A lot of people are getting ready to travel during these coming holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas bring a lot of visitors to Los Angeles, California. Locals Angelinos are traveling to others parts of the country as well and a lot of people are visiting relatives on Christmas time in Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and others central and South America countries.
Unfortunately due to the rough economic times United States has been going through, a lot of people will opt for staying at home on these coming holidays.
The slow economy has spilled to other countries that depend of a robust US economy and the holidays travelers that spend their US dollars, and stimulate their local economy as well.
Smart travelers are taking advantages of some of the great deals that some airlines are promoting to attract travelers.
You can check here Visit California Today: Book flight + hotel together and save! with Travelocity and compare several airlines companies competing for your business. Here are some of the tips, smart travelers use when preparing for their trip.
• Do your diligent research online and shop around for prices, airlines services, non-stop flights or connecting flights, hotel accommodations and others travels needs.
• Buy your ticket online- preferable ahead of time even though sometimes you can get “last minutes flights” at bargain prices. Buy you decide what is best for you.
• Avoid peak travel dates
• Allow yourself some extra time. You will avoid some headaches and anxiety with this tip alone.
• Find out ahead of time about packing requirement and new Airport Security Laws and Measures. (For example there are new rules for carrying liquids, gels, electronic equipment and some personal items that will be confiscated or get you in unnecessary trouble, if your try to go with them on airport security checkpoints.)
• Yes, your shoes and some cloth or metallic wear will have to be removed in securities check points. Don’t make unnecessary delays and follow the rules.
• Always call and confirm with your airline that you are scheduled to flight in your particular flight number, date and time.
Those are some of the tips that might help you have a pleasant trip and truly enjoy your holiday with your love ones.
As we continue with our family vacation in Mexico, we were driving to downtown Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), a small town of Sonora, Mexico as we mentioned before on my previous post Going South of the Border and Mexico Vacation
Some of the people in my group needed some groceries, snacks, water, limes, beers, liquor and all the necessary stuff like those mentioned above, We also exchanged some local currency that is trading round it up to 10 mexican pesos for 1 us dollar. As we stop to the only market in town. I was expecting to see something like a farmers market but the town has a well supplied indoor market with air conditioned (like Ralph’s supermarket) with everything you need, local and US imports.
If you are traveling with children, make sure you always have a good supply of water and have them protected from the sun and heat.
After getting our supplies we headed to a place called “el Malecon” this is a tourist area and you will find the typical Mexican artesanies like clay pots, several items made of leather, and other memorabilia. There are plenty of places to shop and restaurant to visit for some of your favorite seafood meal. Riding a Jet Ski We rented two jet ski and that was something exiting for my two teenagers, My 13 years old daughter was so excited to ride the jet ski for the first time and she was so surprise of how easy it was to learn to ride the jet ski, It only took a few minutes of instruction of how to start it, turn it off, accelerate and maneuvers, never take off your life jacket and others safety precautions. Of course I was riding with her just in case she got into trouble.
After a few minutes my kids where speeding in their jet ski for more fun in the water.
The Banana Boat Another fun thing we did was riding a yellow inflatable rubber boat called “the Banana”. There are two inflated cylinder in each side of the boat and people claim as a horse ride position and in the center there is a flat area where small kids can ride. Everybody must wear a life jacket. The Banana is towed by a boat and what make this fun is that as the boat speed up the banana boat has a bumpy ride with the waves and you have to hold on yourself good or soon you will end up in the water like some of us did.
Other fun thing you can do here are: You can rent a boat to take you to deep water fishing or diving, Paragliding, go around the coast on a party atmosphere ship ride and other water activities.
After all the activities we did, made everybody hungry, so the locals recommend us two restaurants that were located in top of a hill with a beautiful view of the bay. Restaurants
As we drove the unpaved road to the top of the hill we reached the restaurants one was called the Lighthouse and the other La casa del Capitan, that day we visit the Lighthouse, They have a good selection of Mexican style plates and we try some delicious combination of fish tacos, shrimps, scallops, and fish. And while you are eating you can enjoy a live band playing jazz music. Get your camera ready because both restaurants have a beautiful panoramic view of the whole area.
The next day we came back to visit the other restaurant La Casa del Capitan and the two restaurants have a good selection of Mexican plates and seafood plates, Mexican style as well. They have some mariachi live music as well but you have to pay them some amount for each song they play at your table. This is optional; you don’t have to call them to play at your table but after a few loaded Margaritas or shot of tequilas you probably are in a happier mood and you might change your mind.
Our Mexico vacation with the family in Puerto Peñasco.
As soon as we enter our room, My kids opened the balcony to check what view we have of the area
This is our breath taking view from our room.
I got a warm feeling of satisfaction when I saw the wow expression on the face of my kids when they realize that this family vacation is going to be fun and with a lot of new and exciting adventures.
Next thing I knew we were in a warm swimming pool, drinking my favorite liquor drink and munching on Spicy Buffalo wings and fish tacos, they have an extensive menu of real Mexican food so I told my kids to place their order, each choose a virgin piña colada (no liquor) and a Hamburger. This is a list of some of the activities and fun games to do
Tequila Volleyball-water polo. The teams that score a point win a shot of tequila. We must have beaten the other team because by the time the game finished I was too booze to keep the score.
Beach soccer – I played a few minutes
Beach volleyball – Also played a few minutes
Aqua-aerobic Which I participate and have a lot of fun
Gym and Spa – I didn’t know they have gym until later
Learn to prepare your favorite liquor drink and mix- I miss this important class too. Damn
Latin dance classes – Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue – My 2 teens which are excellent dancers, a boy 17 and a girl 13 liked and participate under my suggestion. In previous talk with my son I mentioned to him that if you want to have a lot of fun and at the same time be popular with beautiful girls you have to ether learn to play an instrument (guitar) or learn to dance, which he is doing both. He is enjoying the benefits now.
Children activities – Ecological and shell collection, educational field trips, and many fun children activities to mention. If you are traveling with children this is a good place to have a family vacation.
This was like having your own private beach, because there is no other construction for miles around this place and the town is about 20 to 30 minutes driving.
As we touch the water on the beach it was as warm as the swimming pool, and there is a large area where the water level only reach up to your waist, that was good for my friend who have two children ages 5 and 7
This beach is not for surfing or bodyboard because there are no waves but other beach activities can be done here.
We were talking with my 17 year old son (who want to study and enter the field of engineering and architect in the university) about how they have turn this deserted area into this green vacation place by taking the water from the ocean and send it through a process of desalination and water purification they turn ocean water into purified water which is life for the green grass, plants and ready for human consumption and other necessities.
This place is just a small percentage of the original plan which includes several beautiful green grass and palms, ocean side golf courses, shopping centers, dance club, theaters, a marina with boat docking facilities, an soon an airport. This is going to be the next Cancun except is closer to Los Angeles.
I just came back from a well deserved vacation. It’s been several years that I have not been able to take some time off that I can truly enjoy. I have been so busy pleasing everybody else that I did not have any time and energy left on me to do the things I wanted to do.
I manage to scrap one week off and suddenly a lot of urgent things started to come out on that particular time frame. It seem like it was planned to conspire and threatening to ruin my week off.
Finally I sorted everything out and I was free for a week. I took my wife and kids and we headed south of the border, I have been in Mexico before but we were heading for a new place, a place that I have never have been before and It is called Puerto Peñazco or Rocky point as English speakers called the area. This place is located in the Cortez’s sea in the border of California and Arizona.
We have estimated that will take us about 8 hours to get to our destination so we left L.A. at around 2:30 am and took the 10 freeway East toward San Bernardino and continue until you cross Arizona, We stop at a restaurant around 6am and as the family and friends when for breakfast I went to sleep in the car. I was so uncomfortable in the car but let me tell you that whatever time I sleep was the most satisfying sleep I ever have, because when my group came back I was feeling a lot better and ready to continue with our trip. Soon we cross Arizona and we reach the intersection of the AZ-85 S and turning south toward I-8 Gila Bend we went to a desert area. Driving through the desert area during the early hours was a good idea and having a good air conditioner system in your car is a must for a comfortable ride through the desert.
We pass the town of Ajo and continue until we reached the last town Lukeville next to the US border
On the Mexico side of the border the town is know as Sonoyta and next stop will be Puerto Peñasco called La Jolla de Cortes.
I was wondering if we took the wrong turn because I could not see any water or ocean anywhere only cactus, rocks and desert, until we finally reached our destination around 11 am. And as soon as I pass the lobby this was my welcoming view.
When you visit Newport Beach make sure you check our vacation package and timeshare section where you will find several deals similar to this one.
Visit Newport Beach and stay at Marriott Newport Coast Villas and enjoy this spectacular resort, located in Newport Coast, California. Between Newport and Laguna Beach.
This 2 Bedroom 2 Bath unit resembles an Italian village. And is located in a 12-building complex set above the Pacific Ocean.
These Marriott’s villas offer full kitchens, washers and dryers, and dial-up Internet access.
Some of the amenities include:
• Three pools offer swimming with expansive ocean views.
• On-site spa provides massages, facials, and other treatments.
• Hot tubs
• 26,000 square foot pool.
• Golf course adjacent to the resort, with spectacular trees and greens located right on the ocean
• Water and beach activities • Oceanfront fitness center
• Whirlpool and jacuzzi
These are some of the top of the line amenities that you would expect from Marriott
If you would like to explore your surrounding, you will find a pleasant surprise on Laguna Beach, Carlsbad and San Juan Capistrano
Come just you and your love one or bringing the whole family with the children. You will find that this is an excellent place to visit, there is fun and entertainment for everyone. With shops and excellent restaurants and walks on the beach. Visit another GreatSunnyBeaches in Southern California and make your unforgettable summer.
This pass 4th of July long weekend was excellent, we all needed a brake from our routine.
The temperature here were so hot that everybody was heading to all those places that have “Water” and places like Raging Waters, Soak City, Hurricane Harbor and Wild Rivers in Southern California was the favorite place to be for kids and adults. Of course that local lakes, beaches and rivers were very popular spots to be with family and friends.
A lot of people where so anxious to use that brand new grill they just bought. They were waiting for a special occasion like this pass holiday. They put on the grill everything they could find, hamburgers patty, chicken, shrimps, hotdogs, vegetable you name it. Even the hamburgers that some of my folks created were as delicious as the one in In-and-Out restaurant.
While I was resting and swinging in the hammock next to the water, I was kind of daydreaming about “why not create my own personal independence day”
Well? Of What I need to have an independence from? To begin with I have compiled a list of things that I need to get my independence from so here it is my own personal list:
My own independence day
• Financial independence - continue working and researching my home-based-business and other opportunities while I still have a job. Don’t give up, some day my efforts will pay off.
• Independence from debt – Cut down or completely eliminates expenses. Doesn’t use Credit Cards, use a ATM/debit card instead.
• Independence from misery - Live my life at plenitude – Be happy, enjoy the moments with my children and wife. Live and enjoy the present.
• Independence from oil – Oil price $125.00 per barrel and no top on sight, somebody must be swimming in a pool of dollars. Is there something I can do to lower my consumption and dependence on gas? First I will try to get the maximum benefits in every car trip I make, and use the car only when necessary. Also use alternative transportation, public bus, metro, bicycle, car-pool, whatever I have to be creative.
• Independence from taxes - Create my own Boston Tea party, find way to reduce taxes, I already try my two dependent tricks but I did not do well, I love my kids anyway so that don’t matter if I spend more than what I can deduct. Maybe I will try to get my home base business profitable so I can legally allow some expenses deductions and tax deductions.
• Independence from bad politic -vote on November 08. Select the people who will contribute for the good of our country and not the deterioration of our states.
That will keep me busy for a while. But for now I will go and see the 4th of July fireworks instead.
4th of July celebration at the beach This coming Friday we’ll be celebrating 4th of July
And a lot of people will be heading to the Great Sunny Beaches of Southern California
You can enjoy a beautiful day at the beach, where temperatures will be around the 80 or 100. You can bring your barbeque or if you prefer to visit one of the several local bar-restaurants for a good meal or your favorite cold drink and socialize while you are there.
During the day you can do the usual beach activities like, surfing, playing volleyball, ride your bike or inline skates or simply enjoy the sand and the water.
Each beach city will have their own way to celebrate the 4th of July, for example Marina del Rey will have their annual fireworks show over the Marina’s main channel and Venice Beach will have a bodybuilding competition and they will be looking for Mr. and Ms. muscle beach for this year. Also in the same event it will be the figure and swimsuit competition. Come and enjoy the show, and treat your eyes to this spectacle by the beach.
But when the night comes be prepare to watch the grand fireworks spectacle that most of the beach-cities do as a 4th of July tradition. The night will be illuminated with explosions of red, white and blue colors, such a beautiful sight for children and adult as well.
Make sure you are wearing something patriotic but click on USA Flag wear if you need some help. You can use your imagination and creativity to show your true colors.
Have a happy and safe 4th of July from GreatSunnyBeaches.com
Do you want to dance?
As an enjoyable tradition, the city of Santa Monica will present a series of live music, dance and entertainment.
Every Summer the city organize several shows at the Santa Monica Pier for the enjoyment of their resident and tourist who visit our great sunny beaches of Southern California.
The shows are free to enter and they are scheduled for every Thursday at 7pm beginning June 26th 2008.
Check for schedule of your favorite type of performer, band or music, witch run from Latin dance like Salsa, Cumbia, Bachata, Merengue, Tango and other Latin dance styles, Hawaiian music, Rock music, Jazz and other American and International dance.
Santa Monica’s Pier Summer Twilight Dance Series
• June 2th - The Bonedaddys
• July 3rd - One Hawaii with Keali’I Reichel and Na Leo
• July 10th - Spanish Harlem Orchestra
• July 17th - Special Presentation – TBA
• July 24th – Bachata Roja Legends, Legendary Dominican Republic artists first ever California performance
• July 31st – Michelle Shocked with Mike Ferris
• Aug 7th – Oliver Mtukudzi with opening act Rocky Dawuni
• Aug 14th – Carmen Consoli, Italian songstress in her West Coast debut
• Aut 21st – Peter & Gordon with Gerry & The Peacemakers
• Aug 28th – Toots & The Maytals.
Here you can dance all your body can take or if you prefer you can just enjoy the music and watch other people dance. Does not matter if you have two left feet, all you have to say is. Do you want to dance?
The U.S. goverment have started to mail the new “Economic Stimulus” checks to families and single persons that qualify for this new tax break.
Everybody will recived differents amount that goes according to the amount of taxes they have paid. but in general terms a single person might received around $ 300 dollars and a Family with children might received up to $1,800.
The pourpose of this actions are intended to stimulate and boost the economy. But with the rising price of gasoline ($4.19 - $5.00 at the time of this writing) this stimulus will not get the intended result.
Childrens will soon be on Summer vacation and families will make plans to travel around the United States instead of traveling to Europe where the dollar value is low.
So if you are planning to take a vacation with your family anyway, consider Southern California where your economic stimulus will benefits a lot of your fellow Americans that work in various entertainments, hotels and restaurant business. Here you will find warm weather, beautiful beaches, nice restaurants, several amousements parks for your children and much more. You don’t even have to stay in one place. You can travel from Monterrey Bay all the way south to San Diego.
There are two inflated cylinder in each side of the boat and people claim as a horse ride position and in the center there is a flat area where small kids can ride. Everybody must wear a life jacket. The Banana is towed by a boat and what make this fun is that as the boat speed up the banana boat has a bumpy ride with the waves and you have to hold on yourself good or soon you will end up in the water like some of us did.
Soon we cross Arizona and we reach the intersection of the AZ-85 S and turning south toward I-8 Gila Bend we went to a desert area. Driving through the desert area during the early hours was a good idea and having a good air conditioner system in your car is a must for a comfortable ride through the desert.
