Athens, Greece, is the antidote for the bland. I was inspired by it all – the cultural sites, museums, cuisine, and congenial residents. Athenians are guardians of a rich heritage. Over two thousand years of …
August 8, 2021
Travel Stories
Ancient and alluring Athens
How to spend a weekend in Santa Barbara
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, charming Santa Barbara exemplifies the Mediterranean lifestyle to the degree that it's often referred to as the “American Riviera.” Santa Barbara is the ultimate seaside town …
May 2, 2021
Taking it SLO on California's Central Coast
San Luis Obispo and the Central Coast epitomize California’s laid-back lifestyle. However, many San Diegans don’t consider these destinations due to the lack of direct travel options. Thankfully, Alaska Airlines offers nonstop flights from San …
February 28, 2021
A Mexicali Chinese New Year
Before washing up in San Diego, I lived as an expatriate “gweilo” (foreign devil) in Hong Kong for 20 years. In Hong Kong, I had cultivated a taste for exotic South China cuisine like blood …
January 11, 2021
Weekend in Julian: solo travel for the soul
Solitude (n): the quality or state of being alone or remote from society. The word “solitude” has a negative connotation, as if being alone equates to loneliness. Today’s society encourages overstimulation and overcommitment, even in …
November 1, 2020
Must-see Melbourne by neighborhood
Population-wise, Melbourne is Australia's second-biggest city after Sydney, with almost five million inhabitants. In the next few years, however, Melbourne is set to surpass Sydney as the city grows – visible in the construction of …
October 20, 2020
Chicago is that wonderful town
What a great place! Not long ago my husband and I were in the Windy City (more about that later). It was early October, unusually warm; in fact, temperatures were in the high 70s with …
September 12, 2020
The essence of Montevideo in 48 hours
The capital and only major city of Uruguay doesn't get the acclaim of some neighbors – notably Buenos Aires and Punta del Este – but it's a vibrant and fascinating place, and if time is …
August 24, 2020
Manaus, Brazil: quick and cheap across the Meeting of Waters
June 2020 UPDATE: The Brazilian state of Amazonas has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic – with the capital, Manaus, having the only intensive care beds in the state. Read more about how …
June 21, 2020
Nostalgic day-cation in Los Angeles
Like most people hailing from Los Angeles, I have a healthy love-hate relationship with the city. I grew up a "valley kid" in the suburbs of the San Fernando Valley. Downtown, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, …
May 17, 2020
Damn, it's cold! NYC in late winter
Editor's note: as in California and much of the country, stay-at-home orders are currently in place in New York City as of spring 2020. Wherever you are, stay safe, as we look forward to travel …
March 26, 2020