One Year Later the Gas Prices Are...Going Up!

It's like a hot air balloon rising, then falling, then rising again as the prices go up and down. In Los Angeles and San Diego the prices are mid-$2-- and going up, to be sure. They're trying to reach $3 once again. Just last year, the price of a gallon of gas was around $4 as one blog reminded me. I am hoping that the prices will slow, but that's not very likely. Once promising note in my neck of the beach is that there are a lot more small cars returning to the roads. Now that's a refreshing sign!

San Diego Hotel Prices are Not that Bad This Summer

If you're looking for a great vacation, don't let San Diego stop you. It's welcoming visitors with that warm southern hospitality it is famous for. One of our friends says that when you live in San Diego, you just know that when traffic stops, someone is probably giving a tourist directions. It's that popular -- and that friendly. Like any city, use caution, however, especially at night.

So you're thinking of hitting the mean streets of Gaslamp Quarter at night for some fine dining, music and beverage. Then stay at the Gaslamp Quarter hotels so you don't have to drive after drinking. There are a number of fine hotels in and around Gaslamp.

Not your bag? The pick a family destination hotel such as Town & Country, next to a shopping mall. The hotel includes several swimming pools and a family vibe. It's a favorite our family enjoys.

Beach vacations are tops and there are a few beaches where you can stay right next to the sand. They include Mission Beach, Mission Bay and Pacific Beach. Ocean Beach has a few hotels but not as much.

Get packing, and get heading to San Diego. It's the greatest sunshine on the planet!

San Diego Hilton Resort on Mission Bay

Through the years we've had the joy of spending vacations at the Hilton Resort on Mission Bay, San Diego. One of our friends always treated us to special suites on the bay, and the fabulous stays. While the property is a vacation playground for all ages, the rooms receive an incredible amount of wear from the popularity of the location, and the large amount of business meetings and family vacations hosted there.

On site, there are sand volleyball courts, a small pier where you can board the hotel's yacht, there are sailboat rentals, and a beautiful swimming pool surrounded by tall palms. One favorite activity for the kids used to be a game room arcade.

They've recently renovated the hotel.
see it!

vacation time in SD, but not for me

It's vacation time in SD, but not for me. This year the vacations will be day trips, at most. I spent my $250 at Hard Rock Hotel last spring, but today, $250 goes toward paying bills.

Nevertheless, many are unaffected by this economic downtown. If you have a job, you'd hardly know there's a recession going on. When you go to work day after day, vacations are your salvation. They get you through the work week and the year. I've been there--ever so briefly.

Having worked for myself all these years, vacations have always been more of a story to write, photos to take and things to see and do for a buck or two.

San Diego has always been one of my favorite "vacations" even though the trip has normally surrounded some sort of assignment or job.