Getaways

[caption id="attachment_115792" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Photo courtesy of Shutterstock[/caption] Whether you’re a family with kids or a young professional looking for a getaway, it isn’t too late – or out of budget – to plan a memorable spring trip. All you need is a full tank of gas and your furry best friend to make an unforgettable getaway. Data from online travel agency Booking.com shows that half of traveler’s plan to choose vacation destinations where the cost of living is less than their hometowns in 2024. Exploring lesser-known destinations with a variety of outdoor activities, opting for a road trip with your pet rather than a large group and traveling outside of peak season can all help make adventures more affordable....

[caption id="attachment_114624" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (women hiking)[/caption] If the chance to unplug, recharge and just get away is calling your name, it’s a sign that it’s time to plan a vacation. Whether you envision a trip around...

Over the holidays I had the opportunity to rediscover something that has been in our backyard all along, the Langham Huntington Hotel. Yes, I’ve been to the Langham many times for galas and parties, but I’m talking about the personal...

Making our way up past Santa Barbara to the uber-charming coastal college town of San Luis Obispo to dine large at their weekly Farmer’s market, (More on them in an upcoming edition), we took a colleague’s advice and opted to spend a day in the quirky town of Lompoc. Here’s a very quick history lesson, courtesy of a local historian: Prior to the Spanish conquest, the Lompoc area was inhabited by the Chumash Tribe, as was much of the Central California area, including Santa Barbara.  The name of the city is derived from a Chumash word "Lum Poc" that means "little lake" or "lagoon." The Spanish called it "lumpoco."  Mission La Purísima Concepción was established in 1787, near what is...

There are many ways I’d prefer to travel: drive, take a train, stay at home. But sometimes flying makes the most sense. It’s the fastest way to get where you’re going and will make the most out of a short getaway. Might as well make it quick, easy and a bargain to boot. Those of us who live near the Burbank/Hollywood Airport know how easy it is to fly into and out of. It’s a great alternative to LAX and coincidentally it’s where Avelo Airlines makes its hub on the west coast. I was taking its newest flight route to the Salem, Oregon airport. My daughter lives in Portland and since Salem is just an hour away I decided it...

I don’t visit Vegas often, I’m not a gambler nor am I fond of crowds. But every once in a while I just need a Vegas hit to drink in some of the energy, bright lights and sounds. It’s a...