Wendy, Author at Empty Nesters Hit the Road

Why You Should Visit Sequoia National Park In Winter

Post author:Wendy
Post published:April 5, 2021
Post category:California Sequoia National Park
Post comments:7 Comments

I remember visiting Sequoia National Park as a kid, but just barely. My memories are of really big trees and that’s about it. So when I was invited by Visit…

Fun Things To Do On Balboa Island

Post author:Wendy
Post published:February 8, 2021
Post category:Travel in the USA Balboa Island California
Post comments:1 Comment

Recently we moved from Irvine to Newport Beach. Specifically we moved to Balboa Peninsula, a small section of the city wedged between the Pacific Ocean and Newport Harbor. Since we…

How To See The Grand Canyon In 2 Days

Post author:Wendy
Post published:January 19, 2021
Post category:Arizona
Post comments:9 Comments

I remember visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time when I was in high school. I have great memories of that trip, and always wanted to go back, but…

The Perfect Day Trip To Joshua Tree

Post author:Wendy
Post published:October 18, 2020
Post category:Joshua Tree Uncategorized
Post comments:5 Comments

I’ve fallen in love with Joshua Tree, both the town and national park. In the past year I’ve visited three times and I’m already planning my return trip in spring…

7 Awesome Things To Do In Santa Monica

Post author:Wendy
Post published:September 14, 2020
Post category:Los Angeles
Post comments:6 Comments

I’ve been to Santa Monica dozens of times over the years, but for some reason I’d never stayed here overnight. Since I’ve lived in Southern California for thirty years, Santa…

7 Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes In the Summer

Post author:Wendy
Post published:August 8, 2020
Post category:United States Mammoth Lakes
Post comments:13 Comments

I don’t ski, so I never took much interest in Mammoth Lakes. Then a friend familiar with the area--who also doesn’t ski--told me what a great place it is in…

A Safari In Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda

Post author:Wendy
Post published:July 13, 2020
Post category:Uganda
Post comments:23 Comments

I didn’t know much about Uganda before visiting in 2019. My friends, Jeanie and Cheryl, and I had been in Rwanda for a week for a mission trip and had…

Palm Springs In The Summer–Where To Stay And What To Do

Post author:Wendy
Post published:June 25, 2020
Post category:Palm Springs
Post comments:6 Comments

You should visit Palm Springs in summer. Seriously. Yes, I know it will be really hot, but you’re going to spend most of the day in the pool drinking margaritas,…

Hiking In Laguna Beach–5 Trails To Try

Post author:Wendy
Post published:June 15, 2020
Post category:Orange County
Post comments:5 Comments

Hiking may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Laguna Beach, but it turns out this city is home to many scenic trails of…

A Trip Around The World in 5 Cocktails

Post author:Wendy
Post published:May 31, 2020
Post category:Travel Advice
Post comments:9 Comments

Last month I took an online Spanish cooking class. The tortilla espanola and gazpacho turned out decently, but the sangria was awesome. As I sipped that strong, red liquid laced…

We’re Wendy and Jason Lee and we're Empty Nesters who love to travel. We're always eager to visit new countries, but we get just as excited to explore in our own backyard of Southern California.

Most of the time we travel as a couple, but when schedules permit, we also enjoy traveling as a family with our two grown children. And if friends or family can join us, that's even better!

When we travel we prioritize comfort--a nice hotel room, good food and wine, and great tours. This isn't always the cheapest option, so we've discovered plenty of travel hacks to make it possible.