• Akumal, Mexico -- all inclusive, chilling on the beach
    Mexico,  Travel

    Discover Akumal, Mexico: The Tropical Paradise You Need to Know About

    Picture this: you, sprawled out on a sun-kissed beach, a fruity cocktail in hand, and the gentle murmur of the Caribbean Sea serenading your senses. Welcome to Akumal—a slice of tropical paradise tucked away in the stunning Riviera Maya, Mexico. Long overdue for an indulgent tropical getaway, once again we set our sights on Akumal, ticking all the boxes on our vacation wishlist: Yearning for a break from our usual hustle and bustle, we craved a vacation where simply being was enough, without the pressure of doing. Easy Travel Planning for a Tropical Paradise Planning our escape to Akumal was a breeze. Akumal is a known destination in Riviera Maya, so…

  • Las Vegas View at night from the High Roller Ferris Wheel
    Nevada,  Travel,  USA

    Viva Las Vegas: A Whirlwind Weekend of Neon Lights, High Stakes, and White Castle Bliss!

    Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps – unless, of course, you’re in a post-White Castle food coma. Join us for a 3-day whirlwind of glitter, glamour, and gambling in the heart of the Nevada desert! Pre-Trip Gambling Our voyage to Las Vegas was no ordinary trip; it was a celebration of our dear friend’s fabulous birthday. The last time we graced this city, it was for the union of these two beautiful souls at a Vegas wedding, a memory etched in time. While Vegas remains a quick getaway from the SF Bay Area, a dash of planning is now in order. How to get to Las Vegas from the…

  • "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada" sign during daytime
    Nevada,  Travel,  USA

    Las Vegas Off the Beaten Strip

    What is it like to live in Las Vegas as a local? Tourists flock to the Entertainment Capital of the World, bedazzled by the sparkling lights of Sin City, its promises of quick fortunes, and spectacular shows. We are no exception since it’s such an easy weekend getaway from the San Francisco Bay Area, just under a 1.5-hour flight, or under eight hours by car. We’ve done both, but never ventured off the Strip. So, enjoy this guest post by our friend Tom “Frilock” Tozier, who lived in Las Vegas for four years and is happy to share some of his favorite places in Las Vegas as a local!  I wouldn’t…

  • Angels Camp Calaveras County California
    Local Discoveries,  Weekend Getaways

    Gold, Ghosts, Gems, and Giants of Calaveras County, CA (Part 1)

    We all have those special getaway spots that we enjoy revisiting every so often. One of ours is Calaveras County — an easy 3-hour road trip from our home in the SF Bay Area, California, to the heart of the Sierra Nevada’s Mother Lode. It has everything — from Giant sequoia forests and underground caverns to fine dining and local wine tasting. And, with its rugged Wild West vibe, you might also catch a small case of gold fever and try your luck at gold panning. Load up the mule, grab yer hat, and join us on this trip back to the mid-1800s! Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras County This small town…

  • Red Cliffs in Zion National Park Utah
    Travel,  USA,  Utah

    3 Memorable Days in Zion National Park, Utah

    Zion National Park, Utah is about a 3-hour drive northeast from Las Vegas, Nevada, near Springdale. Known for its scenic landscapes, majestic sandstone formations, and the spectacular Virgin River, Zion National Park has been on our radar for years. Our friends were fortunate to visit Zion National Park and were excited to tell us about their trip when they returned home. Not having the chance to visit Zion ourselves yet, we thought it’d be a fantastic idea to have our friends share their experiences with all of you as well. Enjoy this guest post by Naina and Vinod! All images in this post are their own unless specified otherwise. Day…

  • Panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean & Pigeon Point lighhouse
    Day Trips from SF Bay Area,  Local Discoveries

    Fun Things to Do on Pacific Coast Highway near SF Bay Area

    Once you’ve found “the way to San Jose”, there are so many different options for things to do and see, both in and out of town. This post is for those of you who love hopping in the car and taking casual day-trips just to see what’s out there. On this local adventure, we drove west out of San Jose to Santa Cruz, then up the coast on Hwy 1 or the “PCH”. And now we will share our tips on the fun things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway near the San Francisco Bay Area. Seymour Marine Discovery Center Our first stop was at Seymour Marine Discovery Center.…

  • Exterior of the Cobblestone pub
    Ireland,  Travel

    First Time Solo Trip to Dublin, Ireland (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of this series, I’ll cover all the practicalities of traveling solo in Dublin: where to stay, where to eat, drink, and where to shop. I will also share some tips and tricks for the first time visitors to Dublin, Ireland. And if you’ve missed Part 1, here is a link to it. Where to Stay in Dublin, Ireland Being the capital of Ireland, Dublin has a variety of accommodations for every taste and budget. As a solo female traveler, a few things had to be considered. For instance, location of the hotel & neighborhood, short walking distance to the main attractions, safety, comfort of the rooms, and…