48. Adventure Report: Southern California Road Trip

Welcome back to The Creative Calm Podcast! In this exciting episode, I’m introducing a new series called "Adventure Reports," where I, along with future guests, will share personal adventures and how they connect to play and creative wellness.

I kick off this series by sharing details from a recent 10-day family adventure to Southern California. From our carefully planned itinerary to those spontaneous moments of joy, I'll take you through our trip—from Hollywood's iconic sites and beach-hopping down the coast to the stunning landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park and the magical experience of Disneyland.

This episode is filled with practical tips on affordable travel, managing the logistics of a road trip, and finding suitable accommodations—providing useful insights whether you're planning your own big trip or just local escapades. My hope is that this episode will inspire you to embrace adventure and play in your life.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to Adventure Reports (00:00:54)

   • Introducing the new series inspired by Episode 5: Adventure Equals Play

2. Planning the Epic California Adventure (00:03:03)

   • Dynamics of traveling with my family of six

   • Choosing Airbnbs and affordable flights

   • Balancing costs with conscious spending choices

3. Detailed Itinerary Highlights (00:10:02)

   • LA: Hollywood sign hike, Santa Monica Pier, and touristy spots

   • San Diego: Beautiful weather and an unforgettable Airbnb

   • Pontoon boat adventure and beach picnics

   • Palm Springs area: Exploring Joshua Tree National Park

4. Resources and Recommendations (00:12:34)

   • Sharing valuable resources like Airbnbs, hikes, and activities

   • Mention of saving money using platforms like Groupon

5. Disneyland Experience (00:21:59)

   • Our stay at the Grand Californian Resort

   • Comparing Disneyland to Disney World

   • Joy in shared family experiences and play

6. Reflections and Takeaways (00:23:40)

   • Finding joy in everyday moments

   • Infusing play and rest into regular life

   • Encouragement to try both big and small adventures

Resources Mentioned:

• Airbnbs in Santa Monica, San Diego, and Palm Springs [Links to Airbnbs]

• Hollywood hikes

• Seaforth Boat Rentals, San Diego
• Joshua Tree National Park

• Bobo Design Studio (Store location in Palm Springs)

• Disneyland Resort

• The Grand Californian

Connect with Me:

• Instagram:

  www.instagram.com/denisechristensonrae 

Support the Podcast:

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Thank you for listening!

Join me next time on The Creative Calm Podcast as we continue to explore the transformative power of rest, creativity, and play.