Hemingway Heaven: A Memorable San Diego Stay – Vacasa Review

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Travel // June 22, 2023

Hemingway Heaven: A Memorable San Diego Stay – Vacasa Review

Thanks to Vacasa for hosting me during my stay. As always, the thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

One of my fave spots in California is San Diego! From a variety of delicious cuisines (hello fish tacos) to gorgeous beaches, and amazing vacation rentals, this coastal getaway has it all. On my latest California adventure with my girlfriends, I got the chance to experience this amazing vacation rental. Hemingway Heaven is one of the rentals through Vacasa Property Rentals and we truly did have the most memorable stay. Vacasa has long been recognized as a premier vacation rental provider, offering exceptional experiences in sought-after destinations.

Here’s my experience staying at The Hemingway Heaven in San Diego!

Budget Friendly Ways to Visit Las Vegas

Filed Under: Budget, Lifestyle, Travel // April 4, 2023

Budget-Friendly Ways to Visit Las Vegas

Las Vegas is known for its glitz, glamour, and high-end dining experiences. However, if you’re looking to save some money like our family always is and still satisfy your appetite, there are plenty of affordable options available. My husband and I have been going to Vegas yearly since our oldest daughter was just 18 months. With that being said, we have tried and tested all of these suggestions. Look no further, here are budget-friendly ways to visit Las Vegas.

Here are my top Budget-Friendly Ways to Visit Las Vegas:

Fly Allegiant

If you have the ability to fly Allegiant I highly recommend you choose this budget airline. I know a lot of people are skeptical of Budget Airlines, but I’ve been flying with Allegiant since I was 18 (and am now in my 30’s). I have never had one bad experience ever. They are timely, have onboard snacks and beverages, and super cheap tickets! Flights from Bellingham (near Vancouver) to Vegas cost as low as $49 in April.

Best Cheap Eats in Vegas:

Tacos El Gordo (Located near Resort World at the end of the Strip)

If you are a taco freak like myself, I am always looking for the best tacos! Tacos El Gordo is NO joke. Their menu features a variety of tacos, burritos, and quesadillas at reasonable prices. Try their famous al Pastor tacos for an authentic taste of Mexico.

2. Ri Ra (Located within the Mandalay Bay Shoppes)

If you enjoy a good Irish Pub, this is your spot. EVERY DAY from 3 pm – 6 pm they have an amazing happy hour! It’s half-off appetizers (highly suggest their wings), $4 Carlsberg and Heineken Pints, $3 Domestic Bottle of the week and $5 House Wine!

3. El Segundo Sol (Located at Fashion Show Mall across from the Wynn)

Enjoy their Loco Hour Mondays- Thursdays from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm. The menu has a large variety of happy hour options. You have a wide selection of Margaritas and cocktails that range from $5.00 – $6.50, A variety of Draft Beers for $4.50, Chips and Salsa tray (it’s huge) for $3.95 and loaded nachos for $5.00. Finally, you have quesadillas for $6.95 and tacos for $4.00.

4. In-N-Out Burger (Located at the Linq promenade, plus many other locations)

In-N-Out is a west coast staple, and its affordable prices make it a popular spot for budget-conscious travellers. Their menu is simple but satisfying, with burgers, fries, and milkshakes on offer. Don’t forget to order your burger “animal style” for an extra dose of flavour.

5. Backstage Deli (Located inside the Luxor)

Backstage Deli offers generous portions of housemade sandwiches, wraps and salads and even an assortment of amazing and inexpensive breakfast items such as coffee, bagels, muffins and croissants at a fraction of the price compared to most cafes inside hotels and casinos. The portions are so generous they are very easy to just split which is what we did to save a few dollars.

6. Favourite Bistro (Located in the Linq Promenade)

Favorite Bistro is committed to providing you with the best experience possible. That’s why they have Happy Hour every day from 2 pm-7 pm. You can enjoy $5 drinks, cocktails and wine as well as $7 finger foods.

7. Tacos & Miches (Located on Fremont Street)

Yes – more tacos! If you haven’t figured it out by now I love my Mexican food! This is another amazing taco place that is easy on the wallet! Tacos range from $2.50-$5.50

8. Commonwealth Rooftop Bar (Downtown Fremont)

This rooftop bar serves a wide selection of hand-crafted cocktails. Join them Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm – 9pm for $5 Beers, $5 Wells, and $7 Wine and Beer.

9. Downtown Cocktail Room (Downtown Fremont)

Join them for what they like to call “halfy hour” because from 5pm – 8pm, Tuesday – Saturday you get half off well & call spirits, beer, punch bowls and wine. Plus $10 Selected seasonal cocktails!

Make sure to also check out “16 Of the Best Places to Eat in Vancouver”

Cheap Entertainment in Vegas:

1.) Bellagio Fountain Show

The Bellagio Fountain Show is a spectacular display of water, music, and light located at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The show features a series of choreographed water jets that shoot up to 460 feet high, accompanied by a variety of popular songs and classical music. It has become one of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas, drawing crowds of tourists and locals alike.

The show typically runs every 30 minutes in the afternoon and every 15 minutes in the evening, making it easy for visitors to catch a glimpse of the stunning display. And did I mention it’s completely free?

2.) See a Show in Vegas at a Discounted Price

If you have a show in mind you’d like to see in Las Vegas, it’s typically better to get tickets the night of on Vegas.com “Shows Tonight” or Vegas.com/deals. Usually, you can save yourself some money. If you create an account you can save yourself an extra 10% – 50% off. Another suggestion is to visit a Tix4Vegas official Vegas outlet ticket stands around the city. There are several different locations to choose from.

3.) Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo

Roam the peaceful and relaxing four-acre gardens, complete with meandering streams, waterfalls, exotic birds (aka Flamingos), turtles and fish. With no cost to enter, the habitat is a fun experience for the whole

4.) Visit Fremont Street

This is my favourite thing to do while in Vegas. This is a five-block pedestrian mall that features a spectacular light and sound show that happens every night. The canopy of lights above the street is the largest video screen in the world, and the show is free to enjoy!

Food and Drink: There are plenty of great dining options on Fremont Street, from casual eats to fine dining. You can also find plenty of bars and lounges where you can enjoy a drink and people-watch for a fraction of the price that the strip is.

Shopping: Fremont Street is home to several unique shops and boutiques where you can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts.

Fremont Street is a fun and exciting destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history and culture, entertainment, or just good food and drink, and so much free entertainment, you’re sure to have a great time on Fremont Street.

Stay at the Luxor

When we go to Vegas we want to stay at a Hotel that doesn’t break the bank, but offers lots! The Luxor is your perfect happy medium. Not only can it cost as low as $39/night but it also has one of the largest pool decks in Vegas so it’s not overcrowded. It is super family-friendly and they even have two hot tubs which is hard to find in Vegas on the pool decks.

Our ultimate favourite perk is the fact that they allow you to bring in your own drinks which is unheard of in Vegas. Typically when you go to the pool deck security will check your bags and make you dispose of any liquids. But at the Luxor, you can bring in your own tumbler of whatever you want!

So if you are like us and don’t want to spend an exorbitant amount of money on pool deck drinks, hit up Lee’s Discount Liquor (costs about $13 to Uber too but is SO worth the incredible savings) and grab what you want for your room and make your own drinks!

Budget-Friendly Ways to Visit Las Vegas

In conclusion, a trip to Las Vegas doesn’t have to break the bank. By following a few simple tips and tricks I’ve outlined, you can enjoy all the fun and excitement of Vegas without spending a fortune.

Here are a few final tips: Consider travelling during the off-season or on weekdays when hotels and attractions tend to offer lower rates.

Next, take advantage of the free or low-cost attractions I’ve presented in this post. You can also find great deals on shows, dining, and activities by using discount websites and apps like Groupon and LivingSocial.

Finally, be sure to set a budget for yourself and stick to it. By following these tips, you can do Vegas on a budget and still have a fantastic time. Remember, the key to a successful Vegas trip is to have fun and enjoy all the excitement that this vibrant city has to offer!

Xo, Asia

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The Ultimate Guide To Exploring Pemberton, BC

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Travel // November 3, 2022

The Ultimate Guide To Exploring Pemberton, BC

This post has been sponsored but all opinions remain my own.

Pemberton is a small village located just 2.5 hours from Vancouver and just 20 mins past the bustling village of the famous Whistler, BC. In order to get to Pemberton from Vancouver you drive along the gorgeous and picturesque Sea to Sky Highway where there are many opportunities to pull over and capture the beauty of the West Coast! Although it is small, Pemberton is a one-stop shop for everything you need if you love being in the mountains. From Camping to Lodges, to Breweries and activities. That is why I put together this Ultimate Guide to Exploring Pemberton.

Where To Stay In Pemberton, BC

Pemberton Valley Lodge

You didn’t travel all this way not to be nestled right into the gorgeous mountainside so I have to recommend The Pemberton Valley Lodge. Pemberton Valley Lodge is a comfortable retreat and almost like your home away from home. It is no wonder why it’s ranked #1 in the entire Pemberton and District Area.

If you are a family like ourselves, it is super family-friendly. It has all sorts of amenities that the kids will love. From the outdoor heated pool and hot tub to the outdoor fire pit with views of the famous Mt. Currie. It truly is the ultimate escape where you get to enjoy a calm oasis.

The perk of the lodge is that they welcome both short and long-term stays as well as spacious, beautiful guest suites. It’s a great way to be close to Whistler all while saving money. Hotels in Whistler typically charge for parking and have smaller rooms, but with Pemberton Valley Lodge you get larger rooms and free parking, so it’s a win-win.

And for my environmentally sustainable friends, they have you covered! The lodge has worked super hard to be a “Green Hotel” offering two complimentary electrical charging stations. In each room, they have composting bins to reduce the amount of content collected in local landfill operations. Along with that, they have forged a partnership with Bullfrog Power which utilizes energy drawn from low-impact hydropower generators that are EcoLogo certified or meet a similar standard or program to make the Lodge more eco-friendly.

What To Do In Pemberton, BC

Beyond the beautiful mountainscape, there are many reasons why you should visit Pemberton. Here are the top attractions and best things to do in my opinion to help you create the perfect Pemberton itinerary, no matter what your travel style might be.

Skiing

Although Whistler is popular for Skiing and Snowboarding, the Pemberton highway gives easy access to a variety of avalanche paths, glaciers, and so much more that offer stunning mid-winter backcountry skiing.

The Beer Farmers

I can’t say enough amazing things about The Beer Farmers. Their tasting room and brewery are located in the middle of a beautiful organic farm. It is so family-friendly and dog friendly. Be sure to stop by and enjoy locally grown and locally crafted lagers and ales on this 4th generation organic family farm. Check out their Instagram page for up-to-date information.

Please keep in mind that they will be working on developing new tasty brews so their winter hours as of right now are:

Thurs & Fri 12-6pm
Sat & Sun 12-7pm

Pemberton Brewing Company

Another family-friendly brewery is the Pemberton Brewing Company. Their tasting room and year-round patio are open daily. Stop by the brewery, grab a tasting paddle or pint, packaged products and/or growler fills. From time to time, they even have live music! Check out their Instagram page for up-to-date information.

Please note their local hours:

Mon-Thurs 3-7pm
Fri & Sat 1-8pm
Sunday 1-7pm

Town Square

This Family-Friendly Restaurant is perfect for everyone. With a great kids menu and main courses for adults, each meal is flavourful and made with locally sourced ingredients to make each dish absolutely delicious. Hit it up on Friday night at 7:30pm to discover new local musicians.

For a guide on where to stop along the way while driving the sea to sky highway, check out this article

Enjoy The Views

Why not just walk around the village and take in the breathtaking views no matter what the season is? Try out the local coffee shops and bakeries. I never got a chance to try it out while I was there but there is a very famous bakery called BlackBird Bread. It will definitely be on my list for our next visit!

Farmers Market

From June – End of October there is a local Farmers market. We were fortunate enough to catch the very last day of it. Such a cute idea to bring together the community, local vendors and local produce farmers.

Fishing

No matter the season, there is always lots of fishing available. Pemberton is home to several species of fish including rainbow trout, Dolly Varden char, cutthroat trout, steelhead, whitefish, and five species of salmon. This is one of the best and most scenic places to fish on the west coast.

Visit Pemberton, BC

For more on what to do while you are exploring the beauty of Pemberton, BC, be sure to check out the official Tourism Pemberton page. If you end up booking a stay with the Pemberton Valley Lodge and exploring the town, let me know how you enjoyed it!!

To check out more video footage from our trip be sure to head to my IG highlight reel “Pemberton”.

Xo, Asia

Have your own blog and want to take it to the next level? Check out these super helpful tools:

Tailwind – Pinterest and Instagram scheduler

Grammarly – The Worlds BEST grammar checker

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5-Day-Itinerary: Explore Toronto

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Travel // August 4, 2022

Please note this blog is sponsored by a variety of hotels and may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

5-Day-Itinerary: Explore Toronto

Toronto is another major Canadian city in Ontario, the fourth largest city in all of North America to be exact. It’s filled with soaring skyscrapers, iconic sights and is home to the famous CN Tower. With no shortage of things to see and do, I made a 5-Day-Itinerary to help you Explore Toronto with ease.

16 Of The Best Places To Eat In Vancouver

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Travel // April 24, 2022

16 Of The Best Places To Eat In Vancouver

This is a sponsored post. All images and opinions are my own. This page also contains affiliate links meaning I earn a commission if you use those links. Please read my disclosure for more information.

Vancouver is well known for its many different cuisines. If you are a foodie, this is one place you need to put on your list of places to visit and eat! From hidden gems to hole-in-the-wall finds, Vancouver is not short on amazing foods. Before COVID you would have seen packed-out restaurants and giant line ups to food trucks. Although the look of things has changed, like lineups being socially distanced, the food scene is still alive and thriving!

I had the pleasure of trying out some of the newest places in Vancouver and I can’t wait to share what I learned and loved about each place. Even with COVID, these places are so delicious that there is still such a demand, even if it’s for takeout. As a Vancouverite, I LOVE discovering what’s new and what’s up and coming in the food scene. Get ready to drool over these dishes.