Travel

As someone born and raised in Newport Beach, Orange County, I find that most of my personal writing related to my hometown involves lamenting its very prevalent issues. But despite my mixed relationship with the place, I can’t deny that I often have a good time when I go back to visit.

I began my foray into the world of scuba diving in Mexico, during the last few days of my month-long stay in Baja California Sur. Since I had always loved being in the water, the idea of diving intrigued me, and I pictured myself frolicking alongside marine life as if I was a mermaid.

If you want to get out of Berkeley for a day, San Luis Obispo, or SLO,  is a great place to escape to. According to Oprah, it’s America’s happiest city!

It was 5 o’clock on a Sunday morning when I suddenly developed an infatuation with hot air balloons. My obsession took me by surprise. I had never given balloons much thought; it had never been a lifelong dream of mine to fly in one, unlike my friend, who was the reason I was at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

I planned one more day in Paris before heading back home, and I tried to enjoy the city the best I could. The opportunity to engage with the locals, despite my elementary French, is something I will treasure for a lifetime. 

Hidden upon rugged beaches scattering the coastline, lying under damp redwood logs coated in moss, ingrained in the smooth stones worn by the Pacific Ocean's relentless pummeling, lies a piece of California special to my heart. 

However romanticized or deemed overrated, NYC is a place much entangled with my childhood. It makes me perfectly nostalgic all the while making me want something more (reference, anyone?). So, here’s my guide on how to transport yourself to New York City all in the comfort of your bedroom, or at least, whichever city you find yourself being. 

At mile 17, somewhere in the mountains of Patagonia, this lone thought — a cross between a self-reprimand and a serious question — becomes a mantra that I mutter under my breath. It’s the worst part of a marathon, this space where the miles left number in the single digits, but you’re not close enough to start counting down the last few miles like you can once you hit the 20-mile mark.

Then, there it was. A video of a young woman reminding her audience that USAjobs had just uploaded a ton of new park ranger positions. Huh, I thought to myself, park rangers get sick hats.

Crete is a popular travel destination, which means you need to prepare before you go. Here are some things to know before coming to Crete.