15 Commandments of Vacation Travel

Soooo I stole this from Bedandbreakfast.com, but I thought it was a good article. I should definitely keep some of these tips in mind!

Fifteen Commandments of Vacation Travel

We all know people who come back from a vacation feeling on top of the world, and others who seem vaguely disappointed. Here's how to put yourself in the first category, not the second.

Know yourself. A successful vacation is one that works for the person you are, not the person you think you should be. Confirmed couch potatoes who resent having to walk from the far end of the parking lot will not find true fulfillment on a trek through the Himalayas. If privacy is a top priority, a group tour or communal lodge will turn fantasy into frustration. Acknowledge your own comfort levels. Are independence and flexibility top concerns? Or being structured and secure? How essential are the creature comforts when it comes to sleeping, eating, and bathing? Would you rather have one week of luxury travel or two weeks of budget food and accommodation? And remember that while your personality doesn't change, your needs do. The type of vacation you plan for a romantic getaway is totally different from a family reunion.

Know your travel companions. Adjust your plans to accommodate your travel partners. Whether you are traveling with friends, spouse, children, and/or parents, you'll need to take their age, attention span, agility, and interests into account. If you're traveling with the kids, balance a morning at an art museum with an afternoon at the zoo; if you're spending time with elderly parents, make sure that they can stroll a country lane while you go rock-climbing; if your group includes skiers and non-skiers, pick a resort that has appealing shops and off-slopeactivities.

Plan ahead: anticipation is half the fun. Enjoy the planning process. The more you know about an area you're going to visit, the more fun you'll have. Check out destination websites; skim a guidebook; read a novel or watch a movie set in the region; talk to friends who have been there recently.

Don't bite off more than you can chew. Keep your itinerary in line with the amount of time and money available. Focus on seeing a smaller area well, rather than trying to cover too much ground and seeing nothing but interstate highways. Don't over-program; allow yourself the luxury of doing nothing.
Avoid one-night stands. Plan to stay a minimum of two nights everywhere you go. A vacation made up of one-nighters is a prescription for exhaustion. You will sleep poorly, spend most of your time packing/unpacking and in transit, and will get only the smallest glimpse of the place you're visiting.

Travel off-season. Unless your vacation dates are dictated by the school calendar, off-season travel offers many advantages: fewer crowds, greater flexibility, reduced costs, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Learn to pick the best dates for off-season travel; typically these are the weeks just before and after seasonal rates change.
Book well ahead for peak season travel. If you must travel during peak periods to popular destinations, make reservations well in advance for the key sites to avoid aggravation, extra phone calls, and additional driving time.

Take the road less traveled. Get off the beaten path and leave the crowds behind. Instead of booking a room in the heart of the action, find a quiet getaway tucked in the hills or in a neighboring village.

Ditch the car. You’ll need a car to get most destinations, but once you're there, get out and walk. You'll see more, learn more, experience more at every level, while avoiding crowds at even the most popular destinations.

Hang loose. The unexpected is inevitable. When your plans go astray (and they will), relax and let serendipity surprise you. And keep your sense of humor in good working order. If possible, travel without reservations or a set itinerary.

Carpe diem--seize the day. Don't be afraid to follow your impulses. If a special souvenir catches your eye, buy it; don't wait to see if you'll find it again later. If a hiking trail looks too inviting to pass up, don't; that museum or outlet mall will wait for a rainy day.

Don't suffer in silence. When things go wrong--an incompetent guide, car troubles, a noisy room--speak up. Politely but firmly express your concern then and there; get your room changed, ask for a refund or discount, whatever. Most people in the travel business would rather have you go away happy than to leave grumbling.

Remember--being there is more than seeing there. People travel to see the sights--museums and mountains, shops and scenery--but it is making new friends that can make a trip memorable. Leave a door open to the people-to-people experiences that enrich travel immeasurably.

Don't leave home to find home. The quickest way to take the wind out of the sails of your trip is to compare things to the way they are at home. Enjoy different styles and cultures for what they are and avoid comparisons and snap judgments.

Give yourself permission to disregard all of the above. Nothing is immutable. If you find a pattern that works for you, enjoy it!


Read the article here.



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Proposal on the Rooftop

Just one more reason why Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge is so special:

"Brian popped the question the night before my birthday at a bed and breakfast in Cardiff by the Sea. We walked up to the B&B's roof deck to watch the sunset and Brian cracked open a bottle of our favorite wine for a so-called birthday toast. Just after the sun disappeared into the ocean, Brian dropped to one knee and proposed."

Read the rest of Elizabeth and Brian's story here.

Pictures courtesy of www.jenniferdery.com


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Just an FYI

Pencil it in: The Fall Festival will be back this year November 22, 2009, from 9am to 4 am.

"EVERY NOVEMBER, for nearly two decades, downtown Encinitas has played host to a premier street fair – The Fall Festival. This festival, previously known as the Poinsettia Festival, is a readymade bazaar for holiday shoppers and weekend fun seekers. This year, on Sunday, November 22, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., fair-goers will enjoy a day where coastal breezes meet people gathering to shop, eat, be entertained and enjoy the community’s Historical district. The festival will feature over 450 vendor booths showcasing various arts, crafts, gifts, food and more. The 200 shops and 40 restaurants and eateries along the Coast Highway from D to J Streets will be open and ready for business. Live music will be playing at two venues; The Lumberyard Courtyard Stage, located at the Lumberyard Center, Community Stage, close to F Street, which will feature the best in local entertainment."

Read the rest of the article here.

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Tour of Cardiff!

Many guests ask about things to do in the area, good restaurants at which to eat, and which beaches to visit. To help answer some of those questions, we've put together a little slide show of Cardiff-by-the-Sea and the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge and all the great things in the area. Enjoy!

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

Ten Things to do Before Summer is Over!

Where has this summer gone? It's so hard to believe it's already August - I feel as though summer has just begun...but school is starting again soon for many people and vacation time is running low. BIG SIGH. Soooo....with these last few weeks of summer fun in mind, here are my top favorite things to do in the area during the summer.

1. BEACH!! What is the point of being or living in San Diego if you don't take advantage of the beautiful sand and uber warm water (it's about 72 degrees right now!) Get a good book, some sunscreen, and a big old towel and head out to Cardiff Beach!

2. Surfing. Okay, okay, so I only stood up like twice. But still, it's REALLY fun if you actually know how to do it.

3. Boogieboarding. Far less complicated than surfing...and just as fun in my opinion. Once you get the hang of it, you can start trying tricks. (I'm trying to master the 360 spin...no luck yet)

4. Hiking/walking (when it's cool enough outside). San Elijo Lagoon has tons of trails all around it that are great for running or walking. Del Mar also has some neat trails along the bluffs overlooking the ocean.

5. Eating ice cream. 'Nuff said.

6. Camping. Okay so I haven't exactly gone yet, but I want to. Luckily, there's a campground right across the street from us...right on the beach. Sleeping bags and hot dogs and marshmallows...ahh...

7. Bike riding. I just love bikes. Who doesn't love bikes? Whether it's beach cruisers or mountain bikes or road bikes or whatever, roaming around on bikes brings thoughts of carefree youth and watermelon slices.

8. Watermelon slices. Also, nuff said.

9. Picnics. A few days ago my parents came to visit and we all feasted on chicken and cheese and bread and wine in Balboa Park...it couldn't have been more perfect. Bring your family and friends -- it's a great way to connect.

10. Bbqing. Yum. So I like food. Don't hate me! But burgers on the grill just can't be beat. And playing frisbee and almost hitting the burgers on the ground! Ahhhhh I mean what?

Anyway, those are my top ten for the rest of the summer. Anybody else have any other summer must-dos?

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

InnTouch

Okay iPhone users, check this out: we are now listed on this great little app called InnTouch. If you're sick of all the corporate hotel hoohah, this application can help you find awesome bed and breakfasts all over the country. It's got all the info, and well, since you have an iphone, you've also got GPS (lucky bums!)

Go get it: InnTouch



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Weather Forecast for the Week

10-Day Forecast

Tue Jul 28 Partly Cloudy 76°/65° 10 %
Wed Jul 29 Partly Cloudy 74°/64° 10 %
Thu Jul 30 Partly Cloudy 72°/64° 20 %
Fri Jul 31 Sunny 74°/64° 0 %
Sat Aug 01 Sunny 75°/64° 10 %
Sun Aug 02 Sunny 75°/64° 0 %
Mon Aug 03 Sunny 76°/66° 0 %
Tue Aug 04 Sunny 77°/66° 0 %
Wed Aug 05 Sunny 78°/67° 0 %







Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

Surfing Announcement!

Don't laugh! I'm actually surfing!



I have an announcement to make: I CAN SURF!!!

This last weekend at our very own Cardiff Beach, I stood up on a surfboard! First time ever! I never thought the day would come -- I'm so excited!

Apparently Cardiff is one of the best places to surf, so why not learn there? From the lobby I can see the beautiful waves -- it's so close

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

The Races Have Begun

The Del Mar Horse Races are a big event around here every year, since Del Mar is only five minutes or so from here, I've posted all the info if you'd like to go see a race for yourself!


Dates: Wednesday, July 22 through Wednesday, September 9. Dark Mondays
(Except Labor Day) and Tuesdays (37 days)

Telephone: (858) 755-1141, Information Line (858) 793-5533,
Results (888) 338-RACE

Additional phone numbers and contact information available on our Contact page.

Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA 92014

Mailing
Address: P.O. Box 700, Del Mar, CA 92014

Internet: Del Mar Racing (Home page including today's latest news)

Location: In the City of Del Mar, 20 miles north of downtown San Diego, 100
miles south of Los Angeles on I-5. Vicinity Map

Post Times: First post daily at 2 p.m. with the following exceptions:

* 3 p.m. on Fridays; 1 p.m. on Pacific Classic Day (Sunday, Sept. 6)

Gates Open: Noon weekdays, 11:30 a.m. weekends, Opening and Closing Days.

Exceptions:

* All Fridays, 1 p.m.; Pacific Classic Day (Sunday, Sept. 6) 10:30 a.m.

Admission & Seating: To order, visit out online ticket office (beginning May 15, 2009) at http://www.dmtc.com/season/tickets/
(Admission includes official program)(daily)

Stretch Run Daily Admission
(seat not included) $6 on all days except Opening Day (Opening Day $10)

Stretch Run Reserved Seats $5 - Mon, Wed, Thu; $8 - Fri; $10 - Sat, Sun & Labor Day

$15 - Opening Day/PC day
Stretch Run Advance Sale

Discount Books
(10 daily admissions) $40
Stretch Run Admission/
Active Duty Military and Dependents
Free

Clubhouse Daily Admission
(seat not included) $10 on all days except Opening Day (Opening Day $20)

Clubhouse Crossover from
Stretch Run $4 on all days except Opening Day (Opening Day $10)

Clubhouse Advance Sale
Discount Books

(10 daily admissions) $70
Clubhouse Reserved Seats

$5 - Mon, Wed, Thu; $8 - Fri; $10 - Sat, Sun & Labor Day

$15 - Opening Day/PC day
Restaurant Tables
(Clubhouse Terrace, Cafe Del Sol, Stretch Run Grill - all-day seating for four)
Opening Day/Pacific Classic Day

$125 (plus admission)
Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Labor Day $100 (plus admission)
Monday/Wednesday/Thursday $60 (plus admission)

Parking General $8
Valet $20
Early Bird $8
Friday & Saturday Concert Parking $10

Bus parking $20 (Group Sales Buses no charge)

Please Note: All lots except Valet are General Parking only.

Children Children 17 years and younger will be admitted for free to the venue
and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.

Diamond Club Diamond Club members may purchase Clubhouse and Stretch Run
admission at half of the regular price on all days, including
Opening Day. Diamond Club discount admissions are not available for
advance purchase.

Military Active duty military personnel and their dependents admitted at main
entrance to Stretch Run free every day (please show your military ID
at Ticket Sales window).

Advance Ten (10) Stretch Run Admissions for $40 ($20 savings) or ten (10)
Clubhouse Admissions for $70 ($30 savings). Full season passes:
Stretch Run $25; Clubhouse $50. Available by mail or at Advance ale
Ticket Office. Restaurant Reservations, 858-792-4242.

VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express accepted.

Ticket Office During the racing season: Hours 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday
through Sunday. Special Monday and Tuesday hours 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Phone 858-792-4242. Toll-free 877-LETSBET.

Group Sales Groups of 20-2,000 - Infield Pacific Pavilion, Stretch Run and
Clubhouse stadium-style seating, Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant and
Stretch Run Grill (for 20 or more), Skyrooms, Seaside Tropical
Cabana, Celebrity Suites, Il Palio Restaurant and Turf Club Luxury
Suite Direct Line 858-792-4234.

Turf Club This is a private club open to members/guests only where a dress
code is enforced. Turf Club Guest Admission $60 per person per
day/$125 Opening Day (must be accompanied by member). Reservations
are required. Refer calls regarding membership to Nancy Bonforte,
858-755-1141, ext. 4291.

Early Bird Wagering 9:00-10:00 a.m. each racing day (on-track only). On Fridays
it will be extended from 9 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. due to the
later first post time.

Programs Included with paid admission. Otherwise $2. (Available on track the
afternoon prior in most instances.) Also available for free online.

Daily Racing Form $4.50 (tax included). A publication consisting of past
performances, racing news, entries, results, etc. Available
on the grounds and at many newsstands, liquor stores, etc.

Camp Del Mar Ages 5-12. Price $23 per child per day. 858-755-1141 ext. 3990 or
http://www.campdelmar.com







Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

Yay! Happy Summer!

Eek! It's been a while since I updated. But never fear, the (not so) industrious blogger is here! This past weekend has been one of the hottest to date in a while, and everybody is happy for it! I'm back burnt and crispy but happy as a clam! If you're looking for a quiet beach getaway, I can honestly say there are few places as great as the Cardiff-by-the-Sea-Lodge. The sand is two minutes away and panoramic ocean views just two flights up. There's a jacuzzi and a firepit, and we've just planted a billion new kinds of flowers all over the place. I'll post some pictures tomorrow of the news ones. Check back tomorrow!!




Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, one of 40 San Diego County Parks

The San Elijo Lagoon is a really cool place for hikers, runners, nature enthusiasts, and the like. It's only a half-mile from the Cardiff-by-the-Sea-Lodge, and totally walkable. Check out this neat article by Bob Gorden about the Lagoon and its RV visitors:

"Multitudes of RVers are searching for cool summer vacation destinations; locations where they can be comfortable in their RVs and enjoy the sights and sounds of different and exciting experiences. After spending about 5 weeks in the heat of southern Utah and northern Arizona a trip to the California coast has offered pleasant relief. RVing from the Phoenix area to San Diego is a relatively easy trip and the rewards to be received along the Pacific coast certainly make the trip a worthwhile venture.

San Diego County supports more than 40 county parks, recreation areas, community parks and centers, many of which offer RV and tent campgrounds. In addition, there are state parks and picnic areas which give access to the ocean, wetlands, lagoons and tide pools.

Few of the southern California coastal wetlands and lagoons have escaped the destructive hand of man, but the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve has initiated a reconstruction program that is designed to save the lagoon as an important link in the Pacific Flyway. Six ecological communities are represented within the confines of this 1000 acre preserve that is nestled, and almost hidden, in plain view, between Cardiff by the Sea, Encinitas and Solano Beach. Divided by the PCH, Coastal Railway and I-5 the Lagoon is nearly cutoff from the ocean and, in fact, requires an annual cleanup and dredging to allow tidal flow movement into and out of the lagoon.

The various aquatic ecological habitats ranging from the coastal strand, salt marsh and freshwater marsh yield to the terrestrial riparian scrub, sage scrub and mixed chaparral watershed systems. More than 300 species of plants, of which 18 are endangered, an additional 100+ species of fish, reptiles and invertebrates, (several endangered), 26 mammal and an estimated 300 bird species, including the small, endangered Beldings savannah sparrow, make the Lagoon their permanent home or a stopping point while migrating.

A cooling ocean breeze, many trees and shaded rest areas, the fresh aroma of seasonal flowering plants and leaves contribute to a restful, or invigorating, stroll or hike along 5 miles of well marked trails through the Reserve. The recently constructed Visitor Center boasts recycled building materials, solar heating, low moisture landscaping, recycled sewage water for irrigation and toilet usage and similar energy and water conservation features. www.sanelijo.org

For some RVers the crowded freeways, PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) and alternate roadways present challenges to those driving RVs of most any size and confirguation. However, with careful planning and timing of the routes the greatest congestion can be avoided and an astute RVer can drive directly to the beach and park conveniently on the roadside overlooking the ocean. Note that no parking is allowed along most streets between the hours of 2 and 5 am. It is not clear just where the RVers go during that 3 hour time slot, but they seem to return to their selected sites for the other 21 hours.

In an earlier article the advantages of staying in the San Elijo State Park were described. ( See: 20 neat activities near San Elijo State Park RV Campground, March, '09) Similar advantages are offered at Carlsbad State Park. These are two of the California State Parks that have not yet been closed as a part of the economic crunch."



Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy 4th of July!! I hope all of you out there are doing something fun -- whether it's with friends, family, pets, or neighbors. It's a BEAUTIFUL day out there! When I was younger one of my favorite parts of the summer was the Fourth of July parade in Dutch Flat, CA. We'd always try to leave early (to no avail) to get a prime viewing spot and where (more importantly to me and my brothers) we could catch the most amount of candy. The parade always commenced with bagpipers and was filled with water balloons, fire engines, dressed up poodles, and all kinds of things. When we got home my brothers and I always had to spread out our candy horde on the floor and compare who had a better stash. My dad would invariably steal some when we werent looking or a fight would break out over who got the blowpop, but it was a tradition we cherished. Ahhh, good memories.

Tonight after leaving this beautiful lodge, I'll go home and sit on my rooftop with some friends to watch the fireworks. You really can't beat fireworks over the bay.
Traditions might change, but the good feelings and general camaraderie do not.

What memories are you making today?

In case you want to watch the fireworks, too, here is a listing of all the locations in the San Diego area. San Diego Fireworks

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

Union and Secessionist Families Clash in Sacramento, California

In a small tribute to my native Norcal, I decided to post this fourth of July story. You might get a chuckle out of it.

All research is by James R. Heintze and is taken from this website.

Union and Secessionist Families Clash in Sacramento, California

The following story concerns the display of Union and Confederate flags by two families in Sacramento, California, on July 4, 1864, and how those families almost came to blows. The event speaks to the significance of the flag as an important symbol and representation of patriotic sentiments, as well as the need for individual expression of those beliefs. Telling as well is the newspaper editor's decision to report this incident, which seems to us inconsequential if compared to other more noteworthy Fourth of July happenings. Yet, for Sacramentians it was newsworthy--two familes brawl over the flag, Union soldiers arrive, and a retraction by one of the participants occurs. The complete account was printed in two separate newspaper articles that are quoted in full below.
The day began with Sacramento residents waking up to the sounds of cannons firing and bells ringing. A sense of joy and excitement prevailed; everyone anticipated a full day's worth of parties, parades, and pandemonium. This was, after all, the 87th anniversary of the glorious Fourth and Sacramentians did up this holiday in grandier and style. The spectacle of the day was a parade consisting of both military and civilian participants. Among the notable officials processing was California Governor Frederick F. Low.

Coupled with this joy was an undercurrent of concern for the great war going on back East. The city's newspaper provided news about the conflict. Reading headlines as "The Great Contest--Army of the Potomac" and "The Trenches and Sharpshooting" on July 4 caused citizens to ponder just how the war would affect their future. Indeed, Sacramento was pro-Union; however, this story provides evidence that some residents had pro-Confederate leanings.


A Union and secession war on a small scale occurred on Monday afternoon on G Street, near Fourteenth. A double house at that locality is occupied by two families--those of John Drummond, Union, and John Clary, Secesh. Heretofore these familes have lived together in peace and quietness. On Monday morning [4th of July] Mrs. Drummond heard Mrs. Clary order her child, who had gone into the room with a small American flag, to leave, as she would not have the rag about the place. Mrs. Drummond at once called her child home. In the afternoon Mrs. Drummond put up the flag over the door. Mrs. Clary tore it down, stating that that was the only door which she could pass through, and she would not be compelled to walk under the Union flag. Mrs. Drummond put it up again, and procuring a small piece of board, which made a formidable weapon, threatened to strike Mrs. Clary with it if she attempted to tear it down again. Mrs. Clary then repaired to her room and improvised a Confederate flag, although it was not made according to regulation. This she pinned to the Union flag, when Mrs. Drummond again appeared and tore it down, leaving the stars and stripes afloat, of course. Before placing the Confederate flag up, Mrs. Clary was joined by her husband, who justified his wife in her course. Mrs. Drummond informed him that she would as soon strike him as his wife if he acted as she had done. When Mrs. Clary pinned up the flag Mrs. Drummond dealt a heavy blow at her, but Mrs. Clary dodged and escaped its consequences. Soon afterward Mrs. Drummond was joined by her husband, who, after learning what had occurred, went into Clary's room, Clary and two other men being present, took off his coat, said he could whip any Secessionist in the room, and gave them his views on the subject under discussion explicitly and without reserve. Clary defended his wife's course, and looked occasionally at a double-barreled shotgun in the room, but no blows were struck. Clary said his wife should put up a flag if she chose and he would defend it. Drummond responded that she could not put up a traitor flag on that house or any other in this city, and that he for one would shoot down him or any other man who would make the attempt. The Union flag was kept afloat until evening, when Mrs. Drummond took it down. (Sacramento Daily Union, 6 July 1864, 3.)
The second article provides some clarification and additional information. The correct address of Mrs. Drummond is cited and the fact that Union troops were summoned. It seems possible that Mrs. Drummond or her husband, upon reading the first article, contacted the newspaper and provided the following additional information-- in particular, the fact that she was the cousin of General Rosecrans, who was likely well known to readers..


That Flag.--Mrs. Drummond, the lady who persisted in keeping the Stars and Stripes afloat over her door on the Fourth of July is a cousin of General Rosecrans. Her residence is located on H street, above Fourteenth, instead of G street, as stated in a former article. The flag put up on the morning of the 5th still floats over the house, although Clary, on first seeing it, declared that it should come down. Soon after this declaration was made, several soldiers from Camp Union stopped at the house and were anxious to see the man who was going to tear down the flag. Clary, on seeing them, disclaimed being that individual, and declared that he was as good a friend to the Union as any other man. (Sacramento Daily Union, 8 July 1864, 3.)



Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge