Orange County, CA

A few weeks ago I visited Orange County, CA. And Los Angeles. It will probably be a couple separate posts but I was only there for 5 days. I went to college in Orange County, a small private school, and this trip was mostly about seeing friends (it had been almost a year!). It was of course AMAZING to see them but I was also glad for nice weather, a few touristy places to visit, and a few of our favorite places to hang out and catch up. Orange County is huge but I'm mostly referring to the area in and around Newport Beach. I lived in Costa Mesa, just inland from Newport Beach, for 7 years. I've been to many places around Orange County/LA but will mostly refer to this area when it comes to activities.

Orange County is beautiful almost any time of the year.  Mild temperatures until summer, palm trees, lots of outdoor activities, shopping, arts, and the beach. It's spectacular. It's also a little overwhelming. I had only visited CA twice when I decided to move there, and I had never stepped foot on campus until Welcome Week. Of course, after 4 years of college I knew my way around, had favorite places, friends, and a life there. But it took a long time. It's hard to translate my experiences into a two week vacation experience but I will definitely let you in on what to do and see.

It's a great place for a vacation. It's also great to combine Orange County and LA for a memorable trip in two very different places. LA will have to be it's own post and probably several in fact because there are SO many things to do. You can have a million different combinations of experiences in LA depending on what you are interested in.

Let's start with the basics. Travel into the area depends on lot on when you come. Summer travel the rates are higher, but because there are so many airports that means a ton of airlines and therefore a lot of competition for prices. I've found deals as low as $59 each way (from Seattle) when I flew mid week into an Orange County airport (usually Long Beach or LGB). The MAIN airport when you book to Southern California is LAX. Not in Orange County, but close enough if you have good transportation. LA also has a few other smaller airports. The main airports into Orange County are Santa Ana (SNA) otherwise known as John Wayne or Long Beach (LGB). There are other smaller ones further away but these are pretty central. I've also paid around $300 RT from Seattle around Spring Break. There is a big variance in prices. Unfortunately there is limited transportation options leaving the airport to get to your destination unless you have travel arranged with your hotel, rent a car, or are staying with people in the area. LA has a very limited subway system but they do have a bus. Orange County has a limited bus system especially out to the aiports so it probably means airport pick up or a taxi.

When it comes to booking your hotel it's probably best to get something centrally located. Disneyland is a HUGE attraction for Orange County and most hotels around Anaheim, where Disneyland is located, have transportation available. But if you are staying in say Newport Beach or Irvine, you may not have that option.   Renting a car is probably the best scenario. If you are traveling with several people you can split the cost which would be helpful. Speaking of renting a car, yes driving can be intimidating in LA/OC but it's manageable, and traffic really will be bad at peak times but it's just a matter of waiting it out, or taking side streets instead of the freeway.

Parking can be tricky depending on where you are staying. Most residential neighborhoods are free to park in OC but may require parking permits and have street cleaning hours. Those tickets are not fun. Check and double check the signs. In downtown areas and close to the beach parking will be metered and often have time limits too. And weekends around the beach or main streets will be a mess, so if you really want to go to the beach, get there early or late...or suffer through the waits and locals fighting for spots.

Where to stay. Really...there are a million options. Obviously you want to find an area that you want to stay in and chose a hotel that coordinates. If you are only going to Disneyland on your trip then plan to stay somewhere centrally located to Harbor BLVD in Anaheim. There are a ridiculous number of places to stay for the parks. If you pick the coastal cities, you have so many options. From beach front resorts, B&Bs, family owned places, rental properties, etc. Definitely look around and see what works for you. Some people will be fine with a hotel a few blocks from the beach or some want to stay right on the water. There are lots of options for house rentals, if you are staying long term, have a lot of people, or are a family who want more of a "home" type feel. There aren't too many hostels or really discounted places to stay unfortunately. And sleeping on the beach isn't allowed unless it's a designated campground. I haven't looked into it but couchsurfing could be an option, if there are only one or two people and you don't mind couches or air mattresses. It's a great way to meet people and hear where the locals go as well.

So that's airports, price points, flights, renting a car, hotels, etc information. I'm again probably not the best expert on where to stay because I stay with friends and family. I don't rent a car when iI'm there either. but those options are always available. I do however have a great amount of knowledge on beaches, parks, restaurants, outdoor activities, markets, the fair, entertainment, theater, arts, and fun things to do from my 7 years living there. I will probably have to create several posts on the subject (LA and Orange County separately) but i feel like there will be a good amount of information for a great trip. Check back later for more!

i mean just LOOK how beautiful!!!!

Boston: The Freedom Trail App

If you look at your app store there are a bunch of apps for traveling. Some are good, some aren't. I already had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do while I was in Boston but I wanted to have something that was easy to take with me while doing things like the freedom trail. The National Park Service has a bunch of apps depending on where you are going but their Boston one (the only one I've used) is amazing. it's easy to use, detailed, informative, and perfect for walking around Boston, and getting directions and info without looking too much like a tourist. as long as you aren't stopped in the middle of the street.

This is the app on the app store. All pictures are screen shots I took to show details of the National Park Service app.

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This is how the app shows up on your phone.

This is what it looks like when you open the app. As you can see it's great right off the bat divided into things you will use the most, the sites, tours, and map.

I chose tours here as i was using it mostly for the Freedom Trail. There actual Freedom Trail says it would take between 4-8 hours depending on what you stop to see and do.

First stage after selecting Freedom Trail. It starts with the Visitor Center at the north east corner of the Boston Commons. you can also see there is an info button to select for more information. And a blue route highlighting the steps of the trail. One part i really liked as well was that it showed you how far and how long it would take to get to the next destination at the bottom.

Another graphic from the app. The Old State House is highlighted and if you select info you will get history and details on hours, etc for the old state house. you can go to other steps on the tour from there as well. Also, a really great part, is the bottom left locator button. If you select it, the app will use your data to locate you and you can find your way along the trail that way. Although the Freedom Trail is very easy to follow through Boston if you are easily lost this could be helpful. or if you're like me and wander off the path to do something else for awhile it's easy to find your way back.

Just one more image of the details of the map. both with the freedom trail itself and highlights, street signs, metro stops, and other information.

Specific details. the old North Church after i selected info. It will take you back to the map but also you can read about an overview, visiting, and listen to a short audio tour (use headphones please). the picture is nice too. and at the bottom right you can select next/back to go between the more detailed information stuff about the specific landmarks of the trail.

It also lists the sites along the way so you can scroll down and read more about specific places. This was very helpful.

Overall i had such a great time exploring Boston and the Freedom Trail. i would highly recommend the National Park Service app for use around the city of Boston, an easy to use map, and a detailed adventure through the Freedom Trail in Boston. 

Tuesday Travel Tip

Tuesdays will be fun. I'm excited. It's going to be tips. Actual information you may use on a trip someday. Something to help make your journey easier or your tip better. That's why I want to so this section. And feel free to add on! There is a ton of great advice out there but I hope to add from personal experience. So keep checking back Tuesdays for things I've picked up on, advice I've been given, or things I've learned the hard way that I want to pass onto you! Happy travels!

Monday- pre travel

This pre travel section is going to be very detailed. There is always a lot to do when you prepare for a trip. But it is all completely worth it in the end. I would say that first. You aren't just planning a trip. It's a trip that will change you. Somehow, in some way, hopefully, you will come back different. For the better. Because you volunteered or lived somewhere far from home. Or you went for.a week or two and tried to make their culture your own, to understand how other people live, how they find happiness. There is something powerful about traveling and I hope to convey that here. I would not be the same person if I hadn't travelled like I did. Didn't meet the people I did, do the things I did, or even look forward to future trips like I do because I know the rewards. I appreciate the benefits.

So. You have decided to go somewhere. Somewhere warm and tropical or cold and snowy. Somewhere with high cliffs or deep lakes. Somewhere you've only seen in your dreams, or felt compelled to set foot in. This blog will help get you there. And Mondays post specifically will help. It's everything before you need before land in a new place. Before you get that next stamp in your passport. It's tips I've picked up on or tricks I've learned the hard way. It's the essentials. Things to get done to create a perfect vacation. It can be tedious and not seem worth it. But when everything's in order, and you are ready to go, you will be glad to have taken these steps. So stay tuned next week for the start of all your pre trip questions answered.