Destinations
Admiring California’s Super Bloom!
On average, California is gifted with a “Super Bloom” once every 10 years. Miraculously, this 2019 super bloom is the second within the last three years!

If you’re unaware, a super bloom is not some sort of apocalypse-type-flowering event. Rather, it’s the name of the phenomenon in which there is an outbreak of flowers that greatly exceeds the norm. The only chaos you’re bound to find during this naturally-occurring affair is the thousands of other locals, tourists, and travelers seeking out this nearly once-in-a-decade experience.
Colors Of The Rainbow
However, that nearly “once-in-a-decade” experience is changing. The last super bloom in Southern California took place in early 2017. Californians only had to wait a mere two years for the mesmerizing bloom to take place again. This year, an abundance of early spring rain and mountain snow have allowed these valleys to show their true colors. The cooler temperatures are also allowing the bloom to last longer than usual. Nonetheless, photographers and Instagrammers alike are capturing fields of desert dandelions, pink sand verbena, purple lupine, and vibrantly energetic poppies.
How Far Do I Have To Go?
Those located in California or travel near its borders don’t need to go far to enjoy the state-wide beauty. Traces and patches of the super bloom are visible from areas north of San Francisco all the way down to San Diego – over a 500-mile stretch. We recommend you do all your own research if you plan on making the trip of one the various parks and locations to enjoy the lovely flower but we wanted to include to give you a head start in research. If you’re near Southern California, we suggest you look into Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Desert Lily Sanctuary, Mojave Trails National Monument, & Diamond Valley Lake.
Tips To Make Every Trip Worthwhile
Additionally, we’re providing a few tips to make each planned adventure as organized and fulfilling as possible.
- Before you bother driving or hiking to these locations, consult with the Theodore Payne Wildflower Hotline. The bloom report is released every Friday.
- If possible, visit during midweek to avoid traffic congestion on weekends.
- As parking is not a given at any of these locations, be sure to pack the essentials: water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, and hiking boots.
- Cellphone coverage may be questionable. Always bring a physical map if you plan to separate yourself from your vehicle.
- Many state parks, dogs are simply not allowed on trails & in wildflower fields. You are welcome to walk them in campgrounds and on designated roads. Leashes are a must.
Destinations
Best U.S. Casinos Not in Las Vegas
There are awesome casinos all around the US that offer the same experiences as Vegas without a lot of the hassles. Check out this list of the best casinos not in Las Vegas that won’t need your passport to visit.

When you think of casinos in the United States, you automatically think Las Vegas, well, that’s your first mistake. Sure Las Vegas is great but it’s not the end-all be-all for casinos in the US. There are awesome casinos all around the US that offer the same experiences as Vegas without a lot of the hassles. Check out this list of the best casinos not in Las Vegas that won’t need your passport to visit.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Biloxi
If you are in the south, why waste money on airfare and save that to waste at the tables instead. Don’t visit Vegas for your gambling needs, just head to Biloxi and have the same experience, without hopping on a plane. The Hard Rock in Biloxi is a rock n roll themed casino, just like any other Hard Rock, but this one is massive. Covering over 50,000 sq ft and with outstanding views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Nevada
Tahoe is such a special place that you should visit with or without going to the casino. How many casinos have a private beach? Not many, but the Hyatt Regency in Tahoe certainly does. Not only can you gamble away your life savings here, but you can also enjoy water sports and fishing, take that Vegas.
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Niagara Falls
How many casinos are located next to incredible water falls? One that I know of, the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. Take in the falls by day and play in a huge casino with over 100 gaming tables by night. You get a Vegas style experience with none of the desert heat.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City
Surprisingly Atlantic City is still hanging on. Many resorts here have closed down but the Borgata stands strong. The elite Atlantic City resort, the Borgata has all you could ever want from a Vegas style resort without leaving the East Coast.
An easy drive form many huge metropolitan cities, The Borgata should be a top choice.
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Reno
Reno is the little sister to Las Vegas with it’s own feel and identity. Much cheaper than an average Las Vegas vacation, Reno offers a slower pace and chiller vibe. If the all night parties aren’t for you, maybe check out the Peppermill. The Tuscany styled resort will make you relax while losing all your money.
Talking Stick Resort, Arizona
Talking Stick is a killer Indian Casino with tons of fun activities to keep you entertained while not spending money at the tables. Table in a round of golf or hit up the award-winning spa.
Foxwoods resort and Casino, Connecticut
New Yorkers already know just how awesome Foxwoods truly is. Foxwoods actually offers six different casinos in its little empire in Connecticut. There are two golf courses, two arcades for the kids and tons of live entertainment options. A short drive from New York City makes Foxwoods an easy winner as the best US casino, not in Las Vegas.
Destinations
Hawaii Vacations Easier Now for Visitors

Hawaii opens its doors to vacationers. However, there are still several protocols that tourists need to follow.
On 15 October, Hawaii started providing visitors an easier alternative. Instead of requiring tourists to undergo a 14-day quarantine, would-be visitors must undergo testing, at least 72 hours before mainland departure, proving that they are free from the COVID-19 virus. Although this new Safe Travels protocol was supposed to start on the first day of September, the State of Hawaii had to suspend the program due to the sudden spike in cases. Yet, does Hawaii really want visitors now?

“I want people to come if they are fully prepared to test, know that they are healthy and are prepared to wear a mask,” mentions Lt Gov Josh Green, one of the leaders of the program. “If they do all those things, we are excited to resume our relationship with old friends,” he continues. He adds, however, that “…we are very mindful of risk, and we’re just trying to begin the process of a healthy restoration of our economy. We are not pushing for any large numbers. We just want to begin to kind of shake off the rust.”
To participate in the program—and to be given the chance to enter the state, all would-be visitors are required to undergo testing. This is a mandatory protocol that includes testing children who are aged 5 and above. Aside from the tests being done at least 72 hours before leaving the mainland, they should also be undertaken by accredited testing centers or health care agencies.
Green advises travelers to consult their chosen accredited testers regarding their own testing protocols. He mentions that some of these testing centers do not provide testing for children. Some merely offer COVID-19 tests to children who are 12 years old and above.

Nevertheless, the COVID-19 home testing kits from Hawaiian Airlines can also be used for testing purposes. Vault Health mentions that children can do their saliva-based COVID-19 test, as well. Big airline companies that provide Hawaii flights also offer travelers the option to take the test at the accredited clinics or have them done at the airports. They can also opt to do the home tests, as well.
A few of these airlines provide faster test results, too. For a fee of $250, United Airlines offers rapid testing at the San Francisco International Airport. For this kind of test, results are provided in a few minutes. Travelers can also obtain the tests from Walgreens and CVS.
However, the tests may only allow travelers to enter Hawaii. Traveling between islands may require vacationers to undergo additional COVID-19 tests, though. This is a protocol that applies not only to tourists but to Hawaiians, as well. They will also need to do the necessary 14-day quarantine each time they reach a new island.

Additionally, a second COVID-19 test may be requested from visitors, four days after arriving in Hawaii. This allows the government to make sure that visitors are, indeed, negative from the virus. Records suggest that 1 out of 1000 visitors are known to have come up positive during the retesting.
Destinations
5 Bucket List Things to Do In Valle De Guadalupe

If you want to get away for a relaxing Mexican vacation, there’s no better place to do it than Valle De Guadalupe.
Known as the “Napa Valley” of Mexico, Valle De Guadalupe is situated in the northern part of Baja California, just a short trip from Tijuana. If you live in Southern California, it’s the perfect place for a weekend trip, but people from all over should consider it as a vacation destination.
Today, we’re going to talk about 5 unforgettable things you need to experience in Valle De Guadalupe. Whether you’re looking to lounge on the beach or visit some world-class wineries, Valle De Guadalupe has got you covered.
1. Let Your Inner Wine Lover Out

The main reason Valle De Guadalupe is such a popular tourist destination is becuase of its nickname – the “Napa Valley” of Mexico. It’s one of the largest producers of world-class wine in the world (the Baja California region produces 70% of Mexico’s wine), so oenophiles flock from all around to visit the amazing wineries in the region, take tours, and even visit museums.
There’s no shortage of wine tours available to keep you busy for your entire stay, if that’s what you’re looking for. The wineries range from small family owned establishments to world-renowned wine brands, so you’ll be able to experience the full breadth of the Mexican wine industry.
2. Try Some World-Class Restaurants

Where there’s wine, there’s usually fine dining, so you won’t be surprised to find some of the best restaurants in Mexico in Valle De Guadalupe. The best thing to do is get some research done ahead of your trip and pick the restaurants you want to try, becuase you won’t be able to visit them all.
If you want to play it by ear, you might benefit from asking some of the locals where they eat. There’s no better way to experience Baja California than by doing as the locals do.
3. Enjoy An Excursion Through the Country Side

Once you’ve got your fill of great food and wine, you might want to see some of the natural beauty that surrounds the area. Fortunately, there are a couple of unforgettable sightseeing options available to you.
Fans of offroading will enjoy both the ATV or Moto Tour of Valle De Guadalupe. These allow you to experience a fun jaunt through the countryside with a trained guide. Just remember to go before you’ve had too much to drink.
Another important aspect to consider when preparing to go on an atv trip is maintenance. Take your atv into an atv repair shop to make sure it is in tip top shape before going out. There’s not much worse than getting out on the trail, sometimes miles out, and having engine trouble.
4. Or Fly Over It

If you’re not an offroad lover, then you’ve still got one amazing sightseeing option. Try out a hot air balloon ride over the valley and you’ll be treated to some truly unbelieveable views of the town and the surrounding country side, which is covered in expansive wineries. This is a serious bucket list experience.
Enjoy Your Trip to Valle De Guadalupe
So, why not make Valle De Guadalupe your next vacation destination. Not only will you be able to cross a few things off your bucket list, like taking a hot air balloon ride or visiting a tiny Mexican winery, but you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the natural beauty as well. There’s enough to do for a longer vacation, but it’s close enough for a weekender as well, which is what makes this Mexican Napa Valley so special.
If you enjoyed this post, come back again for more on travel, food, and wine.
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