Did you know that this is The Year of a Million Dreams? If you have been paying attention to all the Disney commercials recently you couldn’t help but know this. Disney and dreams apparently go together like chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows. One person’s dream can be another person’s nightmare, however. Disneyland and the other assorted properties are the happiest place on earth as long as you have enough money to pay through the nose.

Southwest Vacations to the rescue. The little airline that could is doing its ... [read more]

It is hard to imagine that 42,807 people choose to live in the desert. That is the population of Palm Springs, California, a town with an average daytime high of 108 degrees in the summer. That is the population of a place that averages 354 days of sunshine per year and on average receives less than 6 inches of rain annually. How is a town that size able to sustain itself in a place that dry? Do the residents take their buckets and fill them up at the local ... [read more]

A free night is a free night even if it means staying in a dump. The Hotel Carlton is far from a dump.

The 163-room Hotel Carlton is a lovely, historic hotel located in downtown San Francisco. Originally built in 1927 and completely renovated in 2004, the hotel is a relaxing, intimate haven located five blocks from Union Square. Guestrooms feature exotic and enchanting photographs of sights from around the globe, inviting you to virtually tour the world. Take a short two-block walk to the California Street cable car line and hop ... [read more]

Attention all aspiring musicians: If you want to make it big in this world you need to record a song about California, pronto. The Golden State has inspired many an artist in her day. Considering the state has close to 35 million residents and the largest population in the United States, it makes great financial sense to write up a few lyrics that at least include the word “California”.

So what is it about the state that has led so many people to sing about her? Besides being a place ... [read more]

There is a reason why San Diego continues to attract more and more residents each year. The city is lovely. Darned lovely.

Its year-round perfect weather, access to beautiful beaches, increasingly vibrant downtown life and proximity to Mexico also make it a wonderful place to visit for a few days or even longer.

What is a traveler to do in San Diego?

Glad you asked. The city is chockfull of attractions including the San Diego Zoo. I used to think that it was merely a prop in the introduction of ... [read more]

When most people think of cruises they likely envision a trip to a location where the sun shines and warmth fills the air. The exception might be an Alaska cruise in the summer, but even that can be a sun filled affair. The odds aren’t great that you’ll see much sun during a cruise of the Pacific Northwest in late April, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful part of North America.

Celebrity Cruises offers up a 7-night Pacific Northwest cruise that begins in San ... [read more]

With its splendid bay, famous bridge, island prison, cable cars, and unreal steep hills, San Francisco is truly a unique American city. On a sunny day it is one of the prettiest cities in the United States. On a foggy day it is still one of the prettiest cities in the United States. On any day it is a great place to visit.

You can stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf, take a drive out to wine country, dine in Chinatown, take in the sights in the Haight Ashbury district and do some ... [read more]

• Disneyland
• Hollywood
• Los Angeles
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• Squaw Valley

Located an hour southeast of Los Angeles, Anaheim is Orange County’s largest city. It’s also California’s most exciting family hotspot with lots of amusement parks, attractions, restaurants and fabulous resorts that guarantee fun for the kid in all of us!

Anaheim’s best known attraction is Disneyland, the “happiest place on Earth!”. This is where Walt Disney’s theme park dreams took root, and you’ll find plenty of that famous Disney magic on rides like “It’s a Small World”, “Star Tours” and “Space Mountain.” This year, join the ‘happiest celebration on earth’ as it celebrates ... [read more]

HOLLYWOOD – the most magical name in the world is a great place to visit. Rich in history and legend, there are numerous sites that must be seen by visitors. Hold on to your hat as you explore Universal Studios Hollywood. Take a stroll along Sunset Boulevard, the inspiration for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical of the same name. Enter in the wax museum and gawk at the details on the replicas. Try to find your favorite star along the Walk of Fame and attempt name all of the movies your Hollywood ... [read more]

In the City of Angels, world-famous beaches, golden sunshine and countless attractions, from theme parks to Hollywood studio tours, vie for your attention. Hollywood! Los Angeles Lakers! Flashy cars! Money, money, money! Los Angeles is a city always on the go, seemingly driven by Tinseltown and the glitz and glam that go with it. If you are willing to fight traffic, there is a lot more to see in L.A. than just the flashing lights – some of the world’s best shopping and dining can be enjoyed in America’s second-largest city.

L.A. is the ... [read more]

In the City of Angels, world-famous beaches, golden sunshine and countless attractions, from theme parks to Hollywood studio tours, vie for your attention. Hollywood! Los Angeles Lakers! Flashy cars! Money, money, money! Los Angeles is a city always on the go, seemingly driven by Tinseltown and the glitz and glam that go with it. If you are willing to fight traffic, there is a lot more to see in L.A. than just the flashing lights – some of the world’s best shopping and dining can be enjoyed in America’s second-largest city.

L.A. is the ... [read more]

San Diego is the United States 7th most popular destination. It’s year round good weather, beaches, majestic parks, perfect sunsets, world-famous activities, world-class shopping and cultural events draw visitors from all over. San Diego is a big city and there’s plenty to do there for people with all kinds of interests. If “life is a beach,” then San Diego is the place to be, with 70 miles of sand lie more than 33 beaches. There is a beach for the surfer, the snorkeler, the sightseer, the shopper, the sunbather and ... [read more]

From exciting neighborhoods rich in ethnic diversity to scenic wonders that enrich the senses and enliven the soul, San Francisco beckons to all who dream of the good life. One of the most concentrated areas in the United States, the San Francisco Bay Area is known for the .com booms, hippies and gay-friendly attitude. Though not one of the warmest areas in the state, attractions like Haight-Ashbury, a trendy collection of shops and heart of the ’60s flower-power movement, draw travelers in.

There are plenty of other marvels in San Francisco as well – ... [read more]

The host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley and the surrounding areas offer unlimited possibilities – a recreation mecca. From skiing and snowboarding on one of the top mountains in the world, to ice skating, snow tubing, rock climbing, and more. There are more than 4,000 acres to explore, with an annual snowfall of more than 35 feet. Beginners need not fear! 70% of the slopes are dedicated to newbies and intermediate skiiers. Wide courses with beautiful terrain parks are some of what you’ll see as you zip down the slopes. ... [read more]