For many of our readers, the world has been their oyster these last months. They’ve ridden camels in Tangier, explored Maine’s Acadia National Park and seen the Northern Lights in Iceland. And when they returned home once more, they shared their travel adventures and trip advice with us.
Read on for the tales behind a trip to Hawaii and a mission to find, well, missions. Then find more reader travel inspiration at www.mercurynews.com/tag/wish-you-were-here/.
Wish You Were Here
HAWAII: Walnut Creek residents Frank and Sue Kennedy visited Maui in November on a trip that included stops at Kaanapali Beach, Kapalua, Paia and Wailea. “From stunning views of Haleakala to visiting a wide range of beaches, Maui provides ideal weather conditions as well as outstanding outdoor activities,” Sue says.
TRAVEL TIPS: Fall and winter months in Maui provide opportunities for whale watching and snorkeling. Discovering a turtle on the beach just yards from where you’re dining is not unheard of — we saw several turtles and enjoyed delicious meals featuring native fish, fruits and vegetables.”
CALIFORNIA: A recent road trip took Olga DeTorres of San Jose and Keith Moe of Cupertino to Disneyland, with stops at eight of the 21 California missions, including San Juan Capistrano, along the way. “Olga has now visited all 21,” says Keith, who has visited 18. “The missions are an important part of the history of California, regardless of how one feels about their impact on the indigenous inhabitants.”
TRAVEL TIPS: “Before planning your trip to visit a California mission, check its website to see which days it is open. Not all missions are open on the same days. Admission prices can vary between missions, $6 to $20 per person. Most missions offer a senior or military discount. If you plan to visit a mission on a Saturday, go in the morning. The chapels are often booked in the afternoon for weddings and quinceañera ceremonies.”
Join the fun! Send a photo of yourself on your latest adventures — local, domestic or international — to jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com. Tell us where you are, who everyone is and where they’re from, and share a travel tip or two to help fellow readers go there, too.