Mammoth Bike Park – Radical Terrain & Tons of Trails

 

Mammoth Bike Park (photo: visitmammoth.com)

Grab your bicycle and riding gear; mountain bike season at Mammoth Bike Park is upon us. Summer trails open June 10 and if you hurry, you can score a discount on a Summer Bike Park pass if you purchase before June 5.

 

Mammoth Bike Park (photo:mammothmountain.com)

 

Mammoth Bike Park is a leading pedal-pushing destination and the biggest bike park in the West. With 3,500 acres and over 80 miles of single track, its trails are second only to the spectacular scenery you’ll witness on your outing.

 

Mammoth Bike Park (photo: mammothmountain.com)

 

The variety of terrain draws cyclists of all skill levels to the bike park. Beginners can start out at the Discovery Zone, an area with short practice loops and smooth turns and surfaces that allow the novice to get used to their equipment and handling of the bike. Intermediate and advanced trails are as diverse as the mountain itself, with fast downhills, rocky switchbacks, dirt jumps, and wooden ramps. Experts and pros can push the limit with trails aptly named Bullet, Velocity and Recoil, where you’ll be challenged by steep trails, rough surfaces and fast, adrenalin-rush descents.

 

Mammoth Bike Park (photo: mammothmountain.com)

 

Don’t be intimidated if you’re a first-timer to mountain biking. Mammoth Bike Park offers private and group lessons to ensure you get the most out of your cycling experience. As an added convenience, they have brand new Trek bikes available for rental (standard helmets are included). They even have special bikes built just for kids, so even the little ones can enjoy the awesome trails.

 

Mammoth Mountain is located in Mammoth Lakes, CA and accessible via US Hwy 395. It’s approximately 5 hours north (by car) of Los Angeles.

More Information: Mammoth Bike Park
Location: 1 Minaret Road, Mammoth Lakes California 93546
Phone: 1-800-626-6684

Yosemite: YARTS Bus Service from Fresno Up and Running

 

YARTS bus service to Yosemite

Just in time for summer, YARTS  (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) has added a new route to its schedule: Fresno to Yosemite Valley via Highway 41.

 

Buses make five round-trips daily, picking-up passengers at the Greyhound and Amtrak stations, the Fresno Airport, CSU Fresno, and the Highway 145 Park and Ride. Stops are made at the Coarsegold Historic Village, the Oakhurst Best Western, and Fish Camp’s Tenaya Lodge on the way to Yosemite Valley.

 

Tickets can be purchased on the bus with cash, Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. Or pre-purchase your tickets at various local outlets. One way tickets from Fresno to Yosemite Valley are $15 or $30 round trip. Reduced fares are available for seniors (62+), children (12 and under without an adult paid fare), and persons with disabilities. Your YARTS ticket includes admission to the park, as well as one free child ride (12 and under) per adult ticket purchased.

 

YARTS also has bus service to Yosemite Valley from Merced, Mammoth Lakes and Sonora. For a complete list of schedules and fares, visit the YARTS website.

Yosemite: Range of Light Film Festival

 

El Capitan in Yosemite National Park

 

One hundred and fifty years ago, President Abraham Lincoln recognized the beauty of the Yosemite Valley and vowed to keep it in its natural state, free from development. He signed the Yosemite Land Grant, ensuring that 39,000 acres of the Yosemite Valley and nearby Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias would be set aside for “public use, resort and recreation.” That act is believed to have given birth to the idea of the national park system.

To commemorate this milestone in the park’s history, Yosemite National Park is hosting the Range of Light Film Festival, a “mid-winter celebration of film, music, storytelling, conservation, art and adventure.” It takes place February 27 to March 2, 2014 at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center’s theater and auditorium. The theme of the event is "150 Years of Yosemite."

More than a dozen films, ranging from shorts to feature-length movies, will be screened, including “El Capitan,’” a digitally remastered, award-winning film from 1968 that’s recognized as one of the best climbing films of its kind. Also of note is a new documentary directed and narrated by Ken Burns called “Yosemite: A Gathering of Spirit,” about the Yosemite Land Grant signed by Lincoln. In addition to the screenings, there will also be artist and filmmaker panels, and live musical performances.

 

More Information: Range of Light Film Festival

Yosemite Valley Auditorium, 9035 Village Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone: 209-372-0200

Dates: February 27 – March 2, 2014

Tickets: $10 to $30**

Lodging Discounts: 10%-15% with promo code ROLFF. Call 801-559-5057.

 

**Thursday night's screening of 100 years of Yosemite on Film and Yosemite: Fate of Heaven is a free event, open to the public.

California: Christmas Boat Parades 2013

 

 2012 Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade (photo: John L. Blom)

 

The holiday season is in full swing. How do we know? Because of the dozens of Christmas boat parades taking place this month.

 

Lavishly decorated and brightly lit vessels will navigate California waterways like proud peacocks, each with its own festive style. Whether it’s the multi-million dollar yachts of Newport Beach or the modest skiffs of Mission Bay, one thing is for sure – the boats will be decked out to the nines in lively, seasonal splendor.

 

The lighted boat parades start their procession in early December. Here's a list of holiday boat parades (and start times) for the remainder of the month. Some parades run on multiple nights and all are free to view. Click on the individual links for more information.

 

Friday, December 13, 2013
San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf Lighted Boat Parade, 5:30pm

 

Saturday, December 14, 2013
Channel Islands Parade of Lights (Oxnard), 7:00pm
King Harbor Boat Parade (Redondo Beach), 5:30pm
Long Beach Parade of 1,000 Lights, 5:30pm
Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights, 7:00pm
Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, 6:00pm
Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights (San Diego), 6:00pm
San Joaquin Yacht Club Lighted Boat Parade (Bethel Island), 5:00pm

 

Sunday, December 15, 2013
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, 5:30pm
Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade, 4:30pm

 

Wednesday, December 18, 2013 through Saturday, December 21, 2013
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, 6:30pm each night

 

Friday, December 20, 2013
Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks, 6:30pm

 

Saturday, December 21, 2013
Naples Holiday Boat Parade, 6:00pm
Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks, 6:30pm

Perseid Meteor Shower - A Light Show Not To Be Missed

 

 

One of nature’s most outstanding light shows occurs this month - The Perseid Meteor Shower. It’s expected to produce about 60 to 80 “shooting stars” per hour during its peak on Monday, August 12 through Tuesday, August 13, although you can start watching days before. Ideal viewing is between 11pm and 4:00am, with the best visibility in the northern hemisphere. To enjoy the display, you’ll want to find a dark, open location away from the glare of city lights. No telescope or binoculars are needed – just face the northeast and scan the sky. The meteors may come in spurts and whisk across the sky in many different directions, so grab a blanket or recliner, lay back and enjoy the show. 

 

The Perseid Meteor Shower occurs when Earth travels through a stream of debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle. The debris particles, some as small as a grain of sand, hit the Earth’s upper atmosphere at speeds of 130,000 miles per hour, creating streaks of light as they burn up. These visible light paths or “falling stars” are what make up the Perseid Meteor Shower. It is so named because it appears to radiate from the constellation Perseus.

California: 12 County Fairs – Get Your Summer On

 

 Ice cream cone, Krispy Kreme sloppy Joe, deep fried cookie dough, waffle dog

 

This summer it’s all about the county fair. California has nearly 80 of them throughout the year, and dozens to choose from during the summer. It’s a time for carnival rides, fun zone games, competitive exhibits, loads of musical entertainment and plenty of family fun. And food – well, put your diet on hold. At the fair you can devour everything from deep fried cookie dough to waffle dogs and wash them down with bacon beer.

 

Below are 12 of this summer’s many California county fairs, listed by date of opening. Average admission runs $6-$10. For more information, click the link on each individual fair.

 

June

San Mateo County Fair - June 8-16, 2013

79th year at its current location. Free fair admission on Wednesday, June 12 from 12pm to 3pm. Location: San Mateo County Events Center. Phone: 650-574-3247.

 

San Diego County Fair - June 8-July 4, 2013, Closed July 1

The fourth largest fair in North America, it draws more than 1.5 million visitors annually. The Beachboys kick off the Toyota Summer Concert Series on June 8, free with fair admission. Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds. Phone: 858-755-1161.

 

Merced County Fair - June 12-16, 2013

Tractor parade, petting zoo, kiddie rides. Location: Merced County Fairgrounds. Phone: 209-722-1506.

 

Shasta District Fair - June 12-15, 2013
Attracts 90,000 people over the four-day event. Horse show, livestock auction. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring.” Location: Shasta District Fairgrounds. Phone: 530-378-6789.

 

Alameda County Fair - June 19-July 7, 2013, Closed Mondays
It’s in its 101st season. $1 admission and $1 rides on opening day, June 19. Fireworks show on June 21, June 28 & July 5. Location: Alameda County Fairgrounds. Phone: 925-426-7600.

 

July

Santa Barbara County Fair – July 10-14, 2013

Dollar day is Wednesday, July 10 - admission & carnival rides just $1. Live entertainment, delicious food, exhibits. Location: Santa Maria Fairpark. Phone: 805-925-8824.

 

Orange County Fair - July 12-August 11, 2013

23 days and nights of food, rides, games, exhibits, animals, headline entertainment and more. Location: OC Fair & Event Center. Phone: 714-708-1500.

 

Sonoma County Fair - July 25-August 11, 2013, Closed Mondays

Giant carnival, Wine Country Horse Racing, Derby Dog Dash, Hall of Flowers, free entertainment, more. Location: Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Phone: 707-545-4200.

 

Ventura County Fair - July 31-August 11, 2013

Purchase a personalized brick and your name will be part of the fair’s main entry plaza forever. Location: Ventura County Fairgrounds. Phone: 805-648-3376.

 

August

Yolo County Fair - August 14-18, 2013

The largest and oldest free gate fair in California, it was first held in 1893. Location: Yolo County Fairgrounds. Phone: 530-402-2222.

 

Los Angeles County Fair - August 30-September 29, 2013

One of the largest fairs in the USA. Daily parades, wine tasting, shopping with more than 600 vendors. Location: Fairplex. Phone: 909-623-3111.

 

September

Kern County Fair - September 18-29, 2013

Bakersfield’s largest annual celebration. Free concerts featuring Jo Dee Messina, Los Lobos, Lonestar, Uncle Kracker, and others. Location: Kern County Fairgrounds. Phone: 661-833-4900.

Amtrak: California Rail Pass – Take a Traincation

 

Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner travels the California coast

 

Forget the stress of flying or driving on your next vacation. Take a Traincation! Amtrak entices travelers to ride the rails in the Golden State with its California Rail Pass. For $159, travelers have access to unlimited travel within the state on any seven days within a 21-day period. Children (ages 2-15) pay $79.50.

 

The California Rail Pass is good on four different trains: The Pacific Surfliner offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean while it travels between San Diego and San Luis Obispo – the perfect choice for visits to Disneyland, Los Angeles or Santa Barbara. The Capitol Corridor runs frequently between the Sacramento region and the expansive San Francisco Bay Area. The San Joaquin moves you through California’s Central Valley, the state’s agricultural region and gateway to the iconic Yosemite National Park. The Coast Starlight, which runs between Los Angeles and Seattle, is also included in the pass, however, you may only travel between points within California, otherwise it will cost you extra. Most connecting Thruway bus services associated with the trains mentioned are also included in the pass. Reservations must be made ahead of time for all travel.

 

Visit Amtrak’s Web Site for more information. To make reservations, call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

Travel News: American Airlines – Travel Light, Board Earlier

 

 

In an effort to speed up the boarding process, American Airlines announced yesterday that it would allow earlier boarding for passengers traveling with one personal carry-on item that fits under the seat in front of them. American defines a personal item as a purse, briefcase, laptop bag or a similar item such as a tote that does not exceed 36 inches. Customers will be invited to board immediately before Group 2.

 

Passengers with a carry-on bag who wish to board before Group 2 can check their bag at the gate at no charge. I wonder if American thought this through. This means smart travelers can take advantage of the priority boarding AND avoid a $25 checked-bag fee at the same time. The carry-on bag would be retrieved at baggage claim upon landing.

 

American hopes that by encouraging passengers to travel light, it will create a more efficient and enjoyable customer journey - fewer people will be holding up the line and blocking the aisles while juggling to fit a bag into the overhead bin. Minutes saved during boarding will result in a more timely departure and arrival. Of course, the airlines pretty much created this situation when they started charging fees for checked luggage. To avoid the costly fees, passengers started carrying more and more on board.

 

According to American, the new boarding process was tested earlier this year at seven airports and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers.

Travel App: HotelTonight – Last Minute Hotel Deals

  

 

There’s a simple-to-use mobile app called HotelTonight that offers deep discounts when you reserve your room on arrival day. It’s perfect to use for that spur-of-the-moment getaway or when your travel plans change unexpectedly, or even when you need hotel options for visiting houseguests who show up on short notice. We’ve all been there, right?

 

Each day at noon, HotelTonight releases rooms available to book, and users have until 2am to secure a room for the night. Multiple nights can be booked, but you must arrive on the same day the booking is made. The hotel selection changes from day to day and sometimes hour to hour, with rooms added as others sell out for the day. With discounts up to 70%, you can be certain you’re getting the best deal out there. In fact, HotelTonight guarantees it. If you find a lower rate on another site, they’ll refund the difference in dollar credits applied to your account.

 

 

HotelTonight is about as real as it gets when it comes to booking rooms. It screens all of its hotels, using only those that meet its high standards for quality and value. It doesn’t display any hotel-issued photos. Instead, images are taken by HotelTonight’s own photographers and users of the app to assure you get a true depiction of the property. Hotel info is described in layman’s terms, focusing on features important to the traveler. A simple rating system of thumbs up, thumbs down shows what percentage of users would recommend the hotel. The entire look and feel of the app is user-friendly, and the actual booking process takes less than a couple of minutes. As a bonus, new users can redeem promo code TONIGHT or FREE25 to get $25 off your first booking. 

 

HotelTonight is compatible with iOS (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad) and Android and best of all, it’s free. Rooms can be booked in over 80 destinations in 12 countries, with a wide selection of hotels throughout California.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Weekend Rates $9.99 Per Day

 

 

Looking for a cheap car rental? Enterprise has low weekend rates of $9.99 per day for an economy or compact car when renting Friday through Monday. The rate includes 100 miles per day and is good at participating Enterprise neighborhood locations (not at airports) for rentals through May 22, 2013. Rates do not include tax, surcharges or other fees.

 

Enterprise offers special weekend rates on larger vehicles, too – Intermediate: $14.99 (Toyota Corolla or similar); Standard: $17.99 (Chrysler 200 or similar); Full Size $19.99 (Chevy Impala or similar).

 

Here’s something to think about – you may actually save money by renting a car instead of using your own for a quick weekend getaway. Consider the wear and tear on your vehicle, maintenance costs and whether your car gets low MPG, then decide if a car rental is a better choice.

 

Enterprise has over 5,500 car rental locations in North America, including major cities, towns and communities throughout California.

Summer Game Plan – Kids Bowl Free

 

 

Keeping kids entertained over the summer just got easier with the Kids Bowl Free program.  Over 1000 bowling alleys in the US and Canada are offering kids two free games of bowling every day, all summer long. The program is the first of its kind and designed to provide a safe, secure and fun way for kids to occupy their time during the summer.

 

To register for free games, visit the Kids Bowl Free website to locate a bowling center near you and complete the required form. Once the program has started at your selected center, you’ll receive an email each Sunday that contains a link to your coupons for that week. Print the coupons and take them to the center you’ve registered with to get your free games. You may enroll at more than one bowling center, but you must use a separate email address for each.

 

In California you’ll find 42 bowling centers in 40 cities participating in the Kids Bowl Free program. Applicable dates vary by bowling center - some establishments have already started the program, while others will begin over the next couple of months - and free games continue until as late as October 15, 2013. Age restrictions vary - some lanes offer free games to kids as old as 18 years – so be sure to check the registration page of each individual center for complete terms and conditions. Although the bowling is free, in most cases you’ll have to pay for shoe rental. Kids Bowl Free offers a great deal for adults, too. A Family Pass can be purchased for $24.95 which allows up to four adult family members to bowl two games per person per day, leaving no excuse for anyone to sit idle this summer!

 

For additional information, contact Kids Bowl Free at 888-342-2594

Red Roof Inn: Rooms for $19.73 on your 40th Birthday

Red Roof Inn, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, invites guests to spend their 40th birthday at any one of its motels for an incredible room rate of $19.73. The offer is good throughout 2013 – just show a valid ID with birthdate upon check in.

 Red Roof Inn San Diego

Red Roof Inn has 345 properties in 36 states and the District of Columbia. There are 14 locations in California, including, San Diego, Santa Ana, Fresno, Sacramento, Monterey and San Francisco Airport. Amenities vary and can include free continental breakfast, in-room coffee, microwave, free newspaper and coin laundry. All locations offer free, high speed Wi-Fi in every guest room.

If you wish to spend additional nights or won’t be hitting the 40th birthday milestone this year, Red Roof Inn always offers budget conscious travelers affordable prices. Normal rates at California locations start at $44.99 to $79 per night.

For reservations, visit the Red Roof Inn website, or call 800-RED-ROOF

Budget Car Rental: Economy Car $17 per Weekend Day

For anyone looking to rent a car this spring, Budget Car Rental offers economy and compact car rentals from $17 per weekend day or as low as $119 per week.  Intermediate SUV rentals start at $22 per weekend day or $139 per week. The rates are good at participating locations nationwide and can be reserved for pick-up through June 15, 2012. Offer is subject to availability and applies to round trip rentals. Taxes, facility fees and other charges are extra.

Use the following codes to take advantage of Budget Car Rental's special rates:

Compact/economy car: Use offer code (BCD) D454300.

Intermediate SUV: Use offer code (BCD) D454301

Priority Club Rewards: Get 2,000 Free Points

Priority Club Rewards members can receive up to 2,000 Priority Club Points for free. Just complete your online profiles, sign up for special emails and register your credit or debit card. Offers end May 31, 2012. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Sign up to receive special offer emails and register a credit/debit card: Earn 1000 bonus points.
• Complete your online Priority Club Dining profile: Earn 500 bonus points.
• Register to receive Deal Emails from Priority Club Cruises: Earn 500 bonus points.

Priority Club Rewards is the hotel loyalty program of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). With nearly 4,500 hotels worldwide, it’s the world’s largest hotel loyalty program. Brands include Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, Candlewood Suites, Staybridge Suites, Hotel Indigo and Intercontinental Hotels.

Earth Day 2012: Interesting Facts To Know

 

More than one billion people around the world will participate in Earth Day today. First organized in San Francisco in 1970, it’s a day designated to promote awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. How well do you treat this planet? Here are some interesting facts to increase your knowledge and inspire you to conserve, recycle and reduce.

 

14 billion pounds of trash is dumped into the ocean every year.

 

80% of what consumers throw away is recyclable; however the recycling rate is only 28%.

 

The amount of wood and paper we throw away is enough to heat 50 million homes for 20 years.

 

If every American household switched to compact florescent light bulbs, the energy saved could power an entire city.

 

Every ton of paper that is recycled saves 17 trees. Recycled paper requires 64% less energy to produce than making paper from virgin wood.

 

Only 30% of all newspapers are recycled. If every newspaper was recycled, 250,000,000 trees could be saved each year.

 

5 billion aluminum cans are used each year. It takes 90% less energy to recycle aluminum cans than to make new ones. Recycling one aluminum can will save enough energy to run a computer for 3 hours or a TV for 2 hours.

 

The average American consumes 167 bottles of water a year. 80% of plastic bottles are not recycled.

 

An average of 2 gallons of fuel per day is burned by the world’s 500 million automobiles. 

 

One gallon of motor oil can contaminate up to 2 million gallons of water.

 

Cigarette butts are the #1 source of litter on our beaches. Every cigarette butt that’s thrown out a car window takes one to five years to decompose.

 

Half the world’s tropical and temperate forests are now gone.

National Parks – Free Apps from Chimani

It's FREE - Chimani's Yosemite park app for iPhone, iPad, iTouch, Android

Just in time for National Park Week (April 21-29), Chimani is offering all of its iOS and Android national park apps for free. These informative guides are busting with information such as park hours and services, location of picnic and camp sites, hiking descriptions, ranger-led activities, lodging choices, and more. The app’s photo gallery gives you a glimpse into sights you’ll encounter and narratives describe almost everything you can see or touch in the park. Countless maps are included, none of which require Wi-Fi or cell service – important when traveling to parks out of cell range. These apps are consistently top-rated and normally sell for $4.99 to $9.99 each.

The selection of free Chimani national park apps includes: Acadia National Park, Cape Cod National Seashore, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park. Also free is The National Parks app which includes information on 383 National Park Service units.

The Chimani national park apps will be free until April 29, 2012. Download them at the Apple iTunes App Store or Google Play (keyword “chimani”).

National Park Week: April 21-29, 2012 – Free Entrance

Yosemite's Half Dome

Mark your calendars for National Park Week: April 21-29, 2012. Admission to all 397 parks nationwide will be free the entire week. What better time to experience the great outdoors! This year’s theme, “Picture Yourself in a Park,” encourages folks to create memories while exploring the 84 million acres of spectacular scenery, historic landmarks and cultural treasures that make up our national parks. There will be ranger talks, nature hikes, guided tours, and family-friendly activities throughout the week.

The following parks in California will waive entrance fees (normally costing $3 to $20) for National Park Week.

• Cabrillo National Monument
• Death Valley National Park
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Lassen Volcanic National Park  
• Lava Beds National Monument
• Muir Woods National Monument
• Pinnacles National Monument
• Sequoia National Park
• Whiskeytown Unit National Recreation Area
• Yosemite National Park

If you’re unable to visit a park during National Park Week, additional free dates in 2012 are June 8 (Get Outdoors Day), September 29 (National Public Lands Day), and November 10-11 (Veteran’s Day weekend). Remember, there are many national parks which never charge an entrance fee.

Which national park will you visit?

Hotel Offers: Black Friday and Cyber Monday Hotel Deals

Pacifica Hotels' FogCatcher Inn located in Cambria

The biggest sales of the holiday shopping season aren’t just for electronics, toys, or gadgets. Hotels are offering incredible deals when you book on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. So, take advantage of discounted rates and special perks available during this time to plan your ideal getaway.

Here’s a list of hotel deals you can book online. As always, read the fine print for any restrictions. Happy traveling!

Hilton Hotels & Resorts: Save up to 33% during the “December Sale.” In addition, Hilton HHonors™ members earn 1,000 Bonus Points for each stay of at least two nights.

Reservations: Book between November 25, 2011 and January 1, 2012. Stay between December 8, 2011 and January 8, 2012. Must book at least seven days prior to arrival.

Website: Hilton Hotels

Details: Located in Long Beach, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and San Francisco.

Loews Hotels: Get 20 percent off Loews Best Rate plus free in-room Internet access.

Reservations: Book November 28, 2011 between 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. Travel between November 29, 2011 and March 31, 2012.

Website: Loews Hotels

Details: Located in Santa Monica and San Diego.

Omni Hotels: “Holiday Treat” package offers rooms ranging from $79 to $119.

Reservations: Book Black Friday, November 25 through Cyber Monday November 28, 2011. Stay through January 31, 2012.

Website: Omni Hotels

Details: Located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco

Pacifica Hotels: Get $50 off room rates with the “Cyber Monday Deal.”

Reservations: Book Cyber Monday, November 28, 2011 from 12 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. PST. Stay through February 16, 2012. Enter promo code CM2011.

Website: Pacifica Hotels

Details: 24 hotels, inns and cottages in and around Los Angeles, San Francisco, the Central Coast, Orange County and San Diego.

Shell Vacations Hospitality: Discounts up to 50%.

Reservations: Book Black Friday, November 25 from 12 a.m. through midnight November 28, 2011.

Website: Shell Vacations Hospitality

Details: Located in San Francisco (Inn at the Opera, Suites at Fisherman’s Wharf, The Donatello), San Diego (Harbor Vacations Club, Inn at the Park), Anaheim (Peacock Suites) and Napa (Vino Bello Resort)

Starwood Hotels:  “One Day Wonder” package saves up to 40 percent off regular rates.

Reservations: Book November 28, 2011. Facebook and Twitter followers get early access to booking site on Sunday, November 27 at 6pm EST. Travel January 1 through April 30, 2012.

Website: Starwood Hotels (special booking site – effective on Monday, November 28)

Details: Sheraton, Westin and W Hotels throughout California

Southwest Airlines: Celebrating 40 Years with $40 Fares

Act fast to take advantage of Southwest Airlines’ super low fares to destinations in California and throughout the country. The airline commemorates 40 years of service with fares of $40, $80 and $120 one way, based upon mileage between cities. For travel up to 450 miles, fares are $40. For travel between 451 and 1250 miles, fares are $80. For travel of 1251 miles or more, fares are $120 . Travel is valid every day except Friday and Sundays. Purchase tickets by 11:59pm PDT on June 23, 2011 for travel beginning August 23 through November 16, 2011.

Visit http://www.southwest.com/ for complete terms and conditions and a list of available cities and fares.

Summer Travel: 8 Fuel Saving Tips

With summer right around the corner, road trips are on the agenda for many travelers wishing to experience California. We all know the cost of gas has skyrocketed, so it’s more important than ever to keep your car in top running condition to maximize your fuel mileage. Here are some tips to help steer you in the right direction.

Junk in the Trunk: Does the inside of your trunk look like a rental storage unit? Lose the junk. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your mileage by up to 2 percent, guzzling up to an extra 20 gallons of fuel a year.

Oh, The Pressure: Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by about 3 percent. Check your car’s owner manual or label attached on the driver’s side door for recommended pressure – don’t go by what’s printed on the tire itself.

Lead Foot: What’s your hurry? Slow down and you’ll conserve fuel. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Fuel efficiency also drops – as much as 33 percent on highways and 5 percent in town - when you drive aggressively by speeding, accelerating rapidly and braking hard. Also, stay in one lane unless passing; weaving uses up more fuel.

Tune In, Tune Up: Keep your engine tuned. A well-maintained car can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent. On the flip side, fuel consumption can increase by as much as 10 to 20 percent on a poorly maintained vehicle.

It’s A Drag: Trinkets hanging from the antenna and equipment bolted to the car rooftop creates drag, which can affect your vehicle’s fuel consumption. Opened windows can reduce your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. And when was the last time you washed your car? A clean car is more aerodynamic than a dirty one.

Idle Time: Avoid excessive idling. If your car will be idling for more than a minute, turn the engine off to avoid wasting gas.

APP-solutely: Make use of one of the many smart phone apps to track road conditions – you can find alternate routes to avoid congestion rather than waste fuel sitting in traffic. There are apps to help you find cheap gas and others to map out driving directions. Some apps worth mentioning are TripTik, Google Maps Navigation, Road Trip and GasBuddy.

An Ounce of Prevention: Keep your car in top-running condition to improve your gas mileage and ensure a safe trip. Have your vehicle inspected before you take your road trip. Preventative maintenance is less expensive than costly repairs caused by a break down on the road.