...to not look like a tourist in Hollywood

1. If you really want a picture of the "Hollywood" sign, buy a postcard.


2. Same goes for the "Hollywood & Vine" street signs.


3. Don't waste your money on a cab. Take the subway if you want to go to Downtown LA (why anybody would want to go to downtown LA is beyond me)

when staying on the Queen Mary

1. Arrive early. The hotel restaurant and bar both close early, and are both worth a visit.


2. Dedicate a few hours to explore the ship and also your room, there are all sorts of interesting nooks and crannies in both.


3. If you are staying at the QM because you're taking a Carnival Cruise, you can walk from one to the other, especially if you arrange the "Queen Mary early check in" with Carnival.

...to avoid food poisoning in Los Angeles

1. Just because there's a "B" in the front window doesn't mean a place in any less safe, or less tasty.


2. This is not a town in which to order a steak, much less order "rare" or even "medium".


3. Avoid street vendors, especially ones selling something called a "Tijuana dog".