UnlearningOnline

If you are like me, you are watching your travel budget carefully, asking where you can go that’s interesting but affordable. Here’s an idea, how about a SoCal vacation? SoCal offers beaches, amusement parks, Hollywood and many other attractions.

Another possibility would be Hawaii. Although those warm beaches are hard to resist, there’s not as much variety in vacation options as California. The Southern California Vacation Guru has written about the differences between vacations in Southern California and Hawaii. Keep in mind that there are way fewer underwater rocks to worry about in the California surf, and the humidity and sun intensity are a little easier to handle in the summer. You’ll find the ocean water to be warmer in the Aloha State, but the cooler California water might actually seem more inviting on a hot summer day.

Of course, the vegetation in Hawaii is often magnificent and the local culture adds much to the experience. But don’t forget the melting pot of many different cultures to be experienced in California, as well as the mountains, desert and coastline.

The beach is not the only attraction in Southern California. There are a half-dozen major theme parks to be visited. There are a half-dozen major theme parks to be visited. You will find world-class thrill rides at Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain; the Six Flags roller coasters are particularly plentiful. Those parks both boast many coasters and similar adrenaline-pumping rides. Disneyland has a few attractions that would be considered thrill rides, but not nearly as many as those other two parks.

You won’t find many roller coasters in Hawaii, although surfing on the North Shore of Oahu in winter would qualify as a thrill ride. California is probably a more budget-friendly summer travel option, but now and then you really do need to get over to Hawaii.