Travel Fun and Adventure

On this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we review our list of the best attractions on the mid-Oregon coast that stretch from Tillamook in the north to Florence in the south.

Tillamook Creamery
4165 N Hwy 101
Tillamook, OR 97141

Tillamook Air Museum
6030 Hangar Rd
Tillamook OR, 97141

Cape Meares Lookout and Lighthouse
3500 Cape Meares Loop
Tillamook, OR 97141

Sand Lake Recreation Area
7000 Gallaway Road
Cloverdale, OR 97112

Pacific City Beach
35170 Brooten Road
Pacific City, OR

Regatta Park
NE 14th Street
Lincoln City, OR

D-River Wayside
101 US-101
Lincoln City, OR

Depoe Bay

Devils Punchbowl
122 1st Street
Otter Rock, OR 97369

Yaquina Head Lighthouse
750 NW Lighthouse Dr
Newport, OR 97365

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse
Newport, OR

Hatfield Marine Science Center
2030 SE Marine Science Drive
Newport, OR 97365

Oregon Coast Aquarium
2820 SE Ferry Slip Road
Newport, OR 97365

Devil's Churn 
815 US-101
Yachats, OR 97498

Hecta Head Lighthouse
725 Summer Street
Florence, OR 97439

Sea Lion Caves
91560 Hwy. 101 N.
Florence, OR 97439

Oregon Dunes
south of Florence, Oregon

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

On this week's episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we go over our favorite places to eat on the mid-Oregon Coast, from Tillamook on the north to Florence on the south.

Tillamook:

Chinese Gardens
1145 Main Ave N

Netarts

The Schooner Restaurant and Lounge
2065 Boat Basin Road

Pacific City

Pelican Brewing Company
33180 Cape Kiwanda Drive

Lincoln City

60's Cafe & Diner
4157 NW Highway 101

Matzalan
828 NE Hwy 101

Lee's Chinese
144 SE Highway 101 (across from D-River Wayside

Dory Cove
2981 SW Hwy 101

Depoe Bay

Gracie's Sea Hag
58 US-101

Newport

Newport Chowder Bowl
728 NW Beach Drive 

Chalet Restaurant and Bakery
2026 N Coast Hwy

Waldport

Hilltop Cafe Bistro
828 S.W. Pacific Coast Hwy

Florence

The Dunes Cafe
1780 Highway 126

La Pomodori Restorante
1415 7th St

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

On this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we go over our tips for planning that National Park trip now that you have decided which park to go to. 

1. Decide what kind of accommodations you are interested in, whether camping, cabins, lodges or outside-the-park lodging. 

2. Make your reservations as soon as possible. 

3. Plan what other activities you want to do besides visiting the park itself, whether in the area around the park or on the way to the park. 

4. Plan your days but leave time for rest days if possible. 

5. Do more research on the specific park you will stay at, such as park regulations and tips from other visitors. If you are bringing a pet, be sure to find out where you can take your pet and where you cannot take them. 

6. Check out weather conditions not only at the park itself but other areas you will be visiting. Keep in mind that the weather forecast can change day by day, so keep up track of what the latest forecast is. 

7. Make a list of what you need to bring on the trip, including: 

8. When packing, pack as minimalist as possible, but also remember that you might encounter many different temperatures. For example, on one trip, we had 100-degree temperatures at Craters of the Moon Park and then encountered snow on July 1st on Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. 

9. Think about the food and snacks you want for the trip. Consider taking some non-refrigerated microwavable meals that you can eat in a hotel so you don't have to go out to a restaurant when you are tired from a long day. 

10. Don't forget to bring water, and if you are hiking, think about bringing water filtration systems with you. 

11. Bring a first aid kit. 

12. Don't forget all the other items you will need on the trip, such as hiking shoes, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. 

13. Maps and navigation systems because there will be areas where you don't have cell signals. 

14. Pet supplies if you bring a pet along on the journey. 

15. When at the park, be sure to Leave No Trace, and DO NOT try to take a selfie with a Bison.

16. Don't forget about the possible educational opportunities with the children or yourself, for that matter.  

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

In this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we go over our list of things to think about when planning a trip to a national park, specifically, which one you should choose.  While the first two items are important to nail down before you start your planning, the rest of the tips are all things to consider while planning your trip. 

• Set a budget for the trip. 
• Figure out how much time you have to take a trip. 
• Decide when you want to go to the park. 
• Think about the weather at the time of year you plan to visit. 
• How do you want to travel to the park - by car? fly? train? 
• What type of accommodations do you want - camping? cabin? park hotel? outside the park hotel? 
• What types of activities do you want to do at the park - rafting? seeing glaciers? visit caves? see wildlife? winter activities? 
• Will you be traveling with a pet? 
• Will you be traveling with kids, and do you want educational activities for them? 
• Do you plan to hike during your stay?  Be sure to check the park's types of trails and how difficult they are. 
• Be sure to plan rest days during your stay. 
• Look at online sources from the National Park Service and other informational sites on the parks you are considering. 

You will also want to check out the Park Regulations to see if there is anything that you are planning to do that the park does not allow. You may not be allowed to video your experiences in some national parks; drones are not allowed in National Parks, and so on.  

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

Sorry, there will not be a regular episode this week as I had an accident and have a big brace on my right hand, making it hard to edit a regular podcast. 

Just one update from last weeks episode, the Wagon Wheel in Drummond, Montana has sadly closed. 

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

On this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we give you our favorite must-stop at restaurants when we are traveling.

Morris Inn Steakhouse
206 Sycamore Street
Morrison Iowa, 50657

Holy Cow
Switzerland (several locations)

Bobby's Place
140 N Lake Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101

Crown Burger 
Several Locations in the Salt Lake Valley

First Hong Kong Cafe
117 SE 2nd St
Miami, FL 33131

Leo's Coney Island
9845 Telegraph Rd.
Taylor, MI 48180

Wagon Wheel Cafe & Motel
316 E Front St
Pob 127
Drummond, MT 59832-9603

Pig N Pancake
Several locations on the Oregon Coast

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant
2414 N Fitzhugh Ave
Dallas, Texas

Clinkerdagger
621 W Mallon Avenue
Spokane, WA 99201

PFE Sushi & Chinese
3rd and Harvey Milk

Shanghai Garden
524 6th Ave South
Seattle, WA 98104

Shakers Restaurant
601 Fair Oaks Ave
South Pasadena, CA 91030

Park Road Soda Shoppe
4121 Park Rd,
Charlotte, NC 28209-2229

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

Have you ever considered using Hotwire to book your travels? In this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we review our experiences with Hotwire and whether it is a good choice for you. 

Hotwire was started in 2000, with funding coming primarily from the major airlines. The goal was to provide a new avenue to purchase tickets for seats that the airlines had a hard time filling. Within a few months, they added being able to book hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. 

Hotwire is now owned by the same company that owns Expedia, Booking.com, Travelocity, Orbitz, and others. When booking a hotel with Hotwire, you have the chance not to know what hotel you are booking or see the name of the hotel, which will cost you more and be the same prices you would find on their other agitators. 

However, just because you don't know the name of the hotel does not mean you cannot try to find out what hotel you are looking at. When you input your destination and dates, it will give you a map of the area that you are heading to, usually divided up by several subareas. One way to try to find out what hotel you are looking at is to go back and forth from Hot rates to standard rates and look for hotels with the same rating and also the same distance from the place that you input in your initial search. This should give you a good idea of the hotel you may be booking. 

That being said, starting a few years ago, we started getting hot-price hotels that were not showing in the standard hotel rates. This caused us to end up getting booked in hotels that were very questionable, including the worst motel experience I have ever had in my life. 

When you look at hotels that are between one and three stars, it will tell you the type of hotel brand you should be getting, but as mentioned above, that has not been true lately, and in fact, less than 50% of the time did the hotel end up being a chain hotel at all which does not bother except for the fact that all of them had issues. However, from 3.5-star hotels and above, it will guarantee you that it will be one of 4 brands so you will not have a fear of getting something less. 

Another thing to consider when booking with Hotwire is the number of people that will be traveling. If it is just you or you and a significant other who wants to be in the same bed, then you don't have a problem. However, if you are traveling, say, with a couple of children or a friend, so you want a separate bed, make sure that the place you are choosing will give you the option to choose whether you need one bed or two. Otherwise, if it says that the hotel makes the choice, then you could be at the mercy of a place that will try to gouge you for additional money to get a room with two beds. 

If price is most important to you and you don't care about getting loyalty points or any of the benefits of being a member of the hotel's loyalty program, Hotwire can be

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

In this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we have a Holiday Inn going head-to-head with a Hilton Garden Inn located 1.25 miles apart in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Holiday Inn Cedar Falls

Hilton Garden Inn Cedar Falls

Holiday Inn Pros: Good Customer Service, Clean, Up to Date, good public spaces, and plenty of parking. 

Hilton Garden Inn Pros: Clean, good public spaces, good customer service, plenty of parking. 

Holiday Inn Cons: Poor sound insulation, not pet-friendly, value for the dollar.

Hilton Garden Inn Cons: a couple of maintenance issues. 

Final Grades: 

Holiday Inn: C+

Hilton Garden Inn: B 

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

Are you considering an Airbnb during your next rental? On this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we will review our tips for booking an Airbnb (or VRBO) and what to watch out for. 

One thing that Airbnb does right is its search engine, which hotels can learn a thing or two about. Are you looking for a cabin in the woods? Oceanfront? Lakefront? Off the grid? A castle? These are just a few of the options you have in Airbnb, which is better than even VRBO. 

Of course, you will need to know exactly what kind of experience you want, but you do not have to name a specific place like you do on the hotel websites, which gives you much more freedom in finding the place for you.

Once you determine where you want to go, you will want to do a Google search and see if there are any rules on short-term rentals. For example, in Hawaii, there are only certain areas where you can rent a place for under 30 days. You will want to make sure it is legal to rent there so that you do not have an unpleasant surprise. 

Once you have selected a place or experience or both, then you will have a large number of places to select from. You will want to filter them by the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, price range, and any other amenities you must have. There is also an option that will allow you to indicate if you have pets so that places that don't allow pets are eliminated. 

You will also want to look at multiple properties and see how they differ and which ones would appear to meet your needs the most. Hopefully, you can narrow it down to about three to five properties. 

Once you have properties selected, start going through the listings. 

You will want to look at the pictures, and if there are specific features you want (say a deck that looks onto the water), then you will want to ensure that the place does have a deck that overlooks the water. One thing to remember with pictures is that many of the pictures will be at wide angles, so the rooms look bigger than they are. Another thing to look at is if the pictures seem to try to avoid showing certain aspects, such as a poor picture of the kitchen or no pictures of the beds. 

Also, check the location of the property. Even though you do not get the exact address until you book, by looking at the maps, you can easily find out where the place is located, get a feel of the neighborhood, and see if the house looks like it matches the pictures. 

You will also want to check out the house rules to make sure there is nothing in there that could come to haunt you, such as some unreasonable requirements that seem to be popping up on some Airbnb's lately. 

Finally, click on the picture of the host, which should give you more information about the host. See if they are from the area that the rental is or are they rent a place in Salt Lake City and live in New York City. With short-term rentals being the latest get-ri

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

This episode marks two years since the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast got started, and today, we give out our awards for the best of the best in those two years.

Best Fast Casual Restaurant       Holy Cow - Switzerland
Best Sit Down Restaurant             Morris Inn - Morrison, Iowa
Best Attraction                                     Polynesian Cultural Center
Best Hotel Experience                     Hilton Hawaiian Village
Best Rail Experience                         Golden Pass - Switzerland
Best Experience                                   Zurich, Switzerland
Best Airline                                             Air France

You will need to listen in on the podcast to hear the complete list of winners. 

Special Music for this episode: 

Seize the Day

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day
License code: VQE2UQ0WX8JJO1EX

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y