Scenic Drives For Your Next Vacation

With gas prices at all-time highs and people spending more time commuting than even before, you might think I am out of my mind writing about jumping in the car and driving for your next vacation. There is something special about driving to your next vacation. It's time well spent with the family and adds to wonderful memories for everyone.

Just a few hours north of Los Angeles is the Santa Ynez Valley which is home to over 70 wineries. This area is mostly famous for being featured in the movie "Sideways" but there is much more here than just wine. The area is located between the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south and the San Rafael Mountains to the North. It is a beautiful looking area and stark contrast to the city of LA with rolling hills and lots of agriculture. Those looking to recreate the scenes from the movie will visit the Foxen Winery and Vineyard, the Buelton Days Inn and the Hitching Post Restaurant. Many wine experts say the wine here is as good as the wine coming out of Napa. And this area is not just for wine. You'll have a great time picking apples with the kids at the Apple Orchards. If you've never experienced this with the kids, make sure you give this a try. There is something special about seeing kids connect what they see in the grocery store with seeing it growing on a tree, picking it, and then eating it fresh from Mother Nature. I think many kids don't have that connection and view processed food from a box the same way as produce. Connecting them to this is a life-long lesson for their diet and their understanding the importance of local agriculture and farms.

The next drive might seem a tad outlandish to some because they view Alaska as a foreign country and not another state within the US. Although you can't technically drive there because it is not connected to the US road system, you can drive once you are there without the use of a snow mobile. And there is so much to see once you are there. My plan is to get out and see the Alaska Wilderness which includes Fairbank and Denali National Park and Preserve. This Preserve, home to grizzlies, caribou, Dall sheep, and Mt. McKinley (the highest point in North America) is stunning and vast at over 6-million acres. And you don't have to live in the wilderness. There are plenty of hotels and resorts whether you are traveling as a couple or with the entire family. And when in town, be sure to talk with the locals and enjoy the local fare. Alaska has a distinct culture and style of food. You'll find food that is quite different than you are used to as well as food you're used to but with a local spin on it. The good news is that as the popularity of Sarah Palin continues so does the trips to her native land and former place of employment.

This last drive is very near and dear to me. The PCH actually located right in my backyard and it is very special. The Pacific Coast Highway is a wonderful stretch of highway that offers some of the most gorgeous scenic views of the ocean and mountains you'll find. The Pacific Coast Highway runs from Southern California all the way up to Northern California and takes you along the ocean and mountains. Called the "All-American Road" because of the special views it offers, SR-1 (State Road 1). Perhaps driving all the way to Canada is overwhelming so I suggest taking it a few hours at a time. The 655 mile stretch begins in Dana Point in Orange County and continues to Mendocino County and over the Golden Gate Bridge.

I'm sure you thought the idea of driving on your next vacation was silly but hopefully after reading this you are excited about what you can see from your car. It is far removed from your typical Orlando vacation and staying in timeshares at Westgate Resorts and seeing Disney World. It's different. It's about going back to our roots. And there is something special about driving with the family as opposed to airport travel. And when you drive, remember to take your time. No need to rush to get there. As with life, the fun is the drive not the destination.


------

Timeshare Juice features timeshares from over 5,000 resorts in 100 countries for exchange and rent. Resorts include Marriott, Disney, and Westgate Resorts.