San Francisco (Road Trippin’)

My first San Francisco visit was with my mom, who spent a lot of time in the city when she was younger and came to fall in love with it. So it seemed fitting that she would be the one to take me to San Francisco for my first time. During my first visit to the city my mom and I attempted to do the impossible and see all of San Francisco in one day. We hit all of the famous spots such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park, the Embarcadero, Haight Ashbury, The Golden Gate Bridge, and whatever else we could squeeze into our schedule. After this short but sweet trip with my mom I fell in love with the quirkiness of the city and wondered how a place that is only 8 hours away from where I live could be so different. That quirky and captivating energy that I experienced during my first visit is what sparked my desire to go back and share the “true San Francisco experience” with three of my close friends.

I just recently went on my third road trip to San Francisco with a few friends and had such an awesome experience. Being a true Southern Californian girl, I will drop everything at the mere suggestion of a road trip. Living in California, there are plenty of places that you could road trip to even just for a couple of days such as San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, San Diego, the Grand Canyon, Arizona, and San Francisco (only to name a few). Road trips may not be for everybody given that you could be stuck in a car for what seems like hours on end until you finally get to your destination, but in the end it’s always worth it.

Although we all ended up getting sick during our time in San Francisco, we made the best of it and set out to take on the city! We explored through the Japanese Tea Garden and other areas of Golden Gate Park, made the trek to Muir Woods National Forest to see the famous redwoods, and explored through the various districts in the city such as The Haight. And of course, it’s not a road trip to San Francisco unless you cross the Golden Gate Bridge too. Although there was more we wish we could’ve seen, we were only able to stay for the weekend. Despite this, by the time we were driving home we had already begun planning our next trip to San Francisco!

For my fellow travel bugs that have never been on a road trip here are some Road Trip Tips!

1. Go with a few friends so you can take turns driving

2. Bring blankets and pillows for when you aren’t driving

3. Make a good road trip playlist that will keep you awake

4. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your gas tank (especially on longer road trips)

5. Bring plenty of snacks and drinks

6. Leave early to avoid traffic

7. Start your morning off with coffee or tea to keep you awake throughout the drive

8. Dress in comfy clothes because you could be in the car for awhile depending on where you’re going.

9. Play some games with your friends to pass the time!

10. ALWAYS bring a map!

Open up those maps and follow your arrows les papillons, the world is waiting for you to explore it… G

Travel Necessities!

While traveling is something that is very exciting and enjoyable, it can also be very stressful at times. The hectic hustle and bustle of the airports and the fear that you forget something that you will need leaves travelers anxious before they leave for a trip. Traveling is not supposed to leave you anxious, but excited to explore! So, to prevent these feelings of anxiety here is a list of my top ten traveling necessities…

1. Your Passport! (or some form of identification)

I know this may sound obvious but you would be surprised at how many people forget this, including myself once or twice! You will need your passport if you are traveling outside of the country, however, if you are traveling within your country any form of identification is acceptable. Also don’t forget that you do need to renew your passport after a certain amount of time! Make sure to check the expiration date posted on your passport.

2. Gum

One thing that bugs me and a lot of other people about traveling via airplane is your ears getting plugged! Although gum doesn’t totally prevent this from happening it does help a little bit so you are not completely uncomfortable the entire time. A must need for me if I’m about to get on an airplane! You will easily be able to find a pack of gum in any airport.

3. A camera (even if it’s a disposable one!)

I am a firm believer in taking many pictures when traveling (and in general). While traveling, I always bring a camera with me no matter where I’m going. Whether it is a Polaroid, a disposable camera, or a nice fancy camera bring it! At the end of a trip it is always fun to look back on all of the photos you’ve taken and reminisce on the fun.

4. A good book (or two… or three)

Books books books! I might be biased on this one because I am a total book worm. I love bringing books with me to pass the time on a long flight, train ride, etc.

–Some Book Recommendations: Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, and just about any book about topics that interest you!

5. A phone charger

My phone battery never lasts me too long, especially when I have a long day of traveling ahead of me! While I’m not an avid phone user it’s always good to have it charged and ready to go, especially while traveling, you never know when you may need it. Remember to bring your phone charger to prevent this from happening.

6. Socks

I always, always, always bring socks when I am traveling via airplane for two reasons. One, TSA always makes you take your shoes off for the security check and I would just hate to walk on the floor on the airport barefoot. Two, once I get on the plane my feet always get chilly, so it’s nice to have some socks at hand just in case.

7. A travel journal

Just like taking photos, I am also a firm believer in owning a travel journal, and a journal in general. I personally love the idea of being able to look back and read about all of my adventures that I’ve had throughout my life.

8. Sunglasses

Because I don’t always look the best after long flights (who does) and need something to cover my face up when I land!

9. Snacks & Water

This may seem like an obvious one, but make sure to buy snacks and water at the airport after you go through TSA to avoid getting any of your food or drinks confiscated by them. They will have a variety of snacks and possibly even some restaurants to choose from in just about any airport.

10. Earphones

One thing I seem to forget about planes a lot is that they are LOUD! If you are looking to take a nap or rest during your flight, I highly recommend bringing earphones to tune out the background noise in the plane, and to bump your tunes of course.

Journal from Barnes and Noble

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales by Oliver Sacks (recommendation for any Psychology lovers out there!)

Polaroid Camera from Urban Outfitters

Sunglasses from Rayban