By J.C. Thomas San Diego County is known all around the world for its major tourist attractions, near-perfect weather and natural beauty. It’s hard to believe that any hidden gems remain among the region’s immensely inviting cities, beaches and mountains.…
Drink glasses set on a balcony with a lake backdrop at Lakehouse Resort in San Marcos near San Diego
(Photo by California News Press)
Make a full month of memories with an extended-stay rental on the waterfront in South Lake Tahoe  Wintertime is magical at Lake Tahoe. The pristine jewel of an alpine lake becomes the centerpiece of a snow-covered wonderland. Mountain scenery that’s…
Sunset over a snowy channel leading into Lake Tahoe, as seen from an extended-stay vacation rental at Tahoe Keys in South Lake Tahoe
By Jon Bogart Life’s daily demands propel our minds to wander, as we zoom in and out of computer screens and traffic tie-ups, to a time and place where we can unwind and rejuvenate. A laid-back vibe, fresh ocean air, a…
The Santa Barbara, California coastline as seen across the ocean from the pier
The coast of Santa Barbara, California, seen across the ocean from the pier
By Jon Bogart Desert Hot Springs is an oasis of tranquility where people flock to get a breather from the hectic demands of daily living in today’s world. The city itself is off the beaten path and you wouldn’t know…
Exterior shot of Azure Palm Resort in Desert Hot Springs, California with palm trees and a mountain backdrop
Our top hotel pick, Thistle Holborn the Kingsley, balances style, comfort and affordability in the very center of London By J.C. Thomas As the end of 2021 approaches, the pandemic and its travel disruptions are by no means over. Yet,…
Street view of the entrance to the Thistle Holborn the Kingsbury hotel in Bloomsbury, London
Moab, Utah is a very cool city. It has a trendy vibe, but in a timeless, not-actually-trying sort of way. Moab is also very good looking, with low-slung buildings and artsy accents that don’t bother trying to compete with the…
Arches National Park scenery near Moab, Utah
In one prized pocket of La Jolla are three glorious landmarks: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Torrey Pines Golf Course, and the Lodge at Torrey Pines. By J.C. Thomas The Torrey pine tree (pinus torreyana), the rarest pine species in…
a brick patio and exterior wood of the Lodge at Torrey Pines with pine trees in the background
It’s always fun to imagine living full-time in a destination you’re only visiting, no matter how realistic or far-fetched the idea might be. The fantasy feels especially real when you find a place to stay that evokes the feeling of…
the flower-filled courtyard of the Beach House Inn in Santa Barbara, California
A Review of Yosemite Dreams: Rustic and Refined Lodging Near Oakhurst By J.C. Thomas In 2020, visiting Yosemite National Park in the peak of summer feels like a dream. Weird and lovely, almost eerily serene in the absence of big…
By J.C. Thomas The seaside village of Del Mar, just north of San Diego, is surely one of the loveliest spots in all Southern California. More than 2 miles of sandy beaches bound Del Mar, encompassing coastal parks, playgrounds, top-notch…
L'Auberge Del Mar, a luxury hotel on the coast of Del Mar, California
By J.C. Thomas Irvine is commonly characterized by the hundreds of corporate headquarters whose high-rise office buildings tower over the city’s neat and sunshiny master-planned landscape. This makes it easy to overlook Irvine as a vacation destination, but look beyond…
By Jon Bogart Palm Springs is in the midst of a major renovation that will transform the city into a cutting-edge capital of shopping, dining, recreation, art appreciation and, of course, golf. Palm Springs has always been known as the…