Whether you are visiting San Diego with your family or winging it with a group of friends, you do not have to go broke getting to know this sunny, fun-loving city. Finding budget-friendly attractions to visit can be a challenge, but they are out there. Spend time at the beach, lounge in a park, take in a ball game, go seal watching, or visit Old Town San Diego. You can even find inexpensive tours that take you through the sites all for one low price. Download an app for a free self-guided walking tour that will guide you through the city and point out all the points of interest. Most of the apps are free to download and the great thing is, you can go at your own pace. While you are out and about in fantastic San Diego, find suitcase storage nearby to keep your things safe. Don’t lug your heavy bags and backpacks around the city while you are exploring. See the sights hands-free! How it works is you search the most convenient location for your needs, whether it be downtown, near the San Diego Zoo, the Airport, etc. You then book online to reserve your unit. Head to the location, show them your reservation and drop off your suitcases. Prices run about $5.90 per bag for 24 hours. Balboa Park While not the typical park you usually think of, Balboa Park is a collection of sculpted gardens and museums offering fantastic cultural experiences for everyone. While the museums do charge small admission fees, you can still check out a few on a budget. Look for available discount and combination tickets. If you happen to be a San Diego local, check out free admission Tuesdays and see even more of Balboa Park. The Air and Space Museum is
Whether you are visiting San Diego with your family or winging it with a group of friends, you do not have to go broke getting to know this sunny, fun-loving city. Finding budget-friendly attractions to visit can be a challenge, but they are out there. Spend time at the beach, lounge in a park, take
Last week, America’s newest airline — Northern Pacific Airways — put on a fabulous show at the unveiling of their first aircraft, a Boeing 757-200. Press from as far as Great Britain, Barcelona, Hawaii, and New York City flooded the event; many representing aviation media. As we entered the hanger at California’s San Bernardino International Airport, a video of the shiny new bird was projected on the wall, garnering excitement for the unveiling of the actual plane later that evening. Rob McKinney, the airlines CEO, was there for interviews. McKinney has been instrumental in launching and resurrecting numerous airlines in his career. Most recently, Alaska’s RAVN airline in 2020 to which Northern Pacific will join. McKinney touts Northern Pacific as an Alaskan company initially making Anchorage their hub. Starting the end of 2022, flights from East Asia will stop in The Frontier State before continuing on to cities in California, Nevada, New York and Florida. Eventually, Northern Pacific will expand their routes. But for now, with COVID restrictions, the soon to be fleet of eight planes will shuttle between those locations. Within five to seven years they’re hoping to have 50 planes! The Boeing 757-200 narrow-body will have three classes — business, economy plus, and economy — with hopes of filling 180 seats daily between the classes. Unlike traditional loyalty programs which offer points or miles, Northern Pacific will provide the cryptocurrency Fly Coin. Passengers will acquire cryptocurrency they can use to book future flights and eventually Anchorage airport merchants will accept Fly Coin as a form of payment. It’s both exciting and peculiar launching an airline during a pandemic. But then again, should Northern Pacific need to iron out any problems, this will be the time before air travel is in full swing again. https://np.com/
Last week, America’s newest airline — Northern Pacific Airways — put on a fabulous show at the unveiling of their first aircraft, a Boeing 757-200. Press from as far as Great Britain, Barcelona, Hawaii, and New York City flooded the event; many representing aviation media. As we entered the hanger at California’s San Bernardino International
Spring has sprung. After a long, sheltered winter, it’s time to get outdoors, freshen our homes, and shed our winter coats. This year especially, spring has a heightened sensed of renewal. With COVID vaccinations accelerating, we’ll be able to throw open our doors and spend time with friends and family. As the days grow longer, we’ll hang out at the beach and have meals around the picnic table with fresh produce on the menu. Embrace the season and its blooming flowers, warmer temperatures, and singing birds. Here are tips to usher in spring! Plant Herbs & Vegetables There’s nothing like fresh vegetables and herbs straight from the earth. It’s simple to grow your own. Starting from seed is the most fun and cost effective option. You can grow spring veggies and herbs in pots or in the ground. Both work great! Botanical Interests, a USA based seed company, offers non-GMO, organic seeds. Their veggie collection has ten packets delivered in a gift box tied with a bow. Pretty! You’ll be eating these goodies all summer. It includes: Heirloom Organic Bush Bean "Blue Lake 274" or “Contender.” Heirloom Organic Broccoli "Di Cicco.” Heirloom Organic Carrot "Red Cored Chantenay" or "Scarlet Nantes.” Sweet Corn "True Gold.” Heirloom Organic Cucumber "Spacemaster" or “Marketmore.” Organic Pea "Sugar Snap.” Heirloom Organic Radish "Cherry Belle.” Heirloom Organic Summer Squash "Black Beauty Zucchini.” Tomato Bush Roma “Supremo.” Heirloom Organic Tomato Pole "Black Krim.” Click here to order. Growing herbs is a great addition to your produce garden. A ten packet collection of Botanical Interests’ non-GMO seeds (also in a gift box tied with a bow ????) includes: Heirloom Organic Basil "Italian Genovese.” Heirloom Organic Chives “Common.” Heirloom Organic Cilantro "Long Standing.” Dill “Tetra.” Heirloom Organic Lemon Balm. Heirloom Marjoram. Heirloom Organic
Spring has sprung. After a long, sheltered winter, it’s time to get outdoors, freshen our homes, and shed our winter coats. This year especially, spring has a heightened sensed of renewal. With COVID vaccinations accelerating, we’ll be able to throw open our doors and spend time with friends and family. As the days grow
Today, March 2nd, is Read Across America day — the nation’s largest celebration of reading. The purpose is to excite children and adults about this waning pastime. People from all walks of life engage with their community, spurring on enthusiasm to get lost in the pages of a good book. This day resonates with many people, myself included. As a journalist, I spend a large portion of my day with the written word. Afterwards, I want to veg out in front of the TV. But, then I remember the pleasure of a good novel. Books teach us, open our eyes, make us laugh, let us escape, and expand our minds. In honor of Read Across America day, here are a few of my favorite books I think you’ll enjoy. Their genres run the gamut. Many have stood the test of time and are still relevant today. A few you’ll want to purchase, allowing you to reference them anytime. Here are 10 favorite books for Read Across America Day! Winterdance I read this book prior to an Alaskan Iditarod vacation. But that needn’t be a prerequisite to thoroughly enjoy Gary Paulsen’s adventure. The escapades of Paulsen and his lovable team of misfit mutts will make you belly laugh! Their collective lack of wilderness knowledge results in a roller coaster of emotions during the 17-day, 1,180 mile Alaskan Iditarod race. This is a book you'll read more than once. Click here to purchase: https://amzn.to/3uh79z9 What Should I Do With My Life? At the age of 41 I made a career change. After years working in advertising, I segued my skills of writing press releases into writing travel articles, and never looked back. But, it wasn’t without a bit of angst. Given the current employment climate, many of you may be wanting to make
Today, March 2nd, is Read Across America day — the nation’s largest celebration of reading. The purpose is to excite children and adults about this waning pastime. People from all walks of life engage with their community, spurring on enthusiasm to get lost in the pages of a good book. This day resonates with many
Oaxaca, Mexico is known for its mole — a rich, velvety sauce comprised of chilis, spices, nuts, fruit, tomatoes, and chocolate blended and served over browned meat. The state claims seven different types of mole, each with a unique flavor. They range from savory-sweet to spicy. While the indigenous dish takes approximately one hour to prepare, the steps are simple and a good way to spend time with friends and family in the kitchen. Cooking mole from scratch requires about two dozen ingredients. However, it's the perfect recipe to make in large batches and pop in your freezer for future meals. As I learned on a recent visit to Oaxaca, no trip to the southern state is complete without taking a mole cooking class. My husband and I enrolled with Me Encanta Oaxaca. Due to COVID-19, they currently only offer private classes. Our chef, Betsaida Lopez Dias, was wonderful! We called her Betsy. She speaks perfect English and her culinary skills are top notch. Me Encanta’s tour includes transportation to and from your hotel, a stop at the local mercado, and an at-home cooking class with Betsy’s sweet Mama and Papa as sous chefs. Their authentic Mexican kitchen and cookware enhances the experience. You’ll enjoy lots of laughs while learning to create this delicious dish. I chose to make almond mole. Other options include rojo, verde, negro, amarillo, coloradito, chichilo and more. You can learn about each one in the cookbook “Oaxaca: Home Cooking From the Heart of Mexico.” Here is how to cook Mexican mole from scratch! Ingredients The ingredients can be found at your grocery store or local Mexican market. Measurements are simple — a pinch of this, a handful of that. It’s how Betsy cooks, adding to the fun! ● 4 pieces of chicken — 2
Oaxaca, Mexico is known for its mole — a rich, velvety sauce comprised of chilis, spices, nuts, fruit, tomatoes, and chocolate blended and served over browned meat. The state claims seven different types of mole, each with a unique flavor. They range from savory-sweet to spicy. While the indigenous dish takes approximately one hour to
Flying during COVID-19 is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong. Remaining close to home is understandable. And with precautions, venturing further can be done safely. This month, I’m taking my first international trip since the pandemic started in February. Mexico is the destination to celebrate my 60th birthday. I’ve taken extra safety precautions outlined by the CDC to protect myself and others. These provisions in conjunction with airlines’ strict sanitizing protocols will help reduce the chances of contracting coronavirus. Here are five tips on flying during COVID-19 Book With Airlines Who Block Middle Seats Aircrafts are cleaner now than they’ve been in years. Mandatory fogging and daily deep cleaning ensure sanitation measures are at their utmost highest. Commercial aircrafts use a HEPA filter in their cabins, according to Collins Aerospace. These generate air as clean or cleaner than in a hospital operating room. The environmental control system replaces the air in the cabin every 2 - 3 minutes on commercial aircrafts. The addition of required face masks for passengers and crew helps lower the risk of being exposed to coronavirus particles. To take safety one step further, choose an airline which blocks the middle seat in each row. The empty seat between you and a fellow passenger helps create social distance. The list of U.S. carriers who adhere to this standard changes daily. As of now, these airlines do not sell the middle seat when flying during COVID-19: Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian & Southwest. Take a Sanitation & Immune Boosting Kit Sanitizing your seat, and surrounding area, as well as maintaining a strong immune system are both important. Put together a kit with essential items to take onboard the plane when flying during COVID-19. My sanitation and immunity kit contains the following ten products. I’ve provided links
Flying during COVID-19 is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong. Remaining close to home is understandable. And with precautions, venturing further can be done safely. This month, I’m taking my first international trip since the pandemic started in February. Mexico is the destination to celebrate my 60th birthday. I’ve taken extra safety
With travel plans on hold due to COVID 19, many of us had to cancel our summer vacation. But, not all is lost. You don’t need to visit far flung destinations to feed your sense of adventure! Most people haven’t explored their own backyard! Now’s the time for a staycation. An unforgettable weekend is waiting in your own hometown. Here are tips to plan a fun staycation! Mark Dates on the Calendar As you would with any vacation, choose the dates and mark your calendar. Make sure family events or previously scheduled commitments won’t interfere with your plans. Next, begin searching for gentrified neighborhoods which offer hidden attractions. A great source is Atlas Obscura . They profile unusual attractions and sites in cities nationwide. I’ve referenced their online content numerous times when traveling and found the recommendations to be lots of fun. Rent an Airbnb or Hotel Room We all need to get out of the house! A change of scenery is good. Rent an Airbnb or hotel room in a neighborhood you’ve always dreamed of living. Try the city life at a downtown high-rise hotel, or enjoy a quaint Airbnb cottage in the country. I've rented Airbnbs around the world — from Paris, France to Seattle, Washington. This allows me to live like a local. Charming boutique hotels and their many amenities are also fun. I like to alternate between Airbnbs and hotels when I travel. Try a New Restaurant No need to leave your city to try cuisine from other countries. Lots of local ethnic restaurants welcome diners to try flavors from other lands. I find the small, family run, hole in the wall is usually best. Immigrants put their heart and soul into the preparation. Food is the consummate unifier. Gathering for a meal is the
With travel plans on hold due to COVID 19, many of us had to cancel our summer vacation. But, not all is lost. You don’t need to visit far flung destinations to feed your sense of adventure! Most people haven’t explored their own backyard! Now’s the time for a staycation. An unforgettable weekend is waiting
These past few months have seen many of us snack a bit more than usual. Home isolation close to the pantry has savory and sweet treats constantly available. One of my achilles heel in the munchie world is pretzels. Salt and dough. What’s not to love? They’ve long been ranked around the world as a top 10 favorite snack. Most people have a preferred brand. But, few know about Hammond’s, the oldest family operated, handmade pretzel bakery in America. It opened in 1931, and the fifth generation now runs the small factory located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. How The Pretzel Began “Pretiolas” as pretzels were first known in 600 A.D., are the invention of an Italian monk who came up with the unique twist. It was embraced throughout Europe and became a symbol of luck and prosperity in the German culture. They brought pretzels to the United States during immigration in the 1800’s. William Hammond, along with his grandson William Lichty, started Hammond’s pretzel in their adjoining garages during the Great Depression. They used a Pennsylvania Dutch style recipe from when Hammond was a pretzel baker. Subsequently, family members joined the business. Fast forward 80 years, brother and sister, Brian and Karen, are keeping the shelves stocked for their fans. The Secret to Their Success Today the business continues to operate in the original Lancaster location. Bakers still hand roll and twist the sour dough. It's then baked in an oven on a soapstone hearth, and removed when golden brown. The result is an amazingly crunchy delight! Hammond's makes eight different varieties including regular salt, light salt, no salt, and extra salt, as well as chocolate covered and chocolate clusters. Hammond’s Pretzels are sold in stores throughout Pennsylvania. Those living outside the state can order off their website. I order a
These past few months have seen many of us snack a bit more than usual. Home isolation close to the pantry has savory and sweet treats constantly available. One of my achilles heel in the munchie world is pretzels. Salt and dough. What’s not to love? They’ve long been ranked around the world as a
We had the good fortune of connecting with Travel Journalist Maggie Espinosa and we’ve shared our conversation below. Hi Maggie, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of? Since I began as a travel journalist twenty years ago, the industry has significantly transitioned. In the beginning, I predominately wrote for newspaper and magazines, peppered with radio interviews and television appearances. Now, everything has segued online — blogs, podcasts, and videos. Because of these changes, I’ve needed to create a personal website/blog to showcase my work, as well as continually curate content for my social media platforms. Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally? As I write this, the world is in the midst of a pandemic and unrest. All aspects of my travel brand — curating content about far flung destinations for readers, hosting guests at my San Diego Airbnb, purchasing foreign indigenous items to sell on my online store (Global Personal Shopper), etc. — are on hold. For now, along with my travel contemporaries, I’m treading water to see what steps the industry will take next. Because my demographics are women ages 45-65, I cater to those who may be more trepidatious about venturing abroad at the first sign of border openings. The challenge will be determining their comfort level and providing them with the needed information to travel comfortably. I’ve learned through my years in this profession, in order to survive one must learn and then pivot to stay relevant. What ever will become of the travel industry after COVID-19, I will adapt and move forward. If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to? I’m fortunate to live in San Diego,
We had the good fortune of connecting with Travel Journalist Maggie Espinosa and we’ve shared our conversation below. Hi Maggie, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of? Since I began as a travel journalist twenty years ago, the industry has significantly transitioned. In
Summer getaways will be different this year. Coronavirus has altered plans to far flung destinations. Road trips will be popular, as they were years ago. Slow paced exploration in nearby states, national parks, and hiking spots are on the itinerary. Self contained modes of transportation such as cars and RV's will take precedence over planes. Hotels will be bypassed for camper bunks and tents. Having taken a cross country RV road trip a few years ago, I can attest to the laughter, adventure, and camaraderie enjoyed on such a vacation. My husband, two nephews — ages 8 and 16 — and I rented an RV and drove from San Diego, CA to Niagara Falls, NY There are specifics you'll need to know before hitting the open road. The type/class of RV which best suits your excursion, rental options, amenities, generators and mileage charges. And, most important, if you're able to drive a large RV. The process is simple. Here are steps to follow for an unforgettable holiday. How to rent an RV for a summer road trip! Choosing the Correct RV There are different types of motor homes. They are divided into those in which you drive inside the RV and those you tow behind your vehicle. Of the drivable choices there are three: Class A The largest recreational vehicle class. They range from 21 feet to 45 feet in length, with the average being roughly 33 feet. Height is 10 feet. The frame is built on a commercial bus chassis, similar to an 18-wheeler truck. Typically six to ten people can sleep comfortably inside. There is a bedroom in the back, and couches which convert into beds. Gas mileage is anywhere from seven to ten miles per gallon. Its size makes it more challenging to maneuver. Average rental cost
Summer getaways will be different this year. Coronavirus has altered plans to far flung destinations. Road trips will be popular, as they were years ago. Slow paced exploration in nearby states, national parks, and hiking spots are on the itinerary. Self contained modes of transportation such as cars and RV’s will take precedence over planes.
