Wen-Chia Tsai Parker

Teacher, Author, Illustrator, Designer and Architect


Anniversary getaway to Huntington Beach Hilton Waterfront Resort

Happy pre-anniversary! We decided to do a getaway to the Hilton Hotel in Huntington Beach aka the Waterfront Beach Resort for 2 days! We drove down from Los Angeles along the PCH, Pacific Coast Highway and enjoyed two days of fun in the sun! We explored the beach area, the pier and main street of Huntington Beach! We had a great time and best of all we used our Hilton Honor points so it was definitely budget friendly. We had a beautiful ocean front view of the Pacific Ocean and enjoyed the California sunset. We also had a some great cali fresh meals! This little getaway mid week was such a treat! Huntington Beach, California, known as “Surf City USA,” is a vibrant seaside city in Orange County celebrated for its long stretch of sandy beaches, mild climate, and world-renowned surfing conditions. The city boasts approximately 10 miles of uninterrupted coastline along the Pacific Ocean, drawing millions of visitors annually to its iconic Huntington Beach Pier, lively downtown, and numerous recreational amenities. Huntington Beach is also noted for its strong beach culture. With a population of nearly 200,000, it offers residents and visitors a mix of outdoor activities, excellent weather, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle, making it a central hub for Southern California tourism and surf culture. #california #beach #calilove #ocean #vacation #budgettravel Feel free to follow us as we continue to post our adventures and fun together. My you tube channel at @wenchiat


Trip to Isla Mujeres Spring 2025, How to take the Bus, Ferry & Chill at Playa Norte!

We took a wonderful day trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.  We took a public bus to the ferry terminal and bought a round trip ticket on the Ultramar Catamaran ferry.  The ride was very easy and picturesque.  We would definitely do it again. We decided to walk to Playa Norte and the snorkel area on the North East side of the island.  Many people rented golf carts, but we enjoyed the walk and wanted to be kinder to the environment.

We had rented two lounge chairs and an umbrella for  the day to relax and have a leisurely lunch of fish tacos, shrimp tacos and margaritas. We took the ferry back at sunset and really enjoyed our day on this beautiful island.Isla Mujeres, meaning “Island of Women,” is a picturesque island located about 13 kilometers off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea25. The island stretches roughly 7 kilometers long and less than a kilometer wide, offering a blend of vibrant local culture, stunning white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters25. Historically, Isla Mujeres was sacred to the Maya, who dedicated it to the goddess Ixchel, revered for her associations with fertility and medicine; remnants of this heritage can still be seen in the ruins at the island’s southern tip126. The island’s name originates from the Spanish explorers who, upon arrival in the 16th century, found numerous statues of goddesses and named it accordingly26. Over the centuries, Isla Mujeres has evolved from a Mayan sanctuary and pirate hideout to a tranquil fishing village and, more recently, a beloved tourist destination known for its laid-back charm, colorful streets, and lively culinary scene125. Visitors flock to Playa Norte, considered one of the best beaches in the region, and enjoy activities such as snorkeling at the nearby coral reefs, exploring the underwater sculpture museum (MUSA), and swimming with whale sharks during their seasonal migration25. Despite its popularity, Isla Mujeres retains a relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite for both day-trippers from Cancún and those seeking a slower-paced Caribbean escape.


Our Getaway to Cape Rey South Carlsbad

We did a long weekend and escaped the smoke and stress of the Los Angeles County Fires to stay 3 nights at Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach; a Hilton Resort & Spa, offers a luxurious coastal retreat nestled just steps from the surf in Northern San Diego. The resort provides an ideal escape for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure, with spectacular ocean views, an award-winning Ocean Crest Spa, and a range of amenities designed to rejuvenate guests. We were enjoying poolside services, beachside relaxation with complimentary Beach Butler Service, and indulge in spa treatments at one of the top 5 hotel spas in the U.S.  Our room had breathtaking sunset views.  It’s in a convenient location near local attractions like LEGOLAND and craft breweries, and Carslbad Beach and cute beach town restaurants.  Staying at Cape Rey was a memorable, fun and tranquil getaway experience.  We also took advantage of the timeshare preview package making it an affordable getaway just under 2 hours drive from home.  Would recommend staying here.  If you don’t want to pay full price for you room and can handle doing a 90 minute timeshare presentation with Hilton vacation club, then it’s totally worth it, our stay was about $250 for the 3 nights giving us more $ to spend on good food and treats! Let us know if you like our info we shared,  and will make more videos of my travel experiences.
https://www.caperey.com/