Source: darlingstuff.org via Bethany on Pinterest
It’s easy to forget that Southern California celebrates summer just like everyone else. The Pacific warms, days grow long and the nights are cool–a perfect canvas for your summer style.
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By Pop Culture Geek | Flickr Creative Commons
Over the past decade, the downtown area has flourished with new restaurants, hotels, luxury apartment complexes and a bustling nightlife scene. Better yet, staying in downtown San Diego allows you to experience the best of what America’s Finest City has to offer, because you are only a short drive to some of the most famous beaches in the world.
There are some pretty swanky hotels in San Diego, but one of the best, under the radar deals I’ve found is for a week stay at Gaslamp Plaza Suites in the historic Gaslamp District.
For $500 a week, the Gaslamp Plaza Suites can be your home away from home. The studio suite sleeps four guest comfortably and is a Vacation Club International Property. This is definitely the place for a romantic getaway with the person you love. Time share amenities include a rooftop Jacuzzi, fine dining at Dakota Restaurant, and nightclub entertainment on site. Alternatively, this would also be a great spot for a solo traveler or business traveler visiting San Diego, especially because of all the fantastic attractions and restaurants, including Seaworld, Balboa Park, Mexico, La Jolla, the San Diego Zoo.
On the other hand, if you are traveling to San Diego with your family, then you may want to check out this comfortable time share at the Wyndham Harbour Lights, which sleeps two adults and two children. It’s also located in the historic Gaslamp District and is just a stone’s from the famed districts best restaurants, mere steps away from the 150+ shops found at Horton Plaza, and within walking distance of the San Diego Convention Center.
One of my favorites restaurants in San Diego is located in the Gaslamp District. Croce’s, which is named after the late singer and was started by his wife, is an easy recommendation for your stay in downtown. Not only is the food superb, but the service is some of the best I’ve encountered. Even if you are not hungry, I still recommend stopping into the bar, which serves up divine drinks and live entertainment.
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Photo by Oscalito via Flickr.
Sunny California is famous for its stunning scenery, awesome weather, beautiful beaches, bronzed surfers, sensational sunsets and their wine, among other things. And what better destination for an epic road trip, than the sunshine state of California on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. There are loads of affordable flights on budget airlines heading to California; you just have to do a bit of homework to find them, and you could get a really good deal.
And with so many places to choose from, how do you pick a destination in California to start? Booking flights on budget airlines may include a good deal with a package option that will include a rental car, and depending on where you want to go, this will help greatly with the planning of a road trip through the Golden State.
Photo by eGuide Travel, on Flickr.
The iconic Californian road trip has to make a start on the famous Route 66. The original highway road, which is sadly not used so much anymore, is the perfect start to an incredible road trip. Many people like to really have an adventure and experience the Route 66 on the back of a motorcycle, and those who have done it before, swear that there is nothing quite like it. But, it’s just as good in a car – with loads of historic places, quaint and quirky roadside stalls, filling stations, cafes and diners, Route 66 is a totally unique road trip, in a class of its own.
If you are planning to do the Route 66 on a motorcycle, don’t give it back to the motorcycle rental agents just yet. There is one more place you have to go on a motorbike, especially if you are a two wheel enthusiast. The Twisty Redwood Ride is 22 miles of pure adrenalin rush, starting at the northerly end of Highway One just on the way to the town of Leggett. Wind your way through the twists and turns of the redwood forests, and let the sights and sounds and scents of nature fill your senses.
Now if you want to really experience the decadence of the Californian playground for the rich and famous, then one stop you must make and you should anyway, it’s incredibly beautiful, is the Pacific Coast Highway through to Malibu. Tucked away in secluded and discreet corners of the rugged coastal cliffs, you will see some of Malibu’s most sensational mansions, palatial beach pads and indulgent summer homes, belonging to the Californian super elite.
Drift along through to Santa Monica, eat ice cream on the boardwalk under the sensual sway of the palm trees, and look out over a breeze ruffled turquoise ocean, while the sun sinks between your toes. Resplendent and magnificent, the Pacific Coast Highway is the pure epitome of a Californian snapshot.
With so many diverse corners of sunny California, there are no two regions that are the same, and this is so much more evident as you start traveling on Highway 3 on your way to Mount Shasta. You will be forgiven for thinking you may have actually left California altogether, as the landscape takes a dramatic and startling turn, as dense alpine regions and glorious sparkling lakes completely surrounded by rugged mountain ranges, greet you in the Californian wilderness.
California’s Lost Coast is another one of those incredible scene changes, and on your way to San Francisco, traveling north on Highway 101, you will have a chance to experience California in the raw. Incredible landscapes, virtually untouched by modern infrastructure, will leave you stunned.
Elk drift in and out of the scene where the trees are so high they block out the sun, incredible coastal landscapes and rocky mountainous regions are just waiting for the intrepid traveler to get out here and explore. Known as the Lost Coast because of all of the communities that are virtually cut off from the rest of California, because there are no major highway systems, this area remains one of the most beautiful in the world.
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Booking your hotel with Easytobook.com is as easy as riding a bike.
So you’re coming to San Diego, but you’re still not sure where to stay. Now, you could go the usual route of searching one of the many bloated hotel search engines out there (I’m not going to name any names), or you could switch things up and get with the internet’s only hotel matchmaker, Easytobook.com.
In addition to being extremely easy to use, Easytobook.com features a lot of cheap hotels, regardless of star level, because it offers discounts of up to 80 percent with immediate confirmation. Couple that with a stylishly simple layout and you have a site that not only looks good, but also delivers on being a valuable resource. There’s a lot to like about Easytobook.com, but one of my favorite things is the ability to read TripAdvisor reviews about the hotel from within the site. As someone who gets consumed by reviews, this feature, which as far as I know is exclusive to Easytobook.com, really helps me to streamline my hotel searches.
Another highlight of the site is the company’s free downloadable travel guides to some of the world’s most famous cities, including Paris and New York. Now, these aren’t your typical two or three page guides with rehashed information. Instead, these guides are full of insider information (the Paris one is 19 pages) and are more akin to what you would find on a travel tips blog. And for those of you who like to compare hotels head to head, Easytobook.com also offers that feature on its site too.
You’ve already decided to come to America’s Finest City, so why not book your stay with the Worldwide Web’s Finest Hotel Booking Site, and keep more money in your wallet for your upcoming holiday adventure in San Diego.
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I’m huge fan of infographics, in part because I think at their core they are a fantastic way to sum up a lot of information in a quick and fun way that is not only eye-catching but also a great resource, kind of like a visual Wikipedia. Over the last several months, I’ve seen a lot of infographics, but the one I’ve shared below is one of my favorites to date.
Not only does it provide a wealth of information, like distance to the airport from select major cities, which could help you easily figure out if renting a car would be cheaper than cab fare, but it also provides valuable information about parking and WiFi fees as well as tips and online resources for your next flight.
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Above photo by Stig Nygaard via Flickr.
Although this post isn’t about San Diego – we love to feature great places across the US and this fits the bill. Who wouldn’t love to go diving here?
What lurks under the sea is a constant source of fascination. From shipwrecks, coral reefs, brightly-coloured fish and legends of mermaids, the underwater world begs to be explored. Where better than the diving capital of the world?
The Florida Keys are famous for white beaches, clear sea and palm trees, yet Key Largo, the northern-most of the islands, offers more than just a beach destination. Easily accessible by road from southern Florida airports, via an hour’s drive, or Greyhound shuttle bus, Key Largo boasts a year around climate, with an average of low 30’s during July and August, and little rainfall. Long-haul travel can be made easier, less stressful and, more importantly, cheaper, by pre-booking airport extras, such as Heathrow airport parking, with convenient shuttles direct to the terminal.
Whilst your average holiday is about relaxation, why not combine your break with the chance to learn a new skill? With Key Largo’s emphasis on all things marine – literally immerse yourself by taking a PADI endorsed training course during your holiday. Many companies offer packages including accommodation and training takes place in a group environment, enabling you to meet like-minded people. PADI qualifications in diving instruction are a fantastic skill to add to your CV, whether for a future career or just for fun – why not enrich your mind during your annual two weeks away, who knows where it may lead!
Back on dry land, Key Largo boasts not only marine beauty, but botanical too, with the Everglades National Park running along the west, in comparison to the coral reefs in the east. The bright green vegetation is in stark comparison to the blue and white of the beaches – a feast for the eyes. Jump on an airboat for a thrilling ride, passing many migratory birds and if you’re lucky, crocodiles!
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary allows those not wanting to head underwater themselves, the chance to see what the area has to offer.
Yet again, back to the water, with kayaking and canoeing popular, especially on Dusenberry Creek, or maybe some sport fishing, with bonefish, redfish and tarpon all inhabiting the area. For an alternative view, why not try a dolphin-spotting trip? There are also glass bottom boat trips at reasonable prices, with the chance to view the underwater kingdom without getting wet!
Wrinkly skin from all the underwater fun? Take in some of the local artwork in a gallery, or call into one of the quaint shops, selling handcrafted goods and jewellery – a great souvenir. If you just want the chance to relax, many top-class hotels offer fantastic spas, with relaxing massages and treatments – go on, pamper yourself! With the dollars saved from cost-effective extras, such as Luton airport parking, put it towards a little luxury!
When the sun sets, Key Largo chills out. Not had enough open water? Try a sunset cruise, with stunning views, many with dinner included. Worried you’re going to develop gills? Stay on dry land and try one of many delicious seafood restaurants, with freshly-caught fish direct to your plate. There are many restaurants and bars on the island, offering something for everyone.
Whether you decide to relax or learn to dive, Key Largo is a fantastic destination, made even easier on your pocket thanks to money-saving extras, like parking at Gatwick, saving dollars wherever possible.
The underwater world really should be explored, with colours and sights imprinted on your mind forever. It’s even easier to visit this underwater utopia nowadays – what are you waiting for?
Photo by Stig Nygaard via Flickr.
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No matter how hard you try to pack everything, there always seems to be something you forget to take on holiday with you! Whether it’s as silly as a toothbrush or catastrophic as your passport, we’ve all set off without some bit of kit that we meant to pack. It’s also easy to overlook arrangements like where you will keep your car while you’re away, so look into specialist companies like Skypark Secure parking who can take care of this for you.
Hopefully this list will help you avoid making these mistakes in future, leaving you free to enjoy your break.
The essentials
Without these, you won’t be going anywhere – or at least you might have a much harder time! Don’t forget to let your bank know where you’re travelling and for how long, to avoid the risk of having your card declined.
Health & toiletries
While you can always pick these up locally, it’s nice to know you’ve got everything with you when you arrive.
Clothing
While you’re unlikely to forget your everyday clothing, it’s little things like sunglasses and waterproofs that can be devastating if you overlook them! It’s a good idea to research the weather at your chosen destination ahead of time and pack accordingly.
Before you go
It’s worth taking the time to ensure your house is prepared before you leave to guard against anything that could happen while you’re away.
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San Diego’s perfect weather and pristine coastal environment–beaches, mountains and deserts–make America’s Finest City a top spot for outdoor recreational activities, which is why it’s a good idea to look into backpackers insurance for your trip to San Diego.
I know what you are probably thinking, which is something along the lines of: “Insurance, I don’t need no stinking insurance.” Am I right? Trust me, I get it; I used to be like you. That was until I broke my wrist snow tubing (riding down a snowy hill in a tube) a while back, and I changed my tune. It made me realize that I am not invisible and that things can happen, even if you are experienced ( I had about 15 years of snow tubing under my belt when the accident happened), so it’s better–financially, mentally and physically–to be prepared than to have to scramble afterwards when it’s most likely too late.
Unless you are coming to San Diego strictly to get drunk in the plethora of beach watering holes, then there is a great chance you will probably participate in one, if not more, of the many activities San Diego has to offer. So why not play it safe (and smart) and get covered for your trip? And if that’s not reason enough, here are 15 more.
1. Surfing
2. Bungee Jumping
3. Mountain Biking
4. Snowboarding
5. Freestyle Skiing
6. Hiking
7. Jogging
8. Swimming
9. Tennis
10. Golf
11. Snorkeling
12. Wakeboarding
13. Windsurfing
14. Yachting
15. Water Skiing
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What do Microsoft and tennis superstar Andre Agassi, besides a love of cheap flights?
John Taylor’s miniature reproductions; both hold Taylor’s work in their private collections.
Taylor’s spontaneous use of careful research, materials and patina techniques come together to bring timeless portals into the real and imagined past of some of the most revolutionary airships and sea vessels.
The Ghost Fleet exhibition will take place in the OMA Lobby and feature a collection of approximately fourteen mixed media ships created within the last five years.
Taylor crafted Ghost Fleet from a variety of objects: computer motherboards, wire coat hangers, scrap wood, and worn children’s toys. The reclaimed materials not only gives life to old objects, but it also brings to the forefront lesser known vessels that form part of the mystery of maritime culture.
Each ship’s title is based on a historic narrative that Taylor has researched to inspire his work. Examples from the exhibition include the Winans Russian Proposal, a cigar ship designed by American inventor Ross Winans that was never built, and the Charles B. Hill a wooden package freighter formerly the Anchor liner Delaware.
Taylor’s work is inspired, in part by American folk art, the palette of American painter Albert Pinkham Ryder, and maritime novels. Taylor, a self-taught artist has been interested in boating lore and shipping history since childhood. Originally from the Connecticut seacoast, Taylor now lives in San Juan Capistrano and regularly exhibits in Seattle, New York and Los Angeles.
If you can’t make this show, which ends April 8, be sure to look for Taylor’s future LA exhibits, which can be reached easily by an affordable flights to Los Angeles from San Diego International Airport.
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A sandy beach in San Diego, ripe to be filled by traveling families and couples on holidays.
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Featuring corporate housing in residential areas, with ExecuStay you can enjoy the life of a local with your San Diego extended stay.
ExecuStay's San Diego corporate apartments are surrounded by the miles of beaches, coastal charm and a sophisticated urban landscape - making working and relaxing simple.
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