USEFUL TRAVEL SITES

Planning and researching trips is an exhilarating, yet time-consuming process, but so worth it in the end. I organize every last detail in advance to make the journey more enjoyable once I arrive. Here are my preferred travel-related sites:

AIRLINE SEARCH ENGINES
CheapOair
Matrix
Hipmunk
Rome2rio (not for the best deals, but for route info including plane, ferry, bus, train and car)

ACCOMMODATIONS
Airbnb
Hostelworld

AIR TRAVEL WITHIN THE U.S. 
Southwest Airlines

BUS TRAVEL WITHIN THE U.S.
Megabus (plan ahead to score those $1 seats)

AIR TRAVEL WITHIN EUROPE
Ryanair
Easyjet

BUS TRAVEL WITHIN EUROPE
Student Agency Bus
Eurolines
Eurobus
Berlin Linien Bus

TRAIN TRAVEL WITHIN EUROPE
Rail Europe
EuroRail
Bahn

FOOD
HappyCow (vegetarian eateries)
Foodspotting
LocalEats

TRAVEL APPS
XE Currency
WorldMate
HopStop
Wi-Fi Finder
TripIt 

So, where is your next adventure going to be? For me, it's our nation's capital for the 4th of July holiday. Happy trails!
 

A Wild Weekend in Des Moines

On my quest to travel to every state in the U.S., I ventured to Des Moines, Iowa. Let me begin by saying I do not recommend two overnight bus trips, especially for a two day adventure. In my frugal state of mind, I thought this would be a good idea to avoid housing for two nights. I learned a valuable lesson - saving money isn't worth total sleep deprivation and being "homeless" for up to 15 hours/day due to arrival and departure times. 

My one night accommodation was at an Airbnb, staying in a beautiful townhome with generous and hospitable hosts. Guests receive the luxury of a private bedroom and bath while sleeping on the most comfortable bed in the world. Check out their profile - https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3617530 

What drew me to Des Moines you ask? No charade here - beer and food venues! This girl can never get her fill. With names like el Bait Shop and Fong's Pizza, how could you go wrong?

All my activities were downtown, which is extremely easy to navigate on foot, regardless of your sense of direction. I did pick up a nice little placemat-style map at the public library, located at 1000 Grand Ave. 

The downtown area is divided into three neighborhoods - Court District, Western Gateway, and East Village. You will find restaurants, hotels, bars, a library, a beautiful riverwalk along the Des Moines River, the stunning Capitol, cool art and more. I really like the diversity that is offered, and admire the city's dedication to the arts.  http://www.downtowndesmoines.com/businesses/617

Do you desire rowdy nightlife? Then head to the Court Avenue district, which is like spring break at Daytona Beach without the beach. Lots of people, bars, music, and perhaps even a taping of the reality TV show "The Bachelor." I discovered the newest bachelor, Chris Soules, who hails from Des Moines, was taping at RoCA. 

To add to the excitement, Van Holmgren was painting a mural of the lovely couple on an exterior wall of RoCA. A bevy of fans went wild when the happy twosome emerged and kissed in front of the finished mural. I was head over heels in love with watching the mural unfold rather than the couple:)

Moving on to my recommendations for what to see, do, eat and drink. First, I want to emphasize a couple of activities that are a must - the downtown Farmer's Market and John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. 

The Farmer's Market was recognized nationally by Midwest Living Magazine as "one of the best," and it runs from May 3rd to October 25th. The market is expansive with oodles of vendors and live music at just about every corner. I even met Toto, Dorothy and Scarecrow (photo to prove it). I was also introduced to an amazing local band called Mighty Shady. Here is a song they performed:

The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is beautifully landscaped, and you will quickly forget that you are in an urban area. The park offers 22 pieces of remarkable art that are thought-provoking and camera worthy. My apologies to the newly wedded couple who were taking photos. I stood in front of a sculpture that was being used as a tripod, awaiting to videotape them exiting a limo. Oops!

Activities

• Downtown Farmer's Market
• Pappajohn Sculpture Park
• Iowa State Capitol
• Historic East Village (unique retail here)
• Principal Riverwalk and Hub
• Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens
• Plain Talk Books & Coffee
• Chris Vance Mural on the Metro Waste Authority building at 300 E. Locust 

I enjoyed everything I ate and drank at the restaurants and bars noted below. Ritual Cafe is a great place to hang out. They offer up great food (I had the Breakfast Plate), coffee, music and walls displaying local artists' work. I devoured mouth-watering Curry Turnovers and the Garlic Garlic Dinner with Tofu at Blu Thai. Fong's Pizza is a quirky must-see (their crab rangoon pizza was featured on the Travel Channel). I had my first vegan pizza and it was delish! New World Cafe is 100% vegan and their menu changes weekly. I had the yummy Falafel Melt and wished I had time to go back for a second meal. Zombie Burger is one of a kind, and I ingested an entire basket of crispy fries and vegetarian chili. 

What can I say about el Bait Shop? A very chill place to imbibe on more than 100 drafts; it's like being in beer heaven! I had an Evil Twin Lowlife and the Flight Over Iowa. Royal Mile is a cozy British pub where I had a snack consisting of Peanut Ginger Slaw and a Hobgoblin English Ale. Unfortunately, Court Avenue Brewing was a quick pit stop and I only had time for one brew, an Honest Lawyer IPA.

Restaurants/Bars

• Ritual Cafe
• Blu Thai Food & Sushi
• Fong's Pizza
• New World Cafe
• Zombie Burger & Drink Lab
• el Bait Shop
• Royal Mile
• Court Avenue Brewing Co.

Thank you for a fetching and entertaining time Des Moines! There are still many things that I simply didn't have time for, so I shall return. I would love to check out the city during the summer season and you should too!

The extraordinary Farmer's Market

The stunning Capitol and grounds

Spectacular mural by Chris Vance

Food and beer photos (drooling acceptable)

Ritual Cafe

I promise they don't bite

Great art at the Hub Spot

John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Pavilion at Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens

Mural by Van Holmgren

Chris Soules and his date Whitney Bischoff

Random shots that caught my eye

My first photo on an early foggy morning

Such a pretty wall

Perfect leaf placement on every step

The color really makes this bridge stand out

Reflection at its finest

Beauty along the river

Los Angeles on a Shoestring Budget

Los Angeles will always be my favorite U.S. city for the laid-back vibe, weather, Venice Beach, and phenomenal restaurants. The "City of Angels" is more than Hollywood and celebrities. If you follow my guide, I guarantee a smashing time while spending very little cash.

Transportation

The cheapest and quickest way to get to and from LAX is via the Flyaway Bus http://www.lawa.org/welcome_LAX.aspx?id=292. It drops you at Union Station for $8.00 one way. During your stay, you can use your feet to get around (the gorgeous weather allows me to walk for miles) or take the Metro. I suggest getting a re-loadable TAP card if you plan to use public transportation often http://www.metro.net/riding/fares/.

Accommodations

I like to mix things up by using Airbnb, the Orange Drive Hostel in Hollywood, and Beverly Inn in West Hollywood.

Restaurants 

Here is a list of my favorite vegetarian/vegetarian-friendly eateries where you can spend as little or as much as you want, depending on your menu choices and if you go during happy hour. My heart will always belong to Hugo's:)

Hugo's West Hollywood (healthy/organic American) - $$
Lucky's Tavern (American w/great beer) - $$
Flore Vegan - $$
Swinger's (American) - $$
The Kitchen (American) - $$
Blossom Restaurant (Vietnamese) - $$
Farmer's Market at the Grove - $$
Nakkara on Beverly (Thai/Fusion) - $$
Toast Cafe (American/Bakery) - $$
Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill - $
Aventine (Italian w/killer patio) - $$
City Tavern Downtown (American, I go for the amazing beer selection) - $$
Toi on Sunset (Thai) - $$
Cafe Gratitude in Venice (vegan/raw) - $$
Venice Ale House (Gastropub right near the beach) - $$

Entertainment/Activities (FREE unless otherwise noted)

School Night at Bardot Hollywood - several live music acts on Monday nights (I highly recommend)
Amoeba Records on Sunset - ginormous record store that offers mini-concerts (check the calendar)

The Getty Center - one of the most amazing places on earth
Nick Metropolis Collectible Furniture - an outdoor collection of spectacular wares
Spend the day at Venice Beach including a stroll down Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Book Soup - great bookstore w/author events

Runyon Canyon - get your hike on and take a free yoga class

Hammer Museum - fantastic exhibits

The Last Bookstore - I suggest getting lost here for hours

Hollywood Forever Cemetery - beautiful and serene 

Barnsdall Art Park (check the calendar for free events)

Griffith Park Observatory - great place to hike, observe and learn
Little Tokyo - wander around and grab some food
Heck Yeah Karaoke at the Japanese Village Mall in Little Tokyo - Fri and Sat nights from 6-9pm
Olvera Street - experience Mexican culture
Bradbury Building - admire the interior architecture on the 1st floor
Peddler's Creamery - peddle/churn for them and get free ice cream in return
Eat/See/Hear - have a blast seeing live music and an outdoor film while noshing from food trucks for only $10 (food extra)
Jazz Nights at W Hollywood Hotel - vintage jazz & blues every Sunday from 9pm-midnight in the Living Room Lounge
Phenomenal street art to soak up, especially in the Downtown Arts District

Seen on Abbot Kinney in Venice

Go Green Frittata at Hugo's

Aren't they gorgeous?

In my "book," the Last Bookstore is the coolest:)

Sunset at beautiful Venice Beach

With the one and only Nick Metropolis

Four Angels entree at Nakkara

One of many unique places at the Farmer's Market

Like stepping back in time with this piece (downtown arts district)

Pretty in red - Little Tokyo

Shopping at Olvera Street

The Getty Center after dark

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Vegetarian crepe at Blossom

Great street for a snap of the sign - Beachwood Ave.

Can you feel the love now? Contact me for any further advice and see you on the west coast.