Author Archives: Parrotfish Adventures

5 Insider Secrets From the Airport

A couple of years ago, I worked as a cargo agent at my local airport. During that time, I had the opportunity to get an inside look at the airline industry and learned some travel tips and tricks! 1. Book your airfare about three months out from your trip. Most early-posted tickets will be moreContinue reading “5 Insider Secrets From the Airport”

11 Unexpected Travel Expenses and How To Avoid Them

There is nothing worse than starting out your grand adventure, and then getting hit with a barrage of unexpected, un-budgeted travel expenses. Those hidden surprises can often break a trip (and your pocketbook).

The Green Traveler: Eco Friendly Travel Tips and Tricks

It sounds simple: just be a responsible adult when you travel. But when you start the planning process, things get a bit more complicated. From the carbon emissions to get to your destination to the convenient single-use packaging when you arrive. Lucky for you, there are some simple ways to make your next adventure friendly both for you and the environment.

The Twisted Volcano: Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve is located in the Berkley Hills in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay. It’s a large expanse, with a multitude of backpacking and hiking trails crisscrossing 928 acres. Did I mention that the park is dog-friendly? The trails wind through oak forests, across ridgelines, and past interesting rock formations.

10 Ways to Save Money While Traveling

Take a quick look at your bucket list. If you’re anything like me, the list grows every year. I start the year with grand ambitions to travel and explore. Unfortunately, there is a very distinct limiting factor: my wallet. Travelling can be expensive, especially when airfare is involved. Here are some tips and tricks toContinue reading “10 Ways to Save Money While Traveling”

Are you an enlightened bean? An inside look at Buddha’s Cup coffee tour and tasting.

While visiting the Big Island of Hawai’i, I had the opportunity to visit Buddha’s Cup. As a coffee lover, I couldn’t say no! I was able to explore their five coffee farms on a tour and taste all five difference brands. Definitely a highlight of the trip!

Is your sunscreen killing coral? The importance of reef-safe sunscreen

Coral reefs are integral to the health of both marine ecosystems and human society. They nurture 25% of all species of marine life. The provide the basis for numerous medicines. They are vital to ocean economies. Sadly, many types of sunscreens are fatal to coral reefs.

4 Best Coffee Shops in Monterey

I am all about the coffee house experience. Some of my best memories are at coffee houses with my friends or engrossed in a good book. Both of my thesis papers were largely written and researched in coffee houses. There is not much that beats an afternoon spent at an independent coffee shop. The only thing better than a coffee shop is a coffee shop on the coast.

16 Best Tips and Tricks for Solo Women Adventurers

I am an adventurer and explorer myself. The adventures that find me with a travelling companion are far and few between, more so with each passing year. Life makes it difficult to coordinate schedules, agree on destinations, lodging, and food. Don’t even get me started on choosing road music.

Gear Review: Madera Emergency Head Lamp

I was pleasantly surprised by the Emergency Head Lamp. I was expecting a single-setting flimsy headlamp. However, the lamp has decent light and durability. This is not likely to be a main headlamp for me, especially since it has distinct settings instead of a dimmer feature and no red light. However, it replaced my prior back up headlamp

Five of the Best Hidden Gems Around LA

Ah, yes. Southern California. Home of Hollywood, Disney, and Long Beach. Many people long for Southern California’s warm weather, palm trees, and sunny skies! As you make your travel itinerary (or dream itinerary in this Covid environment), don’t plan to spend your entire trip at Disneyland. After living in the area, I found the best local haunts. You will NOT want to miss these secret treasures!