Orbitz Blog

Articles for ‘California Vacation’ Category

Golden Photos: How to snap the Golden Gate Bridge

Friday, January 27th, 2012

The famous International Orange color of the Golden Gate Bridge contrasts well against a bright blue sky. Credit: Blane Bachelor.

By Blane Bachelor

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the globe’s most iconic landmarks. With its majestic architecture, bold orange-red color and breathtaking backdrop of mountains and sea, the Golden Gate, as the bridge commonly referred to, is also – not surprisingly — the world’s most-photographed bridge. But with just a little insight and planning, it’s possible for even the most novice shutterbugs to take spectacular, and unique, shots of the bridge for some brag-worthy souvenirs. I’m no Ansel Adams, but here are a few tips I’ve uncovered since moving to San Francisco this July on getting some great Golden Gate bridge pics. (more…)

Military digs: Hotel to open at San Francisco’s Presidio

Friday, January 20th, 2012

Enlist now: a former military residence has been recast as the upscale Inn at the Presidio

By Mark Chesnut

The Presidio — San Francisco’s scenic, 235-year-old former military base — will introduce a new option for travelers in April, when the first hotel ever to operate on site opens its doors. The Inn at the Presidio is expected to attract both business travelers and anyone planning a California vacation in the city by the bay, thanks to its upscale ambiance and proximity to noteworthy attractions. (more…)

Fly safe: sorting out the new TSA screening options

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

Screen time: Minneapolis will be added to the TSA's pre-screening initiative this year.

By Mark Chesnut

In today’s ever-changing world of air travel, the experience you have during security screening is likely to depend on the airport you’re moving through. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced new test and pilot programs at some airports, bringing changes — and potential new options — for frequent flyers. Here is a sample of what to expect this year. (more…)

Eat on the fly: Great airport restaurants with local cuisine

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

Go local: Brookwood Farms Carolina Pit BBQ serves southern favorites at the Charlotte airport.

By Mark Chesnut

Does the thought of airport food make your stomach churn? Sure, there are plenty of less-than-savory selections — dishes that could be described as “terminal” in more than one sense of the word. But look around during that next layover and you might find tasty options that feature lots of mouthwatering local flavor. Here are a few of the best. (more…)

Shop and stay: do your holiday shopping inside the hotel

Friday, December 9th, 2011

Salt of the earth: Hawaii's Grand Wailea resort is a great place for pampering and holiday gift ideas.

By Mark Chesnut

Time is running out to plan the perfect holiday gifts for friends, families and business contacts. So what’s a harried business traveler to do? Happily, hotels have made it increasingly easy to find great gifts without leaving the lobby. (more…)

Spas San Francisco-style: Must-do holiday treatments

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

By Blane Bachelor

Holiday shopping + San Francisco’s 48 hills = 100 percent exhaustion. Thankfully, the City by the Bay boasts a variety of wonderful spas with an array of antidotes to stress, blisters and Bah-Humbug vibes. Choose from traditional Japanese massage to seasonal, spice-infused treatments, many offered at some top San Francisco hotels.

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Terminal talent: art exhibits and culture at the airports

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

Art at the airport: Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta.

By Mark Chesnut

Long layovers and delayed flights don’t have to mean hours of boredom. Increasingly, airports large and small are using public space to exhibit original artwork and historical displays. So rather than stopping at yet another Cinnabon, consider checking out some of the latest exhibits. (more…)

5 hotel venues for one helluva office holiday party

Friday, November 4th, 2011

Party with a view: Pelican Hill organizes holiday parties at its poolside cabanas

By Mark Chesnut

With December just around the corner, it’s time to start planning the company holiday party. To keep this annual tradition from resembling some ridiculous scene from “The Office,” consider these ideas from hotels around the nation, where everything from decoration to catering and even transportation is taken care of. After all, party time is more enjoyable when someone else worries about the details. (more…)

Hyatt House: the newest hotel brand for extended stays

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

Second home: Rendering of a Hyatt House suite

By Mark Chesnut

Business travelers and vacationers will have yet another brand to consider when taking longer trips. In September, Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced that it is “evolving” its extended-stay brand into a new concept, called Hyatt House — and that it would rebrand its 38 existing Hyatt Summerfield Suites hotels, as well as 16 Hotel Sierra hotels that Hyatt recently acquired from a company called LodgeWorks, L.P. (more…)

5 things to do this fall in San Diego

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

San Diego promises a fall bounty, from San Diego Restaurant Week to the Little Italy Festa.

By Francesca Pardo

Now that May gray, June gloom and August shade are over, fall is my favorite time of the year in San Diego.  The weather is ideal, the water is warm, the evenings are cool and hotel rates go down.  Along with these ideal conditions are a few great things to do while visiting this idyllic city. (more…)