustainability

Gotobus.com partnered up with Cambridge non-profit organization, bringing awareness to bus riders.

Bus-travel search website GotoBus.com recently announced a new partnership with Cambridge local non-profit organization Green Streets Initiative. The endeavor will hopefully inspire more travelers to choose a sustainable way of traveling, especially for the Boston local communities.

Green Streets Initiative holds a Walk/Ride Day each month, asking participants to change their ways of commute for a day. As a result, commuters can reflect on the impact of the daily commute on finances, health, and the environment. As their most recent retail partner, GotoBus.com will be offering promo codes to Green Street Initiative active members. Starting from today, participants of Walk/Ride Day can receive a 5% off discount on bus tickets from New York to Boston. The upcoming Walk/Ride Day will take place on Friday, March 29 (sign up here).

Green Streets Walk/Ride Day Celebration

With the growing trend of eco-friendly commute and green travel, people are more conscious of the carbon emission of daily transportations. According to the 2018 energy report of U.S Energy Information Administration, trains and buses consume only 3% of total energy used by the transportation industry. As a leading bus-ticket booking platform in the U.S, GotoBus.com is dedicated to offering consumers affordable and eco-friendly alternatives for inter-city transportations.

To emphasize on the daily commute by bus, Green Streets Initiative made June Bus Month, during which they will hold several public events for green travel commuters. A breakfast gathering will take place on June 28, 2019, at the Whole Foods Market in Somerville, MA.

Newport News to the Nationals Capital

The Jewel of the Virginian Peninsula, Newport News, is now connected

New York <> Fayetteville Bus Service $50/$100

The duration of this trip is approximately 10 Hours and the service provided by SkyExpress.

Here are some other trips between New York and North Carolina…

New York <> Charlotte Bus Service $30/$60

New York <> Durham Bus Service $30/$60

New York <> Greensboro Bus Service $30/$60

New York <> Raleigh Bus Service $30/$60

Explore many more bus deals on our site.

GotoBus Voted in Excellent Service Awards for 2018

GotoBus picked out our 2018 Excellent Service Award winners, bus companies with a proven record of outstanding performance. Congratulations!

The winning bus companies are selected from over 100 vendors currently working with us. The 2018 winners were: Eastern Bus, Tufesa, Focus Travel, CashWorld, PeterPan Bus, Hoang Express, OurBus, Greatwall, Sprinter Bus, Tripper Bus, Super Tours of Orlando, Atop Bus, ShunFeng Bus, Betty Bus, Power Coach Line, and Ocean Travel (See the full list and their services here.) Among which, half of the operators are on a streak, winning the certificate more than twice.

GotoBus.com established the award program in 2014. We are aiming to inspire bus operators ways to lift their performances, as well as to help travelers locating reliable bus schedules.

There is a set of requirements the bus vendors need to meet up with. Among them, travelers’ feedback is the most important. After all, we value the opinion of our customers utmost. Overall, the winning bus companies must achieve a 4-star rating while maintaining a minimum complaint rate.

Travelers rated their travel experiences based on 4 criteria: Bus Cleanliness, Punctuality, Staff & Service, and Comfort Level. Together the winning companies received over 4,500 reviews on our website over the past year.

The award winners offer bus schedules ranging from East Coast to West Coast. We hope these bus operators can keep up the good work and continue providing excellent service to travelers. In addition, we hope the certificate allows bus riders to make more informed decisions when comparing similar schedules.

Coach Run Adds New Bus Service From The Bronx To Boston

Traveling from the Bronx to Boston? Check out the new bus service

Coach Run understands that going south of city to get into Manhattan, just to catch the bus and then go back north again didn’t make much sense.

They paid attention, listened to their customers’ requests and worked with their team to create a solution that will meet their travelers’ needs and will make them happy. With that in mind Coach Run has added a new bus service from the Bronx, NY

The New Departure Location in The Bronx

Citizens of the Bronx no longer have to deal with the hassle that comes while making their way into Manhattan to catch a bus to Boston.

As you may hear all the time from locals and visitors alike, you don’t really need a car to get around NYC. Well, that’s so true. If you are familiar with the Metro, you can basically get to anywhere in the five boroughs by train.

The new departure location in the Bronx is near Pelham Bay Park Station.

Take the 6 Train Uptown to the last stop of the train which is Pelham Bay Park Station. Once you arrive, get off the train and head south west along Bruckner Express Highway until you meet Middleton Rd. It is only 11 minutes walk considering you are a slow-pace walker like me.

At the intersection, cross the foot bridge to make sure you are on the same side as the baseball field. The specific departure location will be located on corner of the Bruckner Blvd (Baseball Field) – Intersection of Bruckner Bl & Middletown Rd, Bronx NY 10465

What are you waiting for? Get your Bronx Bus Tickets to Boston for as low as $8.

Visit https://www.gotobus.com/tickets/bronx-to-boston-bus/ for more information

Download the GotoBus App – Get 5% OFF Your First App Purchase

Get 5% Off on Your First Purchase Promotion by Downloading the GotoBus App

This offer is valid for first-time GotoBus App user. Eligible customers will automatically receive a 5% discount on their shopping cart. This promotion expires on November 7th 2018.

Please note that this deal is a one-time use only and cannot be combined with other promotions and certain bus operators, such as Bus + Hotel combo discount, Greyhound and Peter Pan bus ticket. If the discount is not valid for your first purchase, the promotion will automatically extend to the next.

Download your App today!

Good Reasons for Choosing Bus Travel in Europe

Thinking about traveling by bus? Here are good reasons for choosing bus travel in Europe

1. Environmental friendly travel

One of the good reasons for choosing bus travel in Europe is the distance between cities and to know how close the countries are. For example, you can easily travel from Germany to France to Italy and back north to the Czech Republic in a matter of a few days, and, more important, for a very reasonable fee. Bus travel in Europe is one of the most affordable ways to travel these days, not to mention one of the most environmentally friendly! Because many European cities have very old city centers, modern transportation hubs like airports and train stations were built on the outskirts of these cities. However, buses are able to drive right into the city centers to drop passengers off, meaning that you’ll be able to get off the bus and waste no time in starting your exploration.

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