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.



Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

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


Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

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.

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

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

The New York Times likes Cardiff :)

Check it out -- straight from the New York Times:

"Cardiff-by-the-Sea is north of San Elijo Lagoon, one of the few remaining coastal wetlands in the county. If you’re looking for sustenance, the colorfully decorated (and moderately priced) Las Olas has delicious Mexican fare and refreshing margaritas.

It’s no surprise that all along this gorgeous coast magnificent private homes sit on some of the best spots. But at San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff, campers can enjoy prime real estate too. Tents, vans and recreational vehicles sit just a few feet away from the edge of the coastal bluffs. A snack bar that opens at 8 a.m. serves coffee and a mean breakfast burrito."

We might be a tiny town, but apparently we're getting noticed. If you want to check out the rest of the article -- all about the tiny coastal towns down here -- click here.


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



Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge

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