While the summer is almost coming to an end for school kids ready to return to "work", how can it have gone so fast? Time simply sped through this summer of staycationing. Honestly, I spent more time at home than I can ever remember, and I did make the dollars (or lack of them) stretch. But it was a bummer!
Many look to this time as the mad rush and dash to grab those last few ounces of vacation before parents especially get strapped down for another eon (so it seems). But me? I am gleefully waiting for the kids to head back to school so I can begin my travel. I wait for the prices to go down, availability to go up, and my favorite beaches, theme parks and tourist rides to provide smooth sailing on open seas. Catalina Island is one of my autumn faves.
For those who see the cup half empty as the summer nears its last days, I see the cup filling up as I find more hotel rooms, and truly believe the prices will go down on some of my favorite hotel destinations in California after the summer's gone.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Top Vacations before the summer fades
Vacations in California are nearing their summer's end, and as the sun now sets earlier in the night, so the days of summer wane. Where are people going for their last summer hurrah on Calif. Vacations? Central Coast Cambria is a popular spot. San Diego vacations is usually tops for the weekend exodus or for the last great escape before summer departs us. Orange County's Laguna Beach never ceases to exceed expectations. If you're looking for a great vacation or even a weekend getaway, there's plenty of availability in the largest cities such as San Diego and Los Angeles. The beach weekends in Orange County and on the Central Coast do fill up. San Francisco has plenty of hotel rooms this summer. It's a good time to see the city by the bay for one of the better deals in the state.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Vacations are changing this year
What an odd year for California vacations! August has fizzled when it normally sizzles. Everyone we've spoken with in the industry and outside it say that this year will be the most depressing year seen in most people's lives, especially in the U.S. Shopping on what's normally busy Belmont Shore is like a ghost town on a warm August afternoon. The malls--how are these businesses lasting so long?
And yet in the restaurant business there's expansion amidst the depression. People are out eating. Some high-end restaurants aren't making it and even some budget spots.
The difference I am seeing most is that people who would normally go to Europe and enjoy international travel are staying closer to home. And those who normally do drive trips, are staying more often with relatives, or shortening their vacations--and booking last minute.
And yet in the restaurant business there's expansion amidst the depression. People are out eating. Some high-end restaurants aren't making it and even some budget spots.
The difference I am seeing most is that people who would normally go to Europe and enjoy international travel are staying closer to home. And those who normally do drive trips, are staying more often with relatives, or shortening their vacations--and booking last minute.
San Francisco is the Top Vacation Spot--So What?
If you leave you pocket book at home, you can still have a wonderful time in San Francisco, where pandhandling reigns supreme. Sorry to be so brutally frank, but there are probably more panhandlers in San Francisco than any city in the US, short of New York.
Having just returned from the city by the bay, I noticed more panhandlers lately than I've ever really seen before. The city never really lost that raw edge and melting pot look and feel that tourists love (in addition to the great attractions and bay views), but it's returning to the heydey of the 60's with its look and feel.
A friend who has a gay kid is totally immersed and accepting of the gay lifestyle but on her recent visit, she said it was a bit overwhelming how many lesbians she saw--everywhere she looked.
These are just a few slices of life and things that stand out on trips to SF.
But for the average tourist who can play like you don't speak San Franciscan, when being pan handled just pretend you don't understand and you should be fine. Beach hotels near the city include some south of there such as my favorite luxury beach resorts, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay and The Beach House.
There are plenty of affordable digs (hotels) in San Francisco and outside. But do explore and head for the coast. It's the pause that refreshes.
Having just returned from the city by the bay, I noticed more panhandlers lately than I've ever really seen before. The city never really lost that raw edge and melting pot look and feel that tourists love (in addition to the great attractions and bay views), but it's returning to the heydey of the 60's with its look and feel.
A friend who has a gay kid is totally immersed and accepting of the gay lifestyle but on her recent visit, she said it was a bit overwhelming how many lesbians she saw--everywhere she looked.
These are just a few slices of life and things that stand out on trips to SF.
But for the average tourist who can play like you don't speak San Franciscan, when being pan handled just pretend you don't understand and you should be fine. Beach hotels near the city include some south of there such as my favorite luxury beach resorts, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay and The Beach House.
There are plenty of affordable digs (hotels) in San Francisco and outside. But do explore and head for the coast. It's the pause that refreshes.
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