As passionate foodies, photographers, and San Diego locals who run a dedicated restaurant review site, one of our favorite experiences in Hillcrest is the guided food tour with Bite San Diego. This tour lets you savor dishes from top restaurants while gathering insider local tips. We cook gourmet meals at home regularly but prioritize trying a new San Diego spot weekly. Our website has inspired us to explore every corner of San Diego County. With countless dining options, food tours like this ef

Labadee is a private port on Haitis northern coast, leased exclusively to Royal Caribbean until 2050. As a cruiser skeptical of highly commercialized stops, I approached this visit with reservations. Yet, Labadee offers far more than souvenir shops and tours—its a place with genuine depth and positive local influence. While Royal Caribbeans development might seem intrusive at first, it plays a vital role in the community. According to Wikipedia, the company has been Haitis top tourism revenue so

Scott and I eagerly anticipated our helicopter tour over Maui as one of the trips top highlights. With just one prior 15-minute helicopter ride from Havasupai Reservation, I insisted on including this in our Maui itinerary. Mauis renowned reefs, lush landscapes, and dramatic waterfalls promised spectacular aerial views. We chose the 60-minute Complete Island Tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, a trusted operator. The vistas were breathtaking, though midday sun glare on the windows challenged ph

Planning a Caribbean cruise with a large family, including young children, can be rewarding yet challenging. Our group of 14, celebrating my fathers 60th birthday, included seven kids. Though we dont have children of our own, we discovered effective strategies to keep everyone entertained while maintaining our sanity during this seven-day adventure. Essential Tips for a Family Caribbean Cruise Dress Kids in Bright, Identifiable Clothing Custom bright blue t-shirts labeled Rod’s Crew with names a

McWay Falls in Big Sur is an iconic California landmark that belongs on every travelers bucket list. The ideal time to photograph its beauty? Sunrise, hands down.On our Thanksgiving camping trip to Big Sur, my friends thought I was crazy for setting my alarm just before 6:00 AM. Little did we know, nature—and a garbage truck—had other plans.After campfire stories and drinks until midnight, my 5:50 AM alarm hit hard. Tempted to snooze, I pushed on, determined not to miss a sunrise shot of McWay F

Besides our exhilarating island helicopter tour, the highlight we anticipated most in Maui was tandem paragliding. I felt some nerves, but I was especially worried for my partner Scott, who has a genuine fear of heights. Could he handle soaring 3,000 feet above ground, harnessed to a massive paraglider? To our surprise, we both managed far better than expected. We arrived at the landing site just before 8:00 a.m. and met Dexter, owner of Proflyght Paragliding, along with his crew. As we ascended

While scouting two luxury homes in Del Mar for a professional photography assignment yesterday, I passed this captivating residence. Del Mar, a prestigious coastal community in San Diego, is known for its elegant estates and meticulously manicured lawns. The homes distinctive landscaping immediately drew my eye. It stands out boldly against the typical coastal style, and I absolutely love it! For a moment, it transported me to the East Coast in December, with its brisk air and abundance of color

We’ve camped in Big Sur multiple times, and it remains one of our favorite destinations. This stunning California coastline boasts some of the most breathtaking campgrounds, surrounded by dramatic ocean views, redwood forests, and epic hikes. Our preferred times are spring or fall to dodge summer crowds, enjoying vibrant sunsets, quiet trails, mild days, and cooler nights. Yet Big Sur camping shines year-round. Discover our top picks for Big Sur campgrounds, essential packing tips from seasoned

Welcome to the Around the World Interview series on Ordinary Traveler! We feature guests who have lived in or extensively explored specific countries, sharing expert insights and practical tips for global destinations. This week, Talon Windwalker from 1Dad1Kid.com offers his comprehensive Ecuador travel tips based on firsthand experience. Budget Tips for Ecuador Ecuador stands out as one of South Americas most affordable destinations. Street food is both delicious and incredibly cheap, with mult

During our Maui trip, we savored two days at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort spanning 40 lush acres with nine pools and steps from Wailea Beach. Its stunning design features one of Hawaiis largest, most valuable art collections. Two days barely scratched the surface—heres why this resort demands a longer stay.   Thrilling Waterslides for Kids and Adults Alike With multiple waterslides, a rope swing, the worlds first water elevator, and a swim-up bar, the Grand Wailea delivers fun

Before making the life-changing decision to quit your job for travel, consider these insights from experienced travelers who balance both. A common misconception, especially online, suggests that world travel requires a career break or becoming a full-time nomad. Many frustrated readers tell us they cant afford to quit or hope to travel one day after figuring out finances. The reason we started this blog is to prove you can maintain a normal life while traveling the world. Scott holds a full-tim

Discover our unforgettable road trip through Northern California and Las Vegas, capturing stunning Instagram-worthy photos. Explore our detailed itinerary below!     Winter Wonders in Northern California During the Christmas break, we drove north to my favorite high school photography spots. I loved wandering the rural backroads, always discovering incredible photo opportunities that I shared with Scott.   A Spontaneous Vegas Getaway A last-minute decision led Scott and me to

Our recent adventure in Maui marked my fourth visit and my husbands second. Previous trips were limited to tourist areas and beach lounging, so I never truly experienced the islands essence. This time, we ventured deeper, and I fell deeply in love with Mauis authentic beauty. The sunrise departing San Diego made our early start worthwhile. As we left the mainland, clouds parted over a small island, previewing the stunning vistas awaiting us in Maui.   8 Reasons to Plan a Visit to Maui, Haw

We just got word that a pod of transient orcas are attacking a California gray whale, so were heading that way to see if we can get a closer look, the captain announced. The gasps from fellow passengers pulled me from my thoughts. Grabbing my camera, I hurried to the railing for a better view. Witnessing a peaceful gray whale under attack by orcas stirred unease, yet the raw power of nature compelled us to watch. Ive long been captivated by orcas. Seeing them in the wild was a lifelong dream. A

This is Part II of Orcas Versus Gray Whales: Our Once-In-A-Lifetime Whale-Watching Experience After our captain cut the boats engine, we waited anxiously, eyes scanning the horizon for what we feared might unfold next. Wed just spotted the orcas playfully surfacing nearby. Suddenly, the captains voice crackled over the loudspeaker: Its surprising these dolphins are lingering— they usually flee at the first sign of a predator. These orcas are masters at staying hidden. Five tense minutes later, a

Ive been deeply reflective lately, contemplating life, death, and cherished loved ones. Were facing a heart-wrenching decision—one that feels like playing God. Our 16-year-old feline companion is gravely ill, and weve chosen to forgo medications, injections, and vet visits, allowing her to pass peacefully. Ive had her since she was a kitten, and shes been my steadfast companion through countless life changes since leaving home at 17. Imagining life without her fills me with profound sadness, but

The Cyclades, located in the southern Aegean Sea, encompass 33 inhabited islands, each delivering a distinct Greek island experience. Visitors enjoy pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, breathtaking scenery, and delectable local cuisine, no matter which island they choose. Thanks to their close proximity and frequent ferry services, the Cyclades are ideal for island hopping, letting travelers savor the unique charm of multiple destinations. Standouts include the dramatic volcanic landsc

A few weeks ago, I read an article claiming that most travel blogs are penned by writers at home or in 9-to-5 jobs, not actively traveling. This prompted me to share my perspective: this isnt the norm among popular travel blogs. Readers echoed this in comments on our recent post, Do You Have to Quit Your Job to Travel the World? They appreciate bloggers who arent full-time nomads, as many inspire drastic life changes like quitting jobs or taking extended breaks. Not all top blogs feature constan

Discover the enchanting island of Puerto Rico, celebrated for its vibrant culture, rich history, and pristine beaches. These firsthand photos from San Juan, captured during my January visit, will inspire your next tropical adventure.I stayed at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, immersing myself in the areas historic charm and coastal beauty. Though raised on the U.S. West Coast, where Caribbean destinations felt distant, Puerto Ricos allure of stunning beaches and lively heritage

Discovering where locals dine is one of the best ways to experience authentic cuisine in a new destination. During my visit to vibrant Puerto Rico, I connected with residents who eagerly shared their top restaurant picks in San Juan. This allowed me to explore some of the citys finest dining options firsthand.   Where to Eat in San Juan, Puerto Rico   El Jibarito For nearly 30 years, El Jibarito has delighted locals with authentic Comida Criolla (traditional Puerto Rican fare). This ch