Within the first 24 hours, I got to fly over the iconic Blue Hole and fall sleep in a gorgeous treehouse suite at Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort. The resort is a PADI 5-Star Resort, so I also got to scuba dive to my heart’s content– 7 dives within 5 days!
One of my most memorable dives was at the Half Moon Caye Wall. It was one of the most awe-inspiring reefs I’ve ever seen, along with the stunning, underwater caves along the Blue Hole–one of my biggest bucket list dives!
Other than diving, other fun adventures in the area include cave tubing, ATV’s and offroading, and waterfall rapelling! I rappelled 250ft down Antelope Falls, an epic waterfall in Belize’s Mayflower Bocawina National Park, and would highly recommend it to adventurous travelers.
Located just outside of Belize’s Garifuna cultural center, the town of Hopkins is the prime place to learn about local culture if that interests you! Go out and explore the area then come back to the resort to listen to Garifuna singing and drumming. You’ll even get a chance to learn some of the traditional dance moves during their performances!
If there’s one thing you do in Belize… make sure to watch the fantastic sunsets!
Traveling as much as I do, I have heard a lot of amazing tales of adventure. I’ve chatted with people who have climbed the highest peaks and dived the deepest depths. I have also talked to a ton of people who are filled with reasons why they can’t travel.
Here are the top 10 reasons not to travel & why you need to forget them!
You Don’t Have the Time
We are all given the same twenty-four hours every day. What you do with them is up to you. If you don’t have the time, make the time.
Reorganize your life so that you are spending your time doing the things that you truly love. I know, I know. That’s much easier said than done, but it is completely, one hundred percent possible.
You Don’t Have the Money
Short on cash? Spend less and make more. Give up your latte habit. Take on a part time job. Your bank account will start growing in no time. I have met so many people who saved every last cent for a year before they started traveling.
They quit buying gadgets and clothes. They stopped eating out. They budgeted out every dollar, and then they went on the adventure of a lifetime and totally forgot about the sacrifices. Travel doesn’t have to be expensive!
Can’t save up enough? Volunteer abroad for free accommodation. Find a job that lets you see the world. The more creative and open-minded you are, the easier it is to find solutions.
Bring ‘em with! If you want to travel, bring your SO. If your partner can’t come, then go on your own. Trust me; any solid relationship can survive a vacation. If your guy or girl needs 24/7 supervision, you have got bigger issues to tackle.
You Need to Finish School First
Travel doesn’t have to be an all or nothing proposition. Cross the border for a weekend. Visit a town you have never been to before. Explore a new continent during summer break.
Study abroad for a semester. Life isn’t going to slow down after graduation—in fact, it normally speeds up! Relish your youth.
Go solo! One of the best things I have ever done for myself is to take the plunge into solo travel. Admittedly, the idea was terrifying at first, but I’m so glad I did it anyway. It has been incredibly liberating and is seriously the single greatest gift I’ve ever given myself.
I can totally understand this one. I am terrified of heights and literally stopped breathing the first time I set foot in a plane. But it gets better—it gets so much better. The unknown is always terrifying but you can conquer your fears. Just face them head on and you will be ready to go sky diving in no time.
Your Family Doesn’t Want You To
Ultimately, you have to live your life for you. Don’t compromise on your dreams. Promise to check in with your mom every morning, make sure that your sister has every single detail of your itinerary, and register with the embassy.
Do whatever you need to do to make your family less worried. Trust me; it’ll pass. Everyone in my family was so freaked out when I started traveling and now they never bat an eyelash. Sure, they will miss you, but ultimately, they love you and want you to be happy.
Want to know the best way to learn a language? Go to the country! Grab a language book and start speaking. Make a million mistakes, and keep holding your head high. You will be a multilingual jet-setter in no time.
You’re Worried About Safety
It’s good to be careful about your safety, but it’s important to not let fear take over your life. Let your gut keep you motivated. Use your nervous energy to take every precaution possible. Once you are totally prepared, relax! Doing anything new is scary at first but don’t let it stop you from getting out and seeing the world.
You Need to Get to a Stable Point in Your Career First
Traveling is great for your resume. Volunteer in an area related to your field. Go to a language school and become bilingual. Enroll in a master’s program abroad. There are so many different ways to expand your skillset outside of the office.
Few places on earth are as beautiful and diverse as the Pacific coastline. From the beaches of California to the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, this coast is truly magical.
As a California native, maybe I am partial, but I don’t think anyone can visit the West Coast without falling in love. Ready to see for yourself?
Check out a few of my fave fall weekend getaways on the West Coast!
Attention, foodies: the mother ship is in Napa Valley. They have turned the simple, everyday acts of eating amazing food and drinking great wine into an art. With some of the greatest chefs and vineyards on the planet, this is the perfect place to indulge. With farm-to-table restaurants, gourmet grocery stores, and endless wine tasting, you will definitely want to bring your appetite.
The Napa Valley Wine Train is the perfect way to get to know the area. Over the course of three hours, you will have a delectable meal, sample wine, and get a view of the wineries in Napa, Rutherford, Yountville, Oakville, and Saint Helena.
There is always something new to see in Portland. Just this year, Portland transformed the historical Carriage and Baggage building into Pine Street Market, the first food hall in Portland. Once you have worked up a thirst there, check out the new 14,000-square-foot facility that the much-loved House Spirits Distillery has just opened.
Of course, Portland still has all of its old classics. The largest used bookstore in the world, Powell’s City of Books, continues to impress. The Portland Japanese Garden still shines while the Portland Saturday Market will always rank as one of my favorite places to shop.
As one of California’s greatest cities, San Francisco has something for everyone. Explore America’s largest Chinatown for international treasures, and then check out San Fran’s hippest and most happening neighborhood, The Mission. While this area is often overlooked by tourists, it’s a thriving community that’s adored by the locals.
When you are ready to do the tourist thing, hop on the Magic Bus for a trippy ride. This groovy bus will take you through some of the old hippie hangouts and give you insight into the culture of the 60s.
Of course, no trip to The City by the Bay is complete without a trip around Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge on the San Francisco Bay Boat Cruise.
If you have never been to Seattle, you have got to get to the Space Needle first thing. From 605 feet above the city, you can see it all. Grab your selfies, and then have a look through the telescope to see beyond the cityscape and into the Cascade Range and Olympic Mountains.
To dive into Seattle culture head first, pay a visit to the EMP Museum. Formerly known as the Experience Music Project and the Science Fiction Museum, this dynamic museum is full of award-winning exhibitions.
Ready to shop? For more than a century, Pike Place Market has been a center for tourists and locals alike. As one of the oldest public farmers’ markets in the country, this place is an icon of Seattle and you definitely won’t want to leave the city without a visit here.
– Denver –
I probably don’t need to tell you that Denver is amazing in the winter. At the doorstep of some of the greatest ski resorts on earth, this city comes alive when the cold weather arrives.
Far from just a winter destination, Denver is gorgeous year-round. In fact, I actually think that fall is one of the best times to visit Colorado.
Did you know that Colorado has the longest period of fall foliage in the country? Because the area around Denver spans a whopping five climate zones, you can admire the autumn colors anytime from September to November. Just change your elevation and you’ll completely transform your surroundings.
If you are lucky enough to be in Denver during the first weekend of the month, you have got to check out First Friday. There are art walks all over town with incredibly impressive displays in the Santa Fe, RiNo, Tennyson, LoHi, and Belmar neighborhoods. It is a totally different experience every month so check the calendar before you go.
Portland– known as a city placed down right in the middle of some stunning, dramatic nature, known for the world’s largest independent bookstore, Powell’s, known for it’s grungy vibes, creative minds, a little show called Portlandia, and also, for the food.
I’d been wanting to get to Portland for years. For some reason it was always high at the top of my US to go to list and over the 4th of July this summer, I finally made it happen.
As is usually the way when I do any sort of city travel, I had with me a long food wish list, a couple of reservations already in place, and a giant appetite in tow.
Here are the highlights and where to find the best food in Portland!
Coquine
High up in the hills of rolling PDX, Coquine is a special little place that the Mt. Tabor area is very lucky to have. It’s totally simple at first glance, but the food was unique and extremely good.Go for a seasonal salad or two to start, a gruyere and brioche breakfast sandwich, and don’t sleep on the peach and ricotta toast either.
It rivals the OG (avocado) toast with ease.
Maurice
If Paris cafes merged with Portland ones, Maurice is what would be waiting. With every element that comprises Maurice given extreme care and attention, your eyes and senses will be swirling the moment you step inside.
Coined as a modern pastry luncheonette, found inside is a soft and serene decor and gorgeously curated dishes like gravlax and pickled cucumbers on toast, radishes with butter and quiche with simple greens.
Salt & Straw
Go, get on the sure to be long line, test your patience, read the daily flavors menu, taste test, choose the lavender for at least one of your scoops (you’re obviously having more than one), and enjoy.
Little Bird is a beautiful experience from the start. While it is certainly on the nicer end of the spectrum, it never feels too fancy, or too forced. As someone who always appreciates a restaurant who can keep a casual vibe while simultaneously providing service and food that mirrors and exemplifies sophistication,
The cheese plate is awesome, dotted with olives, jams, pickled peppers and breads, and the rest of the menu follows suit. All of the dishes are meticulously prepared, yet are light hearted and creative all the same.
Olympia Oyster Bar
If you close your eyes and envision a light, lofty space, with a crisp, subtly accented decor, and a nautical, chic beachy vibe, you’ll find yourself in the space of Olympia Oyster Bar. This is my ideal kind of setting, so Olympia admittedly drew me right in.
Oysters are a large part of the focus here, but certainly not the only one. They come in both a simple variety as well as with a wildly different approach to them; think crisped with shredded phyllo, smoked avocado, serrano pepper jam, morimoto dust or on a tostada with cumin crema, ancho chile, avocado and red cabbage.
Following that are about a dozen small plates, like a golden beet tartare with hen yolk, whipped chèvre, hazelnuts, mint and basil or a manila clam linguini mixed with fennel, leek, smoked goat butter and wine.
You get the picture.
Ava Genes
I ate here alone after my friends had already departed, and also straight after the aforementioned meal at Olympia Oyster Bar (the secret strategy of someone trying to hit as much as possible during a quick weekend getaway!), so while I didn’t get a full food experience at Ava Genes, I did dip my toes in just enough to get a feel for things.
The decor feels strong, with mahogany seating and bars, and at least five dozen lights strung above. I sat at the chef’s counter and had a sheep cheese, cherry tomato and basil bread that blew my mind, and a simple cacio y pepe to follow. These dishes got me intrigued and wanting more, but there was sadly no time, or frankly, any room.
There is a reason why nearly twenty-five million people visit the City by the Bay every year. Cosmopolitan, modern, and trendsetting, San Francisco is a city with so many faces. Whatever you are into, the city has got it.
With idyllic weather nearly every day of the year and countless events filling up the local calendar, it’s always a good time to check out San Francisco.
So when is the best time to go to San Francisco? It just depends what you’re in to!
January
January in San Francisco can be a bit wet as it is in the middle of the rainy season. Bring along your heavy jacket, gloves, hat and scarves for the cooler mornings but shorts and light jackets for warmer afternoons. You may encounter some stormy skies and rainfall, but it is also a bit unpredictable so you could have a chance of crystal clear days as well. It’s totally unpredictable!
January marks the sea lions return to Pier 39, so wandering around Fishermans’ Wharf is a must! The California Grey Whales are migrating in January, so it is also a prime time for whale watching off the coast.
Fun Events
San Francisco Sketch Fest: Throughout the city, local favorites and awesome newcomers put on countless stand-ups, sketches, and improv shows all month long.
San Francisco Beer Week: More than 150 events featuring the best local craft beer and amazing pub grub are held throughout the city during one of California’s best beer fests.
February
The rainy season carries into the month of February so expect some rainfall and cloudy mornings around the bay. You’ll find temperatures in the low-60’s, and perfect cuddling weather for Valentine’s Day! It’s still a great time for spotting whales off the coast, so consider a whale watching tour.
The Chinese New Year is a big annual celebration, so keep your eye out during your visit. The parade and festivities can happen in January or February and even early March, so check before you go.
Fun Events
San Francisco Independent Film Festival: Also known as SF IndieFest, this film festival brings together the top films from all over the area and it’s the perfect place to get an insider look into the film industry.
Noise Pop: San Francisco’s top independent cultural festival will blow your mind. With tons of art shows, designer trunk sales, films, and panels, you’ll never be able to take it all in.
March
San Francisco starts to warm up in March and you’ll see much fewer rainy days– unless it’s an off-year, which again, is unpredictable! You’ll find temperatures in the mid-60’s so pack light layers.
The Irish community in SF goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day, so be ready to rock green everything, and join in on the celebrations!
Fun Events
San Francisco International Chocolate Salon: Who needs to be sold on a chocolate festival? Featuring artisan and gourmet chocolate from more than fifty different confectioners alongside top local wines, this alone is well worth the trip!
Union Street Easter Parade Spring Celebration: Often called the “the biggest little parade in San Francisco,” the event hosts more than 30,000 spectators getting into the spring spirit.
April
Typically, all the winter rains have gone away by the month of April. However, in California, there’s this fun (sense the sarcasm) weather phenomenon call the “El Nino”. It causes ocean currents to bring California more rain than usual, so there’s just no guarantee you’ll have dry skies.
Historically, April brings lots of sunshine, so keep your fingers crossed! Bring warmer clothes for evenings, but break out the sundresses and shorts for hotter days.
Fun Events
Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon San Francisco: Even if you aren’t a regular marathon runner, you will definitely want to make an exception for this one. Starting along the Great Highway at the northwest corner of Golden Gate Park, the Transamerica Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon runs through some of the most beautiful spots you’ll find anywhere on the West Coast.
Art Market San Francisco: As the Bay Area’s only modern art fair, the Art Market is much loved by local galleries. With a range of established artists as well as up-and-coming new artists, this is the place to find the next Picasso.
May
May means sunshine! Don’t miss the Bay to Breakers, one of the most popular 12K races in the country, made famous for its route through San Francisco, and the over-the-top, eccentric costumes the runners rock.
Crowds swarm into the city for the Memorial 3-Day Weekend, so book your accommodations early if you plan on visiting during the last week of May!
Fun Events
Carnaval: Who needs New Orleans when you can go to the Mission? Live it up at San Francisco’s take on Mardi Gras. One of the largest festivals of the year, this impressive Carnaval celebration is always buzzing.
Alcatraz Challenge Swim: Ready to cool down? Why not jump in and try to make the one-and-a-half-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to the East Beach of Crissy Field! Even if you aren’t quite up for it, this is a really fun event to watch.
June
June brings the heat in San Francisco. But it also brings the fog, so there are days where you may not see the sun, but you’ll feel it! Temperatures can range anywhere in the 70’s so layer, layer, layer.
The Pride Festival is a huge event in the city in June– it celebrates the heritage and culture of the LGBTQ community with one the biggest and best parades of the year. Get ready to party!
Fun Events
Ethnic Dance Festival: Held at the Palace of Fine Arts and San Francisco City Hall over three weekends, this festival has dance performances and music from all over the globe. Every weekend is different and full of fascinating shows that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
North Beach Festival: Held outside of Washington Square Park, this is San Francisco’s oldest street fair. Full of beer gardens, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and gourmet food stands, this is the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon.
SHOP my favorite San Francisco inspired styles!
July
July isn’t the best month to go to the beach in San Francisco since it’s usually filled with fog, and the water is freezing. However temperatures will soar to the high-70’s all month long as it is the driest month.
July is full of festivals and big Independence Day celebrations, so look out for fireworks and fairs!
Fun Events
Fourth of July Waterfront Festival: With a breathtaking fireworks display, this annual waterfront party is one of the best Fourth of July celebrations in the country. Come for dinner, watch the fireworks, and then stick around for the live music.
The Renegade Craft Fair: Dive into the Bay Area indie-craft culture! Check out the impressive handmade goods and join one of the cool interactive workshops.
August
Weather in August will be warm and dry, much the same as July. Summer tourism is in full swing in August, so be prepared for higher prices for flight, accommodations and bigger crowds at the popular sights.
San Francisco is home to the Outside Lands Music Festival in August, so if you’re a fan of Indie and Alternative Rock, Electronica and Hip Hop, look into tickets!
Fun Events
Noe Valley Wine Walk: Head to Castro Street and Twenty-Fourth Street (from Diamond to Chattanooga) to try some world-class Cali wine and gourmet goodies.
San Francisco Street Food Festival: Bask under the sun for two days while you join this intoxicating celebration of music, food, and drink.
September
September is the best time to visit San Francisco if you’re looking for clear skies! Less fog and warmer temperatures all around.
Labor Day Weekend brings lots of people to the city to end summer with a bang. Enjoy all the food and wine festivals and fairs throughout the city!
Fun Events
Fringe Festival: Forget Scotland! San Francisco’s Fringe Festival has thirty-five different groups performing 150 shows throughout September every year. Whether you are a theater nerd or just looking for a fun outing, you can’t miss this grassroots theater festival.
Oktoberfest by the Bay: At the end of September, come to SF’s Pier 48 for all the German food, beer, and entertainment that you can handle. It’s a blast every year so plan on spending at least a couple days checking it out.
October
October is usually clear in San Francisco but it does mark the beginning of rainy season, so you may see some drizzles here and there.
October is Fleet Week in SF, so you’ll see military pride everywhere from tours of ship to air shows from the Blue Angels. Halloween is a big occasion in the city, so be ready to go all out with your costume!
Fun Events
Castro Street Fair: Eat, drink, and dance the night away at this celebration of the much-loved Castro neighborhood. If you only make it to one street fair this year, let it be this one!
San Francisco Barbecue Festival: Come hungry and head over to the The Yard at Mission Rock for some amazing local BBQ, live entertainment, and so much more.
November
November is a wet month, so bring your rain jacket and boots. The city is in full swing for fall, so don’t miss the Christmas is Coming fair that leads up to Thanksgiving!
Fun Events
Illuminate SF: See the city in a whole new way when dozens of eco-friendly light art installations transform the night sky. Bring your camera and come ready to explore the entire citywide gallery of light.
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair: What better way to get into the holiday spirit than to explore an old Victorian Christmas village? With everyone in period costumes and the streets full of shops, taverns, and live entertainment, this is unlike any Christmas fair you’ve ever been to.
December
December is in the rainy season so you can expect winter storms– just don’t expect any snow. It’s the coldest month by far!
Christmas and New Years festivities and fairs are reason enough to be in the city in December, but if you’re looking for a snowy holiday, you can head to Lake Tahoe to hit the slopes and sip hot cocoa by the fireplace!
Fun Events
Union Street Fantasy of Lights: Explore one of San Francisco’s most famous streets when it comes alive with the Christmas spirit. Take in the gorgeous holiday lights, pose for pics with the elves, and browse the merchant open houses.
NYE in SF: If you are lucky enough to be in San Francisco over New Year’s Eve, go to Fireworks Over the Bay. Bundle up and head to the SF Bay Bridge for a stunning view. Want an excuse to pull out your old ball gown? Get to San Francisco Symphony’s annual Masquerade Ball.
