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!
 

GETTING AROUND LA WITHOUT A CAR

Did you know it's a myth that you can't get around Los Angeles without a car? I lived there for years and return annually for visits, and have never owned or rented a car.

How do I do it you ask? I mainly walk, and when the distance is too great, I take LA Metro. I don't understand why more people aren't on foot, because the weather is so appealing. It's also the best way to explore all this fascinating, beautiful city has to offer. I can never take in enough palm trees.

I won't lie; it's not a picnic riding the bus due to the congestion and number of stops; however, it's cheap ($1.75) and will get you where you need to go. The subway system is great, especially traveling to the downtown area.

If you plan to take multiple rides, I suggest buying a day pass for $7. You can also purchase a tap card for $1, which is re-loadable and makes for a fun souvenir.  http://www.metro.net/

Walking is my favorite way to spy the abundance of street art scattered around the city. You may even learn where to buy important items like earthquake supplies while you are wandering. 

The quickest and most economical way of getting to and from the airport is via the Flyaway Bus. It only sets me back $8 to ride from LAX to Union Station. http://www.lawa.org/FlyAway

I challenge you to get out there and pound some pavement to discover the real LA. How else would I have spied these cool street art pieces if I had not been on the sidewalk looking up (even though they had their eye on me)?

The visually stunning Amalfi Coast and Sorrento

The last part of my journey to Italy was the jaw-dropping Amalfi Coast and Sorrento. The majority of this post will be photos, because I traveled here to take in the scenery and photos speak better than words this time.

The sea and mountains in Sorrento

A shuttered hotel that I would like to rescue

The colorful coastline in Sorrento

Sorrento is beautiful in its own right and the place to catch a bus to the coast.  My definition for this bus ride can be defined as death-defying due to the height and extremely narrow road.  I wonder what kind of training is involved for the bus operators before they are let loose.  You can see what I mean right here.

I dined at the same restaurant twice because of the stunning outdoor garden area and food.  I even ordered the same dish both visits because it was so delicious!  I highly recommend eating at O'Parrucchiano if you visit Sorrento -  http://www.parrucchiano.com/en/index.php

Tuscan bean & escarole soup at O'Parrucchiano

The gorgeous outdoor dining area 

Arriving in Positano was a dream come true!  After recovering from the initial shock of beauty, I ventured around to discover an abundance of unique shops.  I decided to eat at a fancy restaurant called Ristorante Max - http://www.ristorantemax.it/ing/default.htm.  It's an art gallery, wine bar and restaurant rolled into one exquisite space.  This restaurant is very pricey including a charge for being seated; however, I don't regret it for one minute and it was well worth it.

Magnificent Positano!

I had lunch in this lovely outdoor area 

Too chilly for a dip, but good for people watching

Despite my fears, it was time to hop on board again to go a little further up the coast to Amalfi.  Unfortunately, I didn't have much time here, but that just means I will have to go back (no arm twisting required).

Amalfi dressed in white

The beautiful Amalfi Cathedral

Time for a gelati before hitting the road

I think seeing the Amalfi Coast in person should be at the top of everyone's bucket list.  It's still hard to comprehend that I was actually there.  I can't wait to return and explore some other areas including Capri and Ravello.