Category: Bucket List

Hipmunk Hotels: Strange sites in San Luis Obispo, Carlsbad, Marina Del Ray, Monterey and Costa Mesa

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

I stumbled upon some interesting, strange, and weird sites in my bucket list research, all in California. I haven’t ventured into California a lot, but with finding these crazy things, I have to move this state back to the top.

San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo, California is a small town, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Spanish Missionaries founded the city in 1772, making it one of America’s oldest communities. I want to check out the eccentric Madonna Inn, a stop on Season 14’s The Bachelor. Bubble Gum Alley is another strange spot. Since 1960, people have stuck their used chewing gum to the walls of the alley. Locals have made several attempts to clean it up, but people continue to visit and contribute to the collection.

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Image provided by Sean66 via Trover.com

Carlsbad, California

Situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, Carlsbad, California is a quaint, but active seaside town. It’s home to the world famous La Costa Golf Resort and is the headquarters for several golf club manufactures such as Calloway and TaylorMade. If golf isn’t your thing, maybe Lego is. For the Star Wars geek in me, I have to check out the Star Wars Miniland at Legoland California with replicas of ships, figures, and people from the famous science fiction franchise.

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Image provided by Jesse I. via Trover.com

Marina Del Ray, California

Marina Del Ray, California is a unique attraction in itself. The unincorporated community houses the largest man-made marina in the world. It took from 1887 to 1965 to complete the construction of Marina Del Rey. A vision of real estate developer M.C. Wicks, he wanted the Marina to be a viable commercial harbor. With millions of visitors per year, many hotels, from budget to resorts, sprung up to support the thriving business.

Monterey, California

In Monterey, California, you’re just as likely to see a sea lion, harbor seal, and bat ray, as you’re to see people. I’m hoping to see one of the city’s famous residents, such as Clint Eastwood or Herman Edwards, a former NLF coach and player. It was also the home of John Steinbeck, who based his famous novel Cannery Row on the Cannery Row area in Monterey. I can’t wait to walk in his footsteps and absorb the city he loved. The many seaside hotels make it easy to enjoy the sites of Monterey.

Costa Mesa, California

Every year in the spring, Costa Mesa hosts the Orange County Fair, which started in 1890. Many hotels have cropped up in Costa Mesa to accommodate the millions of visitors each year. The fair has evolved over the years from a three-day festival with races and livestock exhibitions to a twenty-three day festival with big name performances, competitions, exhibits and rides. The bizarre culinary offerings are one of the most unique features of the fair. No where else could you get a Krispy Kreme Doughnut Sloppy Joe. I can’t wait to sample the offerings from the many food trucks that make Costa Mesa their home for the twenty-three day festival.

Costa Mesa

Image provided by Terry Fletcher via Trover.com

Hipmunk Hotels: Interesting Sites in Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Dunwoody, Louisville and Baton Rouge

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

My bucket list is taking me back down south. I found a few small cities big time attractions I can’t wait to check out. A few sports highlights, adventure to a galaxy far, far away, a place to quench your thirst and a trip to the past to top it all off.

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

My favorite genre to read and to write is sports romance. So any chance I get, I like to experience a sport spectacle. One of the best places to immerse yourself in college life is at the University of Alabama. Located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the Crimson Tide are loyal and enthusiastic fans. Stay at many of the hotels near campus and you can’t help but get caught up in the excitement of college football in this historic setting.

Photo provided by Robbie Faulkner via Trover.com

Huntsville, Alabama

I really, really, really wanted to go to space camp when I was a kid. After watching that movie, pilot school was in my future. I saw myself living on the International Space Station. The dream ended when I failed freshman science. Huntsville, Alabama is the home of Space Camp and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, the largest museum dedicated to the US space program. Every year thousands of kids descend on Huntsville and attend Space Camp. These future scientists get to learn first hand what it’s like to live and work as an astronaut without leaving earth. The Center houses replicates of some of the most iconic rockets in NASA history. With a Marriott hotel right on campus stay close to the action and explore the many exhibits and demos at the Center.

Photo provided by Steve Burns via Trover.com 

Dunwoody, Georgia

Dunwoody, Georgia is a small suburb of Atlanta. As the birth place of Ryan Seacrest, Dunwoody is a laid back town with a historic vibe. Although discovered in the late 1800, it wasn’t incorporated into a city until 2008. You can check into a hotel on the square and walk to the many restaurants and bars in the area. I found a spot that is a must to experience, especially if you like beer. Moondog Growlers offers craft beer tastings daily and if you find one you like, pick up a Growler and fill it up from the tap to take home.

Photo provided by Karen Martinchich via Trover.com

Louisville, Kentucky

If baseball is your thing, a stop at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Louisville, Kentucky is a must. The museum has several interactive attractions and a perfect place to learn enough about baseball to impress the most rabid fan. Get your picture taken next to the largest steel bat in the world. Take a few swings in the batting cages and check out some of the great players and their bats from major league baseball.

Photo provided by Chris Votaw via Trover.com

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

I would conclude my trip with a step into history, literally.  At Louisiana State University, they have created the Rural Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The museum is known as one of the best outdoor museums in the world. The museum’s mission is to preserve the way of life in the south in the 18th and 19th century.  The museum includes several free-standing structures from the time and many artifacts used in everyday life during this time period. There are hotels right on campus for you to stay and visit this and other cool attractions in this college/capital town.

Photo provided by Lauren Bassart via Trover.com.

Hipmunk Hotels: Adventures in Lincoln, Saint George, Salt Lake, Park City and Milwaukee

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

My America bucket list travel in the midwest continues with a jaunt through Nebraska, Utah and Wisconsin. All my trips have a list of musts; food, hotels, adventures and now architecture. This part of the country has some unique buildings. Styles you wouldn’t expect in America.

Lincoln, Nebraska

Lincoln, Nebraska is the state capital of Nebraska and has an interesting nickname for its capital building. How could you not want to stop and take titillating photos of what is affectionately referred to as the “Penis of the Plains”? The inside of the building is as interesting as the exterior. As someone who loves libraries, the capital houses a historical library with secret bookshelves and reading lights attached to the walls. I have to check it out.

Photo provided by Jen Barnason via Trover.com

Saint George, Utah

Named after the Church of Later Day Saints (CLDS) Apostle, Saint George, Utah sits in the Mojave Desert. The landscape with its red dirt and hilly mountains make this city an outdoor paradise. It doesn’t mean they don’t have some interesting buildings. One I have to check out is St. George’s Utah Temple. They CLDS built the Temple in 1871 and has a natural disastrous past. It’s been through unstable ground, they had to pack the swamp ground with volcanic rock for it to stand. The walls fell in 1872 after being struck by lightning in 1872 and a fire destroyed the temple in 1928.

Photo provided by C G Oakeson via Trover.com

Salt Lake City, Utah

Continuing on the CLDS tour, Salt Lake City, Utah, holy ground to the Mormons was founded by Brigham Young. While I may not agree with the religious practices of the Mormons, the Temple Square is an architectural and historical landmark built-in 1928.  The architecture reminds me of the great cathedrals in Europe. The grounds are beautiful and evoke peace and spirituality.

Photo provided by TravelTess via Trover.com

Park City, Utah

When I think of Park City, Utah, extreme winter sports come to mind. The city is known for it outdoor activities from hiking, biking and skiing in the mountains to swimming and fishing in the beautiful lake. One of the must-see stops in Park City is the High West Distillery & Saloon. In 1914, the Begg family built a home. The Carriage house came later, but it was a private home up until 1997 when the city bought it. The Saloon and Distillery is known for its classic western food and handcrafted cocktails, which have you reminiscing of the old west.

Photo provided by Jen – Nealys On Wheels via Trover.com

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Last stop on the midwest tour will be Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee exemplifies the midwest to me. So, the ultra modern and ultra sleek Milwaukee Art Museum doesn’t fit the mold of conservative Milwaukee. The museum with its three distinct buildings designed by three award-winning architects.  The War Memorial and the gardens are unique in their own right, but the Quadracci Pavillion is a post-modern that is a spectacular sight I can’t wait to see.

Photo provided by Andy Shears via Trover.com

The World’s Best Cities for Traveling Solo

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle3 Comments

This post was posted by thehipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on December 15, 2015.

Screen-Shot-2015-12-15-at-9.04.40-PMThere’s nothing like deciding to explore the world, striking out on your own, and doing just exactly what you want to do. But when you start to consider the options, it can be a bit overwhelming. So, rather than start with the whole world and try narrowing it down from there (good luck), why not start with a carefully curated list of globetrotter-approved locales guaranteed to be worth the trip? In answer to that question, here’s a roundup of four adventure-packed spots to inspire your further rumination on the topic.

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Buenos Aires, Argentina

A cultural melting pot preoccupied with the finer things, Buenos Aires is paradise for the artist and the intellectual. The place is littered with literary and live music bars, and was home to influential writers like Victoria Ocampo and Jorge Luis Borges. Translation: Wandering aimlessly will inevitably end in the discovery of some hidden gem. With that in mind, make sure to pick a centrally located hotel. Nature lovers can visit the second-largest wetlands in the world at Ibera (a short flight from Buenos Aires). Anyone who considers drinking good wine a worthwhile pastime should make a stop at La Cafe Juvré or Aldo’s Vinoteca & Restorán.

Must-dos: Take in an opera at Teatro Colón, eat traditional empanadas, drink a true Argentine Malbec.

Dublin, Ireland

The sheer, lush expanse of the place makes it worth a trip. Film fans should take time to visit The Cliffs of Moher (you can get there by bus or rail from Dublin and make it back to your hotel before bedtime), a filming location for both Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Princess Bride. Literature buffs could make a whole itinerary of famous authors’ birthplaces: James Joyce and Clare Boylan hail from Dublin, to name a pair. Take the two-hour drive to Belfast to see the birthplace of C.S. Lewis, Jonathan Swift, and Seamus Heaney — plus a tour of Game of Thrones filming locations. Sporty types have no shortage of options, with golf tournaments, equestrian events, and boating races occurring regularly.

Must-dos: If you can, go during one of the food festivals, like Taste of Dublin. There are many, and you’ll experience more Irish cuisine that way than any other. If you do hit up Belfast, visit the MAC: the award-winning art center houses three art galleries, two theaters, and a bar/restaurant.

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Bali, Indonesia

Not just because it’s where Elizabeth Gilbert found enlightenment — and eventually the “Love” part of Eat, Pray, Love — although maybe a little because of that, the island of Bali is an incredible destination for the unattached traveler. You can swim in the Sekumpul Waterfalls, follow bright-colored fish snorkeling on Menjangan Island, or have a zen moment in the Jatiluwih Green Land rice fields.Get the full experience by staying in a cottage. On top of the whole “exotic paradise” thing, Bali offers a surprising amount of sophisticated cultural experiences. Think traditional and modern dance, visual art, and music. The annual Indonesian International Film Festival, Balinale, takes place in Bali, too.

Must-dos: Take in a temple performance, eat nasi goreng (a tamarind + chili stir-fried rice) and spicy peanut satay with bubur sumsum (black rice pudding) for dessert.

Sydney, Australia

The first-time solo traveler will appreciate the familiar urbanity and English-speaking environment of Australia. But Sydney has seemingly endless opportunity to explore a different kind of adventure with incredible surfing at spots like Manly Beach and fitness-focused attractions like walking Sydney Harbor Bridge, or taking in all the major attractions on a bike tour.

For a taste of culture, visit The Royal Botanic Gardens or shop at the Centrepoint Mall. Regardless of the kind of trip you’re looking for, you can find it in Australia.

Must-dos: Take in a performance at the Sydney Opera House (it helps if your hotel is walking distance) and indulge in a tasting menu at Sydney-based seiōbo — momofuku’s first location outside New York City, which features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

4 Luxurious Dominican Republic Hotels

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

This post was posted by thehipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on December 21, 2015.

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Punta Cana’s Glorious Resort Life Photo Credit Sarah_Ackerman https://www.flickr.com/photos/sackerman519/4528012957

We all long for an occasional taste of the tropical island life, especially during cold winter months. The Dominican Republic is the quintessential Caribbean experience wrapped up in a tourist-friendly package, palm trees and all. You’ve almost certainly seen some of its gorgeous white-sand beaches adorning calendars, and you may have heard excited, inspired tales about snorkeling in the calm cerulean waters lapping at its shores. But nature isn’t all you can experience here; cities are dotted with picturesque colonial buildings, and the friendly Dominicans love their lively fiestas.

If you’re thinking about heading to this Caribbean paradise, here are some places you can’t miss:

1. Punta Cana

You’ve likely heard the name Punta Cana before because it’s the most talked-about city in the country. Punta Cana boasts the island’s most luxurious resorts, which line its most prized beaches. Here, you can live a leisurely life of extravagance in one of the most pristine landscapes in the Dominican Republic. In fact, why not go all out? Book a stay at the Barcelo Punta Cana for an all-inclusive adventure. Whether you’re solo, with a partner or you have the whole family in tow, this resort has plenty to do and even features six international restaurants in its bounds

2. Santo Domingo

If you’re looking to throw a Dominican city into the mix, this should be at the top of your list. Though Santo Domingo is the country’s capital, many tourists fly in and out without spending any real time there While there’s nothing wrong with that, Santo Domingo does have a lot to offer if you dedicate some time to it. Stay at the Sheraton Santo Domingo to combine the best of coast and city. You’ll also be conveniently close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Colonial Zone. And no matter where you choose to stay, you’ll never be far from the salsa and meringue clubs that give this city its signature flair.

3. Bayahibe

Searching for a more down-to-earth town with a prominent ecological vibe? Bayahibe is just the place. Known for its nature and wildlife, Bayahibe also features the brilliant beaches that are a signature of this island country. You could call Bayahibe the flower child of the Dominican, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo luxury to enjoy all it has to offer. Search for Hipmunk deals at the Dreams La Romana Bayahibe, an all-inclusive beachfront resort near three of the country’s finest ecological treasures — Parque Nacional del Este, Saona Island and Catalinita Island.

4. Puerto Plata

One of the best places to snorkel, this can be considered one of the Dominican Republic’s adventure capitals. From horse riding on the beach to ziplining in nearby jungles, this port city offers much more than meets the eye. To escape the bustle of downtown, stay at the Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort and Spa, located right on Cofresi Beach. Puerto Plata is also one of the finest jump-off points for whale-watching excursions, so don’t miss the chance to marvel at the incredible humpbacks as they make their way through the warm waters off the Dominican coast.

While these four destinations are some of the Dominican Republic’s finest, they’re far from all that this small Caribbean nation has to offer. If you’re into water sports, visit Cabarete for the region’s best windsurfing and kitesurfing. The island has some surprisingly profound mountains — the highest in the Caribbean — and there are plenty of trails and waterfalls within them waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re keen on watching baseball, partying in accord with the carnival spirit or simply relaxing among jungle-lined beaches, the Dominican Republic is an excellent place to add to your bucket list.