Category: Travel - Page 10

Robin Nichols

Free Things to Do at Balboa Park

I just had the most amazing day at Balboa Park, San Diego's jewel that's open 24/7 and completely free to enter! The moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with a variety of options. Although some exhibits and attractions have an entrance fee, I found plenty of things to do without spending a penny. I started my day with a hike in Palm Canyon. The trail, beginning near the Mingei Museum, led me on a raised boardwalk into a lush palm forest that felt like stepping back in time. For a longer hike, I headed to the Sixth and Upas Trails Gateway. The well-marked trails, ranging from 1.5 to 6.6 miles, wound through beautiful oak-shaded paths, offering a serene escape. Even though many of Balboa’s museums have an admission fee, I discovered free gems like the Timken Museum of Art, boasting masterpieces from Rembrandt to Copley. Then, I relaxed in the Botanical Building, surrounded by ferns and orchids, and even spotted a turtle in the lily pond outside. For some unique entertainment, I checked out the Velodrome races on a Tuesday night. Watching local cyclists zoom at incredible speeds around the track was thrilling and completely free! I also enjoyed the Twilight in the Park concert series at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, with captivating organ concerts every Sunday. My weekend was made special with a visit to the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages. Each cottage celebrates a different nation's culture with open houses and lawn programs featuring live music, cultural displays, and delicious culinary samples. While they welcome donations, there's no admission fee. Balboa Park truly offers something for everyone, and it’s incredible how much you can explore without spending a dime. I can't wait to go back!

StarlightStingray

Mexico Wasn’t What I Needed—But It Stayed

I landed in Guanajuato thinking I’d find the version of myself I kept losing at home. Instead, I got lost in alleyways that twisted tighter than my thoughts. The city glowed—pastel houses stacked like a dream—but I kept waiting for the moment I’d feel changed, or lighter, or just… right. I didn’t. Not really. I ate street tacos alone, watched fireworks from a rooftop, and realized the ache I brought with me had crossed borders, too. Mexico didn’t fix me. But it let me sit with the mess, quietly, until the noise in my head softened. Sometimes, that’s enough. #Travel #TravelConfessions #NotWhatYouThink

Robin Nichols

Amazing Tour of Beautiful Mosaics in Hidden Stairways of San Francisco

Let‘s take an amazing virtual tour of the hidden stairways of San Francisco, where you can discover beautiful mosaics that will leave you in awe. 🔍 Discover the Hidden Gems: - San Francisco is famous for its steep hills and charming stairways. - These hidden stairways can be found in different neighborhoods across the city. - Over the years, local artists have transformed these staircases into works of art by creating stunning mosaics. - Each staircase has its own unique design, reflecting the neighborhood's history and culture. 🎨 Admire the Mesmerizing Mosaics: - As you climb up these hidden stairways, you'll be greeted by vibrant and intricate mosaic art at every step. - The mosaics depict a wide variety of subjects, from nature and wildlife to abstract patterns and cultural symbols. - The colors and patterns used in these mosaics are truly mesmerizing, adding a touch of magic to the stairways. 💡 Interesting Facts: - The first mosaic staircase in San Francisco was created by artist Aileen Barr in 2003. - The most famous mosaic stairway in the city is the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, which features a beautiful mosaic pattern inspired by the sea and sky. - The mosaics are made using a combination of tiles, glass, and other materials, creating a stunning visual effect. 📷 Share the Beauty: - Don't forget to bring your camera or phone to capture the beauty of these hidden stairways. - Share your photos on social media to spread the word about these hidden gems and inspire others to visit. So, if you're visiting San Francisco or even if you're a local looking for something new to explore, be sure to check out these hidden stairways and their beautiful mosaics. They are a true testament to the creativity and artistry that can be found in every corner of this amazing city. 🌉✨ #HiddenGems #SanFranciscoStairways #MosaicArt #ExploreSF #CityArt #HiddenBeauty #StairwayToArt #LocalDiscoveries #SanFranciscoCulture #Creativity

MeteorMist

The Ducati Couldn't Outrun My Thoughts

Rented the fastest bike I could afford in Interlaken. 1200cc of Italian fury beneath me, Alpine curves ahead—this was supposed to be freedom. But somewhere between Grindelwald and reality, I realized I was still carrying everything I came here to escape. The engine roared. My mind raced faster. Pulled over at a scenic overlook where tour buses dump tourists for selfies. Sat on that €400-a-day machine, watching strangers pose with mountains that suddenly felt like props. The Alps were stunning. The bike was perfect. I was exactly the same person I'd been at home, just with better scenery and more expensive therapy. Speed changes your location. It doesn't change you. #MotorcycleDiaries #AlpineReality #TravelTruth #Travel

PrismPioneer

My Husband’s Job Hijacked Our Family Vacation! 😩📱

We spent months saving for a dream trip to Florida, hoping for sun, laughter, and memories. But the moment we landed, my husband was glued to his phone, answering work calls and typing away like his job was our fourth child—always demanding, never satisfied. With three kids, including a toddler in diapers, I felt like I was running the show alone. I left my own career behind for our family, but now I barely recognize the man I married. Every special moment—building sandcastles, watching sunsets, even bedtime cuddles—was interrupted by his job. Sometimes I feel invisible, just a background character in my own life. I’ve even thought about leaving, but the idea of doing this alone scares me. Has anyone else felt this lost in their marriage? How did you cope? I really need a friend right now. Please share your stories below. 💬😔 #MarriageStruggles #FeelingInvisible #WorkLifeBalance #FamilyRelationships

Christopher Gilbert

5 Top Things to Do in Kelley Park, San Jose

1. Disc Golf Delight at Kelley Par 🥏 📍 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA 95112-2508, USA Blow off steam with a round of disc golf at Kelley Park! For just $6 parking, enjoy a fee-free 18-hole course. Warm up at the practice baskets before showcasing your smooth disc golf moves. It's the perfect post-sightseeing activity! 2. Japanese Serenity at Friendship Garden 🌸 📍 1300 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112-2520, USA Transport yourself to Japan at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Modeled after Korakuen Garden in Okayama, this oasis features ponds with historic koi fish. Ideal for serene strolls and picturesque wedding photos, it's a hidden piece of Japan in San Jose. 3. Time Travel at History Park 🕰️ 📍 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA 95112, USA Step back to the 20th century at History Park. Immerse in Santa Clara Valley's agricultural past with historic homes, a cafe, and museums. Indulge in lunch at O'Brien Ice Cream Parlor, explore the Electric Light Tower, and delve into cultural heritage at local museums. 4. Wildlife Wonders at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo 🐾 📍 748 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95112-2626, USA Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a family favorite, boasting diverse wildlife, a petting zoo, and entertaining exhibits. Dive into dino fun at Dino Dig and explore attractions like the Crooked House and Leaping Lemur Trail. Perfect for families seeking a wild adventure! 5. Ride through History on a Vintage Streetcar 🚋 📍 635 Phelan Ave, San Jose, CA 95112-2508, USA Relive San Jose's past by riding vintage streetcars at Kelley Park. Visit the Trolley Barn, explore historic rail cars, and take a scenic ride through the park. A nostalgic journey into the city's urban history awaits! 🌟

Christian Russo

Why you MUST visit Anza Borrego

California has 9 National Parks, but have you visited their lesser known state parks? Anza Borrego is the largest state park in California with hundreds of miles to explore. It's the perfect weekend getaway located right in San Diego County! Save this post for the ultimate guide to visiting Anza Borrego: Fall and Spring are the best times to visit Anza Borrego State Park! Temperatures are mild and in March or April vou mav just catch a super bloom over the desert floor. • If you're trying to see the wildflowers in Anza Borrego, you can see them throughout the park. The best areas to see them are in Borrego Palm Canyon, around the Visitor Center, and in Coyote Canyon. • The best view in the park is at Font's Point! They say you can only access it if you have 4WD. But, you can park along the road and hike the rest of the way to see the stunning Badlands. The sunrise there is out of this world! • There are plenty of great hikes within the park including the Slot Canyon Trail (1.5 miles), Borrego Palm Canyon (3 miles), Ghost Mountain (1 mile) and Wind Caves (1 mile). There's a trail for everyone in the park! • Anza Borrego is one of the best places to camp! There are 4 paid campgrounds, 8 primitive campgrounds, and hundreds of miles where you can disperse camp. Just make sure to not trample on any vegetation and stay one car length away from the road! • This area is an international dark sky community. So, it's the perfect place for stargazing or astrophotography. Are you adding Anza Borrego State Park to your bucket list?

PetalPulse

The View Was Epic. I Was Exhausted.

I thought hiking the Italian Alps would be a reset. The Aosta Valley is the kind of place people post about—peaks, wildflowers, air so clean it almost hurts. But halfway up, my legs were shaking and my mind kept drifting back to everything I’d left behind. I watched couples take selfies, families unpack cheese and bread, and I felt like an outsider in my own trip. The silence wasn’t peaceful; it was loud with everything I hadn’t figured out. No one tells you that even the most beautiful places can’t quiet the noise you bring with you. Sometimes, the view just reminds you how far you still have to go. #Travel #TravelConfession #SoloTravelTruth

PolishedPuma

The Volcano That Killed Them Watches

You don't expect the weight of it until you're standing there. Pompeii's streets are eerily intact—wheel ruts still carved in stone, bakeries with ovens that never cooled down properly. But it's when you look up that it hits you. Vesuvius just sits there. Calm. Ordinary. Like it's waiting. Two thousand people saw this exact view on their last morning. They had no idea what was coming. The mountain looked the same as it always had—maybe a little smoky, but nothing alarming. Now tourists take selfies with it in the background. I couldn't shake the feeling that it was still watching. Still capable. The plaques talk about the victims like ancient history, but that thing is very much alive. Some places don't let you forget how fragile everything really is. #PompeiiReality #TravelTruth #HistoryHits #Travel

Robin Nichols

Hellyer County Park: Nature oasis in bustling San Jose city.

🧺Enjoy a picnic at one of the many spots with 🌳shade at this park. Ample picnic tables with BBQ grills are also available. 🎣There is a paved trail that loops around Cottonwood Lake where fishing is also allowed. At the lake, you will spot many water birds. 💦Kids can splash away at the 🪨rock formation splash pad. We loved that it had a ☂️sail over it for shade. 🛝The playground has two play areas for different-aged kids. 🎠The play area for younger kids has a sandpit, bucket swings, a wooden springer and a jump-n-create music feature. ☀️For hot days, the shade provided by sails over this play area is 👍great. 🎪The play area for older kids has a 🪵climbing log course, net spinner, and a 30-foot high play structure with a 🛝 tunnel slide. 🌳It is a nature-themed playground that can keep play dates running for hours! 🅿️ Yes ($6 vehicle fees) 🚻 Restrooms 🦮Dogs on leash are allowed in all areas of the park, except the splash pad and playground

Category Page travel

Free Things to Do at Balboa Park

Mexico Wasn’t What I Needed—But It Stayed

Amazing Tour of Beautiful Mosaics in Hidden Stairways of San Francisco

The Ducati Couldn't Outrun My Thoughts

My Husband’s Job Hijacked Our Family Vacation! 😩📱

5 Top Things to Do in Kelley Park, San Jose

Why you MUST visit Anza Borrego

The View Was Epic. I Was Exhausted.

The Volcano That Killed Them Watches

Hellyer County Park: Nature oasis in bustling San Jose city.