At the time of our visit, Taco Maria was the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Orange County, California. But they're so much more than just a starred restaurant - it's a delicious homage to a family, culture, and location. And they're now one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. … [Read more...] about Taco Maria – Incredible Alta California Cuisine!
Travel Blogging
Hawaii Mask Mandate Ends March 25
Recently, Governor David Ige announced that he would allow Hawaii Safe Travels to expire on March 25. At the time, he said he needed more time to mull other portions of his order. Well, it looks like he's made up his mind now as the Hawaii mask mandate ends on March 25. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Mask Mandate Ends March 25
Hawaii is Getting Busier
With Hawaii's Safe Travels program coming to an end, most experts thought that tourism would pick up again. However, I don't think anyone could've predicted how quickly that would happen. Hawaii is getting busier - and that's causing problems for visitors once again. … [Read more...] about Hawaii is Getting Busier
Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate
During our initial lockdown in 2020, I passed the time by finding Hawaii-based tree-to-bar chocolate operations and giving them a try. One of these was Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate. So I made visiting them on this trip one of my top priorities. … [Read more...] about Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate
Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
After our interesting flight and securing our car, all I wanted to do was get something to eat and get to bed. However, that meant driving 45-ish minutes on the 405 down to Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. … [Read more...] about Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Hawaii Safe Travels to End on March 25
In October 2020, Hawaii launched its first pre-travel testing program. That program later adopted a vaccination exemption and became Hawaii Safe Travels. But now, just under a year-and-a-half later, Hawaii Safe Travels is to end on March 25. … [Read more...] about Hawaii Safe Travels to End on March 25
Airbnb Removes 1300 Maui Listings
Even before the pandemic, home prices in Hawaii were just about unattainable for most. The solution? Get rid of illegal vacation rentals. And the Valley Isle did just that as Airbnb removes 1300 Maui listings from its platform. … [Read more...] about Airbnb Removes 1300 Maui Listings
Marriott Bonvoy Changes in Hawaii
In late March, Marriott is eliminating its award charts. They say that for the remainder of 2022, we shouldn't see significant pricing changes. But that doesn't mean things stay as they are. Changes are coming. So let's discuss the Marriott Bonvoy changes in Hawaii for 2022. … [Read more...] about Marriott Bonvoy Changes in Hawaii
Chase Improves the Marriott Boundless Card
What's old is new again. Chase improves the Marriott Boundless card by bringing back an old benefit of the Marriott Premier card while also sweetening its points earning potential. But do these changes make a compelling difference? … [Read more...] about Chase Improves the Marriott Boundless Card
Alamo Rent A Car Los Angeles Airport
When I was looking at car prices in Los Angeles, National was stupid expensive. So, I settled for the slightly less expensive Alamo Rent A Car Los Angeles Airport. I did, however, spring for a midsize CUV (still cheaper than Emerald Aisle), which may not have been the best idea. … [Read more...] about Alamo Rent A Car Los Angeles Airport