A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
One of the great things about living in San Diego is the diverse offerings that the region has to provide. San Diego County spans from the Pacific Ocean to the mountain and desert environments on the eastern edge of the county. Consequently, there are numerous places to visit and explore for an enjoyable day trip. Here are several locations that are well worth spending a day exploring in and around San Diego County.
San Diego is fairly close to the adult wonderland that is Las Vegas, making it ideal for a weekend getaway. However, getting to Vegas from San Diego isn’t just a matter of hopping in a car. Here are some transportation tips to ensure your vacation is enjoyable from the moment you leave San Diego until your return.
While Seattle may not rival cities like NYC or LA in terms of nightlife, it offers a varied and laid-back scene. You may not encounter nightclubs on every corner, but there are numerous quality spots that range from relaxing environments to energetic clubs featuring dance floors and DJs.
Various mini golf centers are open to hosting birthday parties, offering various food packages. From fun setups to courses paired with full golf courses, there’s an option for everyone.
The best Tacoma hotels are found in the downtown area, but there is an array of places to stay in Tacoma, including some surprisingly luxurious spots perhaps not even known by many natives—like the Thornewood Castle in Lakewood! Whether you are seeking affordable, mid-range accommodation, a bed and breakfast, or a luxurious experience, Tacoma can accommodate your needs and is a lot more reasonably priced than comparable hotels in Seattle.
The population of Seattle has been steadily increasing and as of the 2010 census, the Emerald City had 608,660 residents. Current estimates suggest the population has grown to around 725,000! This reflects an increase from approximately 560,000 in 2000 and 516,000 in 1990. If we expand our view to the Seattle metropolitan area, which includes cities like Bellevue and Tacoma, the total population rises to an impressive 3.7 million. This rapid population growth is coupled with increasing real estate prices and the challenges of heavy traffic.
Seattle’s public transportation network includes a fairly extensive fleet of buses, a monorail, the South Lake Union Streetcar, and Link Light Rail. While the light rail doesn’t crisscross the city, Link is fabulously useful and easy to use. Parking lots are located at some stations, making this a great way to avoid traffic when driving into Seattle from the south or from as far north as the University of Washington. Consequently, trains run every 7 to 15 minutes, ensuring minimal wait times.
Zipcar stands out as a principal car sharing option within Seattle, offering diverse vehicle choices across various neighborhoods. Predominantly located in downtown Seattle and areas like West Seattle, the University District, Ballard, and Bellevue, Zipcars can be accessed easily by users. You can check car availability, rates, and locations online or via the Zipcar app.
Taking a day trip from the Tacoma area can be an excellent way to explore the surrounding regions. It’s the ideal way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without the need to spend on airfare. Fortunately, an array of fantastic destinations awaits within just a three-hour drive from Tacoma. These locations span from other Puget Sound areas to Eastern Washington, Oregon, and even Canada. Alternatively, if you prefer to remain in town, you can always visit local attractions such as the Tacoma Art Museum or the Washington State History Museum.
The BoltBus route from Seattle to Portland was the first bus service of its kind offered on the West Coast, and is operated in partnership with Greyhound. What started as a small route between two Northwest cities has expanded massively. Currently, service is offered between several Northwest cities—including Portland and Eugene, Oregon; Seattle and Bellingham; and Vancouver, BC, connecting to stops all throughout California and Nevada. The list continues to grow as the demand for this speedy express bus service expands, enabling more travelers to journey up and down the West Coast.
Washington apples are renowned across the nation and globally. For locals, these delicious fruits are not just popular; they are a staple and recognized as among the best foods in the state. While you can cultivate various apple types in backyard gardens, grocery stores in Washington often feature multiple apple varieties. Apple season kicks off in mid-August and lasts well into the fall, although apples are available year-round with seasonal price variations.
Sometimes you need a vacation but don’t want to pay for the expense of airfare or a long drive. Perhaps you just don’t have the time to go far. No worries. The Seattle area is close to all kinds of amazing places, making staycations—vacations where you stay close to home—an appealing way to get away from it all. Get away for a single night, a weekend, or a week and enjoy some much-needed relaxation right in the city or just a short drive away.
As the seasons turn warmer, Pacific Northwest waters glisten and dance, and the inviting sea mist beckons travelers to the San Juan Islands. The ferry-serviced islands are the biggest draw for locals and visitors: Orcas, San Juan (Friday Harbor), Lopez, and Shaw. Each island offers its own unique charm.
Traveling by air with your service animal is a straightforward process. You and your service animal can travel together as long as your service animal is small enough to sit by your feet or under the seat in front of you without obstructing aisles and exit pathways, provided it is a type of animal permitted on US air carriers. Preparing for the airport security screening process will help you and your service animal go through without difficulty.
You may be able to take your pet ferret with you on your airplane flight, depending on where you are going and which airline you choose. Here are some essential considerations before traveling with your pet ferret.
River cruising is the fastest-growing segment of the cruise industry. According toThe New York Timesand industry experts, river cruise experiences continue to gain popularity each year. With smaller, more intimate ships and itineraries that take travelers to vibrant cities, charming villages, and stunning landscapes, river cruise lines provide a unique travel experience.
As you get ready for your next road trip, take a few minutes to review our tips for keeping yourself, your car, and your valuables safe.
Wherever you travel, you’re likely to see someone – or several someones – speaking into a cell phone or creating text messages. Electronic devices can be extremely useful, particularly for recording your travels and communicating with family and friends. However, they come with a few drawbacks. You have to recharge them, for one thing, and you also need to be able to keep them safe.
In the United States and Canada, seniors traveling by train have the opportunity to take advantage of various discounts offered by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada. However, train travel in Mexico is quite limited, and senior discounts are generally not available unless the traveler has a disability.
