Ana Rebeca 7/15/16 Ana Rebeca 7/15/16

How to Beat Jet Lag

Don't let jet lag ever get in the way of your travels again! This guide will show you how to beat jet lag like a travel pro with 10 easy steps. The best part is you can do it all naturally without taking any pills, supplements, or sleep aids.

How to Beat Jet Lag

Anyone who has traveled around across multiple time zones knows that jet lag is a very. real. thing. Sometimes even traveling a seemingly short distance like from Chicago to LA (a 2-hour time difference) can cause your body to get all out of whack.

Fun Fact: Flying EAST will actually increase* the possibility of you feeling symptoms of jet lag!*

Jet lag is caused by a sudden change in your body's internal clock, aka your Circadian Rhythm. Symptoms of jet lag can include:

Disturbed sleep patterns
Poor physical performance/energy
Lack of concentration/mental energy
Change in appetite
Nausea
Indigestion or constipation
Headaches

Despite all these icky things that can happen, there are a few travel hacks and tips you can use to mitigate the possibility of jet lag and beat it all together! Try using some of these pro travel tips next time you're flying across time zones to beat the jet lag naturally and skip on having to take any pills or supplements.

Before Your Flight

1. Adjust Your Schedule

When you're traveling to a new time zone, try shifting your schedule at least a day or two in advance to start preparing. Adjust the time you go to bed and do some of your daily routines, change your watch to the new time zone, and even eat some of your meals on the new time zone. Doing this will help to decrease your body's shock of internal time change when you actually arrive to your destination.

2. Hit the Gym

Getting a good workout in before you embark on a long haul flight is a good way to get the blood circulating properly in your body and relax any tense muscles. If it fits into your schedule, hit the gym before you leave for a long flight so you can feel more relaxed and mobile. Don't forget to get a nice stretch in there too!

3. Eat the Right Things

Avoid eating foods that are too greasy, spicy, or heavy before your flights. When you sit on a plane for extended periods of time with these types of foods in your body, it can cause indigestion, stomach pains, and other gross things. Eat a nutritious meal before your flight, and try to skip the booze and coffee as caffeine and alcohol can severely dehydrate you at high altitudes.

4. Fly at Night

If it's possible (especially if you're traveling eastbound), book your flight to fly at night. This way, you can sort of trick your body into thinking that it's bedtime when you get on the plane. When you arrive to your destination, it will most likely be daytime, so you'll be rested and ready to go!

During Your Flight

5. Stay on Your Destination's Time

Once you get onto the plane, stay on the time schedule of your destination. If it's bedtime in your destination, try to get right to sleep. If it's daytime at your destination, do everything you can to stay awake. I did this on a 13-hour flight from Istanbul to Chicago once... Oh boy... I was big time STRUGGLING when I arrived at O'Hare, but I slept like a baby that night once I got back to my bed. Do everything you can to stay on your new time zone!

6. Move Around

Make sure you're moving around here and there during your flight. Get up and take a small walk around the cabin or get up to stretch every once in awhile. You can even do small stretches--like stretching your arms or rolling your ankles--in your seat without having to get up and do much movement. Just something to get the blood circulating again is better than nothing.

7. Keep Hydrated

Dehydration while flying is a huge contributor to increased jet lag. Make sure you're keeping hydrated by bringing a large water bottle with you to the airport and filling it up before you go. Always take advantage of the flight attendants providing water when they come around. Try your best to avoid caffeine and alcohol when you're flying too since that causes extreme dehydration in high altitudes.

Once You Arrive

8. Hit the Ground Running

Literally and figuratively... I know how appealing it sounds to take a nap once you arrive to your destination, but do everything you can to stay active if it's daytime. Hit the hotel gym and get a nice sweat going (it's great for circulation and getting your muscles back to normal), rehydrate by drinking lots of water, and spend as much time in natural light as possible. Sometimes the excitement of being in a new destination is enough to give me the energy to stay up and about. Whatever you choose to do, just make sure you keep at it and keep moving!

9. Eat a High Protein Breakfast

If it's morning at your destination, eat a high protein breakfast as soon as you arrive to help prevent drowsiness and keep you alert. Eating lots of protein will replenish your body with the fuel it needs to get going for the rest of the day. The healthier the better!

10. Eliminate Distractions at Bedtime

When it comes time for bed, put away your cell phone and turn off the TV at least an hour before you hit the hay. The lights from the screens will disrupt your sleep cycle, which is the last thing you want when you're trying to adjust to the new time zone. You need to let your mind and body decompress before it's time to sleep.

What are ways that you try to fight jet lag? Comment below with some more tips!

How to Spend Your Time in Chicago During the Summer

There's nothing quite like summertime in Chicago. The Riverwalk, fireworks above the lake, rooftops and patios, and festivals galore! If you're planning a trip to the Windy City during the summer months, check out this travel guide on things to do in Chicago while you're visiting! You definitely don't want to miss out on this summer destination.

How to Spend Your Time in Chicago During the Summer: 10 Things to Do in Chicago

Now that summer is in full swing, travel season is too. Have you planned out which exciting city you're heading to next? New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles... All great cities. But they have nothing on CHICAGO in the summer.

Ask anyone who has been to or lives in Chicago during the summer and they'll tell you that all those cold winter months are worth living through solely because of the summer. Now I might be a littttlee biased, but I'm tell you--something about this city totally comes alive in the summer! It's like all of those months in hibernation puts us into action from late spring through early fall.

From rooftop bars to street festivals, the Riverwalk to Millennium Park, there are endless things to find, do, and eat here. If you're planning a trip to the Windy City during the summer, check out these tips on things to do in Chicago during your visit! Think of this as your "Chitown Summer Bucket List"!

1. Stroll down the Chicago Riverwalk

The city of Chicago recently invested a pretty penny into designing an amazing waterfront pedestrian walkway that is located on the south bank of the Chicago River. Visitors can come and enjoy a walk down by the river and stop in at the local wineries, restaurants, boat rental shops, bike rental stations, and more. You're right in the heart of downtown, which is wonderful to experience on a sunny day.

2. Head to Millennium Park for Free Activities

Millennium Park is sometimes scoffed off by locals as a tourist trap; but not in the summer! In the summer, Millennium Park has so much to offer visitors of all ages. There are free yoga and dance classes, free movies screenings, free concerts, free festivals, and more! What's better than free activities in the city?! For a full list of their activities from May through September, click right here.

3. Visit Lincoln Park, the Zoo, and the Conservatory (all for free)

One of the city's best kept gems lies just north of the city center. The neighborhood of Lincoln Park is a must see when visiting Chicago (and it's where I call home!). Walk through the gorgeous park, visit the city's Lincoln Park Zoo, explore the Lincoln Park Conservatory, or relax by the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool--all for free. It's a serene escape from the city without even having to leave the city. Try walking around the neighborhood if you have some time as well. It's very family friendly and full of boutiques, bars, and restaurants!

4. Shop the Farmer's Markets

There's something so nostalgic about a farmer's market in the summertime... Don't you agree? Chicago offers plenty of opportunities for farmers markets all around the city during the summer on various days of the week. You're guaranteed to get the extremely fresh food, beautiful flowers, and a lively atmosphere. There are even local restaurants that offer pop-ups at the markets from time to time! Check out the farmer's market schedule right here.

5. Attend a Festival

"Chicago" and "Festivals" are basically synonymous in the summer months. You can find a festival or event going on almost every single day in the summer--especially on the weekends. Attend fun events like Lollapalooza, Jazz Fest, Chicago Pride, West Fest, Taste of Chicago (or Randolph, River North, etc.), Art Fest, and even Hot Dog Fest. There are tons of different food, music, drink, or art related festivals going on throughout the summer, so make sure you don't miss out! Check out a full schedule here.

6. Spend a Day On the River

If you're keen on spending the entire day by the water downtown, check out some of the other activities to do besides just the Riverwalk. You can go kayaking in the river, rent a boat or pontoon to cruise along the river, or you can take the uber-popular Chicago Architecture Tour. You basically get to spend the afternoon in a boat cruising around the downtown Chicago area while learning about the city around you. There are a few different companies that offer a Chicago River tour and, from what I hear, you really can't go wrong with any of them. Jay and I did one that was sponsored by the Chicago History Museum and it included a wonderful tour plus free drinks and snacks. I highly recommend it!

7. Drink at a Rooftop Bar and Eat on a Restaurant Patio

Ok, so I get that for those of you who live in warm climates you're probably thinking this one is silly; but in Chicago, rooftops and patios are a way of life in the summer. Like I said earlier, we're in hibernation mode during most of the year, so the minute it warms up--we are outside!

Most restaurants and bars will start to open up their patio areas as soon as it hits decent temperatures (sometimes 50 degrees will do it), so take advantage of those when you can! See my list of places to eat in Chicago right here.

As for the best rooftops, check out some of these: J. Parker, Soho House, NoMI Garden, Cindy's, GreenRiver, Streeterville Social, or Rock Bottom. You can also browse the popular lists on Thrillist, Timeout, or Chicago Mag for more suggestions!

8. Spend the Day at the Beach

A lot of people look at me crazy when I say they should spend a day on the beach in Chicago, but it's a real thing that people do here! Thanks to Lake Michigan, Chicago's lakefront offers a nice stretch of "beachfront" property for visitors and locals to enjoy. You can party hard with the young crowd down by Oak Street Beach or North Avenue Beach (not my scene at all), or head a little further north towards Fullerton Beach or Montrose Beach to have a more quiet and relaxing experience. I personally love doing the latter with a little picnic in tow. Either way, I recommend you walk along the lakefront to take in the incredible views of the city and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

9. See a Show

Chicago is an artistic hub for fascinating shows and brilliant performances. When visiting the city, you should definitely try to nab some tickets to see a Broadway play, a theatre performance, a dance performance, a comedy show, or a musical! The options are endless here and you shouldn't miss out.

My personal favorites are the dance performances put on by G iordano Dance Chicago, which is America's original jazz company. First of all, I love that the roots of jazz dance are here in Chicago and that this company has been thriving for over 50 years. Second, having grown up as a dancer myself, it's so inspiring to see the these incredibly talented professionals perform such moving pieces time and time again. I'm always so thrilled to see the new and innovative performances that their company comes up with! They typically have performances towards the beginning and end of summer (as well as throughout the rest of the year), and you can see their full schedule right here!

10. Explore the Neighborhoods

The Windy City is a neighborhood city, which means it's comprised of a ton of different areas and neighborhoods that all have their own unique personalities and vibes. The best part about being in Chicago when it's warm out is that you can actually enjoy the feeling of walking around and exploring the neighborhoods! Hop on a the L, take a bus, rent a bike, or get in a cab and head to a neighborhood that you want to see and explore it for a day. My personal favorites are Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park, West Loop, and River North, but everyone has their preferences. You can check out more info on neighborhoods in my Chicago City Guide.

Also try:

Renting a Divvy bike and ride around town
Catching a baseball game with the Cubs or White Sox
Heading to Navy Pier to ride the new ferris wheel, or seeing the fireworks on Wednesdays and Saturdays
Exploring our world renowned museums, like the Art Institute or Shedd Aquarium
Renting a boat and venture out to Lake Michigan or tie-up to other boats in the "Play Pen"

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This list is just barely scratching the surface on all the incredible things there are to do here during the summer. Comment below with more activities that you love in Chicago!

Want more info on what to do during your visit to Chicago? Check out my complete FREE City Guide on Chicago. You'll find tips on airports, transportation, where to stay, when to visit, and much more!

15 Free Blogging Tools Every Blogger Should Use

Just because you have a blog doesn't mean you need to spend a ton of money to make it successful. Here are 15 FREE resources that every blogger should be using that won't break the bank. From scheduling tools, to webinar platforms, to graphic design resources, we've got you covered!

15 Free Blogging Tools Every Blogger Should Use

One of the best things about blogging is that there are zero barrier to entry. If you want to be a blogger, you can buy a domain right now and get a website up and running in less than 24 hours if you wanted to.

But what about after you create the website? There's a lot of hidden expenses that people don't tell you about when you start--i.e. networking events, email systems, e-courses, designers, etc. It can really start to add up!

Luckily, there are still tons of great, free tools out there that bloggers and creatives can take advantage of so they aren't breaking the bank! I'm all about saving money and I've done some work to find the best blogging resources that won't cost me a penny. Here are 15 of my favorite FREE blogging tools that you should start using today if you aren't already.

1. Canva

I really don't know how I've lived my life without Canva. Canva is a free graphic design tool that allows you to create beautiful images and designs all on their web-based platform. You can drag and drop images, add text overlays, create presentations, produce infographics... Ugh! There is so much you can do with Canva. I know absolutely NOTHING about graphic design, but Canva makes it look like I do. They even have templates with set dimensions for different types of graphics, or you can customize your own!

If you take away 1 blogging tool from this list, let it be Canva.

2. QuickTime Player

For those of you who need to make a simple video, a screen flow, or record something from your mobile device, look no further than QuickTime Player. QuickTime Player is a free tool that's already included on Mac computers, and is easy to download on other PCs or computers. It's really easy to use and the quality of the image is great.

I actually created my entire Instagram E-Course using QuickTime Player because I didn't want to have to pay the money for other programs that did screen flows (aka a video of what is happening on your computer screen). It was super easy and efficient and I recommend this free tool for anyone who needs to do those types of videos. *You can even plug your mobile device in and record a screen flow from there!

3. Gmail

In case you've been living under a rock, Gmail is a wonderful email system to use for people of all ages. While I do believe that you should eventually get an email address with your proper domain (yourname@yourwebsite.com), there is absolutely nothing wrong with starting out with a regular yourwebsite@gmail.com email address. You can set it up in seconds and it's very user friendly.

Once you start to get more serious with your blog, you can upgrade to the 'Gmail for Work' suite of products, which is just a small monthly fee. I actually still use both addresses.

4. Google Drive, Docs, Calendar, etc.

Along with your Gmail account, you will get access to the entire Google Suite of products: Google Drive, Docs, Calendar, etc. All of these tools are super useful when it comes to your blogging business. Google Drive is awesome because it allows you to easily store, share, and upload information, pictures, documents, or downloads; Google Drive makes it easy to create and share Word Documents on their web-based platform; and Google Calendar can integrate seamlessly with your smartphone so you can always keep up to date. Definitely take advantage of these products with your account!

5. License-Free Stock Photo Websites

For those of you who didn't necessarily come from a background in media, it might be worth noting that taking images straight off the internet can lead to pretty serious repercussions if not done carefully. Laws these days are pretty strict when it comes to intellectual property and it would be really sucky to find yourself in a situation where you're faced with a lawsuit because you grabbed a picture that someone else owned.

To avoid this issue, use license-free photos from websites like:

StockSnap.io
Pexels
Pixabay
Creative Commons
Flickr -- Just make sure it is the Creative Commons License and you're allowed to use it
PicJumbo
LifeofPix
Negative Space

When you're browsing these sites, most of them don't require any sort of attribution...but it's always good to double check! Usually photos from Flickr require a small attribution, so always read up on the details.

6. Google Hangouts On Air

Bloggers hosting webinars is a big thing right now. When I first began hosting my webinar on Instagram, I spent hours trying to find the right webinar platform to use. I kept seeing a ton of different platforms that were familiar, but they were all so expensive! Since it was my first time, I didn't want to dish out the money and invest in something that I wasn't sure I was going to do again.

Luckily, I stumbled upon a blog post about webinars that said Google Hangouts On Air was a great FREE alternative to use. Plus, it's already included in your Gmail package! It was super easy to use once I messed around with it for a little bit. You can share your screen, share a live link with your audience, embed it into your website, and even send a replay of your webinar afterwards since the broadcast automatically records ands saves to YouTube. It's a wonderful alternative for people who want to do webinars while saving a little money.

7. Skype

If you don't have a Skype account right now, go sign up. Skype is a great way to be able to connect with people worldwide at any time. I've had job interviews, stayed in touch with friends, and even helped some of my blogging students via meetings on Skype. It's a great communication tool to have as a blogger--especially if you're a digital nomad or frequent traveler.

8. Hootsuite or Buffer

If you want to add a little more time into your week, or you just hate constantly updating your social media, consider using a social media scheduling tool like Hootsuite or Buffer. You can connect your social accounts to their platform and schedule out your social media for days in advance. Both platforms offer free options, but there are also paid options if you have multiple accounts to juggle around (good for Virtual Assistants or Social Media Managers).

9. Google Analytics

Any blogger who is serious about their blog should have a Google Analytics account. It's the industry standard to report your blog's statistics, demographics, and analytics. It doesn't take too long to set up and is really important to know if you want to get partnerships of any sort down the road.

10. Google Keyword Planner

SEO has become quite the buzz word with bloggers in recent years. Maybe you're wondering, "What's a good way to improve SEO?" Plan ahead! Google Keyword Planner is an awesome free tool that's included with your Google account and it allows you to see what words are receiving great traction on the internet.

For instance, if you're going to write a blog post about healthy desserts, you can use the keyword planner to figure out what your best combination of keywords should be according to Google's stats. When you go to write your post, you can try to strategically include those keywords throughout your post as best as possible for good results. Voila--your blog post is now more SEO friendly!

11. Dropbox

Another alternative to Google Drive is Dropbox, which is a great way to share and transfer files with other people. Their initial plan is free, but you can upgrade your storage plan for a small monthly fee if you need to.

12. Evernote

For those of you who'd like to have a place where you can take notes and keep track of your projects, check out Evernote as an option. While I personally prefer the old fashioned way of pencil and paper, a lot of people love Evernote for it's user friendly interface and cloud integration. Their free plan offers a limited amount of storage, but you can easily upgrade if you need more for your account.

13. Paypal

As far as payment systems go, Paypal is far from perfect...but it's easy to use and it's free to get an account. For people who need to set up a payment system--whether you're offering coaching services or even receiving payments for partnerships--Paypal is a good system to have. It's a global platform on only takes a few minutes to set up and link to your bank account.

14. Placeit

Placeit is a really interesting creative tool I recently discovered. It allows you to take an image and place it into a mockup on a smartphone, computer, or tablet. It's great for people who have an e-book, a PDF download, an e-course, or anything else that you want to show off how it would look on a screen. You can download the smaller images for free, or purchase really large ones if you need for a small fee.

15. Mailchimp

If you're just starting out as a blogger and looking to keep costs low, I recommend using Mailchimp as you build your email list. The interface is pretty easy to use and set up, and it's free up until a certain amount of subscribers. Once you're ready to take your blog to the next level, there are other email platforms that might suit your needs better, but Mailchimp is a good place to start so you at least have something in place without spending a ton of money.

BONUS: FREE Resources, Guides, E-books

There are tons of websites and bloggers out there who offer free resources, guides, downloads, e-books, trainings, etc. that you should ALWAYS take advantage of! It's free! Why not? Usually all you have to do is exchange your email address for the downloads, so it's worth checking out for tidbits of information that can help you take your blog to the next level. HINT: You can sign up for The City Sidewalks' Free Resource Library RIGHT HERE! I also offer free trainings and other special goodies to my subscribers :)

What other free tools do you recommend or use? Comment below with more resources that bloggers can take advantage of!

California Road Trip: Travel Guide Along the Pacific Coast Highway

Ready for the road trip of your lifetime? If you're looking to do a fun road trip along California's Pacific Coast Highway, look no further than this handy travel guide to get you there. In this travel guide to Highway 1, you'll get an itinerary with all your stops, drive times, as well as "good to know" information before and during your trip. Buckle up! Here we go!

California Road Trip: Travel Guide Along the Pacific Coast Highway

Are you into road trips? I'll admit...I'm not much of a road tripper. I prefer to get wherever I want to go as quick as possible, and being a city girl has made me hate driving. BUT...the one place that changed my mind about road trips? California.

Have you ever seen the California coastline?! It's breathtaking! I really don't think it's fair to the rest of the country that California has that much beauty! It's incredible. Taking a road trip along the California coastline--and, more specifically, along the Pacific Coast Highway--should be on everyone's bucket list. You see beaches, mountains, valleys, cities, vineyards... Ugh! There's everything!

If you're looking to do a fun road trip along Highway 1, look no further than this handy travel guide to get you there. I've mapped out an itinerary with all your stops, drive times, as well as provided you with "good to know" information before and during your trip. Buckle up! Here we go!

Good to Know Information Before Your Trip:

For those of you who are planning your first visit to California, or maybe it's your first time doing the PCH drive, check out these FAQ's about planning your trip.

How long should I plan the trip for?

How long you plan for the trip is entirely up to you, but I would recommend at least 1 full week if you really want to get the full adventure. Of course, there are people who do it in 5 days, a weekend, or even 2 days, but I want you to have a really special experience with it! You're going to want to relax and enjoy when you can, pull over to see the views, or even spend an extra night in those special cities you fall in love with. Do at least 1 week minimum from start to finish.

Where should I start?

This is another personal preference. There's really no right or wrong answer for where you start or finish. We personally went from south to north, but I've heard that sometimes the traffic from north to south can be a little less hectic (can't confirm this from my own personal experience though!). You could even look up the price difference of flying into San Diego vs. Santa Ana vs. Los Angeles vs. San Francisco and make your decision that way! For this travel guide, I'll be giving you directions from south to north.

How much should I budget?

How much you budget will be based on the types of accommodations you're wanting to stay in during your trip and the entertainment costs you'll incur (including food). You can find budget friendly hostels or campgrounds along the way, or splurge on luxury 5-star resorts. You can buy groceries along the way and make food on the go, or you can dine at expensive restaurants. You'll also have to account for gas along your trip, so I'd say somewhere between $50-200+ per day depending on your travel style. *PS-If you're a budget conscious traveler, check out this post I did on how to spend $50 a day or less during travel!

Do I need a car?

Yes. Unfortunately, there is no public transportation that will allow you to do this trip, but that's half the fun of it! When you have a car, you get to pull over and enjoy the scenery as much as you want!

Can I go alone or should I go with people?

Yes, you can absolutely do this road trip alone! However, I will say that having another person or group with you during the road trip makes it a lot more fun. You'll be creating wonderful travel memories together; you can take turns taking pictures for one another; you can split all the travel costs; you can even take turns driving so everyone gets a chance to look out the window. Totally up to you though! I personally loved having Jay by my side through all of it (mainly because I never had to drive... hehehe!) and wouldn't have it any other way.

Where should I stay?

There a plenty of places you can get off and stay around PCH, but I would recommend spending some time in San Diego (or La Jolla) before/after the trip, Orange County (around Laguna Beach or Newport Beach), Los Angeles (around Venice or Santa Monica), Santa Barbara, Big Sur (or Carmel/Monterey for other options), and San Francisco.

The Road Trip Itinerary

Below you'll find the outlined itinerary we did for our Pacific Coast Highway journey. This itinerary is from south to north (starting in Orange County and ending in San Francisco), but you can easily invert it if you want to travel from north to south. Please keep in mind that all drive times are approximate and that traffic is a real deal in California. Always check your GPS or Google Maps for more accurate times. There will also be areas where you might have to merge onto other freeways besides Highway 1. Ok... Here we go!

Starting Point: Orange County

Fun fact: A lot of people think that PCH goes all the way to San Diego, but it actually ends around Dana Point in the O.C.! Southern California is a beautiful area filled with beaches, incredible food, surfing, epic coastal views, cute towns, and more. When you're starting out in Orange County, I recommend you visit spots like Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. There are lots of little towns right in a row along the coastline, so maybe pick 1-2 and explore. Use my travel guides for Laguna & Newport to find out what to do/eat while you're there. **If you're starting out here, you can fly into either San Diego and drive up, or fly into Santa Ana and hang around the area to explore before heading north.

Also consider stopping by: San Diego, La Jolla, or San Clemente before you start the official Highway 1 Adventure. It's technically not part of the official route, but it's worth exploring if you have time!

Los Angeles

Drive time from Orange County: Approx. 1hr 30min

After spending time in the O.C., your next stop will be Los Angeles. I recommend getting off PCH to see Santa Monica and/or Venice since they are closest to the coastline (and the cutest I.M.O.). Both towns are right next to each other and offer that cool Cali beach vibe that you've probably seen in movies and TV shows. Walk around Main Street, rent a bike to go along the boardwalk, stroll down Abbot Kinney Boulevard, or get something to eat along the water. Use my travel guide to Venice to see what you can do/eat while you're there.

Also consider stopping by: Long Beach or Malibu

Santa Barbara

Drive time from Los Angeles: Approx. 1hr 40min

Santa Barbara might be my favorite city in all of California (it's a toss up between this and San Francisco). I guarantee you'll fall in love the minute you arrive to this "American Riviera," as the locals call it. There's endless Spanish-style architecture throughout the city, incredible places to eat, wonderful beaches, and tons of culture to explore and experience. See my travel guide to Santa Barbara for things to do, places to stay, or where to eat when you pass through.

Also consider stopping by: Montecito, Summerland, or Solvang. Solvang is a little off the path of Highway 1, but it is such a gorgeous, little town that is worth exploring. You can even stay over at this ranch resort that's like a luxury camp for adults!

San Luis Obispo

Drive time from Santa Barbara: Approx. 1hr 40min

After departing Santa Barbara, the next area you might want to stop in is San Luis Obispo. The town of SLO has a super cute and trendy downtown area, making it a great stop to get out for a bite to eat or to walk around. It's a lovely town that you'll enjoy seeing or driving through.

Also consider stopping by: Pismo Beach or Morro Bay

San Simeon

Drive time from San Luis Obispo: Approx. 1hr

Just before you get to Big Sur is the town of San Simeon. I definitely recommend getting off here to explore Hearst Castle. It's a remarkable hilltop mansion that was once the home of media mogul, William Randolph Hearst. The castle is a must-see along the Pacific Coast Highway road trip. Check out this post on Hearst Castle to see all the details of booking your visit there.

Also consider stopping by: Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is a great spot to pull over and get a glimpse of the elephant seals along the beach!

Big Sur

Drive time from San Simeon: Approx. 30min

Big Sur is a must-see destination that should be on everyone's bucket list. The natural beauty of this area is one you'll never forget and will absolutely take your breath away. Visit the epic waterfalls of McWay Falls, hike through one of the many state parks, or snap a picture near the historic Bixby Bridge. Check out this full travel guide to Big Sur for more details on what to do, where to stay, and where to eat there.

Also consider stopping by: McWay Falls, Pfeiffer Beach, and Bixby Bridge

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Drive time from Big Sur: Approx. 40min

Just north of Big Sur is the charming little town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. The quaint downtown area and lovely houses around the city makes you feel like you've stepped into some sort of West Coast fairytale. Stop around here to walk around downtown or grab something to eat. It's such a cute stop on your way up the coast. This is also around the area of the famous Pebble Beach golf course!

Also consider stopping by: Monterey

San Francisco

Drive time from Carmel: Approx. 2hr 15min

We've reached the final city along our California road trip: Good 'ol San Francisco. The city of San Francisco is such a unique and magnificent destination. You'll surely fall in love with it the minute you arrive. Here you've got iconic landmarks, sprawling city views, one-of-a-kind street art, world class dining, and so much more. I recommend staying a few days in SF once you arrive so you can truly enjoy and experience the city. Check out my detailed city guide to San Francisco for more tips, where to stay, and things to do while you're there!

Also consider stopping by: Santa Cruz or Half Moon Bay

Have you ever done the California Road Trip along Pacific Coast Highway? -or- Are you going soon? Comment below with more tips or suggestions!

PS--Don't leave for the road trip without picking up some new travel gear! Check out my favorite travel things here!

A Weekend Guide to Big Sur

Big Sur is an incredible destination that everyone should see at least once in their life. If you're heading to Big Sur, use this travel guide to be prepared with everything you need to know! Uncover good tips to know before you leave, along with recommendations on where to eat, where to stay, and what to do during your visit to Big Sur.

A Weekend Guide to Big Sur

I would argue to say that Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places in the entire world. Deep blue waters that crash along miles of glorious California coastline, the breeze against your face as you drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, and endless adventures and opportunities to explore nature. It is a truly magnificent place that you must see at least once in your lifetime.

If you're heading to Big Sur, or doing the great "California Road Trip," use this travel guide to Big Sur to be prepared with everything you need to know! I've got "good to know" tips for your journey (some of which I wasn't even aware of before going), recommendations on where to eat, where to stay, and what to do during your visit to Big Sur.

Good to Know Information Before Heading to Big Sur

Normally I just jump right into these travel guides with places to eat, sleep, and play, but Big Sur is different. This place requires a little bit of info beforehand, or else you're going to be baffled when you get there; so here are some good to know tips before you venture out to Big Sur:

Before You Go

There is absolutely ZERO cell phone service in Big Sur. Like, seriously, the second you cross over into Big Sur territory, your phone will go off the grid. It's kind of nice once you get used to the shock of not being constantly connected!
There's usually wifi at most of the popular restaurants, bars, and hotels, but don't count on it when you're out and about. Unplugging in nature is what it's all about!
You can do Big Sur in 1 day, but you should really spend at least 2 days there to see everything and take your time.
Big Sur is pricey (because they can be), so be prepared to spend some $$ while you're there. Those of you from NYC or other large cities will feel right at home spending about $15-18 for a cocktail and $20-30 for an entree.
Make your reservations as far in advance as you can since things tend to book up fast!

Tips for the Drive

Rent (or have) a car. That's the only way to do it.
Safely stop along the road wherever you want to get out and enjoy the view. It's magnificent and you deserve to soak it in! Make sure your cameras are charged!
Pack snacks and drinks ahead of time so you can avoid paying astronomical prices at the convenience stores or restaurants in Big Sur.
Have some cash handy because certain state parks require a small entrance fee before you head in.
Have hiking and/or beach clothes readily available for you to grab and change into if the mood strikes you to get out and have an adventure. I'd recommend checking the weather ahead of time so you know which one to pack.
Pick up a copy of Big Sur's free tourist newspaper (available at almost any establishment in the area) so you can utilize the map. You won't have cell phone service, so it will be your life line. You can also just take a screenshot of this, which was the exact map we used to get around:

*Map courtesy of Big Sur Chamber of Commerce*

Alright... Now for the good stuff. Where to eat in Big Sur! Like I mentioned earlier, Big Sur is pricey. You're not going to have an easy time trying to avoid paying high prices for everything you eat, but it is possible to find some affordable options. There are also incredible luxury options if you want to splurge and go all out. The good news is that the food in Big Sur (at least the food that we had) is pretty damn good and typically comes in generous portions!

Budget:

Big Sur Taphouse, 47520 Hwy 1 -- Great spot to grab a beer, big portions of comfort food, and watch whatever sport they have on TV
Big Sur Deli, 47520 Hwy 1
The Maiden Publick House, Village Center Shops, Hwy 1

Also try: Packing food before your trip, or driving to grocery store in Carmel-by-the-Sea for affordable groceries. Unfortunately, "budget" and "Big Sur" don't typically go together very often.

Big Sur Taphouse

Big Sur Deli

The Maiden Publick House

Moderate:

Big Sur Bakery, 47540 Hwy 1 -- Ask any local where to eat in Big Sur and I guarantee this will be at the top of their list. Definitely a popular spot in the area! On the more expensive side of "moderate"
Deetjen's Restaurant, 48865 Hwy 1 -- Another popular spot for both locals and travelers
Fernwood Resort Bar & Grill, 47200 Hwy 1 -- AKA Fernwood Tavern. Tasty pizzas, bar food, and a great spot to hang out in a "pub" environment
Nepenthe, 48510 Hwy 1 -- Food with a view!
Cafe Kevah, 48510 Highway One -- Just downstairs from Nepenthe and supposedly more affordable

Also try: Big Sur Roadhouse (especially after they finish redecorating their space!), Big Sur River Inn Restaurant, Big Sur Lodge Restaurant, or Ripplewood Resort Restaurant (breakfast + lunch option)

Big Sur Bakery

Deetjen's Restaurant

Fernwood Tavern

Nepenthe

Cafe Kevah