See what life is like over the rainbow by gliding through the sunny skies
Hot air balloon rides give adventurers a sightseeing experience unlike any other. Offering a bird’s-eye view, hot air balloon rides can change a rider’s perspective of the city in which they live. And this thrill can be found right here in San Diego.
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Orchids, butterflies, iguana, crocodiles, slots and monkeys fill the lush surroundings. It may seem impossible, but the tiny country of Costa Rica — although only about one-eighth the size of California — contains the greatest density of species in the world.
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Aztec Adventures provides students with the chance to enjoy nature's beauty
Traffic, technology and a large population are unavoidable aspects of the San Diego city life. But they don’t have to be. How about backpacking 10,834 feet at San Jacinto Peak, going on a sea kayaking expedition in Baja, Mexico hiking through underground mud caves or just making s’mores under the desert stars with new friends? Students interested in outdoor activities like these can turn to Aztec Adventures. This program, sponsored by Associated Students, focuses on outdoor education, preservation and recreation for SDSU students and community members with multiple trips. Canoeing, camping, hiking, backpacking and mountain biking are among the many activities offered.
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What’s $27,266 among friends? If you’re Jay and Dana Hagan and a few of your closest friends, it’s the amount needed for an overnight stay at venerable Hearst Castle on California’s central coast. The Kentfield couple and four other couples ponied up that much to win an auction last year for a two-day extravaganza organized as a fundraiser for the nonprofit Friends of Hearst Castle.
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For San Diego State students looking to spend their Spring Break helping people, there is a choice available right on campus. Last year, SDSU alumnus Jimmy Camacho started a new chapter for the nationwide organization called Global Brigades. In its inaugural year, Camacho took a handful of SDSU students to Honduras during Spring Break to team up and help solve water issues in the area. The Water Brigades aided a small rural community in one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere.
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Childhood memories of eating cotton candy, driving bumper cars and riding roller coasters at amusement parks still ring clear for college students today. Amusement parks have an old-fashioned entertainment value that has persevered throughout the years, especially here in San Diego. Belmont Park, one of the few beach amusement parks left in San Diego, has entertained since 1925 when the coaster first opened.
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Las Vegas isn’t the only destination for eccentric hotels and themed accommodations. The U.S. has a vast assortment of unique and quirky hotels that can add a little extra to an ordinary vacation. In Manhattan, Bryan Berg, renowned cardstacker, was the inspiration behind the Holiday Inn’s new Key Card Hotel. The hotel includes a lobby, guest bedroom, bathroom and life-sized furniture all made completely out of key cards. While it may be challenging to get comfortable in bed, the photos and lifetime memories accumulated by such a weird and wacky experience are sure to be quite the topic of conversation.
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CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico — The southern tip of Baja California offers tantalizing wonders for every appetite. Whether you’re seeking adventure, fine wine, fresh seafood or a chance to party, you can find it here.
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Many people are unaware that the best athletes in the world are training in San Diego’s own backyard. And no, this isn’t referring to the Chargers or the Padres. Nestled on the outskirts of Chula Vista lies the ARCO Olympic Training Center, dedicated to churning out Olympic contenders.
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Standing more than 6,000 feet high, Palomar Mountain looms high above the clouds with lush, gigantic green trees and serene sounds of nature. For those who love the outdoors, not only is Palomar Mountain State Park a great spot for a day hike or weekend getaway, but its beauty makes it a breathtaking and rejuvenating experience.
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Berlin. 1999. Bodies dancing to techno music for hours on end. A celebration of love and togetherness. Whether or not this sounds ideal, in its peak years, the Berlin Love Parade drew crowds of more than one million from all corners of the globe. Started by Dr. Motte, German underground disc jockey Matthias Roeingh, with just one truck and less than 200 people, it grew to become the world’s largest dance festival.
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California’s history would be close to nonexistent if it weren’t for the train. The Transcontinental Railroad linked historic frontiers of the West to the metropolis of the East, while offering travelers reliable transportation. Almost 150 years later, the train has become an alternative mode of transportation to the automobile.
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When Will Bradwell and his friends were planning a cross-country road trip three years ago, the idea of paying for hotels, gas and food seemed impossible for their college-student budgets. Then a friend suggested www.CouchSurfing.org.
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Although some may consider the countryside to be slow and boring, there is a surprisingly fresh and homey quality that just can’t be found in the hustle and bustle of San Diego. Located east of San Diego in the Cuyamaca Mountains hides Julian, a small town known primarily for its apple pie. A haven for those enticed by unlimited desserts, small local businesses, friendly people and a back-to-the-basics feel, this town provides a romantic atmosphere.
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With arial views, tours by helicopter are a new way to experience San Diego
Don’t get stuck in traveling monotony. Venture outside enclosed, stuffy airplanes and forget about those gas-guzzling road trips. Take an adventure thousands of feet in the fresh, balmy air where San Diego’s dazzling cityscape can truly be appreciated. Soar through the clouds on a private, luxurious and undeniably glamorous helicopter tour.
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It took several months of internal conflict and thought before I decided to go to Burma with a fellow Singapore exchange student. The extent of my knowledge about the country could only be found in the depths of the “world” section of most newspapers. All I knew was that the Democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi had been wrongfully imprisoned, and the military ran a government that was every person’s Orwellian nightmare, which was proved with the 2007 monk riots. It might seem impossible to compare the United States with a politically unstable country such as Burma, but surprisingly, they do have similarities.
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There’s no wrong way to experience the Grand Canyon. Whatever method you prefer, journeying to this geological wonder is a necessity.
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Forget the great outdoors and head inside for a challenging rock climb
Small, multicolored holds cover the 30-foot walls that jut out at steep angles. The odds looked stacked against anyone climbing such monstrosities at Vertical Hold, a local indoor rock climbing gym. But climbers such as Kenna Quiroga, the gym’s manager, welcome the challenge.
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Ditch your comfort zone and discover a foreign country by yourself
For many students, the ideal vacation means enjoying foreign lands with family, friends or a large group, which can be a lesson in compromise. To avoid the pitfalls of group schedules and budget negotiations, consider traveling alone. But note the pros and cons of traveling solo, and keep these tips in mind when embarking across the country.
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With summer having come to a close and the onslaught of school already hanging heavily upon us, it seems as though the prospect of vacation time is nowhere on the horizon. But fortunately for us — with the endless sunny weather of California — weekend vacations have a way of giving us a friendly pat on the shoulder to remind us that summer is never really over.
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He edged toward the plane door with a parachute strapped to his back and knew it was too late to opt out. He smiled at his nervous girlfriend on their one-year anniversary before hooking his legs around the bottom of the plane and tipping forward into the atmosphere.
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The uncertainty of the unknown can be daunting for anyone — especially when it comes to life after college. Figuring out what to do and where to go after college is anything but easy; and for some, jumping into a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job is last on their list of priorities. Teaching English in a foreign country offers a unique opportunity for post-graduates to experience living in a different culture while putting their degrees to use.
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Take the childhood wonder of a good backyard treasure hunt, add the adult technology of a GPS unit and you have the modern craze of geocaching. But instead of the backyard, you can hunt all around the world. And instead of your parents hiding Jolly Ranchers, people you have never met hide whatever booty or “geocache,” they want in their own treasure chests.
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For those looking to have a taste of a new destination without the plane fees, hotel costs and overpriced food, going on a cruise for vacation has always been a great, safe way for a cheap travel alternative.
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With summer finally underway, there’s no better time to head outdoors and enjoy the breathtaking scenery California has to offer. Hiking is a great option for exploring the gorgeous terrain up and down the state, no matter where you are. Soak up the natural beauty of California and get in a good workout by embarking on a challenging and rewarding hike.
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When I think of unique locales or awe-inspiring places, I don’t always think of the most obscure distant lands. A place can be unique based upon how one experiences it. It’s not what you see, but how you see it that makes a place extraordinary.
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Hostels aren’t only a phenomenon abroad. In the U.S., they are affordable and fun places to stay that allow students to meet other travelers, too. As a student, you aim to travel and venture out. The only problem is a student’s bank account doesn’t usually allow the freedom to explore and take adventures. Traveling within the U.S. doesn’t have to break your bank account if you choose to lodge at a hostel, though.
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Real-life travel agents have been replaced with search engines such as Google or Yahoo! where all you have to do is type in, “Cheap flights to Paris” and you’re bombarded with countless travel planning Web sites with a number of flight options.
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I have traveled extensively looking for greener grass, adventure and more importantly, myself. Travel has been eye-opening for me, and without a doubt it has involved some of the best times of my life. So here are some of the best places that I have been that abound in adventure and outdoor life. If you can’t make it during Spring Break, get ahead of the game and plan a summer vacation or consider it a post-graduation gift to yourself.
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Imagine heading to the beautiful Bahamas for Spring Break, where all you care about is the silky gold sand underneath your toes, the perfect weather and the cold piña colada in your hand. Now imagine that later that evening, you head back to your hotel room and realize your purse or wallet is missing. You retrace your steps and spend more than two hours trying to find something you know is gone. Now what?
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If it seems as if you’re the only one staying in San Diego this Spring Break and not going to some tropical paradise, don’t fear because this city is abundant with fun and lesser-known activities to enjoy. After all, San Diego is one of “America’s Finest” cities and it is a nice opportunity to step away from the College Area once in a while. Here are some fun suggestions:
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Connecting the world through meaningful media is just one of CFBP's goals
Ka’chi is the Attiatish of the Acjachemen tribe and is here to reveal life’s truths and guide her people.
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These volcanic islands offer exotic landscapes and an interesting array of people
When a person writes about the Galapagos Islands, one usually refers to a Darwinian quest to explore the vast amount of species that inhabits the islands. Usually, these weekend travelers can be seen walking the streets bypassing the shops, restaurants and people on their way to an island-hopping journey that turns back time and reveals a surplus of animals.
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As my good friend David Pope would say, “The only good things to come out of NorCal are slutty girls and Aaron Rodgers.” Now, I might be quick to agree, but I think my good friend might be missing something else: The snow … Oh, and the large amount of “hyphy.”
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With Projects Abroad, students are able to prepare for a career
Extraordinary creations and life all start the same: small. As time goes by, small steps progress to big strides. This transformation is exactly what happened when Peter Slowe, a San Diego State geography professor, took an idea he had and turned it into worldwide volunteering opportunities.
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Women ski jumpers haven’t waved the white flag on the 2010 Winter Games just yet.
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Standing in the pyramid field of Giza, Egypt, you wonder about all of the other wonders that are left to discover in the world. Studying abroad doesn’t have to involve a learning institution or a classroom. Learning can also come from being at historic sites such as the Parthenon or the Great Wall of China. Educational travel programs such as Contiki and Student Travel Agency help students get an enriching travel experience for a student’s budget.
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Rumors are flying. It’s the best place for underage students. It’s scary and dangerous. It’s cheap. It’s this, it’s that. Believe it or not, our neighboring border city Tijuana, Mexico, offers more than just bars and clubs for foreigners to enjoy on the weekends. Tijuana is a living, breathing cultural epicenter just twenty minutes from San Diego State.
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Instead of sitting in a lecture where everyone is doing The Daily Aztec Sudoku and the teacher is trying to figure out the projector, imagine going into the wild and really feeling challenged. Imagine learning about the environment’s problems and creating possible solutions in the environment, not just a classroom.
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Trafficking of humans has hit new levels around the globe and here at home
Human trafficking has been defined as the “recruitment, transfer, transportation or harboring of persons by means of threat or use of force or other forms of coercion for the purpose of exploitation,” according to www.safestate.org.
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Thrill seekers come together to enjoy what they love most
“Make your life a fun adventure!” This is the motto for Adventure Club San Diego. If you are a full-fledged adrenaline junkie needing an outlet for your energized life, or if you are just bored with being a couch potato, the Adventure Club could be for you.
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Recent decrease in fuel costs does not always mean big drop in airfare
Prompted by a plunge in jet fuel prices, airfares have been dropping just in time for the holidays, offering a relatively bright spot amid the economic gloom. But don’t get giddy yet.
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Web site built by travelers, for travelers, helps people find a partner for journeys
As you plan your next travel adventure, it’s important to keep in mind who will be available to accompany you to your next destination. You quickly realize that none of your friends want to join you and you really don’t want to venture out alone.
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The world is more than beautiful locations, it is a battlefield for protest
On Saturday, thousands of people gathered to march in protest against the passing of Proposition 8, which limits marriage rights to only heterosexual couples. For years, marching has been just one of the many ways to allow people’s voices to be heard. Protesting is an international form of direct voting and is used as a means to demand radical social change. Although America stands strong as a country whose First Amendment includes the right to free speech, individuals often don’t take to the streets to fight for their beliefs. As one falling rock leads to a landslide of change, it starts at the level of small daily activities that can later spark greater revolutionary change.
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A way of life and a form of art, surfing is far from just recreational for most locals
It is 6 a.m. and you crawl out of bed still half asleep, grab your board and keys, drive out to the beach and slip into your wet suit. Although it may seem a bit absurd to wake up so early to jump into freezing water, for surfers, it is a regular occurrence. So, what is it about surfing that motivates people to spend every morning out in the ocean? Most surfers will admit that it is the feeling you get while chasing that perfect wave.
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Fiscal turmoil has yet to effect the level of tourism at our local attractions
San Diego is a tourist destination that millions of people visit each year. With more than just a handful of attractions, the city has been able to bring in money from people from all parts of the world.
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Innovative idea aims to help our wallets and the environment
Is car-centric San Diego ready for an innovative program designed to replace cars with bikes? Bike$HARE President Jim Hester seems to think so.
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Oh, Halloween. That time of year has swiftly rounded the corner once again, granting us lucky men and women the right to bedeck ourselves in barely-there, see-through something or others for an entire night where just about anything and everything goes. Aside from the age-old question of what to wear and who to be, we all have the tedious difficulty of deciding where to go on this oh-so-scandalous evening. Fortunately, for those who are looking to venture away from the San Diego scene this Halloween, there just so happens to be three other nearby festivities where you can drink, mingle and dance the night away.
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Arriving at the Interlaken Ost train station was like a fairy tale. All of the spectacular views that I saw from the window inside the train as it slowly came to a stop didn’t even compare to what I would see as I stepped out of the train station in Interlaken, Switzerland.
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Once a year, we are given the opportunity to receive free candy for dressing up in outlandish costumes, ranging from witches to doctors and everything in between. However, the rest of the world does not celebrate Halloween in this same glorified way that we Americans do.
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Some ride the red rail as a means to beat the hefty parking fees and increasing crowds that flock to San Diego State each semester. Using an iPod as a security blanket, eye contact is made only with reflections. Unaware of life beyond song number 321 out of 2,000, students wait for their stop. Others have never stepped foot on the trolley and, in a way, are missing a cultural adventure.
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Before costumes and trick-or-treating, fun starts at nearby pumpkin patches
It’s about that time to get in the grimly, spooky, creepy and kooky spirit. One of the best ways to start enjoying the fall season and Halloween holiday is to take a trip to a pumpkin patch or enjoy a fall festival celebration. Planted around San Diego are numerous patches that offer more than plump, orange gourds waiting to be carved and designed with a variety of rides, contests, petting zoos and photo ops. And with the fresh food options, crafts and carousing to be had at a festival, these events have the potential for you and some friends to grow a memory – the fright-less way.
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The designs of today’s vehicles are sparked by visions of the past
Transportation can date back to when cavemen were using wheels to roll down hills or even using animals to get around. But the newer inventions, such as cars and planes, were invented in the 1800s. Since then, we have come a long way with our means of transportation into the 21st century.
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La Jolla Cove offers a fun and cheap getaway for brave students and locals
Many people who reside in San Diego usually travel thousands of miles, be it to Hawaii or the Caribbean for snorkeling and various water adventures. For some people, it may come as a surprise that in the high-end burg of La Jolla, snorkeling is as big of an attraction to those visiting San Diego, as it is in other resort-oriented regions of the world. One of the most popular places to snorkel in San Diego is La Jolla Cove, situated inside the Ecological Reserve inside the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park. People hoping to see various marine wildlife will not be disappointed in what they find here.
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Meeting new people from all over the world, tasting unique food rich in flavor and culture, conveniently once a week on campus; what more could you ask for? Each Friday at noon the International Student Center hosts "Coffee Hour" (which nowadays has a lot more than coffee) where both international and American students can get together, eat and socialize. Each coffee hour is themed with a different country and students who are studying at San Diego State from that country prepare the food that best represents their culture and traditions. Besides food, the hosts are also encouraged to share information and/or other traditions from their homeland such as a piñata at the Mexico coffee hour and advertising foreign film festivals or special holidays like "Australia Day."
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Alright, so the place smelled like mold. But, it was a place to sleep - for free. How? Squatting. Ummm...what is this? Think "Fight Club." Many squats are communities built around sharing resources and mutually exchanging skills. It's a form of radical direct action. Undermining the rat race. Umm...is this illegal? Yes. But, wait - just because jaywalking is illegal does that make it something that is, in essence, "wrong?"
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