Summer Travel Highlights: Islands, Whales, Waterfalls & Adventures with Cayman Jack
It’s remarkable how quickly three months of adventures have passed since our first beachside margarita toast with friends. While Scott and I typically plan to enjoy our San Diego home each summer, this year we embraced a whirlwind of travel instead.
The prime beach season in San Diego is just beginning, so we look forward to surfing, relaxing on the sand, and fitting in a few more trips through August and September.
After nonstop packing and unpacking, we’re ready for a brief pause. This reflective moment is ideal for recapping our recent journeys, including highs, lows, and lessons learned—perfect if you missed our updates.
We focus on practical tips and guides for destinations, but sharing mishaps reveals the real stories behind travel.
Our Summer Travels
- Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s charm always leaves us wanting more. This visit deepened our appreciation for its history and culture, capped by a Cayman Jack beach happy hour at Stearns Wharf and a stunning sunset. Chilled margaritas under a vibrant sky created an unforgettable evening.
- Central California Road Trip
In mid-May, we embarked on a four-day coastal drive, spending two nights in downtown San Luis Obispo and two in charming Cambria. Discover more in our guides: 48 Hours in San Luis Obispo and 10 Things to See and Do on California’s Central Coast.
- Joshua Tree
We joined friends at a group campsite in Joshua Tree during late May.
- West Sweden
Our Scandinavia debut! Using ten vacation days, we island-hopped the Bohuslän coast, explored Gothenburg, and joined Midsummer festivities. Planning a Sweden trip? Check our top travel tips for Sweden first.
- Telluride, Colorado
A solo trip to Telluride at June’s end revealed breathtaking waterfalls and rewarding hikes, reigniting my passion for solo exploration.
- Channel Islands
Upgrading from day trips, our Santa Cruz Island camping adventure demanded planning but delivered magic. See our tips for camping in the Channel Islands.
- British Columbia
A spontaneous solo journey to Whistler expanded into kayaking with whales on North Vancouver Island and road-tripping the Sea to Sky Highway. More details coming soon.
Travel Highs
— Magnificent waterfalls: Reliving Northern California’s rivers through hikes fulfilled a deep longing.
— First seaplane ride in Whistler: Breathtaking aerial views surpassed expectations amid jaw-dropping scenery.
— Surviving my first self-packed backpacking trip: Overcoming past shortcuts builds confidence for Sierra adventures.
— Whale sightings: Humpback whales feeding near Channel Islands ferries remain magical every time.
— Perfect island-hopping in Gothenburg Archipelago: Warm weather enhanced photography of idyllic waterfront homes.
Travel Lows
— Joshua Tree’s 105°F+ desert heat sapped energy for hikes; we shaded with Cayman Jack margaritas instead.
— Sweden’s relentless rain and wind confined us indoors, testing vacation spirits—spas helped, but outdoor plans suffered.
— Kayak mishaps in Santa Cruz Island caves highlighted control issues on our “divorce boat.”
— Rental car breakdown in Whistler cut gondola time, a reminder even new vehicles falter.
Crafting Memorable Journeys
Our highlights center on nature and outdoor escapes, drawing us to wonders over cities. Disconnecting with Cayman Jack margaritas amid Santa Barbara sunsets, Telluride trails, and Swedish islands created cherished moments.
Adventures like new encounters, local cuisine, and hikes define our paths. Prioritizing experiences over checklists ensures lasting memories, like foggy kayaks near Telegraph Cove or private Channel Islands sunsets.
Next: Norway’s final week of August thrills us—a long-awaited dream. Watch for three more announcements in September and October!
Share your upcoming travel plans in the comments!
