Summer travel has already kicked off. Wanna know how I know? Because travel pictures are already being shared by family and friends!
Inspired by my sister’s trip up the coast and Chris and Bob’s vacation to Sausalito, I thought it would be fun to share their adventures and offer a few travel tips of my own.
Susie and Mike started in LA and drove up the coast and really soaked in all the beautiful tourist sites that had been on their bucket list.
Central Coast
On a beautiful, sunny day they toured Hearst Castle. John and I visited there many years ago and I still remember what a remarkable place it is. To this day it is so high up a mountain and isolated, it defies my imagination how they built it back in the day.
San Francisco
They lucked out with beautiful weather while visiting Alcatraz and sent this lovely picture from the boat ride to “The Rock.”
Chris and Bob celebrated both their anniversary and birthdays with a trip to the Bay Area.
They WALKED across the Golden Gate Bridge. Chris told me she wanted to do it and by golly, they did. And then they walked back.
Waterfront Stays
Chris and Bob rented a houseboat vacation home in Sausalito at Pelican Harbor. Is this not the cutest place ever?
Before You Leave
This part is all me.
In my many years of travel, I have forgotten nearly everything I’ve wanted on a trip at least once. So I thought I would share a few things you might not think of when prepping for an upcoming vacation.
First off — are you traveling by car or plane?
The nice part about taking your own car is that there is plenty of room for extra shoes. And you don’t have to decant your liquid products into TSA-approved containers.
When I went to Palm Springs last month to visit my sisters, my car was full, but I could manage to put in an extra pair of tennies along the side of the trunk.
But if you’re traveling by plane, things are limited.
And I’m specifying this list to summer trips to California and their unique climate.
Because little-known fact: That place is freezing in June.
They call it “June Gloom.” I call it cold.
See this picture of Morro Bay? Moody, yes. Beautiful, yes. Cold, yes!
Dinner at a beach-side restaurant? Umm, no thanks.
And every single time we visit San Francisco? Yep, it rains.
As desert dwellers as we are, we are stuck buying a cheap umbrella at a tchotchke shop that might not hold up in a stiff breeze.
And if you visit the high country, you might get carried away by giant mosquitoes capable of biting through your clothes.
But don’t let my life lessons deter you from visiting a beautiful state.
A Few Things Worth Packing
- Sweats and slippers. Maybe you won’t need warmer clothes, but when the temps dip below 70°, you’ll thank me for packing cozy layers.
- Bathing suit and flip flops. Even if it’s chilly, if there’s a chance for a hot spring or resort hot tub, you’ll be glad you brought them. And in the desert, the pool can feel wonderful.
- Umbrella and bug spray. See above.
- Ziplocs and a foldable tote bag. California shops charge extra for bags, so it’s nice to have a tote handy for purchases or grocery runs. Ziplocs are perfect for toiletries, leftovers, or organizing souvenirs.
- Check your toiletry bag. I keep mine mostly packed year-round, but every once in a while I discover I’m missing deodorant, toothpaste, or something equally important. It’s worth doing a quick check before zipping up the suitcase.
- Tech chargers. Ugh. I now own devices requiring three different charging connections. If I want access to everything on the road, I have to double-check every cord, every plug, and the actual devices themselves.
Remember the old days when we traveled with a paperback?
And At Home
It never fails to amaze me how much work it is to unpack after a trip.
By the time I get home, I’m exhausted from either a long drive or airport hassles, and the last thing I want to deal with is a messy house.
I always — always — clean the house before I leave.
An amazing amount of mental space is freed by this simple act.
And when everything is in its place, I’m less likely to forget something important on the way out the door.
If you can’t do a deep clean before leaving, at least try to:
- Get the laundry done
- Empty the trash
- Clean out the fridge
- Water the plants
- Unplug what you can
And of course, double-check the locks on your way out.
Wrap Up
Thank you for coming along as I share a little California fun here today.
I hope these photos inspire you to plan a summer getaway of your own — or at least help you start a travel checklist for your next adventure.
As always, may God bless you and yours.