Southwest
Posted July 14, 2009 by Kate Hamman
Once a favorite stop for people traveling between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is now coming into its own as a major destination. And feeling good is the name of the game. Come discover how affordable this waterfront city can be and what it has to offer with its free audio-walking tour of architecture and history. After you work up an appetite, stop in for some healthy eats before heading to your homey inn nearby.
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Beyond the Rooftops; Santa Barbara's Red Tile Walking Tour: With the help of modern technology and the vocal styling of John O'Hurley from Seinfeld, you can learn all you'd ever want to know about Santa Barbara's Spanish architectural heritage. Once you download the one-hour podcast, you can follow Hurley's directions through 12 blocks to find 22 historic adobes from the 1700s and 1800s. The podcast is free to download.
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The Natural Cafe: Serving only the freshest ingredients, this all-natural cafe doesn't fool around with your health. Vegetarians and vegans will delight in the variety of non-meat and non-dairy options, though it's not all tofu and tempeh. The cafe serves three different types of burgers, all made without red meat, as well as chicken or fish entrees. You can finish your meal with a shake or fruit smoothie without feeling guilty. Entrees start at $6.75.
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Franciscan Inn: Only one block from the beach and close to downtown, the Franciscan Inn combines prime location with killer prices. The 1920s Spanish-style building's setting in a residential neighborhood creates a local atmosphere for your stay and home-baked cookies and a hot beverage bar just add to the welcoming feel. Relax by the outdoor heated pool before making your way to the excitement of the city. Rooms start at $114, and include continental breakfast.
To search for flights and compare prices to Santa Barbara, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Santa Barbara Convention and Visitors Bureau)
Posted July 10, 2009 by Amy Westervelt
There's no place on Earth quite like Big Sur. The tiny hamlet along California's coastal Highway 1 has a little piece of everything that makes the Golden State beautiful crammed into a five-mile radius: redwoods, beaches, cliffs, hot springs, mountains, wildlife—not to mention award-winning spas and restaurants. Thankfully, you can still find a decent deal here, even if you're not into camping.
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Point Sur Lighthouse: The Point Sur State Historic Park & Lighthouse is worth a visit any time of year. Perched on volcanic rock just off the coast, the walkways and lookouts surrounding the lighthouse provide prime Big Sur views even when the area's trademark fog is swirling about. In the summer, however, visitors can take a moonlit tour of the lighthouse. There's no better way to get a sense of the building's original purpose, and on the rare clear summer night, taking in the Big Sur coast by moonlight is an experience not to be missed. Tours cost $10.
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Big Sur Roadhouse: Fortunately, some of the best food in the area is also some of the most affordable, particularly at the Big Sur Roadhouse. With an emphasis on California's Latino roots, the menu includes everything from straightforward but delicious enchiladas and burgers to more inventive dishes such as portobello mushroom caps stuffed with leeks, chilies, and Manchego cheese. The decor is also pleasant with a fireplace in the corner, wooden tables, and plenty of big picture windows, plus the staff is friendly and helpful. Entrees range from $14 to $26.
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Treebones Resort: Set on a hillside with the Los Padres National Forest behind it and sweeping ocean views in front, the Treebones Resort offers 16 yurts, complete with heating, electricity, wood floors, and big comfy beds to make this the most luxurious camping-like experience you've ever had. The property also has a heated pool and hot tub, and a restaurant in the lodge where guests get a self-serve waffle bar breakfast each morning and can opt for dinner too, if they like. Showers and bathrooms are a short stroll away from each yurt, and are absolutely immaculate. Rates start at $155 per night including breakfast and require a two-night minimum on weekends and all stays April through October.
To search for flights and compare prices to San José, which is home to Big Sur’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Big Sur Chamber of Commerce)
Posted July 9, 2009 by Nicki Krawczyk
Just a smidge (technical term) north of Mexico, you’ll find yourself on the balmy beaches of South Padre Island, Texas. A small resort town merely blocks wide at the southern tip of Padre Island, this little burg was decimated by Hurricane Beulah in 1967, only to be subsequently rebuilt into a haven of bliss.
Popular with both families and spring-breaking co-eds (though not usually at the same time), this getaway spot features beach-y Gulf-breeze splendor with no need for those pesky passports. Should you find yourself with an itinerary sending your sunny little self down south in this direction, I’ve compiled a list of must-dos for your minimal moments off the beach.
Kiteboarding. Strap your feet to a board, grab the handle of a kite and (if you catch the wind right) get pulled through the surf faster than you can say “gale-force winds.”
Dolphin Research and Nature Center. With oceans naturally comes ocean life, and with ocean life comes the need for research and conservation. Get a hands-on lesson about all things aquatic around Padre Island and, for a mere 25 bucks, you can even adopt a dolphin. At last check, you could claim a bottlenose named “Nubbins.” Move fast.
Waterpark. With a name like a German medical procedure, Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark sounds a lot less fun than it is. Well, prepare for a pleasant surprise. Tube shoots, surfing machines, uphill water coasters and more await the amusement-seeking chlorine fiend…and a swim-up bar awaits the older libation-seekers.
Sandcastle Building Lessons. Just a little bit of water, some sand, a shovel and a pail? Sure, it’s that simple if you can be comfortable with a mediocre sand castle. For those of you more interested in quality, form, longevity and all-around sand-sational aesthetics, schedule yourself some sandcastle building lessons. You’ve got plenty of expert instructors to choose from: while it may be messy, these people don’t mess around.
Black Dragon Cruises. Ooookay, technically this may qualify as a “kids’ activity” but I’ll remind you that real pirates were certainly not for children. In that spirit, I say head on board this pirate ship and enjoy the heck out of the pirate crew, pirate stories, treasure hunt and, well, face painting. C’mon you’re on vacation; just go with it.
(Picture: www.virtualtourist.com)
Posted July 2, 2009 by Jamie Moore
This year, nearly five million people will descend upon the Grand Canyon. Most will see the one-mile deep wonder along the South Rim from their car. Oh, you hoped you could escape the bumper-to-bumper routine on this trip? Take the track less traveled, and, yes, you will find a quieter, traffic-free route to Grand Canyon's South Rim. Hop a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway, stay off-rim in a lodge surrounded by ponderosa pines, and shop for Native American artwork.
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Grand Canyon Railway: Save the gas—and those poor mules' backs—and opt for a breathtaking journey through the park by train instead. Grand Canyon Railway locomotives make round-trip excursions ($70 to $190) from Williams, AZ, to the heart of the park's South Rim village. Once aboard the early 1900s steam train, you feel like you've been transported to a different time. Best value: A one-night package that includes your round-trip fare, hotel stay in Williams, breakfast, and dinner for $169.50.
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Maswik Lodge: Maswik, a great pick for families, is just 1/4 mile walk (or free shuttle) from the South Rim village hubbub. The lodge is tucked away in a pine forest, and there's a big grassy yard for the kids to roll around in, so you actually feel like you're in a national park, not Grand Central Station. Cabins (summer only) or rooms with two queen beds go for $90 per night, and casual cafeteria-style dining is available in the lodge.
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Hopi House: No need to admit you ever dozed during class. One step into Hopi House and you get a painless recap of history, architecture, and art in one visual sweep—all while you shop. What could be better? The architecture of this gallery and gift shop—built 103 years ago by Hopi craftsmen—is native to Hopi dwellings in the area. Study the timber-layered ceilings, adobe walls, and corner fireplaces, then move on to the gorgeous jewelry, pottery, and paintings crafted by Native Americans.
To search for flights and compare prices to Phoenix, which is home to the Grand Canyon’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: iStockphoto.com/Bill Grove)
Posted June 19, 2009 by Jamie Moore
Take a break from the beach on your next visit to Maui and head inland, where you'll find one-of-a-kind, island-grown attractions. Savor a Maui-grown cup of java, check out a volcanic view, and indulge in Hawaiian-inspired fusion cuisine.
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MauiGrown Coffee: You can't buy Maui Mokka coffee anywhere else in the world. The beans in this blend are found only on MauiGrown Coffee's farm. The medium-roast cup o' joe is infused with a range of chocolate flavors and known locally as the "champagne of coffee." Sample the famous Maui Mokka and take a self-guided tour of the coffee farm. This rare coffee is available in whole bean or ground for $28.95 per pound.
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Haleakala National Park: There's something about Haleakala that has drawn locals for as long as people have lived on Maui. Maybe it's the walk above the clouds on the world's largest dormant volcano or the rare endangered species you can't find anywhere else on Earth. Decide for yourself on a day trip or multi-day excursion. Hike through a cinder desert landscape or get jungle fever camping beside freshwater falls, bamboo forests, and tropical vines. The park is open 24 hours a day, and permits are $10 per car (valid for three days).
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Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine: Blend local ingredients with Asian spices and European sauces, and what do you get? Hawaiian-fusion dishes a la Roy Yamaguchi. He's credited with creating this nouveau cuisine and, when you sit down to his Roasted Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi or Blackened Ahi Tuna, you'll be glad he did. The fusion fun doesn't stop with the food. Try a mango mojito or a martini infused with Maui pineapple and vodka. For dessert, don't pass up Roy's Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle. The prix fixe menu is $35, and a la carte entrees start at about $23.
To search for flights and compare prices to Maui, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: iStockphoto/Aimin Tang)
Posted June 18, 2009 by Nicki Krawczyk
Ah, lovely Santa Catalina Island. Just an eesy-weensy (and by “eensy-weensy”, I mean “hour”) ferry ride from the bustling berg that is Los Angeles, Catalina offers both rugged outdoor adventures and charming seaside towns.
While there are only two ways to reach this tiny island (air and sea), there are a multitude of ways to explore it. Cars are scarce and you could always walk or bicycle, but you’re on vacation—let loose a little and explore in a few more unconventional ways.
Segway: Faster than feet but goofier than scooters, Segways have been slow to win fans in normal, everyday life. On an island vacation, however, their high fun factor is ideal and these two-wheeled, self-balancing dynamos are a perfect way to get a leisurely look at the island while still covering some more-than-decent mileage.
Unimog: Besides being phenomenally fun to say, Unimog tours offer the pleasure of learning all about the island from tour directors as you venture up to an elevation of 1,300 feet in a canopied open-air vehicle. Even better, tour prices include lunch at the Airport in the Sky. Niiiice.
Glass Bottom Boat: Having trouble deciding between surf and turf? Get the best of both worlds with a glass bottom boat tour. Above the waves, you’ll enjoy the coastal view of this pretty island gem, but a quick glance at the glass beneath your feet will reveal the teeming sea life below. Feed the fish on one of the larger tour vessels, or get really up close and personal with a glass bottom kayak.
Submarine: So, this option won’t help you scout out a dinner spot for the evening, but it could certainly give you an idea of what might be on the plate. Book yourself a tour in a semi submersible craft to see the sea around Catalina and get a feel for how the fishies feel.
Parasailing: Some might classify this as a water activity, but I’m going to go with “air”. If land and water are both too tame for your wild nature, strap yourself to the back of a boat, give the driver the old “a-okay” and get yourself hoisted into the air for an adrenaline-pumping view of this lovely isle. And…I’d probably recommend a lesson or two first.
(Photo: www.virtualtourist.com)
Posted June 15, 2009 by Jamie Moore
Gorgeous sandstone colors vast swaths of the West, but Sedona's magnificent red-rock monoliths steal the show. You'll be so mesmerized by the scenery you won't want to go inside. So don't. Find inner peace on a red-rocks vortex tour. Browse boutiques under shady sycamores in an arts and crafts village. And dine on a Spanish-style patio, margarita in hand. You can easily skip around town on Sedona's free open-air RoadRunner trolley.
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Sedona Vortex Tours: For centuries, artists, shamans, and spiritual sages have come to Sedona for inspiration. Some 20 energy centers, or vortexes, lie within a five- to 10-mile radius, a rare concentration not found anywhere else in the world. Channel the good vibes yourself on a vortex tour, where you can walk, meditate, and picnic on the red rocks. Guides will explain the mysteries of medicine wheels, power points, and ley lines on a three-hour tour. Rates run $89 per person to be part of a group tour.
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Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village: Walking through Tlaquepaque (Tla-keh-pah-keh) you'd swear you were in Mexico. This legendary Sedona shopping destination, actually built in the 1970s, was authentically fashioned after a traditional Mexican village. Vine-covered stucco walls, tall sycamores, and cobblestone walkways make you think this place has been here for centuries. Save time to savor the lush surroundings between stops at galleries and boutiques.
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El Rincon: Ask any local for a restaurant recommendation, and chances are you'll get El Rincon. This festive landmark, with Spanish-style furnishings and arched doorways, doesn't disappoint. The menu combines Mexican, Southwestern, and Native American influences, and the bar serves up a killer $6.50 "Margarita Magnifica" that's hailed by locals and visitors alike. Order a hand-rolled chimichanga, Navajo pizza, or other house specialty ($9 to $15) and dine outside on the patio that looks onto the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.
To search for flights and compare prices to Flagstaff, which is home to Sedona’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Scott Prokop; iStockPhoto.com)
Posted June 11, 2009 by Nicki Krawczyk
If you’re looking to spend your summer vacation exploring one of nature’s most miraculous creations, you’d be hard pressed to find a better destination than the Grand Canyon. Similarly, if you’re looking spend your summer vacation getting burned to a crisp in a raging inferno, this could also be your ideal getaway choice.
Okay, okay, before the nasty letters from the National Parks Service start, that’s actually not entirely true. It’s valid to say that wildfires rage throughout the Grand Canyon. (Point: me). Buuuut, they’re also well monitored and managed (as well as can be) by one of the most active fire management programs in the National Park Service. (Point: them).
All of which brings me to today’s travel tip: How to avoid finding yourself in a fast-burn wildfire during your family vacation in the Grand Canyon. It’s easier than you’d think! First of all, don’t start one. Only you can prevent wildfires.
Second, take a look at the Grand Canyon’s regularly-updated Fire Information and Activity page on the National Park Service website. Here, you’ll find beyond-helpful information about exactly where fires are raging, plus downloadable fire activity and fire progression maps, and useful tips like “please do not stop or pull over in the vicinity of the fire.” (Though they don’t specifically say it, I will add my own tip to the mix: “Please do not touch the fire”. You’re welcome.)
If you’re so inclined, you can also hit up their website to find some interesting information about their fire management program and prescribed fires (planned fires) happening in the fall. All in all, an information-packed website for both the firebugs and the fire-avoiders in the family. I highly encourage you to peruse it for yourself prior to your Grand Canyon trip to glean current news and help to ensure that your vacation packages don’t include trips to the Burn Unit.
(Photo: www.eri.nau.edu)
Posted April 9, 2009 by Kate Hamman
Located in a desert climate, Santa Fe takes water conservation and other environmental practices very seriously. However, you can bask in the city's eco-friendly ways without losing your wallet or peace of mind. Come stay at a calming resort with biodynamic gardens, eat organic ice cream with an innovative twist, and shop for sundries made solely from hemp.
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Sunrise Springs: This 70-acre green resort brings art and nature together to create a tranquil getaway. Walk in the biodynamic heirloom gardens that grow the herbs and vegetables used in the restaurant (not open during winter); relax in the spa or the Japanese tea house; or take yoga, tai chi, or raku pottery classes. The hotel is committed to proper recycling and composting, as well as using biodegradable spa products and in-room toiletries. Rooms start at $64 per night.
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Tara's Organic Ice Cream: Serving the only certified organic ice cream in New Mexico, Tara's brings natural elements into every scoop. The owner and chef, Tara Esperanza, has incorporated local ingredients to invent more than 50 out-of-this world flavors, including green-chili pistachio, hibiscus granita, peach agave sorbet, and adzuki bean with black sesame. You can also purchase organic ice cream brownie sandwiches or cakes at the shop.
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Santa Fe Hemp: At Santa Fe Hemp, you can discover this natural fiber's wide variety of purposes. The shop sells everything under the sun, from hemp clothing, hats, bags, and socks to housewares. Prices vary by item, but you can feel good about every purchase, as hemp is a highly renewable resource, maturing in a short period of time and requiring no pesticides or herbicides to assist in its growth.
To search for flights and compare prices to Santa Fe, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Sunrise Springs)
Posted April 1, 2009 by Kate Hamman
Though Tucson is clearly in Arizona, its history is deeply rooted in Mexican culture. Come learn about the city's past on a trolley ride, shop for arts and crafts, and dine on fresh Mexican cuisine. Plus, you'll barely spend a dime while you're here.
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Old Pueblo Trolley: Hop aboard the Old Pueblo Trolley for a ride back in time, where you'll get to learn about the history of trolley operation and the surrounding area. The ride begins at the Fourth Avenue Business District and ends near the University of Arizona, and along the way you'll pass a dizzying array of shops, cafes, and restored homes, with narration explaining their historical significance. Kids are welcome to ring the bell. Each ride costs $1, but you can hop on or off at any of the stops for the one-time fee of $2.50.
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Old Town Artisans: Located in Tucson's El Presidio Historic District, you'll find 150-year-old adobe structures housing six unique artisan shops and galleries. Browse the many examples of contemporary and traditional art from regional and local artists. You'll find jewelry, sculptures, paintings, and much more. And if your feet get tired, you can relax outside in the Spanish-style courtyard. Prices differ from item to item, but window shopping is always free.
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Guadalajara Grill: Fresh is the name of the game at Guadalajara Grill, where you can watch as your salsa is made tableside, eat homemade tortillas, and sip a freshly made margarita. You can also dance the night away to live music. The menu features many familiar Mexican items, such as burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, and quesadillas, alongside different dishes like huaraches (fried maza crust topped with meats divided by beans) or volcano molcajetes (volcanic rock is heated and filled with soup-and-salsa queso mix). Don't miss happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., when margaritas cost $2.99 and snack items go for $4.95.
To search for flights and compare prices to Tucson, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau)
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