Winter Vacation Destinations

Happy Holidays Bloggers!  (just a tad late)
          Hi everyone! I know it's been a while, but you all know how hectic the holidays can get! As much as I enjoy developing a food baby over Christmas cookies, holiday shopping stresses me out. I was that person running all over San Diego on the 24th:/ . Not a good plan... 

ANYWAYS!... Everyone I know, BUT ME, went on some fabulous vacation over the break, so I thought I'd share two of the top winter vacation destinations! 

#1 Hawaii
For those of you who love to chase the summer, this is the perfect option. I know many people who are still enjoying the warm sand between their toes right now, not bundling up in the SD storm. Can you believe it!? It is snowing in San Diego!!! If you're not a fan of the cold, you might as well have a makeshift summer six months early:) . 

                         "Winter in Hawaii"                          

#2 New York
Some of you, including me, love the winter and want to embrace it! That will never happen in boring San Diego, where the range in temperature is only like 15 degrees. New York is a beautiful place to enjoy the cold and do some amazing sight-seeing. The city looks spectacular in a fluffy blanket of snow! I've never been to New York, but it has always been a dream of mine. I highly recommend it next winter:) . 

                                            "New York Winter" 

That's all for today! Sorry for the short post, but I promise to return. 

BYE!!! xoxo

About Me

Hello Bloggers! Happy Wednesday... half way through the week! 

Although I write a travel blog, I am probably the least traveled person you will ever know. I've never even left the country; I've only been to two other states, both of them not too far from California. My family and I have taken three vacations to Hawaii (we've been going every other summer vacation) and I go to Portland, Oregon to spend Thanksgiving with my grandparents every year. THAT'S IT! I thought I would share a few of my favorite things about these destinations. Hold on to your hats, two locations! 

Oregon

• Portland has some of the country's greatest bakeries. Every morning, my dad and I go on a hunt for a new delicious way to start the day! 
• The scenery is beyond gorgeous, especially when I go in the fall. Besides the vibrant leaves, there are countless rivers, waterfalls, and iced-over cliffs. 
• NATURE! I get so used to living in a city! My grandparents live on the outskirts of Portland, where there are only a couple of houses within a mile. I can take a hike in the backyard and just enjoy the beautiful nature. 

Hawaii

• The beaches are probably mine and most other people's favorite Hawaiian feature! It's nice being in water that is clear enough that you can actually see your own feet. Plus, it's sooo warm! 
• Relaxing by the pool with your favorite burger and a pineapple smoothie isn't too bad either! 
• Tourist attractions! Because Hawaii is such a popular vacation spot, there are plenty of fun attractions to visit. Last time I went, we went ziplining on one of the world's longest! 

That's all for today! I encourage everyone to always travel and try new things! I should probably take my own advice.

 Night night! 

Travel Calendar

Hello Bloggers!
I'm glad you are all safe and sound after a spooky Halloweekend! I love Halloween and I am so sad to see that it is over. ): 

Many people wonder what the best time of year is to travel somewhere, so I thought I would make my very own travel calendar! Hope this helps! 

Winter
December - Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the perfect place to escape the cold winter weather. December brings its dry season, so visiting now is best! 
January - Playa del Carmen
In winter, the beach atmosphere is laid back, and there is a plentiful supply of beautiful golf courses and strong drinks. Warning: Check prices before you book. Playa del Carmen tends to attract snowbirds! 
February - Lake Tahoe
Not a snowbird? Lake Tahoe is always beautiful, but especially at this time of year! Enjoy the sparkling snow scenery. Make sure to bring your camera and a snowboard!

Spring
March - Bermuda
Spring is the last chance to snag winter hangover deals! With the prices and population down, you can truly enjoy the beaches and expansive golf courses. 
April - Orlando (Walt Disney World) 
Spring is the perfect time to visit Florida. The weather is beautiful at a constant 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Take the family to Disney World before the summer crowds flood in! 
May - Amsterdam 
In Spring, you can watch the beautiful city shed its winter layers for the blooming flowers of the season. Take a stroll or a bike ride and enjoy the scenery! 

Summer
June - Paris
Yes, the prices are high and the streets are crowded! The exceptional weather, though, more than makes up for it. It also serves as a great base for an extended European tour.
July- Fiji
There is never really a bad time to visit Fiji, but if you go early enough in the season, you may be able to pay rent next month! Look into booking one of those gorgeous over-water bungalows! 
August - Yellowstone 
In summer, Yellowstone is up and running. You won't run into all of the service closures as you would in winter. It is the perfect family vacation for a very affordable price! 

Fall/Autumn
September - San Francisco
With the tourists long gone, navigation across the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street becomes a lot easier! Also, make sure to take your kids to Ghiradelli for some amazing chocolaty treats.
October - Chicago 
With cheap flights and hotel costs, Chicago becomes a very desireable fall destination! If you are looking to test your stamina, the Chicago marathon is held every October. 
November - New York City
New York is always beautiful, but at this time of year, you can witness the true splendor of Central Park's trees. Plus, get ahead on your holiday shopping at all of the trendy stores! 

That's all for today Bloggers! I hope planning your next trip is easier. xoxo 

Trick or Treat?

BOO! 
I hope my fellow Bloggers are having a spooky Halloween! To help you all with this, I thought I would share some of the best Halloween attractions in the country, some of which are my personal favorites. If you think you are too cool to go "trick or treating", this is the perfect solution for an amazingly spooky night with your best friends. Or you can just be like me and clear the candy aisle, then watch your favorite Halloween marathon all night.

#1 Knott's Scary Farm (Buena Park, CA) 
Scary Level: Gettin' Spooky
In late fall, California's very own Knott's Scary Farm is the most-attended fall attraction in the world! As if the thrilling rides were not enough, more and more haunted mazes are opening up that will give you the memories of a lifetime! Enter if you dare... 

Photographed by Knott's Berry Farm

#2 Disney's Haunted Mansion (Orlando, FL)

Scary Level: Not so Scary!

Looking for more of a family destination? This is definitely the place! The haunted mansion is up all throughout the season, so if you're planning a vacation to the happiest place on earth, make this #1 on your to-do list! The haunted mansion is "fun and spooky but not so scary that you would need to have your children in therapy for years."-Ed and Marsha Edmunds. 

"The Haunted Mansion" by Disney World 

#3 Eastern State Penitentiary's Terror Behind the Walls (Philadelphia) 

Scary Level: Very Scary!!!

If you're looking for a real scream this Halloween, this is the place to be! It takes place in an actual haunted prison, and the elaborate designs, costumes, and effects bring it over the top! Experienced haunted-housers say this is the number one place to be for a terrifying night full of deadly surprises. *Not recommended for children! 

"Terror Behind the Walls" by www.philly.com 

Good-bye Bloggers! If we are still together for next Sunday's post, that means you survived whatever haunted plans lay ahead for you. Best of luck!

Road Trip vs. Flying?

Hello Bloggers!
Today I am going to bring up a common argument in the traveling world-- means of transportation. Sure, once you reach your destination you are in your personal paradise bubble, but isn't traveling half the battle? Especially for long journeys. Many families/ travelers argue over whether they will drive or fly and they list several advantages to both. I want to discuss (cough *rant) my opinion on this topic. Before I do this, I should list the pros and cons of both that are commonly fought over. 

Driving

• Bonding 
• Cheaper
• Pit-stops 
• Wear and tear on car
• Time
• Don't need to rent a car

Flying

• Fast
• Easy
• Can be expensive
• Boring 
• Can be scary/uncomfortable 

Let the ranting begin... 

       I don't know about all of you, but I definitely can NOT see the appeal in driving. Unless you have a big, comfortable RV meant for exploring the country, why would you want to spend hour upon hour in a cramped car? Yes, a plane isn't the Ritz Carlton either, but at least it is a short ride! Some people enjoy the bonding experience of driving, but isn't that what taking a vacation is for? I would personally rather bond over room service and the beach than McDonald's and my baby brother crying in the back seat.

         The most common argument for driving to a vacation destination is... take a guess...MONEY! People think they are saving a lot money if they drive, but this is not necessarily true. I mean heellllloooo??? Take a look at the nearest gas station, and then tell me if you feel like driving is the economic choice. Besides the gas money, the wear and tear of the car is really not worth the plane ticket "savings". For example, I live in San Diego. If I wanted to drive to Texas, (I am being generous here. Texas is only half way across the country!)  using the average gas price per gallon in America, it would still cost me several hundred dollars. This is about the same price as a plane ticket. Now add this to the price of car damage and repair plus the price of several days worth of fast-food. Happy Meals aren't cheap nowadays! 

          People must really love their families if they think the idea of spending a few days constantly within 5 feet of them sounds fun. Although it could possibly be a "bonding experience," the more likely scenario is that everyone becomes sick of each other before the vacation even begins, which is now way shorter because you'd spend half of the trip diving. 

          Taking a plane is fast, easy, and affordable, just make sure to buy your ticket far in advance for the best deals! Scared of flying? Take a pill to calm down and take a nap, or just think "deep breaths." This has always been a problem for me because I am very claustrophobic; the thought of being stuck with over 100 other people in a metal cylinder thousands of feet off the ground freaks me out. But if I'm claustrophobic there, I can't even imagine the car ride. 

           Just take my advice and never drive! It's expensive, annoying, crowded, and takes forever. 

"Easter Road Chaos" by MailOnline

This does not look like my cup of tea!

 That's all for today Bloggers! Thanks for listening(: 

California

 Hello Bloggers! 
          I am currently sitting in my backyard with my feet in the pool and enjoying my warm, sunny, Sunday afternoon. I can hear the rolling waves from my house. In my biased opinion, California is the perfect place to vacation and what first comes to mind when I think paradise. I always try to remind myself how lucky I am to live in sunny San Diego. California is one of the most diverse states around, which makes it perfect for any traveler! What doesn't the Golden State have to offer? Ranging from snowy mountains and huge forests to sunny beaches, there are endless opportunities for new experiences. 

Beaches
What's the first thing everyone thinks of when they hear "California"? The beach!!! And no, not everyone surfs! California beaches are the state's number one tourist attraction. People who live on the coast tend to take them for granted and think of them as a normal part of daily life, but we forget that most people have to travel across the country. Some of the best beaches to visit are Laguna, Venice, Hermosa, and Newport Beach. 

"California Beach Pictures Wallpaper" by Wall Paper Vacations

Theme Parks
My absolute favorite thing about California is the variety of theme and amusement parks. Drop grandma off at the beach for a day and enjoy a thrilling California experience! Some of my personal favorites include Six Flags, Knotts Berry Farm, Universal Studios, and saving best for last, DISNEY LAND!!! Who wouldn't love "the happiest place on earth?" It is the perfect attraction to top off your magical vacation. 

"Redstar City Breaks- A Disneyland Vacation" by redstarcitybreaks.com

 

Winter Destinations
Like I said, California is known for its variety. Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain, and many other places are the perfect destination for those of you who love the winter. You can enjoy the skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or sipping hot cocoa in the lounge (that's where I'll be!). A great deal is now available for you snow-lovers! Now with the Cali4nia Pass, at only one flat rate, (varies by age) you can have unlimited access to all four mountains! Click here for more info. 

"Mammoth_612390_PisteMap_01" by Snows Best

That's all for today folks! I hope you all will visit and enjoy California as much as I do! 

Fall Colors

Hello Bloggers! Fall is finally here! Unfortunately for me, here in sunny San Diego, I don't get to experience the breathtaking sights and beautiful colors of fall. If I lived somewhere where it was actually seasonal, fall would be my favorite time of year. The cozy sweaters, colorful scenery, pumpkin spice lattes, and anticipation of Christmas time just around the corner... In honor of the new season I am going to show you some of the world's best seasonal spots to visit!

Colorado 

I mean come on? Is an explanation even necessary here? I would kill to spend my fall in a city lit up like a Christmas tree. Colorado has always been known as one of world's most beautiful fall destinations. It could afford to spread the love! Colorado is the dream for all nature lovers. While enjoying the scenery you can hike, fish, mountain bike, or horseback ride in the famous Estes valley, or even help with flood recovery projects! 

"Colorado Leaves Color Report" from Examiner

Oregon

Oh my gosh (major happy dance insertion) I will actually be able to witness the beautiful season! I am visiting Portland during Thanksgiving break this year. I hope I am not too late and will only be seeing naked trees and falllen leaves. Some of the most beautiful places to visit are the Columbia River and the majestic trail of waterfalls-- my favorite being Multnomah falls! I've been to the top:). The breathtaking view of the valley below is worth the hike! My favorite way to enjoy the scenery is to drive along the Columbia river highway and view 900 foot-tall cliffs and flowing waterfalls. The best place to visit for an ultimate color contrast is the Portland Japanese Garden. 

"The Best Waterfalls Nearest Portland" by TravelTips

Canada

Canada has always been recognized as one of the most seasonal places to visit. Really, you can go anywhere and there is guaranteed beauty, no need to name a few cities. There are many fun things to do while enjoying the scenery that include hiking, renting a bike, riding the gondola, exploring the mountains, or even playing a friendly round of golf. After a long day of activity, you can even relax your  tired muscles by enjoying a Scandinavian bath or a Swedish massage. 

"Fall Colours" by Graham Hobster

That's all for today bloggers! I hope you enjoy your fall like I am beginning to with my breakfast of a pumpkin spice muffin(: !