Let’s be real: one of the biggest draws of visiting Los Angeles is the possibility of getting to see a celebrity in person. But in a sprawling city of millions, it might be tricky to locate them. Of course, there are the safe bets like TV show tapings or awards show ceremonies where the glitterati are bound to gather. But what about encountering them ‘in the wild’ without the cameras, bodyguards, and loads of fans? I’m going to let you in on a Los Angeles hidden gem where you will definitely spot a celeb, including my own experiences with celebrity sightings there. 

If you want to see celebrities in LA, go to the Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Hollywood. The Sunset Marquis entrance is located on Alta Loma, a quiet street just off the Sunset Strip, a block west of La Cienega. The Sunset Marquis has a restaurant and bar that’s open to anyone for dining, so you don’t need to be a guest to enter. One time my friend Anna Flora was visiting town, and we walked into the Sunset Marquis just to look around the property. While walking around I saw Helen Mirren reading a magazine by the pool area. 

The best option though is to actually make an experience of it by having lunch there. I recently met a friend there for lunch. I hadn’t seen her in four years, so we had a lot of catching up to do. I was so engrossed in our conversation that I didn’t realize a major Hollywood actor was sitting right by us. It wasn’t until after he left that my friend revealed the actor who was just inches away from me was none other than Oscar Isaac. I could have kicked myself. Poe Dameron in the flesh. 

So there you have it. If you want to see movie and tv stars up close during your stay in Los Angeles, pay a visit to the Sunset Marquis Hotel. 

Idyllwild, California has some personal significance to me, so it was extra exciting to finally be able to see this California mountain town. I went with my fiancé and our dog to celebrate my fiancé's (somewhat) recent milestone birthday. Our overnight trip was in late February, and we were driving from Los Angeles.

Idyllwild is a mountain town located in the San Jacinto Mountains and is about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. Idyllwild makes for a great day trip, overnight trip, or weekend trip. In this article, I’ll share what to know if you’re considering a mini-getaway to this quaint town in the mountains.

What is Idyllwild known for?
Idyllwild is a mountain town located in the San Jacinto Mountains in Southern California. It’s about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. Idyllwild provides access to hiking, wilderness, and local businesses such as restaurants, shops, and wineries. The town is ideal for a short escape from the hustle and bustle of busier SoCal cities. Idyllwild is perfect for a day trip, overnight visit, or weekend getaway. 
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Does Idyllwild have snow?
Yes, Idyllwild has snow. This may be surprising considering it’s located in Southern California, but once you start driving up into the San Jacinto Mountains, it’s as if you’re being transported into a whole other world. You leave the desert climate of inland SoCal and enter a wintery landscape full of snow, beautiful mountains, and pine trees. Now, don’t expect snow in Idyllwild all-year-round, but if you go in the winter, there’s a good chance you’ll hit a beautiful snowfall. 

Is Idyllwild worth visiting?
Yes, Idyllwild is worth visiting. Idyllwild definitely embraces the quaint mountain town aesthetic. From cabin-like lodging to adorable local shops, you shouldn’t be disappointed. Plus, Idyllwild is super-relaxing and quiet; I slept the best I had in months during our overnight stay! Our dog, Piper, also got to meet the Idyllwild Mayor, an adorable golden retriever who made the rounds visiting folks in town. 

Where to Stay in Idyllwild
We stayed at the Silver Pines Lodge, which is located right around the corner from the center of town, so the location is great. Silver Pines Lodge offers cabin-style rooms that are very cozy. The rooms come with a fireplace that runs on a thermostat system, so it's easy to control. The main issue we encountered with our room was that the bathroom does not get heated, and as a result, the floor in there was extremely cold. A refrigerator was included with the room, though, which was a nice addition. They are also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your dog on the trip if you stay here! 

How long to stay in Idyllwild
You should stay in Idyllwild for a day, overnight, or for the weekend. Idyllwild is not very big, so any time longer than a few days isn’t necessary. 

Spring Break 2022 is here! And if you’re planning to go to Puerto Vallarta for the first time, you may be unsure of how to get around – more specifically, how to get from Puerto Vallarta’s airport to your hotel. The good news is that there are different transportation options depending on your budget and preferences. 

After a long flight on a tight airplane (unless you’re one of the lucky ones in first class), you definitely want a smooth trip to your hotel to ensure your much-needed vacation gets off to a good start. I’ll show you the top Puerto Vallarta transportation services to and from the airport so you can worry less about how to get there and more about what fun you’ll have this Spring Break. 
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How do I get from the Puerto Vallarta airport to my hotel?
There are three ways to get from Puerto Vallarta to your hotel. The three airport transfer options are below.

1. Bus
2. Taxi
3. Hotel Shuttle

Bus
Taking a bus is the best cheap way to your hotel in Puerto Vallarta. To do this, you’ll walk outside the airport where there are two bus stops, one northbound and one southbound. If your resort is in Nuevo Vallarta, that means you’ll take the northbound bus. To head northbound, you’ll cross the bridge above the highway in front of the airport. Once you cross the bridge, the bus stop is right there. In Puerto Vallarta, the buses have their major stops written on the front window. You will look for a bus that has ‘Nuevo Vallarta’ as one of the stops. You should let the bus driver know which hotel you are staying at. This way they can let you know the fare and when you need to get off. If you are heading to Bucerias, Sayulita, or Punta de Mita, look for buses that have that particular location written on it. 

If your hotel is closer to the city of Puerto Vallarta in the hotel zone, then you’ll  take the southbound bus. You will not need to cross the bridge at the airport, but the southbound stop is near the bridge, so head that way and you should see others waiting. You will look for a bus that reads ‘centro’, ‘hotel zone’, or ‘zona hotelera’. Let the bus driver know which hotel you’re heading to, and they’ll tell you wear to get off at. The people of Puerto Vallarta are incredibly kind and helpful, so if you ever get lost don’t be afraid to ask for directions. It’s a tourist city so many folks speak English, but it also doesn’t hurt to brush up on your Spanish too. 

I wouldn’t recommend taking the bus is if you have heavy, bulky luggage. You may have a hard time getting your luggage up on the bus, and there’s not much space for bringing bulky items. Also, make sure to have pesos ready to go to pay the bus fare. Bus drivers won’t have the type of change on-hand for large bills, so make you have coins. Bus fares can vary depending on if you’re going to Puerto Vallarta central or Nuevo Vallarta. Ask the bus driver “how much?” or “cuanto cuesta?”.  

Are buses safe in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, buses are safe in Puerto Vallarta. Taking the bus is actually my favorite way to get around in Puerto Vallarta! 

Taxi
You can take a taxi from the airport to your hotel in PV. Once you exit the airport, there are plenty of taxi drivers available to take you where you need to go. Taking a taxi is an easy, hassle-free option if you have bigger luggage and just want to get straight to the resort. 

How much do taxis cost in Puerto Vallarta?
Taxis are much cheaper in Puerto Vallarta than in the United States. The best part of taxis in PV is that they don’t run on a meter. You’ll need to agree to a price with the driver before accepting the ride though. You can start by asking how much it costs to get to your hotel. If the price sounds a bit too high, you do have the option to try and see if they’ll lower it a bit. Just try to not be too frugal though. Remember, they have to earn a living too. The drivers are very honest and will agree to a fair price for both parties. 

Is it safe to take a taxi from Puerto Vallarta airport?
Yes, it is safe to take a taxi from Puerto Vallarta airport. 

Hotel Shuttle
Hotel shuttles can get you from the airport to your resort. If you know that your resort offers a free airport shuttle, you should take advantage of this offer, especially if your hotel is further north in Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias, Sayulita, or Punta de Mita. Hotel shuttles are easy to find. After getting through customs and immigration, hotel representatives will be standing around with signs so you can easily find them. 

Does Puerto Vallarta have Uber?
Yes, Puerto Vallarta has Uber. I have not personally used Uber in Puerto Vallarta, but it’s an option. However, because the taxis are more affordable and don’t run on a meter, I would still consider using them over Uber. Plus, you won’t need a Wi-Fi connection when using a taxi. Relying on Uber means you may need to get an international phone plan for your trip.

What’s the best way to get from Puerto Vallarta’s airport to my hotel?
The best way to get from Puerto Vallarta’s airport to your hotel will depend on where you’re staying, your budget, and your luggage size. If you’re traveling with a small roller carry-on or backpack, are on a budget, and are staying in downtown Puerto Vallarta or the hotel zone, I’d definitely recommend the buses. 

If you’re staying further north in Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias, Sayulita, or Punta de Mita, I’d recommend a hotel shuttle if it’s available, otherwise a taxi. While buses do go this way, it can be a pretty long trip, and you may find that after your plane ride you just want to get to your hotel as soon as possible.