I have been very blessed and grateful to have had some amazing getaways that help boost my mental and physical health.
As I work on balance in my current season I am building in new routines that activate and cultivate where I'm at and where I want to go. I've never been great at longer do nothing else but relax vacations; however, I'm working on being present and working, playing and relaxing hardt!
Despite my relaxation short comings, one thing about me is imma do a staycation or mini getaway; that right there is my forte and specialty. So, below are some amazing trips I was able to take during the pandemic outside of lockdown. If you are able to take at least one trip this year, do it; and if you can't hopefully there are some takeaways you can implement into your own staycation at the crib.
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA - BEACH CAMPING
I had the amazing opportunity to take this trip with my cousin and her little humans. Camping isn't necessarily my thing as I love nature, but I don't always like nature on me. However, top to bottom it was an amazing trip filled with laughs, smores and sleeping a little bit in my car.
HIGHLIGHTS
Family time
Seeing the sunset and sunrise on the beach
NOTES
Winter/Spring months can get pretty cold at night so prepare for that
You'll need cash for shower tokens
They have pits for cooking
People take tents, trucks, campers and RV's to pick you adventure
LOCATION INFO & LINKS
WAIKIKI, HI (HONOLULU)
I had never been to this part of Hawaii and jumped at the opportunity to essentially go for 3 weeks as I worked remotely. The time difference had me up and working around 6:30am, but I'd be done around 2:30-3pm and had plenty of time then and on the weekends to take in the beauty of the island and the people.
HIGHLIGHTS
EVERYTHING
Got to celebrate a friend's birthday (best girl's trip ever!)
FOOD
EVERYTHING
NOTES
Respect the land and the people
Hawaii as a whole has a tight Covid-19 policy so make sure you have everything you need, this ensures seamless travel in the islands and provides you and those around you some piece of mind
As much as possible utilize locals/native Hawaiians for services and products
All of the seafood is bomb and fresh so yes, even convenience stores have fire poke
The people on the island aren't in a rush, and neither should you be when you're there no matter what you're there for, be respectful and chill out
LOCATION INFO & LINKS
I largely stayed in a condo while there, but took some mini stays at the Prince Hotel (10 out of 10 would recommend)
Goofy Cafe - has a unique menu that is amazing, and a quaint restaurant that feels like home.
HOKU CAFE - there are literally no misses here, local restaurant with fresh seafood and the sauce (cuz you can never have too much sauce) is the toppest tier okay!?
CORONADO BEACH, SAN DIEGO
This year gave me the opportunity to live in and experience downtown San Diego life. It has some of the things I miss about LA and some things I didn't even know I needed. While here, one of my favorite staycations or day trips has been Coronado Beach which is just a 10 minute bridge ride from my location.
HIGHLIGHTS
The beach is THAT beach okay!?
Sunsets
NOTES
It doesn't get too crowded on the water
There's so much to do from rentals, food and water activities
If you're looking for the perfect place for a photo shoot this is it
LOCATION INFO & LINKS
Hotel Del Coronado is my favorite place to lounge there.
The Brigantine restaurant is top tier.
RITZ CARLTON - LAGUNA, NIGUEL
There was a distinct pleasure I got from staying at the Ritz in Laguna Niguel. This was post lock down, middle panny and so they had specials so that every day people could visit, and yes I took them up on that offer. Aside from luxury, at the time I was recovering from a bad back injury and there were components that allowed me to enjoy my trip while having access to things I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise.
HIGHLIGHTS
Secluded beach that isn't ever too crowded
Sunset dinners
NOTES
They have a shuttle that takes you from the resort to the beach and beach rentals that are included with your stay which include chairs, umbrellas and towels
Nice pool and solid drinks
180 Bleu Restaurant is a great space to have dinner and watch the sunset, it's first come first serve seating
Raya is also a great restaurant
They sell cigars on site
LOCATION INFORMATION & LINKS
SEATTLE & OLYMPIA WASHINGTON
This trip was pleasantly amazing and spontaneous. I was dating my girlfriend at the time and she invited me up to meet her best friend and I said yes. It worked out amazingly because I also got to visit with a friend of mine from high school that lives up there. I've always had a deep appreciation of Seattle, but this time I got to check out Olympia and Tacoma as well and thoroughly enjoyed every city and the company I was keeping.
HIGHLIGHTS
Padua High (IYKYK), the location they filmed a lot of the scenes from 10 Things I Hate About You
All the babies and kiddos
Hiking at 7pm and the sun is barely going down
NOTES
Without traffic Seattle, Tacoma and Olympia are 25-45 minutes from each other so it's pretty smooth to get from city to city to see all the things
It's not always raining but there is always moisture in the air so plan for that
Seattle features some amazing museums and exhibits, Tacoma has harbors and centers where there's a ton of stuff to do in one place (great for families) and Olympia is beautiful and features some amazing hikes and trails
LOCATION INFORMATION & LINKS
The Chihuly Garden is one of my favorite museums/exhibits of alllllll time.
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