One of the most unexpected free things to do in Los Angeles is joining a live TV audience, and yes, it’s completely legitimate. We signed up for audience tickets through On-Camera Audiences , showed up to a real studio taping, and ended up spending a day watching television get made from behind the scenes. If you’ve ever seen the phrase “This program films one day a week in front of a live studio audience”  and wondered how people actually get those seats, this post breaks it

Whale watching is one of the most unforgettable things to do in San Diego, especially during blue whale season. We went out on the water hoping to catch a glimpse of the largest animals on Earth , and quickly realized just how rare and special this experience really is. Each year from mid-June through September, blue whales migrate through the waters off San Diego’s coast to feed on krill. T hese giants can grow over 70 feet long and weigh more than 200,000 pounds , yet spot

On a spur-of-the-moment trip to San Diego to see the blue whales migrating, we needed a hotel with only a day’s notice. We wanted to stay downtown for easy access to restaurants and activities, and the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter  put us right in the heart of the action. The hotel sits steps from the Gaslamp District, surrounded by bars, restaurants, shops, and the convention center. Because a major business convention was happening the same weekend, nightly rates were s

Just south of Laguna Beach sits Orange County a region known for its iconic coastline, upscale neighborhoods, and some of the most famous beaches in Southern California. Perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach  is a luxury coastal resort featuring ocean-view pools, a full-service spa, multiple dining options, and even a nine-hole golf course. Room rates at this property are typically steep, with standard rooms often starting around $900 pe

The The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas  is often considered one of the best buffets in Las Vegas, especially for brunch. Known for its upscale offerings, from seafood and sushi to carved meats, a charcuterie station, and an extensive dessert bar, it promises a luxury buffet experience at a premium price. We visited the Wynn Buffet for brunch to see if it truly lives up to the hype and whether it’s actually worth your wallet . We booked pre-paid priority seating  about a day in adva

Visiting Alcatraz Island  is one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco, but choosing the right  tour can make a big difference in your experience. The former prison is now part of the National Park Service, and the only way to visit is by ferry operated by Alcatraz City Cruises , which must be booked in advance. When purchasing tickets, you’ll need to choose between an Alcatraz day tour  or an Alcatraz night tour , and while both include ferry transportation and a

First Timers Guide to Yellowstone National Park! How to Get There, Must See Attractions, and a Free Two Day Itinerary!

The Historic Madison Hotel, Motel & Hostel is one of the most unique places to stay in West Yellowstone, and one of the closest options to Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance. This historic property is over 100 years old and offers a mix of motel-style rooms and budget-friendly hostel accommodations just steps from restaurants, shops, and gas stations. We stayed three nights in the Lewis Lake room and paid $592.68 in total . Below is our honest review of what the room

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States of America, spring school trips, history-buff dads forcing their tired and hungry kids to stare at museums, monuments, and memorials they know or care nothing about. is truly a place like no other . But with so much to see, how do you make the most of your time? That’s where a well-planned Washington DC itinerary  comes in. If you’re anything like us, visiting a place with so much to see and experience can feel overwhelming.

If you’re looking to experience Louisiana’s wetlands beyond the French Quarter, a swamp tour is one of the most popular day trips from New Orleans. During our trip, we booked the Cajun Encounters Honey Island Swamp Tour , one of the most well-known swamp tour operators in the area. The tour takes place about 30 minutes outside of downtown New Orleans  and offers a guided boat ride through the Honey Island Swamp, home to alligators, raccoons, birds, and other native wildlife.

A sunset cruise on the Mississippi River is one of the most iconic experiences in New Orleans, especially when it includes live jazz and views of the city skyline. During our trip, we boarded the Riverboat Natchez  for their sunset jazz cruise , a two-hour steamboat ride along the Mississippi River. Tickets cost $47.50 per adult , and we paid $95 total for two people . The cruise features live jazz music, open-air decks, and views of New Orleans landmarks like Jackson Square

Searching for Four Seasons New Orleans reviews? We stayed four nights in a superior city-view king room and wanted to share an honest breakdown of the rooms, amenities, dining, service, pricing, and overall value. This luxury riverfront hotel features a rooftop pool overlooking the Mississippi River, an observation deck 34 stories up, and easy access to the French Quarter for beignets, live jazz, and sightseeing. Our stay cost $1,257.17 after a third-night-free promotion (t

Oahu is the most visited Hawaiian island and home to Honolulu, the capital city, and a hub of beaches, history, and adventure. Whether...

Kona coffee is known for its unique flavor and limited production, only coffee grown in the Kona region of Hawaii  can legally be sold as Kona coffee. With volcanic soil, steady sunshine, and ideal elevation, it’s one of the most sought-after coffee-growing regions in the world. While staying in Kona, we decided to visit Heavenly Hawaiian Kona Coffee Farm  to see what a Kona coffee farm tour is actually like. We had never tried Kona coffee before and figured the best place to

Christmas in New York is a bucket list experience! We will never forget walking through the twinkling decorated streets of Manhattan to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree . While we explored the festive city streets we stayed at the New York Hilton Midtown , a hotel near the Rockefeller Center, 5th Ave, and Times Square. We stayed for three nights in mid-December in a city-view king room and paid $1,805.37 . We chose the hotel for its central location for most of the C

Wondering if the Bellagio Hotel & Casino is worth staying at on the Las Vegas Strip? We spent $1,028 for 2 nights and break down exactly what we got, from the room and resort fee to the fountains and pools. The Bellagio is one of the most iconic hotels in Las Vegas, best known for its extravagant fountain shows and luxury reputation. Located near the center of the Las Vegas Strip, it’s in a prime spot for accessing top attractions. An outdoor pedestrian bridge connects the B

In the middle of the Las Vegas desert, we stepped into a bar made entirely of ice. On our trip, we visited Minus5 Ice Bar  to see if this frozen experience was actually worth the hype, and the price. Minus5 Ice Bar is kept at -5°C (23°F) , with everything inside made of ice, including the walls, seats, and even the drinkware. We booked the standard entry ticket for $24 per person , which included parkas, gloves, and access to the ice bar itself. In this post, we’re breaking d

Wondering if the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas is worth the luxury price tag? We spent $1,190 for three nights and evaluated everything, from the rooms and service to parking and amenities, to see what you really get. This quieter, all-suite hotel sits just off the Strip and delivers upscale service without the casino crowds. Here’s our full review, including what we loved, what could be better, and whether it’s truly worth your wallet. Disclaimer:   This post does contain af

Universal Studios Hollywood Globe Los Angeles, California, home to movie stars, $30 smoothies, and some of the country’s most iconic...

This is our full review of the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City , one of the closest hotels to Universal Studios Hollywood. We spent $351.82 for two nights in a king room, plus $99 for two nights of self-parking, and break down what you actually get for the price. The hotel is within walking distance of the park entrance, offers a free shuttle, and is about 35–50 minutes from LAX depending on traffic. If you’re considering this hotel for a Universal Studios trip, here’s eve