Making a move to Palm Springs nine years ago proved to be an excellent decision for the life path I am now living. When I moved from Vancouver, Washington, I had no idea that my insatiable desire to learn and travel would result in me becoming a travel writer.
I have already written about how and why I became a travel writer. Those who know me will not be surprised to see the map above. The pink lines reveal the roads I have traveled since I arrived in Coachella Valley in September 2012. Many of those trips were solo. Yes, that includes Highway 10 to Los Angeles, whose traffic sometimes slows to a turtle, which causes some people not even to consider driving there alone.
A Recent Trip to the Travel and Adventure Show
Before I had decided to become a travel writer, the nuggets of what lay before me at this event raised my awareness of what I wanted to do.
After a two-year hiatus, The Travel and Adventure Show was scheduled for March 2022, and I immediately added the date to my calendar. My plan to get there in time to hear Peter Greenberg speak worked perfectly. I walked into the Los Angeles Convention Center ten minutes before he began to talk.
Travel and Adventure ShowTips from Peter Greenberg
a. In surveys, people state their number one destination wish is Paris. His
suggestion: seek out less-traveled cities
b. Flying into smaller airports can save you money.
c. Hire a travel agency broker to help you choose the appropriate travel insurance, which he recommends you always buy.
d. He would not be afraid to take a cruise. New air circulation systems are in place, and vaccinations are required. Even with some cases on the ships, it is a tiny number considering the number of people on the boat.
After the talk, I connected with several vendors, including Visit Buellton, where I am heading next week, to explore and share what I learned during my three-day stay.
Delighted to Hear Pauline Frommer
Pauline's life revolves around travel in every sense of the word. She is the author of numerous books and Editor and Director of the Frommer Guides, presenting Travel and Adventure Show tips.
Here's what I heard her say:
a. Museums do not get the attention they deserve. Stand in front of a painting for 15 seconds, instead of the average three seconds, and really look at what is before you.
b. Slow down when you go to a new place. You do not have to see an entire city on your first visit. Start talking with the citizens and ask about places to go for meals and attractions.
c. Sites she recommends for checking airfares: Skiplagged, Momondo, or Skyscanner
d. Use software that hides your identity. When searching for fares, keep in mind cookies are used. When you go to the site again, they will know you have already looked, and the price will be higher.
When I decided to go to the Travel and Adventure Show, I made a plan for an overnight trip since I was on the coast. My timing was perfect for The Flower Fields of Carlsbad, California. Ranunculus flowers were waking up and spreading their beauty across 50 acres. See my article Sightseeing in The Flower Fields of Carlsbad.
After visiting the Flower Fields, I returned to Oceanside to have coconut shrimp at the Lighthouse Oyster Bar and Grill. Hey, we travel writers have our favorite foods, and oh my, their coconut shrimp is superb.
Planning Made for a Magnificent Trip
Even from the tone of this article, you can tell I was pleased with the decision I made to go and discover Travel and Adventure Show tips and use them for planning my year. As I write, I am looking forward to a media trip to Buellton and a trip to Half Moon Bay in a couple of weeks later.
I plan to add a few more pink lines to the photo above.
Kathy Condon is a freelance journalist and travel writer. She is the Founder of the Palm Springs Insider Guide. Her book It Doesn't Hurt to Ask: It's All About Communication was named Best Book Finalist By USA Book News Kathy@kathycondon.net
So excellent article. As always, I learned much. Thank You!
Really great article and information, as usual :))